A - Town Council Meetings

MOUNT PLEASANT TOWN COUNCIL TOWN COUNCIL AGENDA Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Municipal Complex, Council Chambers 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 MINUTES Mayor Haynie called the Town Council Meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. Council Members Bob Brimmer, Joe Bustos, Kevin Cunnane, Kathy Landing, Tom O’Rourke, Jim Owens, Gary Santos and Guang Ming Whitley were present. I. PRAYER Chaplain Judith Ewing led Council in prayer. II. PLEDGE Mayor Pro Tempore, Gary Santos led Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. III. COMPLIANCE WITH FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT Mr. Pagliarini certified compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mr. Santos moved for approval; seconded by Mr. Owens. All present voted in favor. V. PUBLIC HEARINGS, AWARDS & PRESENTATIONS A. Presentation of the 2017 National Service and Sacrifice Award to the Lowcountry Community Chaplaincy Mayor Haynie, Town Council, along with Dr. Rosalie Wyatt, President, Corporate Crisis Response Officers Association and  National Director of Its Ready Community Partnership, presented a National Service and Sacrifice Award to Reverend Rob Dewey of the Lowcountry Community Chaplaincy for his dedication and service to ministering in crisis. B. Announcement of 2018 Hermes Creative Award Recipients Mr. DeMoura stated that the Communications Manager, Martine Wolfe-Miller has been instrumental in the Town reaching higher goals in order to be in a position to win these awards. He asked Ms. Wolfe-Miller to come forward and present the awards. Communications Manager, Martine-Wolfe Miller, along with Mayor Haynie and Town Council presented the 2018 Hermes Creative Awards. The Platinum Award in the Print Media category for the 2017 Town of Mount Pleasant Annual Report was awarded to the Business and Tourism department, accepted by Amy Livingston, Business and Tourism Manager. The Gold Award for the Town’s Municipal Website was awarded to the Communications Office and was accepted by Assistant Communications Manager, Marquel Coaxum. Two Gold Awards were awarded to the Recreation Department for the Print Media category. For the Traffic Box Art program, Vice Chair of the Cultural, Arts & Pride Commission, Bren Romano Monteiro accepted the award. For the InMotion Magazine, Steve Gergick, Recreation Director and Allison Lane, Recreation Marketing Coordinator, accepted the award. C. Longevity Awards Public Services Director, Jody Peele, along with Mayor Haynie and Town Council, recognized Troy Jenkins for 25 years of service. Police Chief, Carl Ritchie, along with Mayor Haynie and Town Council, recognized April Colunga, for 25 years of service. Page 2 of 38  D. Employees of the Month Mayor Haynie and Town Council recognized Sgt. Matt Salata, Sgt. Tony Winstead, Det. Joshua Ballentine, Det. Stephanie Buono, Det. Ashley Goode, SPO Andrew Harper, Det. David Ivey, Det. Gerald Jenkins and Det. Vance Stephenson. Mr. DeMoura stated that on April 4, 2018 there was a horrific incident at Tavern & Table Restaurant when the manager on duty was shot in the back. He said the Police Department immediately began working on the case and through solid detective work, they were able to locate and determine those individuals responsible for the crime. He said they have been arrested and because of the work of these fine professionals, the community’s sense of security has been restored. He said for the victims and their families, there is justice and peace knowing that these two individuals are behind bars. He said for their hard work, dedication and professionalism, these officers are being recognized as the Town’s employees of the month. Mr. DeMoura, joined by Mayor Haynie and Town Council recognized Police Chief Carl Ritchie for 30 years of law enforcement service. Mayor Haynie stated that he has a small surprise for Town Council members this evening. He stated that as part of the work done to grow the Town into what it is today, he wanted to provide something to the Council members from the citizens of Mount Pleasant to signify the trust that they have put into Council and the oath of office taken to serve the Town. He presented each Council member with a lapel pin indicating “Council Member” with the Town logo, which only Town Council members possess. He said this distinguishes each member as a leader of the Town of Mount Pleasant. VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 10, 2018 TOWN COUNCIL MEETING, AND THE APRIL 2018 FINANCIAL STATEMENT. Mr. Santos moved for approval; seconded by Mr. Bustos. All present voted in favor. Page 3 of 38 VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PUBLIC STATEMENTS Theresa Green, 183 Ionsborough Street, stated that she is a member of the Charleston Area Justice Ministry and moved to Mount Pleasant 12 years ago from Michigan. She said when they were looking for homes, what attracted them was the natural beauty and diversity of the people living in Mount Pleasant and it was not overcrowded with homes, apartments and businesses. She said it was easy to travel from her neighborhood to most places. She voted for Mayor Haynie, because he shared her vision of Mount Pleasant that focused on livability and families. She heard the Mayor’s message and agreed. She asked what has happened in addition to all the