Vice Chairman (District 2)· 2022-12-05 - 2026-12-07
J. Martin (Marty) Cooke
Brunswick County
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 19
- Total speaking time
- 3:09:42
- Avg per meeting
- 9:59
- Segments
- 3147
Want every word Cooke has said?
The OpenCity MCP for Claude.ai answers questions like “what has Cooke said about housing this year” with one prompt — full speaking history, with YouTube timestamps.
Top issues during term (20)
Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader Cameras
Procurement of planned surveillance technology expansions is temporarily suspended.
Village at Town Creek Planned Development (PD-181)
Private capital investment for housing construction and road safety improvements.
Creation of Brunswick County Cemetery Committee
Minimal fiscal impact, primarily involving staff time for mapping and enforcement.
Absentee ballot review
Zero direct hit to your wallet, though local elections shape where your tax dollars actually go.
Cumulative Flooding and Stormwater Management
Could increase upfront development costs but reduce long-term public drainage repair expenses.
Volunteer Fire Department Contract Negotiations
Involves millions in potential county subsidies and funding support for volunteer fire departments.
Wastewater Treatment Capacity and State Allocation Rules
Affects infrastructure development timelines and utility capital projects.
Fiscal Year 2027 County Budget Adoption
Balances at $324 million in general fund revenues and expenditures with no property tax rate increase.
UDO Text Amendments and State Law Compliance (HB 1222)
Administrative costs associated with updating county codes and processing reviews.
Highway 211 Corridor Commercial Rezoning (Summerlin Commercial)
Increases local property tax values and commercial investment potential.
Open Burning Regulations and State Authority
Potential future costs if local monitoring or air quality programs are established.
clean water access
Upgrading and securing safe water infrastructure could mean higher utility investments down the line, but it prevents costly health and filtration expenses for households.
Traffic Congestion and Road Safety
Increased wear on local roadways and potential emergency response delays.
Severe Drought and Water Shortage Restrictions
Potential savings or revenue opportunities if treated wastewater is successfully permitted for commercial use.
Tidebourne Landing Planned Development (PD-176)
Private investment by the developer covering infrastructure, road improvements, and utility connections.
School Capacity and Rapid Population Growth
Property values might climb, but taxpayers will likely foot the bill for new schools, roads, and infrastructure to keep up with the influx.
State Legislative Goals for Infrastructure and Growth
Potential state funding relief for local infrastructure projects.
official misconduct
While no direct taxpayer costs have been announced yet, political scandals often lead to expensive legal battles and administrative delays.
Rezoning Case Z-938 (Sunset Beach ETJ Removal)
Establishes commercial development rights for the 2.65-acre parcel.
Fire Fee Funding and Committee Structure
Will increase maximum allowable fire fees for property owners if approved by the General Assembly.
Decisions during term (409)
Recorded while Cooke was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
Consent Agenda Approval
Rezoning Case Z-945 Approval
UDO Text Amendments Related to HB 1222
Hydrant Bulk Water Rate Revisions and Fees
GHSP Traffic Unit Grant Award
AXON Equipment Purchase Authorization
Administration - NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Agreement Amendment
Clerk to the Board - Meeting Minutes October 5, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes
County Attorney - Cedar Hill Landing, Phase M Deed of Dedication
Finance - Fiscal Items
Utilities - Carolina Environmental Systems, Inc. Contract for F550 Purchase
Utilities - (John Nichols) Updates to Water Shortage Response Plan and Water Emergency Ordinance
Clerk to the Board - Request the Board enter Closed Session Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-318.11(a)(1), (3), and (5) to Approve Closed Session Minutes of September 21, 2026, Consult with its Attorney in Order to Preserve the Attorney-Client…
Rezoning Case Z-942 Recommendation
Rezoning Case Z-948 Recommendation
Rezoning Case Z-949CZ Recommendation
Southport Cove Major Subdivision SS-294 Approval
Carroll Tract Planned Development PD-188 Approval
South Cape Planned Development PD-178 Approval
September 14, 2026 Planning Board Minutes
Voting record (15)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
Approval of Rezoning Case Z-941 Appeal Request
Viewed the surrounding area along Ocean Isle Beach Road as predominantly residential.
Overturn Staff Decision on Pointe Grand Long Beach Stormwater Permit
Noted fairness concerns regarding the lack of maintenance agreements for off-site drainage infrastructure.
Pause ALPR Procurement and Direct Administrative Review
Letter of Support for Novant Health Bed Expansion
Fire Fee Agreed-Upon Procedures Agreement
Noted that volunteer fire departments already face arduous administrative burdens and viewed the new requirement as an unexpected surprise.
Table Modification to Public Comment and Public Hearing Policies
Rezoning Case Z-936 Approval
Rezoning Case Z-938 Approval
Special Use Permit Case 26-12S - Salty Paws Dog Daycare Approval
Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Ordinance, Fees, Capital Improvement Plan, and Opioid Settlement Fund Resolution
Expressed concerns about artificially low tax rates and reliance on fund balance reserves.
Denial of Rezoning Case Z-935-CZ (Mount Misery Concrete Plant)
Approval of Rezoning Case Z-936 (Summerlin Commercial / NC District)
Commissioner Sykes made the motion to approve the medical plan through the NCHIP with the removal weight loss GLP-1 medication, authorized the County Manager to sign the associated documents and sched
Renewal of NCHIP Medical Plan and Removal of Weight-Loss GLP-1 Coverage
Voted against because he supported providing a subsidy for the medication to help improve employee health and longevity.