Surfside Beach, SC

Mayor Hellyer’s Daily Update

October 28, 2020

• South Carolina Cases: 165,477**    
• South Carolina Deaths 3,634**                              
• Horry County Cases: 11,551 ** denotes results (10/28/2020 at 1:32 PM)

Our Regular Town Council Meeting was held last night. Among the agenda items were:

• First reading of an ordinance to modify Chapter 17 allowing the designation of “Garden Center” in the C-1 and C-2 Districts.  This ordinance was passed to allow a new business considering a Garden Center on a section of the property belonging to the Hudson Flea Market.  The vote passed 7-0.
• First reading of an ordinance to modify Chapter 17 to allow limited encroachment on the property setback for landings, ramps, lifts, and elevators in accordance with the American Disabilities Act requirements.  The vote passed 7-0
• Report from the parking committee.  The results were that we are not going to charge for beach access parking for golf carts at this time and that we will be sending out a letter to business owners in the C-2 district requesting that business owners not park on Surfside Drive.
• We also passed a resolution to enforce workplace safety. This resolution was put in place to be consistent with best-practices and help keep down our Town’s insurance rates.

Don’t forget to come by the Surfside Beach Halloween Car Show.  This event is sponsored by the town and set up by the Myrtle Beach Car Club. Each year money is raised for various charities.  Last year $11,550 was raised and given to seven charities a total of $1,650 each.  Precautions are being taken to ensure social-distancing.  Please wear a mask. We will be using the Pier parking lot for this event.

**Free** Friday, October 30th - COVID-19 Testing
DHEC - Wild Water and Wheels 

Pop-up (special event)
10/23 Friday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Appointment Needed: No
Referral Needed: No
Pediatric Testing Available: Yes – All  ****This may be the last day for this event******

Interviews for the Town Administrator position will be held this Friday, October 30, 2020.

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE……………………….

Be Safe…. Wear a Mask … Thank You … Mayor Bob Hellyer 

Mayor Hellyer’s Daily Update

October 27, 2020

• South Carolina Cases: 164,802**    
• South Carolina Deaths 3,601**                              
• Horry County Cases: 11,502 ** denotes results (10/27/2020 at 1:17 PM)

The next Regular Town Council Meeting will be held tonight, October 27, 2020, at 6:30 PM.  The agenda has been posted on the town website:  http://www.surfsidebeach.org/Data/Sites/1/media/town-council/agendas-and-minutes/2020/1027/10-27-2020-agenda.pdf

**Absentee – In-Person Voting

South Strand Recreation Center, 9650 Scipio Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC.

October 5th – November 2^nd.

8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday

Please be advised that the lines are extremely long.  You must bring your SC Driver’s License or ID.  It is a good idea to also bring your voter registration card (just in case).

Today is the last day for the Farmer’s Market this year, but starting Tuesday, November 3^rd, from 12:00 PM until 4:00 PM, the “Holiday Market will be at Memorial Park.  This event will continue until December 15^th.

Don’t forget to come by the Surfside Beach Halloween Car Show.  This event is sponsored by the town and set up by the Myrtle Beach Car Club. Each year money is raised for various charities.  Last year $11,550 was raised and given to seven charities a total of $1,650 each.  Precautions are being taken to ensure social-distancing.  Please wear a mask.

**Free** Friday, October 30th - COVID-19 Testing
DHEC - Wild Water and Wheels 

Pop-up (special event)
10/23 Friday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Appointment Needed: No
Referral Needed: No
Pediatric Testing Available: Yes - All

Interviews for the Town Administrator position will be held this Friday, October 30, 2020.

Be Safe…. Wear a Mask … Thank You … Mayor Bob Hellyer 

Mayor Hellyer’s Daily Update

October 26, 2020

• South Carolina Cases: 163,946**    
• South Carolina Deaths 3,587**                              
• Horry County Cases: 11,424 ** denotes results (10/26/2020 at 1:50 PM)

The next Regular Town Council Meeting will be held tomorrow evening, October 27, 2020 at 6:30 PM.  The agenda has been posted on the town website:  http://www.surfsidebeach.org/Data/Sites/1/media/town-council/agendas-and-minutes/2020/1027/10-27-2020-agenda.pdf

**Absentee – In-Person Voting

South Strand Recreation Center, 9650 Scipio Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC.

