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MOUNT PLEASANT TOWN COUNCIL
June 12, 2001
Mayor Pro Tem Kruger Smith called the meeting to order
in the absence of Mayor Hallman at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were
Council members Mr. Bustos, Mr. Fava, Mr. Power, Mr. Santos,
Mrs. Stokes-Marshall, Mr. Utsey, and Mr. Van Nort. Also in
attendance Mr. Burdette, Ms. Jernigan, Mr. Young, Mr. Ford,
Chief Perry, Chief Tetor, Ms. Phipps, Mr. Peele and Mr.
Gartner.
Mr. Smith offered the prayer, followed by a video
tribute for D-Day and the Pledge to the Flag.
The Clerk of Council certified that the Town is in
compliance with the Freedom of Information Act.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Mr. Fava moved that Item V.A. be moved to the public
statements portion of the agenda; seconded by Mr. Utsey. All
present were in favor. The agenda was approved as amended.
AWARDS & PRESENTATIONS
Mr. Smith presented an Award given by Community Pride
of Charleston County to the Mount Pleasant Pride Committee to
Ms. Minnie Mayberry and Ms. Carolyn Yarbrough, members of the
Pride Committee. Mr. Smith noted that this is the highest
honor that Community Pride awards.
Mr. Burdette recognized Mr. Isaac Burns for twenty
years of service. (Mr. Burns was unable to be present to
personally receive his award.)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT
Mr. Smith called for the approval of the minutes and
financial statement. Mr. Power asked that a correction be made
to the April 10, 2001 Town Council minutes on page 10 in regard
to the communications tower, the motion should state that the
terms of the lease for the tower for twenty five years would be
at “$1,600 per month”; seconded by Mr. Utsey. All present were
in favor. The minutes were approved as amended.
Mr. Power moved for approval of the minutes of May 8,
2001; seconded by Mrs. Stokes-Marshall. All present were in
favor.
CORRESPONDENCE AND PUBLIC STATEMENTS
Dr. Franklin Medio, 110 Cape Street, Charleston (Daniel
Island), spoke on behalf of the Daniel Island Neighborhood
Association. He said that they seek the Town’s guidance,
assistance and support in their efforts in opposing the SPA
Port on Daniel Island. He said that the port was proposed in
1991 when Daniel Island was a wilderness preserve. He said
that Daniel Island has undergone a major transformation. They
have over 300 single family homes, apartment complex, church,
store, high school, soccer stadium, tennis facility, golf
course and businesses. He said that they appreciate the fact
that the Town has publicly opposed the Global Gateway, which
has since been withdrawn, but in its place is a scaled down
version. He said that they are not anti-port expansion, but
they question the choice of Daniel Island as the site for the
port development. They feel that there are better sites that
already have the necessary infrastructure. He said that are in
the process of getting petitions signed by residents. They
want people to know that the majority of Daniel Island
residents are opposed to having a port on the island. Dr.
Medio said that they have several questions that he would like
Council to review as they are looking for guidance from a city
with a port within its boundaries.
He was asked that his questions be given to Council in
writing.
Mr. Carlton Poulnot, 140 Sampa Road, spoke in regard to
the road connecting Braemore Subdivision with I’On. He asked
that Council honor the commitment of Council and the pledges
that were made. He asked that Council delay action on this
matter until the next meeting.
Mr. Vince Graham, 187 Shipyard Road, spoke in regard to
the road connecting Braemore Subdivision with I’On. He said
that the Planning Committee recently voted to remove this
previously approved road. He asked that Council consider the
following information. He said that the connection between
these two subdivisions would enable drivers from Hobcaw Point
and Molasses Creek to travel back and forth. He said that
there are 23 members of the I’On Club from those subdivisions.
He said that there are also families from those subdivisions
who patronize the small shops and businesses located on I’On
Square. He said that although they favor interconnectivity,
eliminating the connection will not have much affect on their
community. He said that it would add trips to Mathis Ferry
Road. He said that the Town requested that I’On coordinate the
connection with Braemore, and as approved, trees were taken
down during construction for this connection. He said that if
Council eliminates this connection, I’On would expect the Town
to compensate them for the considerable time and expense that
they have invested in this effort, including the cost of
replacing the trees that were removed. Mr. Graham said that
some people have said that he has made promises and signed
contracts not to make this connection, but such claims are
unfounded.
PLANNING – Mr. Ford
New Business
The first item was consideration of an Ordinance to
rezone from OP, Office Professional, to AB, Areawide Business,
an approximately 0.64 acre portion of a 1.93 acre parcel of
land located on the southwest corner of Coleman Boulevard and
Broadway Street, being TMS #517 06 00 060 (Ord. No. 01033).
