CAROLINA BEACH — Due to an apparent lack of knowledge of open meeting laws, the Town of Carolina Beach’s Freeman Park Committee has violated the North Carolina Open Meetings Act and will not be able to appoint three newly selected committee members because of it.
The Freeman Park Committee, established in 2008, serves as an advisory organization for issues at Freeman Park. Members are appointed by Carolina Beach Town Council, but the committee itself can review applications for new members.
The incident occurred on Thursday, Feb. 15, when the Freeman Park Committee went into a closed session to discuss several new applications for appointments to the board – but in North Carolina, committees are not given the privilege of entering into closed session.
Town Manager Michael Cramer sent an email to members of the committee informing the members of the violation Monday.
“At the last meeting on February 15, 2018, you went into closed session to discuss applications for the committee. I had never seen that happen before and thus did not stop it. However, after reviewing the topic with our Town Attorney it is clear that committees are not allowed to go into closed session …” Cramer said.
Because of this violation, Cramer informed the committee that the suggested members discussed during the closed session will not be considered for appointment.
“We will request that council approve 3 new members at the next council meeting, however, we will not be able to provide the council with the Freeman Park Committee recommendations of Alex Torres, Brian Greybush and Holly Snider because of the procedural issue,” Cramer said.
Chairman for the Freeman Park Committee responded to Cramer’s email, and explained why the committee made the decision to go into executive session, and suggested the full meeting minutes be released.
“The closed session was listed on the agenda in advance, wish we knew that was not allowed prior to the meeting. The reason we did this was due to the fact that some of the candidates were present at the meeting and I felt it would compromise discussions around qualifications if we openly held them in their presence. The minutes can reflect what was discussed and why we chose who we chose. I would hate for this procedural oversight to prevent the best candidates from participating.”
It is not known yet if Town Council will consider reversing, or would even be legally allowed to reverse, its decision on the applicants, nor how long those applicants will remain ineligible if the decision is upheld.
More from Carolina Beach
Take a look at Carolina Beach’s newest restaurant The Squeeze In
Carolina Beach says no to refunds for Freeman Park, fencing yet to be removed
Beach, Bacon and Beer festival makes plans for Carolina Beach this spring
Send comments and tips to Michael.p@localvoicemedia.com