October 5th – November 2^nd.

8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday

Please be advised that the lines are relatively long.  You must bring your SC Driver’s License or ID.  It is a good idea to also bring your voter registration card (just in case).

Tomorrow will also be the last day for the Farmer’s Market this year.  Be sure to drop by as this is your last chance to pick up their products until next near.  The market will be open from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM.

**Free** Friday, October 30th - COVID-19 Testing
DHEC - Wild Water and Wheels 

Pop-up (special event)
10/23 Friday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Appointment Needed: No
Referral Needed: No
Pediatric Testing Available: Yes - All

This is possibly the last day that DHEC will be putting on this pop-up event.  It has been very successful and we thank them for this event.

Interviews for the Town Administrator position will be held on October 30, 2020.

The Halloween Car Show is this weekend…..More details coming shortly………..

Be Safe…. Wear a Mask … Thank You … Mayor Bob Hellyer 

Mayor Hellyer’s Daily Update

October 23, 2020

• South Carolina Cases: 161,235**    
• South Carolina Deaths 3,545**                              
• Horry County Cases: 11,296 ** denotes results (10/23/2020 at 2:06 PM)

As WMBF News reported yesterday afternoon that city of Myrtle Beach is appealing the circuit court’s approved settlement agreement in the on-going dispute over the hospitality fees.  The notice of appeal filed with the South Carolina Court of Appeals is in regard to the circuit court’s interpretation of Rule 23 of the South Caroling Rules of Civil Procedure.  A subsection of Rule 23 deals with the disbursement of residual funds, or all unclaimed funds.  This lawsuit has been going on since March of 2019.  We will again have to wait until this matter is ruled on by the court.

The next Regular Town Council Meeting will be held on October 27, 2020, at 6:30 PM.  The agenda has been posted on the town website:  http://www.surfsidebeach.org/Data/Sites/1/media/town-council/agendas-and-minutes/2020/1027/10-27-2020-agenda.pdf

**Absentee – In-Person Voting

South Strand Recreation Center, 9650 Scipio Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC.

October 5th – November 2^nd.

8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday

To date, there have been over 10,000 people that have voted at the South Strand Recreation Center.  They are averaging over 900 people per day.

Please be advised that the lines are relatively long.  You must bring your SC Driver’s License or ID.  It is a good idea to also bring your voter registration card (just in case).

I spoke with the DHEC representative at the Wild Water and Wheels testing site this afternoon and was informed that 119 people were tested today at this site in Surfside.  They are pleased with the strong participation.  I believe they will be back next week, but it is not posted as of this afternoon.  A special thanks to all of the people that worked to make this event happen.

Interviews for the Town Administrator position will be held on October 30, 2020.

Have a good weekend…..Be Safe…. Wear a Mask … Thank You … Mayor Bob Hellyer 

Mayor Hellyer’s Daily Update

October 22, 2020

• South Carolina Cases: 160,384**    
• South Carolina Deaths 3,526**                              
• Horry County Cases: 11,274 ** denotes results (10/22/2020 at 1:43 PM)

The Santee Cooper crew is back and finishing up the streetlights on 17 Business.  Upon completion, there will be a total of 41 double streetlights in Surfside Beach.  We will be working to figure out the signage that will be on these poles, as well as the plans for Christmas decorations.  John Adair will be working on this project.

We are still finalizing the construction contract on the pier.  We should have this completed by the end of next week.  The ARG will be vacating the pier soon.  After some final inspections and obtaining the demolition permits from DHEC, will be starting the demolition of the pier as soon as a couple of weeks.  We have all been waiting for this to happen.  I will keep you informed as things progress.

**Absentee – In-Person Voting

South Strand Recreation Center, 9650 Scipio Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC.

October 5th – November 2^nd.

8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday

Please be advised that the lines are relatively long.  You must bring your SC Driver’s License or ID.  It is a good idea to also bring your voter registration card (just in case).

**Free** Tomorrow - COVID-19 Testing
DHEC - Wild Water and Wheels 

Pop-up (special event)
10/23 Friday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Appointment Needed: No
Referral Needed: No
Pediatric Testing Available: Yes - All

Interviews for the Town Administrator position will be held on October 30, 2020.