Mr. Ford stated that there is an existing convenience store/gas
station on the front portion of this site. He said that the
remainder of the property shown on the site map will remain
Office Profession, and he said that the Planning Commission
recommended approval, and the Planning Committee also
recommended approved. Mr. Utsey moved for first reading;
seconded by Mr. Van Nort. All present were in favor. Mr.
Burdette read FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY.
The second and third items were consideration of
Ordinance providing for the annexation of an approximately
0.667 acre portion of a 3.75 acre parcel of land known as
Parcel 3, located on the northeast side of Country Store Road,
being TMS# 559 00 00 021 (Ord. No. 01034) and consideration of
Ordinance to zone AB, Areawide Business, an approximately 0.667
acre portion of a 3.75 acre parcel of land known as Parcel 3,
located on the northeast side of Country Store Road, being TMS#
559 00 00 021 (Ord. No. 01035). Mr. Ford stated that this
property is across from the I-526 connector, and it is the
proposed car dealership next to the CVS Pharmacy. They request
that this small parcel be added to the tract. He said that
there was a site plan for a special exception that involved an
area for drainage and retention. He said that he understands
that they are making a request at the Board of Zoning Appeals
to modify the site plan, which would take two variances and a
change to the original layout that was approved by the Board of
Zoning Appeals. Mr. Ford pointed out that the Planning
Commission and Planning Committee recommended approval;
however, he requested a deferral so that the staff could review
the variances being requested and the change in the site plan.
Mr. Sid Boone, 1223 Long Point Road, stated that he did
not know that the plans had been submitted and that they were
different. Mr. Boone suggested that Council have first reading
and then they will meet with staff prior to final reading.
Mr. Utsey moved for first reading of the annexation;
seconded by Mr. Santos. All present were in favor. Mr.
Burdette read FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY.
Mr. Utsey moved for first reading of the zoning request
with the stipulation that it go back to the Planning Committee
in order to review the changes; seconded by Mrs. Stokes-
Marshall. All present were in favor. Mr. Burdette read FIRST
READING BY TITLE ONLY.
Old Business
Mr. Fava stated that since items 1 through 5 are all
annexations within the Awendaw Fire District, Mr. Fava moved
that items 1 through 5 be deferred until such time as the staff
has new information to allow Council to proceed with the
annexations; seconded by Mr. Utsey. All present were in favor.
The sixth item was final reading of Ordinance providing
for the annexation of approximately 0.31 acres of a 3.6 acre
tract of land located on Chuck Dawley Boulevard and being a
portion of TMS 532-04-00-004 (Ord. No. 01027). Mr. Utsey
moved for final reading; seconded by Mrs. Stokes-Marshall. All
present were in favor. Mr. Burdette read FINAL READING BY
TITLE ONLY. This Ordinance SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED THIS
DATE.
The seventh item was final reading of Ordinance to zone
NC, Neighborhood Commercial, approximately 0.31 acres of a 3.6
acre tract of land located on Chuck Dawley Boulevard and being
a portion of TMS 532-04-00-004 (Ord. No. 01028). Mrs. Stokes-
Marshall moved for final reading; seconded by Mr. Utsey. All
present were in favor. Mr. Burdette read FINAL READING BY
TITLE ONLY. This Ordinance SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED THIS
DATE.
The eighth item was final reading of Ordinance
providing for the annexation of a 3.24 acre tract of land
located at 1236 Mathis Ferry Road (Ord. No. 01030). Mrs. Stokes-
Marshall moved for final reading; seconded by Mr. Utsey. All
present were in favor. Mr. Burdette read FINAL READING BY
TITLE ONLY. This Ordinance SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED THIS
DATE.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee – Mr. Power
No report.
Annexation Committee – Mrs. Stokes-Marshall
Mrs. Stokes-Marshall reported that the committee
recommended approval of the annexation of the .667 acre parcel
on Country Store Road, and this item was previously taken up
under Planning New Business. Mrs. Stokes-Marshall also
reported that the committee met with Whitehall Terrace
representatives and the staff apprised the committee on new
methods and procedures of annexation regarding the Awendaw Fire
District. She stated that the committee received legal advice
and the committee felt that it would be prudent to settle the
fire protection issue with Charleston County before engaging
the annexation of Whitehall Terrace.
Bids & Purchases Committee – Mr. Van Nort
Mr. Van Nort reported that the committee received a
progress report the activities and requirements for the
acquisition of land for Public Service Facilities at Six Mile.