construction is the fact that so many people that she knows, such as teachers, firefighters, police officers, and hospitality workers are no longer able to live in the place where they work. People that have lived here their entire lives are unable to do so now, because of the high cost of housing. She said more than 211,000 people are facing a housing crisis. What does it say about a region when a majority of people are unable to afford a roof over their head? What values are reflected in a community where the cost of basic needs such as housing skyrocket while wages fail to keep up. She said the 2014 Housing Needs Assessment from the City of Charleston, North Charleston, Town of Mount Pleasant and Counties stated that if the housing issues facing the region are ignored, residents will continue to migrate to the outskirts of the region. She said this has happed to this community and is the cause of the traffic congestion. She said 18,000 people commute to Mount Pleasant daily because they cannot afford to live here. She said this is why many of the workers have long commute times. We need to approach this from a regional perspective, because this is a regional problem. She urged Mayor Haynie and Town Council to meet with the Charleston Area Justice Ministry and other allies to take concrete steps to solve this problem from a regional perspective. John Wright, 145 Rose Lane, stated that he would like to discuss an issue regarding Remley’s Point. He stated that there is a piece of property that was currently donated to the East Cooper Land Trust. He Page 4 of 38 said there is an easement on the property that the East Cooper Land Trust does not want to turn over to the Remley’s Point Community. He said in his research, in 2002 there was an Open Space Foundation and in 2009, there was the Mount Pleasant Land Conservancy and in 2013, it became the East Cooper Land Trust. He said Remley’s Point, as a community, was annexed into the Town in 1982, long before Hurricane Hugo and before the influx of the new buildout. He said for this community to be facing the issue of not getting back land that is a part of their community, sends a bad message. He said he hopes that Mayor Haynie and Town Council members will review this issue, because the Remley’s Point community deserves it. He said established community benefits agreements are allowing communities to do exactly what the Remley’s Point Community is trying to do. He urged Mayor and Council to review this issue as it relates to the proposed park and the property in Remley’s Point and resolve it, because the community deserves it. He said they have been around since the 1870’s. Becky Van Wie, 270 North Shellmore Blvd., stated that she would like to thank Mayor and Council for their service on behalf of those who are lucky enough to live in Mount Pleasant and living in Mount Pleasant is exactly what she is here to discuss. She is a member of the Charleston Area Justice Ministry (CAJM) and does not believe anyone needs to be convinced that the problem of not enough affordable housing is real. She said what CAJM is advocating is a regional approach to solve the problem. She is here to urge Mount Pleasant, Town Council, the citizens and other official municipal organizations to support and collaborate with CAJM. She said what CAJM is proposing is an affordable housing trust fund. She said what a trust fund does is provide money that is dedicated to this problem, but it also serves as a resource to leverage other funds. She said they have evidence to suggest that this works quite well in other communities. She said in Louisville, Kentucky, they have had great success with a $1,000 investment in their housing trust fund and leveraged that for affordable housing to $9.7 million dollars. She said it works. The average leveraging amount for every $1.00 is $850. She urged Town Council to get involved with the establishment of an Affordable Housing Trust Fund. Page 5 of 38 Edward Lee, 158 Sixth Avenue, stated that he would also like to talk about the property on Mathis Ferry Road. He said that Mayor and Council should have correspondence that was sent to them. He said that Remley’s Point and Lincolnville have the highest count of properties that have dual ownership on them. He said property ownership in Remley’s Point has always been a contentious issue. He said the Town recognized this when they obtained the property for the Fire Station on 7th Avenue, which was supposed to be on the property in question. He said when they received a number of protests from Molasses Creek, they changed the location to 7th Avenue. He said the Holy Trinity Church which is immediately in front of the property tried to negotiate with the Town to have a park on this property. He said he does not know what happened to those negotiations, but after that, the Town donated the property to the East Cooper Land Trust and never approached the community with their intentions to donate the land to the East Cooper Land Trust. He would ask for Town Council to use any influence they have to return the property to the Scanlonville Community. Andrea McManus, 3325 Stockdale Street in Park West, is here to discuss her neighborhood, The Abbey, which is the first neighborhood on the commercial side of Park West. She said this land was initially marked as commercial property and then turned into residential. She said