Be Safe…. Wear a Mask … Thank You … Mayor Bob Hellyer 

Mayor Hellyer’s Daily Update

October 21, 2020

• South Carolina Cases: 159,433**    
• South Carolina Deaths 3,487**                              
• Horry County Cases: 11,216 ** denotes results ( 10/21/2020 at 1:17 PM)

The hospitality fee lawsuit between Horry County and Myrtle Beach is coming to an end.  Pending any appeals or last-minute objections, the lawsuit will end allowing the distribution of the monies that have been held in trust.  Judge William H. Seals, Jr. ruled on a settlement agreement that would let Myrtle Beach and other municipalities (including Surfside Beach) within Horry County keep a share of the 1.5 percent fee on hospitality services collected.  This decision would allow Surfside Beach to receive $997.200 (5.54%).  There are a number of things that need to be cleared up moving forward.  One issue is that our town ordinance needs to be changed to reflect the changes.  This will be done in the coming month.  This is all good news for our town.

Last night at the Special Town Council Meeting, the second reading of Town Ordinance #20-0224 passed with a 4-3 vote.  Holder, Dietrich, Pellegrino, and Scoles voting in favor, and Hellyer, Keating and Drake being opposed.

**Absentee – In-Person Voting

South Strand Recreation Center, 9650 Scipio Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC.

October 5th – November 2^nd.

8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday

Please be advised that the lines are relatively long.  You must bring your SC Driver’s License or ID.  It is a good idea to also bring your voter registration card (just in case).

**Free** COVID-19 Testing
DHEC - Wild Water and Wheels 

Pop-up (special event)
10/23 Friday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Appointment Needed: No
Referral Needed: No
Pediatric Testing Available: Yes - All

Interviews for the Town Administrator position will be held on October 30, 2020.

Be Safe…. Wear a Mask … Thank You … Mayor Bob Hellyer 

Mayor Hellyer’s Daily Update

October 20, 2020

• South Carolina Cases: 157,970**    
• South Carolina Deaths 3,449**                             
• Horry County Cases: 11,073 ** denotes results (10/19/2020 1:45 PM)

I spoke with an election official at the South Strand Recreation Center, 9650 Scipio Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC. today.  She informed me that this site was set up for people to do In-Person Absentee Voting. 

**Absentee – In-Person Voting

October 5th – November 2^nd.

8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday

Please be advised that the lines are relatively long.  I was told that approximately 7,000 voters have voted at this location so far.  You must bring your SC Driver’s License or ID.  It is a good idea to also bring your voter registration card (just in case).

**Free** COVID-19 Testing
DHEC - Wild Water and Wheels 

Pop-up (special event)
10/23 Friday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Appointment Needed: No
Referral Needed: No
Pediatric Testing Available: Yes - All

There will be a Special Meeting of the Town Council on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at 6:30 PM.  The purpose of this meeting is to have a second reading of ORDINANCE #20-0224 – An Ordinance of the Town of Surfside Beach authorizing the amended lease between Surfside Beach and the Atlantic Restaurant Group.  The agenda is posted on the town website:  http://www.surfsidebeach.org/Data/Sites/1/media/town-council/agendas-and-minutes/2020/1020/10-20-2020-sp-meeting-agenda.pdf

There are several openings for employment in our town.  Please look at the current openings and either apply or pass the announcement on to anyone you think may be interested.  See Link:

http://www.surfsidebeach.org/employment

Have a great weekend…..Be Safe…. Wear a Mask … Thank You … Mayor Bob Hellyer 

Mayor Hellyer’s Daily Update

October 19, 2020

• South Carolina Cases: 157,970**    
• South Carolina Deaths 3,449**                              
• Horry County Cases: 11,073 ** denotes results (10/19/2020 1:45 PM)

I spoke with an election official at the South Strand Recreation Center, 9650 Scipio Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC. today.  She informed me that this site was set up for people to do In-Person Absentee Voting. 

**Absentee – In-Person Voting

October 5th – November 2^nd.

8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Monday – Friday

Please be advised that the lines are relatively long.  I was told that approximately 7,000 voters have voted at this location so far.  You must bring your SC Driver’s License or ID.  It is a good idea to also bring your voter registration card (just in case).

