The meeting commenced with procedural announcements and the establishment of a quorum, despite several members being absent. The board quickly moved to address the resolution for a temporary ordinance, a topic deemed critical due to the ongoing hurricane recovery efforts impacting the local economy. The ordinance, presented as a temporary measure, is set to expire on February 16, 2026, and is intended to support local businesses, particularly those that might operate under non-traditional circumstances, like food trucks or tents, while their permanent structures are rebuilt.

Joan Goodrich, the city’s Economic Development Director, expressed strong support for the ordinance, emphasizing its potential to bolster local businesses during their recovery. The ordinance is designed to remain tied to the property rather than the business. This approach aims to assist businesses in capitalizing on peak revenue periods, such as the upcoming spring break season, which is critical for the financial recovery of areas like Sunset Beach.

In addition to the special events ordinance, the board delved into broader discussions on recovery efforts, highlighting the receipt of $840 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds. These funds are primarily intended for low-income and moderate-income family support, with an emphasis on collaboration and community input to prioritize initiatives.

The board also discussed the importance of developing an action plan in collaboration with county and municipal partners to effectively utilize available grant funds. A participant underscored the urgency of the situation, advocating for aggressive measures to attract businesses and improve the local economy. The sentiment was echoed by others, who stressed the need for transparency and early involvement with the business community to foster a supportive environment for local entrepreneurs.

The impact of recent storms, which resulted in a 30% loss of hotel inventory, was a point of concern. This loss translates into fewer visitors and diminished support for local businesses, prompting discussions on retaining tourist spending within the city. The board considered various strategies, including utilizing grant funds to enhance public spaces and make areas like Central Avenue more attractive to visitors and potential businesses.

Recognizing the necessity of community involvement, the board proposed holding a workshop meeting within the next two weeks to further discuss and plan economic recovery strategies. The workshop aims to bring together diverse stakeholders, including property owners, to identify redevelopment opportunities and align priorities with community needs.

The meeting also addressed zoning and legislative changes that may affect future redevelopment efforts. The board discussed the Planned Redevelopment Mixed Use (PRMU) districts, designated to accommodate greater density and mixed-use developments, while adhering to comprehensive planning processes. Recent legislative changes signed by the governor, which eliminate the requirement for voter referendums on changes in height and density regulations, were noted as potentially significant for future planning.

The board also tackled ongoing updates to the Land Development Regulations (LDRs) to ensure compliance with the comprehensive plan adopted the previous June. With a mandated timeframe for adopting amendments, the board acknowledged previous delays and emphasized the need for streamlined and user-friendly regulations.

Noise ordinances related to construction activities were another focal point of discussion. A board member raised concerns about construction noise, particularly regarding workers playing loud music on job sites. While existing regulations address noise levels, enforcement remains challenging, highlighting the need for common courtesy and cooperation among residents and construction workers.