this was not conveyed to them when they purchased their property; therefore, the streets that surround their neighborhood are still considered commercial and not eligible for the traffic calming program, since their streets are not long enough. She said there are approximately 30 children living in 41 homes in The Abbey and they are under the ages of 12 years old. She is very concerned with the students who drive to and from Wando High School, because they speed down Salterbeck and Stockdale in excess of 60 miles an hour. She has requested speed bumps; however, they are not eligible, because their street is not long enough. She urged Mayor and Council to reconsider the eligibility requirements, which make them unable to put in speed bumps on Salterbeck, because she would hate to see a child in their neighborhood struck by a vehicle. She also requested law enforcement Page 6 of 38  sit on those streets and give tickets to those that are speeding. She said it is not safe. Louanne Rosenzweig, said that she has lived in Mount Pleasant since 1991 and is also a member of the Charleston Area Justice Ministry. She said last year CAJM members voted to address the critical need for affordable housing in our community. She was thrilled with this as it affects her personally. She said her adult son, who is 29 and works almost full time at the local Publix, still lives at home, because he cannot afford to live on his own in Mount Pleasant. She said many of her son’s co-workers in their late 20’s or 30’s also live with relatives or have several roommates. He said a minimum wage worker would need to work 110 hours per week to afford a basic 2-bedroom apartment in the Town. He said that is 16 hours each day. She said people working in Mount Pleasant cannot afford to live here and many of the employees at the Publix where her son works live in North Charleston, Summerville or even Goose Creek. She said in the four years he has worked there, he has seen many great employees leave because of the commute. She said the exodus of good employees is also happening at Wando High School which has one of the higher turnover rates for teachers in the area. She addressed Councilman O’Rourke and said today he was quoted in the Post and Courier asking, “what kind of Town do we want to be”, which is a question we should all keep in mind. She would like a Town that values diversity and welcomes all levels of workers as community members. She urged Council to support CAJM’s housing plan. She would like to personally thank Councilwoman Whitley for attending their Nehemiah Action, where nearly 1,700 community members gathered. She thanked Councilwoman Whitley for supporting the Housing Action Plan and taking steps to address this housing crisis from a regional perspective. VIII. PLANNING – Mr. Ulma Planning Committee Minutes Planning Commission Minutes A. NEW BUSINESS Page 7 of 38 1. First Reading: An Ordinance to rezone two parcels from AB, Areawide Business District, to AB-2, Areawide Business-2 District, an approximately 1.00 acre tract of land located at 1124 and 1126 Venning Road, identified by TMS Nos. 558-00-00-052 and 558-00- 00-192, and depicted as Lots S and T on a plat recorded by the Charleston County ROD Office in Plat Book W, Page 145. The parcels will remain in the HNB-VR-OD, Hungryneck Boulevard – Venning Road Overlay District. (Ord. No. 18034) Ms. Whitley moved to deny the request; seconded by Mr. Santos. All present voted in favor to deny. 2. First Reading: An Ordinance to amend Chapter 32, Section 32.23, Chapter 150, Section 150.003, Chapter 156, Sections 156.400, 156.410, 156.420, 156.430 and 156.441 of the Town of Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances related to attendance requirements for appointed Boards and Commissions. (Ord. No. 18035) Mr. Ulma stated that this ordinance is related to the attendance requirements for the various Boards and Commissions. These changes would require 75% attendance at all called meetings. He stated that attendance would be monitored on a twelve-month rolling period at the beginning of each month. He stated that one excused absence is not counted towards that requirement of 75%. Mr. Brimmer made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Bustos. All present voted in favor. Mr. DeMoura read FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY. 3. First Reading: An Ordinance providing for the annexation of an approximately 0.53 acre tract of land located at 1108 Graddick Road, identified by TMS No. 559-00-00-176 and depicted on a plat recorded by Charleston County ROD Office in Plat Book S08, Page 0101. (Ord. No. 18036) Mr. Bustos made a motion to approve annexations for Items, #3, #4 and #5 if there are no objections; seconded by Ms. Whitley. Page 8 of 38  Mr. Brimmer said if three of these items are annexed into the Town, what zoning will they come into the Town as. Mr. Ulma stated that item #1 would be assigned R-1, Low Density Residential; #2 would be Community Conservation designation and item #3 would also be zoned Community Conservation designation. Mr. Brimmer asked if all these zoning designations are compliant with the Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Ulma stated that item #1 the Comprehensive Plan recommends Commercial land uses; therefore, going to R-1 would not match with the plan designation. He stated that the other two are in