Staff did suggest securing services of an independent legal
counsel to represent the seller’s interest, and the Committee
concurred with staff’s recommendation. Mr. Van Nort moved that
Council authorize Mr. Young to establish a formal relationship
with independent counsel for the seller associated with the
acquisition of land for the Public Works Facility at Six Mile;
seconded by Mrs. Stokes-Marshall. All present were in favor.
Mr. Van Nort also reported that the committee awarded contracts
for HVAC maintenance services and auditing services beginning
with the new budget year. The contract amounts as offered by
Johnson Controls and Biddlecomb Game with Hardwick Associates
are in line with the proposed budget.
Mr. Van North informed Council that at the end of the fiscal
year, there remains only one request for proposals pending
which will first be reviewed by the Accommodations Tax Advisory
Committee related to tourism advertising media.
Finance Committee – Mr. Power
Mr. Power reported that the committee received a
request for reassignment of economic development incentive
funds upon which we felt it appropriate that EDAB review the
proposal submitted for a regional office project and the
relocation of an engineering firm to the building being
constructed in Wando Park.
Mr. Power stated that the Economic Development Advisory Board
met Monday to discuss the Proposal. The recommendation of the
Committee was that the Economic Development Incentive Grant
designated to the Maquet Corporation, be applied to the S&ME,
Incorporated, Regional Office project. S&ME offers national
geotechnical engineering, construction materials engineering,
testing, and quality assurance, environmental services, and
occupational health and safety services from 16 regional
offices throughout the southeast United States. This EDAB
recommendation is based on the following:
The grant will assist in retaining and expanding an existing
Mount Pleasant business clearly identified as compatible
economic development in accordance with the EDAB mission
statement.
The project will provide a substantial investment of over
$2.6 million, plus additional expenditures in furniture and
fixtures.
The project will retain 46 quality jobs and create an
additional 4-5 positions per year over a 7-10 year lease
period. Most of these employees, 60-70%, live in Mount
Pleasant.
The company will generate over $5 million in annual revenue--
80% of which is from outside the Town of Mount Pleasant and 50%
is outside the Charleston Region.
Mr. Power moved that Council accepts the recommendation of
EDAB, to pass the incentive of $32,369.00 on to the company of
SM&E as based on their findings of economic contributions to
the community; seconded by Mr. Van Nort. All present were in
favor.
Mr. Power also reported that Mr. Burdette has been
pursing discussions with Charleston County School Officials
relative to the construction of the Wando Auditorium.
Hopefully, we will hear back from the School Board in July.
Fire Committee – Mr. Bustos
Mr. Bustos reported that the committee recommended
approval of donating eight new fire helmets. He stated that
the dealer has reimbursed the department with merchandise and
gave the defective helmets to the department. He stated that
the committee recommended the donation of these helmets to the
Explorer Post in order to be used for training and that they
will be painted blue by the department. Mr. Bustos moved for
approval; seconded by Mrs. Stokes-Marshall. All present were
in favor.
Mr. Bustos also reported that the committee recommended
approval of a resolution in regard to the fire department
response standard based on information obtained through the
accreditation process. He explained that the 1995 response
standard of five minutes is no longer applicable in some cases
due to traffic congestion. The committee has recommended that
the level of service be revised to seven minutes at least 70%
of the time. The resolution is listed under Council New
Business.
Mr. Bustos stated that the committee reviewed new
building code requirements and the staff will provide further
information at next Council meeting. Also, the committee
received an update on the purchase of land for Fire Station No.
3.
Personnel Committee – Mr. Fava
No report.
Planning Committee – Mr. Utsey
Mr. Utsey reported that the committee reviewed a
request to rezone property on Coleman Boulevard and the
annexation and zoning of property on Country Store Road, and
these items were previously discussed under Planning New
Business.
Mr. Utsey reported that the committee recommended
approval of the right of way/encroachment permit ordinance,
which will be considered under Council New Business.
Mr. Utsey also reported that the committee recommended
approval of the Shellpoint Condominium Impact Assessment;
however, impact assessments for Whispering Marsh Phase III and
Ayers Plantation were deferred by the committee.
Mr. Utsey also stated that the committee received the
final report from the Ad Hoc Committee on Open Space, and this
item will be discussed at the June 14th Council meeting.