**Free** COVID-19 Testing
DHEC - Wild Water and Wheels 

Pop-up (special event)
10/23 Friday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Appointment Needed: No
Referral Needed: No
Pediatric Testing Available: Yes - All

There will be a Special Meeting of the Town Council on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at 6:30 PM.  The purpose of this meeting is to have a second reading of ORDINANCE #20-0224 – An Ordinance of the Town of Surfside Beach authorizing the amended lease between Surfside Beach and the Atlantic Restaurant Group.  The agenda is posted on the town website:  http://www.surfsidebeach.org/Data/Sites/1/media/town-council/agendas-and-minutes/2020/1020/10-20-2020-sp-meeting-agenda.pdf

There are several openings for employment in our town.  Please look at the current openings and either apply or pass the announcement on to anyone you think may be interested.  See Link:

http://www.surfsidebeach.org/employment

Have a great weekend…..Be Safe…. Wear a Mask … Thank You … Mayor Bob Hellyer 

Mayor Hellyer’s Daily Update

October 16, 2020

• South Carolina Cases: 155,7899 **    
• South Carolina Deaths 3,405**                              
• Horry County Cases: 10,919 ** denotes results (10/16/2020 2:59 PM)

I spoke with the representative from DHEC this afternoon about the testing done in Surfside today at the Wild Water and Wheels Pop-up event for COVID-19 testing.  Today there were 150 people that showed up to be tested.  The number of people tested has increased every week over the last three weeks.  DHEC is scheduled to provide testing at this site every Friday during the month of October.  I am told that they may keep testing at this site as long as the number of people keeps increasing.  DHEC is being assisted with the help of the National Guard.  I would like to thank everyone that participated.  This is a great service that his being provided to our town.

John Adair from Public Works has informed me that after a week of picking up trash and litter, his crew has resumed mowing the grass on Highway 17 this week.   It is a noticeable improvement.  We are still waiting on the Santee Cooper crew to return from Louisiana to finish the street lights. 

There will be a Special Meeting of the Town Council on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 6:30 PM.  The purpose of this meeting is to have a second reading of ORDINANCE #20-0224 – An Ordinance of the Town of Surfside Beach authorizing the amended lease between Surfside Beach and the Atlantic Restaurant Group.  The agenda should be posted today by the close of business.  All residents are invited to attend.

I am sure many of you have noticed that the Town of Surfside Beach has an employment opening for Fire Chief.  Local news also reports that Chief Kevin Otte is retiring by year’s end. 

https://www.wmbfnews.com/.../surfside-beach-fire.../...   He will be missed….We wish him the best. 

Have a great weekend…..Be Safe…. Wear a Mask … Thank You … Mayor Bob Hellyer 

Mayor Hellyer’s Daily Update

October 15, 2020

• South Carolina Cases: 154,869 **    
• South Carolina Deaths 3,400**                              
• Horry County Cases: 10,866 ** denotes results (10/15/2020 1:57 PM)
•  

**Free** COVID-19 TESTING  
DHEC - Wild Water and Wheels- Pop-up Event

910 US-17 BUS, Surfside Beach, SC 29575

10/16 Friday: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Appointment Needed: No
Referral Needed: No
Pediatric Testing Available: Yes

I have received numerous emails about the problems with the Canada Geese in our town.  I appreciate the opinions that I have received along with the article including a study by Clemson.  I realize that there are two sides to this issue and the frustration is mounting. Chief Hoffman sent out a post earlier this week explaining the situation.  The local news has been broadcasting stories about the geese in Surfside.  The bottom line is that it is illegal to feed the geese.  It is also unlawful to trespass on private property after being notified not to do so.  The police department will be addressing any individual that violates our ordinances.  These geese are beautiful animals, but we are not doing them justice by disturbing their habitat.   Please be mindful of others and work together for a solution instead of instigating others.

There will be a Special Meeting of the Town Council on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 6:30 PM.  The purpose of this meeting is to have a second reading of ORDINANCE #20-0224 – An Ordinance of the Town of Surfside Beach authorizing the amended lease between Surfside Beach and the Atlantic Restaurant Group.  The agenda should be posted by the close of business tomorrow.  All residents are invited to attend.

Be Safe…. Wear a Mask … Thank You … Mayor Bob Hellyer