compliance with the plan. Mr. Brimmer stated at the Planning Committee meeting that it does not make sense to annex property in with a zoning that conflicts with our comprehensive plan. He said he will be addressing this issue in the Planning Committee next month to attempt to bring this into agreement. He said he will not support this motion for these three annexations, because of the conflict on item #1. Mr. Brimmer was opposed. All others present voted in favor. Motion carries. Mr. DeMoura read FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY. 4. First Reading: An Ordinance providing for the annexation of an approximately 0.50 acre tract of land located at 2162 Annie Laura Lane, identified by TMS No. 558-00-00-381 as Lot 4-A on a plat recorded by the Charleston County ROD Office in Plat Book DA, Page 633. (Ord. No. 18037) [Approved with item #3] Mr. DeMoura read FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY. 5. First Reading: An Ordinance providing for the annexation of six parcels described as approximately 2.41 acres of land, known as Hamlin Corner, on Hamlin Road, identified by TMS Nos. 578-00- Page 9 of 38  00-058, 578-00-00-312 through -313, and 578-00-00-737 through -739, and depicted on plats recorded by the ROD Office of Charleston County in Book S17, Page 0091, and Book S17, Page 0136. (Ord. No. 18038) [Approved with item #3] Mr. DeMoura read FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY. 6. First Reading: An Ordinance to Amend Sections of Chapter 152: Flood Damage Prevention and to Adopt the “Builders Guide for Stormwater Management in the Old Village Study Area.” (Ord. No. 18039) Mr. Brimmer moved for approval; seconded by Ms. Whitley. All present voted in favor. Mr. DeMoura read FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY. 7. First Reading: An Ordinance to amend the Town of Mount Pleasant Comprehensive Plan 2009-2019 (2014 Update) Future Land Use Map pertaining to an approximately 0.93 acre tract of land comprised of portions of two parcels, described as follows (i) an approximately 0.03 acre portion of an approximately 0.11 acre tract of land located on Melvin Bennett Road, identified by TMS No. 560-02-00-039, depicted on a plat recorded by the Charleston County ROD Office in Plat Book CE, Page 190; and (ii) an approximately 0.90 acre portion of an approximately 1.51 acre tract of land located at 1236 Melvin Bennett Road identified by TMS No. 560-02-00-019, depicted on a plat recorded by the Charleston County ROD Office in Plat Book BA, Page 179, by changing the land use recommendation Low Density Neighborhood Commercial. (Ord. No. 18016) Mr. Ulma stated that the request would be to designate the northern portion of this property for commercial, which lines up with the request for the AB zoning that the applicant has requested. The Planning Commission recommended approval, and at the time Planning Committee took no action on the request, which has since changed. Page 10 of 38 Mayor Haynie asked for clarification on how this is affected by or relates to item #5 under Old Business. Mr. Ulma stated that this would address the plan amendment and the item under Old Business #5 relates to the zoning designation. Mayor Haynie stated that this item does not address zoning. Mr. Ulma responded in the affirmative. Mr. Santos made a motion to deny; seconded by Mr. Cunnane. Mr. Brimmer stated that if this motion for denial passes, does this preclude the zoning from changing. Mr. Ulma stated that the guidance would typically line up with the plan designation. He said the AB commercial request would not correspond with the residential designation if this request for the commercial land use designation is denied. Mr. Brimmer stated that if a denial passes, then by de facto, the zoning will also be denied. Mr. Ulma stated that Council would need to take a separate action on the rezoning request itself. He said it would be an indicator of Council’s decision in terms of changing the plan and/or changing the zoning. Mr. O’Rourke asked if this is denied, then the next item regarding this issue under Old Business (item #5) is not addressed. Mr. Pagliarini stated that it is not automatic and there would need to be a vote, but believes the question is, if you had different results, it would provide a significant issue and does not know if they would be able to enforce the zoning change. He stated that he does not believe the zoning change can be approved if this item is voted down. Mr. O’Rourke stated that this appears to have been handled wrong. He said that everyone has done a great deal of work and it may not even matter. Page 11 of 38 Mr. Bustos stated that this is an error that was made that could be very costly to the neighborhood and their desires. He said if this is voted down, he believes the applicant should be provided with another opportunity with the Town doing things the proper way. He said it was an oversight, but it was the Town’s oversight. He said we are penalizing the applicant for this oversight. He said he does not believe this can be accomplished in two parts. He said at some point, this needs to come back together. He said this did not come to the Planning Committee. Mr. Ulma stated that it was still at the Council level. He said both items could be deferred until next month’s meeting. Mr. O’Rourke stated that this is where they are now. Mr. Pagliarini stated