Mr. Utsey stated that the staff was directed to
investigate creating a new zoning district from the Areawide
Business District, and this district would be more restrictive
than the AB district. He stated that the committee will receive
a report at the August committee meeting. Also, the staff is
working with representatives of churches in the Old Village
area to find an appropriate location for their proposed
community service project. The committee also discussed a
duplicate of review occurring between the Transportation and
Planning Committees regarding impact assessments. The
committee recommended that impact assessments be routed to the
Planning Committee only, unless this committee requests
additional input from the Transportation Committee. He said
that this item will be discussed on July 14th.
Mr. Utsey also reported that the committee received
briefings from staff regarding the Remley’s Point development
and the Town’s economic development program, as well as an
update on the Building Permit Allocation Program. As of June 4
there were 431 single family permits available for the third
quarter, and as of that date 91 applications have been received
for the third quarter.
Mr. Utsey stated that the committee also discussed the
connecting road between Braemore Suddivision and I’On. He
stated that the committee initially voted 4 to 0 to recommend
to Council that this road be closed. Mr. Utsey asked Mr. Ford
if the Braemore Subdivision has a preliminary plat approval,
and Mr. Ford answered in the affirmative. Mr. Utsey asked if
they have received final plat approval. Mr. Ford stated that
they have not received that as yet. Mr. Utsey asked if Council
would be allowed to make changes in the plat that has been
given preliminary plat approval, such as closing a road. Mr.
Ford stated that the Planning Commission reviews preliminary
plats, which is the document that allows them to begin
construction of the subdivision. Mr. Utsey said he recently
received information and he feels that it should be referred
back to the Planning Committee.
Mr. Smith called upon those who signed in to speak. No
one wished to speak.
Mr. Utsey moved that this item be sent back to the
Planning Committee for further discussion; seconded by Mr.
Santos. All present were in favor.
Police, Legal & Judicial – Mr. Fava for Mayor Hallman
Mr. Fava reported that the committee recommended
approval of extending the terms of the judgeships from five to
eight years and to establish staggered terms of office to
ensure continuity of experience. This Ordinance is listed
under Council New Business.
Mr. Fava also reported that the committee recommended
approval of the reappointment of the four municipal judges –
Lawrence Duffy, Peter Shahid, Samuel M. Coleman, and Alston
Badger – for the year 2001-2002. Mr. Fava moved for approval;
seconded by Mr. Power. All present were in favor.
Mr. Burdette suggested that final reading of this
Ordinance be on June 25th at the special Council meeting in
order for the Municipal Judges to be sworn-in at the July
Council meeting.
Mr. Fava further reported that the committee
recommended that a donation of $7,500 be made to the Coastal
Crisis Chaplaincy, who provide valuable services to police
departments throughout the area. Mr. Fava moved for approval;
seconded Mr. Van Nort. All present were in favor.
Public Services Committee – Mr. Power
Mr. Power reported that the committee received a
presentation by staff concerning a drainage system failure in
the Charleston National Subdivision, and the committee
authorized staff to proceed with the repair of a 36 inch
drainage pipe that is damaged at the outfall structure of the
pond system. He said that this was based on staff’s assessment
of a public need for flood prevention, and this authorization
included negotiating with the HOA for future rights of access
by the Town to flood control systems within the subdivision and
that the Town does not include responsibility for pond
structures and pond maintenance.
Mr. Power reported that there was a presentation by
staff concerning Hidden Cove drainage in coordination with the
State Ports Authority. The committee authorized staff to
communicate with the State Ports Authority.
Mr. Power also stated that there was a presentation
concerning other drainage issues in the Hidden Cove Subdivision
and the staff was authorized to work with Charleston County
with participatory project to rectify flooding problems. The
staff was directed to receive funding for material from
Charleston County and the Public Services Department would
provide the labor.
Mr. Power also reported that there were also updates by
staff on CTC paving projects, as well as on stormwater and
participatory projects. They also received a report concerning
a safety issue involving a drainage ditch in Parish Place
Subdivision, and that staff has been working with Charleston
County Public Works, Charleston County School District and a
concerned citizen. He said all parties are concerned for the
safety of school children who are using this access to J.B.
Edwards School. The committee authorized staff to proceed with
this project as a participatory project whereby the Town
provides the labor and noted parties provide funds to complete
the project as outlined by staff.
Recreation Committee – Mr. Santos
Mr. Santos reported that the committee recommended that
the Center Street Recreation Complex be named in honor of Ed
Duffy. He said that Council members have received his
memorandum recommending this action and other letters of
recommendation, one of which he read from Joe Gawrych. Mr.
Santos moved for approval to name the Center Street Recreation
Complex as the Edward B. “Eddie” Duffy Complex; seconded by
Mrs. Stokes-Marshall. All present were in favor.
