Harry McClard

08/12/2025

People ask us why don't we respond to Public Comment during a formal city session. Well, it's simple. That's "normal" protocol for almost all towns. Why? Partly because responding and getting into a conversation (that may turn into an argument) and run far past the 3 minute time limit, thereby extending the formal meeting to unrealistic times. What does happen is we take notes, the comments are all in the minutes, we look into the questions, and if they deserve response the person gets an answer. The basis there is that we don't have all the nits and grits in our heads and it takes time to look things up.

I've served on councils in 2 states and 3 cities. In 2 of those cities, we had a policy that a person could request an agenda item with comments and questions. Some of them could ask for a time block of 5 or 10 minutes. That may be the case in Carolina Shores, just ask if interested.

In-keeping with law, we cannot limit what someone says (no hate, political speech, comments aimed at a specific person, etc) or cut their 3 minutes short due to subject matter. If you want 3 minutes to argue for equal treatment for minnows and shrimp in local estuaries or something like that, have at it, as long as the topic is relevant to the unit of government (using a 3 minute time to express feelings about your daughter's birthday... not so relevant).

Our email addresses are public knowledge. Mine is [email protected]. If you want an answer, please keep the question simple and I will answer. There are times I cannot do that in formal session. Formal session has to follow Roberts Rules of Order which is aimed at transparency and fairness.

Most of the emails I get have no questions, they are just comments about issues. Many are copy and paste from someone else's email so I have several dozen emails related to an issue with no questions. I try to read all and answer if I see a question.

Reference to NC State law about Public Comment: https://canons.sog.unc.edu/2016/03/public-comment-period-policies-whats-legal/

Thank you.

Harry

Send a message to learn more

05/15/2024

Calabash Fire Department is making a training burn of the Marsh Harbor Clubhouse that has been vacant for many years. The burn is Wednesday May 15 and then again Friday May 17 from about 9am to 12 pm. If you see smoke in that direction, it's probably that training fire.

Send a message to learn more

05/05/2024

Hurricane Preparedness Week is upon us. Getting ready just in case is important. Several years ago, I became a NOAA "Weather Ambassador" and they ask me to get the word out when important things are coming up. Every year NOAA issues advisories on how to prepare and they hold seminars in local areas. The website is: https://www.weather.gov/mhx/hurricaneprep.

National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 5th - May 11th, 2024.  The National Weather Service and the North Carolina Department of Public Safety are teaming up to bring this hurricane safety campaign to all of North Carolina’s residents.  With warmer weather quickly approaching, now is the tim...

02/15/2024

Information: I am also a Notary Public and I am available for notarizing documents. Just either call me or text or email first to make sure I'm home. Or I can meet you. My cell: 603-493-6984

01/19/2024

Rate hikes for homeowners insurance is requested at 71% for zip code 28467. I am with the town of Carolina Shores objecting to this. These rates are for homeowners, not the wind/hail that we already pay huge premiums for. Exactly WHAT needs to increase with Homeowners since it does not include wind, hail, flood, or anything like that. You can send your comments to the insurance commission by email at [email protected] OR mail to Kimberly W. Pearce, 1201 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, N.C. 27699-1201. Email or mail must be received by 2 February.

01/11/2024

Driving around town, I realized many cars don't have the nice yellow Carolina Shores recycling center windshield sticker. The town maintains a recycling and trash collection center adjacent to the town hall and it includes an engine oil disposal container. This service is free to town residents. Stickers can be obtained at town hall.

01/08/2024

Register to VOTE. The primary elections are coming up soon. If you are not already registered to vote, you can register several ways. The 'short cut' if you have a valid NC drivers license is to register to vote on the NC DMV web site. Simply go to: https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering/how-register/complete-your-registration-online-through-dmv. Or, you can go to the Board of Elections at the county complex in Bolivia.

Opt to complete or update your voter registration online if you have a DMV-issued N.C. state ID or driver's license.

11/11/2023

Thanks to all who showed up to vote on Tuesday. I won the open seat for Commissioner. Beverley and Marlene also were re-elected. I will keep this page open for anyone to ask anything. I will make every effort to answer as best I can. In some cases, it may be necessary to relay the questions to the town for official answer.

10/26/2023

Good meet and greet at the Carolina Shores Community POA clubhouse. Quite a few folks there with good questions.

09/23/2023

Another meet and greet has been scheduled for the Villages at Calabash for October 18. I don't have a time yet.

09/23/2023

The meet and greet that was scheduled for last night at The Farm was postponed due to Tropical Storm Ophelia. The new date is Oct 6 and 7 PM.