that this item is up for first reading and the zoning was approved last month for first reading. He said the way for the two items to be addressed at the same time would be to approve this item for first reading and defer VIII.B.7 until the next meeting. Ms. Whitley clarified if this would be to approve this item (Item #7 under New Business), for first reading and defer until June, both items. Mr. Pagliarini responded in the affirmative. Ms. Whitley stated that if Council were to vote to deny this item being addressed, then this indicates that Council would likely vote to deny the rezoning. Mr. Pagliarini stated that you would expect that the votes would be the same. Mayor Haynie stated that Council voted to approve first reading of the rezoning. Ms. Landing stated that this being presented this evening almost seems like a surprise to many individuals and the fact that the Town would need to change the comprehensive plan seems to be something that goes against the grain. She said it was complained Page 12 of 38 about and discussed during campaigns; however, most of the time, it was the opposite. Where something had been zoned a commercial node and then changed to residential which created additional traffic and infrastructure issues. She said many were concerned that this would not be repeated. She does not believe this is the same and suggested taking more time for discussions, instead of making a decision based purely on comprehensive plan sensitivity. Mr. Cunnane stated that Council should be cautious not to let the process drive this. He said there is merit to the case of the applicants who have been here five times, as well as those who are aggrieved by it. He suggested voting on it. Mr. Santos said there are a number of people reviewing the comprehensive plan and they will submit any ideas, suggestions and recommendations for a new comprehensive plan. He does not believe the comprehensive plan should be changed until the full report is submitted to Council. He believes Council should wait to make any changes until the new comprehensive plan recommendations are submitted. He stated that he will not be supporting this item. Mr. Brimmer stated that all of Council has discussed the value of the comprehensive plan and how important it is to follow. He said when you become familiar with the comprehensive plan in depth, you realize that it is a guide for development; however, there are circumstances where it is better for the community to make some exceptions. He said it is not often, but there have been exceptions made that have made projects better. He does not know if any of the Council members have had an opportunity to drive by this site, but he took the opportunity to drive down Melvin Bennett, which is a very interesting street. He said as you drive down Melvin Bennett, it is very unique, quiet, away from traffic and the hub of the town, with large lots and nice trees. He said he began to think of the options for this property and believes the commercial property up front and the two residential homes along Melvin Page 13 of 38 Bennett has value, because it protects Melvin Bennett by having two larger lots for homes. He said every project has its own individual circumstances and should not get locked into the plan, because it is the plan. He said when you take a look at the project and ask if it helps protect the neighborhood or hurt the neighborhood, does it help or hurt the Town. He said this project is one that reasonable residents can argue either side and there is value in both positions. Mr. Bustos said he mentioned last month the people who have lived on that street and in that area for over 40 years and have a vested interest in that neighborhood. He said they attended the meetings and want two houses facing Melvin Bennett rather than the entire lot being turned into four or five homes which will increase the traffic on Melvin Bennett. He said traffic from residential lots will not go to Bowman Road. He believes the comprehensive plan is a plan the Town attempts to follow closely; however, periodically, there is a project that just does not fit. He said to change one lot to commercial to protect the neighborhood character of Melvin Bennett is a good thing to do. Ms. Landing stated that she also drove on Melvin Bennett several times, as well as Bowman Road. She cannot imagine anyone wanting to build a home facing Bowman Road. She said this is an area where the entire parcel of land would not have a zoning change, but only a portion. She said the portion that faces Bowman Road that is already very commercial is what would be changed. She said this is an unusual situation. Ms. Whitley stated that she initially voted in favor of this last month; however, since that time, she realized that she does not wish to change the comprehensive plan. Where this property line is drawn, there is approximately 85 feet along the sideline of 1232 Melvin Bennett. After meeting with the Rudy’s, she had to ask herself if this is something she or anyone would want in their backyards. She is unable to support this. Page 14 of 38 Mr. Santos stated that if you look at the map, from Rifle Range, Bowman Road is a two-lane road and does get wider as you approach Chuck Dawley; however, at this area, it is two lanes. He said for anyone who drives this route in the morning, it is very congested. He said if you put a commercial