Mr. Smith asked if there was discussion of developing a
procedure for Council members to recommend naming facilities
for citizens. Mr. Utsey said that they discussed having a
policy in place for naming roads, facilities, etc. in the
future. Mr. Burdette said that the staff is working on a
procedure to bring to a committee. Mr. Smith suggested that
the Personnel Committee take this matter up.
Mr. Santos also reported that the committee reviewed
donations of recreation program registration to charitable
organizations. He said the committee recommended the following
policy: A limit of two donation slots per quarter, with a
total of eight donations in a fiscal year, and a donation can
only be used for camps that do not pay an instructor a
percentage of the camp fee; donations are limited to Mount
Pleasant charitable organizations, and are limited to one
donation per organization per year. Mr. Santos moved for
approval; seconded by Mr. Van Nort. All present were in favor.
Mr. Santos informed Council that the Carealliance
Women’s Tennis Tournament is now taking place at the Mugsy Kerr
Tennis Complex. Also, a skateboard competition will be hosted
by the department in conjunction with the Town Centre Block
Party on Monday, June 18.
Transportation Committee – Mayor Hallman
This report will be made at the July 14, 2001 meeting.
Economic Development Advisory Board – Mr. Fava
Mr. Fava stated that Mr. Power has previously reported
on the action item by the board.
Waterworks Commission – Mr. Utsey
Mr. Utsey stated that there will be a rate increase of
5% on water and sewer. A public hearing was held last week on
their budget.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
No report.
NEW BUSINESS – Council
The first item was consideration of an Ordinance
authorizing the creation of the Patriots Point Improvement
District; providing for the financing of improvements within
the Patriots Point Improvement District by assessment, issuance
of bonds, or other revenues as herein described; providing for
the publishing of this ordinance immediately after its
adoption; ordering the preparation of an assessment roll and
the publishing of a notice of completion of such assessment
roll; authorizing reimbursement of expenses incurred prior to
issuance of bonds; and other matters relating thereto (Ord. No.
01036). Mr. Power moved for approval; seconded by Mr. Van
Nort. All present were in favor. Mr. Burdette read FIRST
READING BY TITLE ONLY.
The second item was consideration of an Ordinance to
amend Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances by amending Chapter 153
and adding Chapter 158, providing for the regulation, control
and administration of excavation and construction on public
property (right of ways) (Ord. No. 01037). Mr. Utsey moved for
approval; seconded by Mr. Fava. Mr. Fava stated that this is a
significant ordinance, and he commended the staff for
developing this ordinance. All present were in favor. Mr.
Burdette read FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY.
The third item was consideration of an Ordinance to
amend Paragraph B of Section 35.02 of Chapter 35 of the Mount
Pleasant Code of Ordinances pertaining to Municipal Court
Judges (Ord. No. 01038). Mr. Fava moved for approval; seconded
by Mr. Van Nort. Mr. Santos stated he disagrees with having
term limits for judges, and that he feels there is a good
system in place where they evaluate the judges. Mr. Santos
opposed. All others present were in favor. Mr. Burdette read
FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY.
The next item was the reappointment of municipal
judges, which was taken care of under the Police, Legal &
Judicial Committee.
The fifth item was consideration of a Resolution to
establish an average Fire Department response time of seven
minutes to 70% of emergency calls (R.01062). Mr. Bustos moved
for approval; seconded by Mrs. Stokes-Marshall. Mr. Power asked
if previously that was a percentage policy. Mr. Bustos stated
there was not, and Mr. Smith added that is one reason they
recommended this resolution. All present were in favor.
The sixth item was consideration of
Appointments/Reappointments to Boards & Commissions.
Mr. Fava moved for approval to appoint Mason Holland to
the Economic Development Advisory Board; seconded by Mr.
Utsey. All present were in favor.
Mr. Bustos moved for approval to appoint Carol Kehl to
the Historic Commission; seconded by Mr. Utsey. All present
were in favor.
OLD BUSINESS – Council
The first item was final reading of Ordinance to amend
Chapter 90 of the Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances,
eliminating the licensing requirement for dogs and cats (Ord.
No. 01031. Mr. Fava moved for final reading; seconded by Mr.
Santos. All present were in favor. Mr. Burdette read FINAL
READING BY TITLE ONLY.
The second item was final reading of Ordinance to amend
Paragraphs F and G of Section 31.023, pertaining to the
procedure for filling vacancies on boards and commissions (Ord.
No. 01032). Mr. Fava moved for final reading; seconded by Mr.
Santos. All present were in favor. Mr. Burdette read FINAL
READING BY TITLE ONLY.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:15
p.m.
Carol Hunter
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