Katherine Cathey starts as town manager
The September 28 town bulletin confirms Cathey is now on the job. Council selected her in July. Her prior work includes county management in Person County.
Around the island
News
Paid parking season ends September 30
The town says seasonal paid parking ends at 5 PM on September 30. Resident-only spaces can still be enforced after the season ends. A 2026 revenue report is expected at a later council meeting.
Mosquito fogging scheduled for September 29–30
Weather permitting, Public Works plans evening fogging west of E 40th Street on Tuesday and east of E 41st Street plus the mainland on Wednesday, 5:30–8:30 PM. Check the town notice for cancellations.
County water flushing starts October 1
Brunswick County’s annual flushing and temporary switch to free chlorine are scheduled from October through November. Follow the county notice for precautions and service details.
801 Ocean mural proposals due September 30
The town seeks an artist for the east exterior wall facing the pier. Selection is planned for October 15 and completion for January 15, 2027. Submit a letter, portfolio and references to gsargese@oakislandnc.gov; artists may include a proposed budget.
Two advisory boards temporarily change meeting rooms
The Environmental Advisory Committee meets October 1 at 8:30 AM; Parks & Recreation meets October 5 at 4:30 PM. Both use the Live Oak conference room at Town Hall while the usual training room is maintained.
Six town job categories listed this week
The September 28 bulletin lists Stormwater Administrator, Senior Building Code Inspector, Maintenance Worker I / Stormwater, part-time Firefighter / EMT, Planner I and Police Officer. Check each live posting for availability.
Board applications close October 2
Openings on the Board of Adjustment, Business Advisory Board and Airport Commission. Applications are due by noon.
SourceHigh Tide Powersports business license
Council approved the business license with conditions. The action review does not name individual votes or list the conditions.
SourceRequest a hearing on Ocean Drive rezoning
Staff were directed to schedule an October 13 hearing. The rezoning itself was not approved by this action.
SourceBig Bend Trail awaits a state lease
The September council review says a lease is forthcoming for state-owned land along the canal.
SourceTidal Waves kayak launch
The town has the required coastal permits and is preparing to ask contractors for prices. It reports that the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality is covering 75% of the cost.
SourceCommercial sidewalks · Phase II
Federal and state transportation officials approved including the 58th Street crossing in the 2026–27 program. This does not mean all the nearby sidewalks are ready for construction.
SourceNE 79th Street traffic signal
The town is waiting for final construction approval from the Federal Highway Administration. Staff hoped to start near year-end, but no start date was confirmed.
SourceDavis Canal dredging study
Staff discussed an estimated $2 million for potential Little Davis Canal dredging. This is separate from the $80,000 study budget and is not construction authorization.
SourceStormwater master plan
Drone images identified about 1,100 drainage structures. Crews were taking measurements on the ground. Staff expected the planning work to continue into the first half of 2027.
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