business there, it will draw more traffic, and that road will be at a lower service level than it already is. He believes if another commercial building is placed facing Bowman Road, it will overwhelm an already congested area. Mr. Cunnane said last month, he voiced his concerns regarding the dividing line between the commercial and residential portion. He said if you look at the 1232 lot at the upper right corner, where the back and the side meet, he does not understand why the property line could not be pivoted off the corner and not have commercial next door to residential. He said it appears to be a very reasonable compromise and does not know if the neighbors would be agreeable; however, AB zoning encompasses many things and the neighbors do not know what is going to be there. He added that they have a right to be opposing this. Terry Orvig, 1334 Bluebird, said his property also goes to Melvin Bennett. He sold real estate in the Town of Mount Pleasant for many years and retired 10 years ago. He said he was doing over $10 million per year in business and was paying over $100,000 in taxes. He understands real estate a little better than Council does. He said commercial and residential do not mix and this will cripple the two houses on either side of this proposed business, because the commercial business will come up into their backyard and will not stop at their backyard. He said their children will be in a parking lot and the property owner does not even know what he is going to build. He said it will not be a good fit, as this is a unique neighborhood that he feels very lucky to live in. He said he would like to point out a few decisions that were recently made. He said if you drive down Coleman Boulevard, live oak trees have been planted in the middle of a brand-new sidewalk three feet from Page 15 of 38 brand new buildings. He said if you look across the street, you will see what a live oak tree does to concrete and asphalt. This was not a good idea. He said if you drive down Mathis Ferry Road, live oak trees are being planted under live oak trees which does not make any sense. If you go down Whipple Road, the oak trees have been planted directly under power lines. He said during the last wind storm, a live oak tree knocked out the power in their neighborhood. He said it was repaired the next day, but then a fire started in a live oak tree directly behind his house. He said we need to be making better decisions in this Town. He said the commercial property on Bowman is not a good fit for those on Melvin Bennett. He said no one is going to build houses on the front of Bowman. He said their backyards back up to Bowman and there is a buffer. Mamie Rudy, 1232 Melvin Bennett, said she was originally going to discuss the comprehensive plan and the new leadership and new direction. She said there is an open house coming up very soon to discuss these things. She said campaign promises were made, one of which was to follow the comprehensive plan. This is what we need to do. She said changing this would be the opposite breaking campaign promises. She said she would also like to talk about the fact that it does not matter how long someone has lived there, because they all live on Melvin Bennett and have a say in this community as residents of Mount Pleasant. She said every single resident that lives adjacent to this property is strongly opposed to rezoning this as AB. She said there are two down the street that are in favor, but everyone else around this property opposes. She said Mr. Askins showed them the plans for the four houses with a fence along the back line of Bowman Road with a retention pond in between the four small houses that would go on this property. She said it is something that absolutely fits in this neighborhood and the neighborhood would be protected with the fence extended all the way to Black Forest. She is asking for Town Council to vote against rezoning this. She said if we are going to Page 16 of 38 have to vote against the comprehensive plan, not to vote in favor of changing it. Larry Hague, 1318 Bluebird Drive which is right across the street from this property. He has been there for approximately 20 years and traffic is not an issue. His concern is that the comprehensive plan on page 62 basically says that you are at 25% density for Low Density Residential and the goal is 30% which applies to medium density and high density and educational. He said the next paragraph says that commercial property in Mount Pleasant is secure for the next ten years, so why do we need to rezone this. He said if this property needs to be rezoned, there are other options. He said there is a limited office district or an Office Professional Zoning which would fit. He said he would prefer four houses because that side of the street floods terribly during the big storms and the two properties directly east of this become retention ponds. He said more retention ponds are needed on that size of the street. Paul Taylor, 1336 Bluebird Drive, right off of Melvin Bennett said he strong supports how they are trying to develop this land. He said it is reasonable and the right thing to do. No one wants to build a house on Bowman Road, because of the traffic. He said putting two houses on Melvin Bennett is much better than having five or six houses in there. He said many of the people that live in there come the opposite way from exiting out onto to Chuck Dawley from Melvin Bennett through his driveway. He said one of those that spoke this evening does not generally go out onto Chuck Dawley, but through his lot to avoid the traffic to get onto Chuck Dawley. He has two small grandchildren and they play in the driveway, so he does not want any additional traffic there. He said the right thing to do is to put the commercial lot facing Bowman which would draw a lot less traffic, and two houses. He urges Council to think about this and do the right thing. He does not know about the comprehensive plan, but the developer has done Page 17 of 38 all he can to work with the community and get this right. He said many of the community members are supporting this. Edward Hannapel, stated that he owns Black Forest Import Service directly next to the proposed project and has been there for 20 years. He said it takes a lot to develop in Mount Pleasant and to do things the right way and come before Council. He said he did this 20 plus years ago and it was just as difficult then. He said there was discussion last meeting about being good neighbors. He said he would like to address the white elephant in the room. At the back of the Rudy’s property is a very large structure that was built without a permit. It is a shed of approximately 1,000 square feet, not utilizing proper setbacks and abuts up to his property line on 1342. He said over the winter he noticed that there was some dumping behind that shed onto his lot. He brings this up in this meeting, because he feels that one of the reasons there is so much opposition from the Rudy’s is because of the shed that was illegally constructed and needs to be brought out in the open. He supports the commercial one-acre structure facing Bowman, because it makes perfect sense and is logical. He said taking one house down from that property and keeping the live oaks and having two houses makes perfect sense. He does not live in Moss Park, but he appreciates Moss Park being there, as they have been very good neighbors for the 20+ years they have been there. Syvil Noll, 1330 Bluebird Drive, has lived there with her husband in Moss Park for 42 years. She grew up in Mount Pleasant and is now 70 years old. She said they are supporting Mr. Askins’ proposal to build two homes on Melvin Bennett Road, because of a large oak tree that sits on this property that has been there since she was a little girl. She said there are other oak trees there that are very important to their clean air. She said a restricted business on the Bowman Road property is going to happen whether we like it or not. She has seen this Town change and change and change, and she accepts change, but in the right way. She said this plan will Page 18 of 38 protect their neighborhood and their property values at the same time. She asked Council to consider the safety of their children and traffic flow. She said Melvin Bennett is a dead-end road and goes through Paul Taylor’s driveway when they are not able to exit onto Chuck Dawley. She said this enables them to keep crime watch enforced. She is able to see everything that goes on and would love to have two houses on Melvin Bennett. If they decide to do a business on Bowman Road, she is fine with it. She said Mr. Askins has promised they will be office buildings, low lighting, lots of fencing and lots of shrubbery to help. She said there is also a business on the corner which worked with them many years ago to put up a wall and provide shrubbery. She said of the eight houses that are directly affected by this, six houses are in favor of this. (Resident did not provide name or address), stated that she is a resident of Moss Park and has lived in Mount Pleasant most of her adult life. She is in favor of Mr. Askins rezoning on Bowman Road. She would also like to speak on his behalf, because he has been slandered and from her experience and the experience of various neighbors that do approve this, there was a petition put out and the impression was that the entire parcel was going to be rezoned commercial, which was incorrect. She walked door to door and spoke with many neighbors who signed the petition that were confused and unsure and realized they had signed something that was opposing the complete rezoning, not understanding that it was going to be divided in half. She believes there are people who did not come this evening that do support this. She would also like to say that Mr. Askins has made himself available to answer questions, emails and telephone calls. She said he has done nothing but try. Denise Mann, 1324 Bluebird Drive, stated that she is directly across from this property. She said she was in favor of the rezoning previously until she did more research on what AB means. It could be a bar or even a gas station. She said another item she was Page 19 of 38 unaware of is that on Melvin Bennett, the first property on the left, which is a little farmhouse, is actually zoned commercial. She said if they wanted to turn this over and do something commercial with that property, there are two properties in between the property in question and her fear is that it sets a precedence that all of Melvin Bennett would then go commercial. She said the oak trees are protected and if this is rezoned, she is against the AB zoning. If Mr. Askins has promised to do an office building, then it should be zoned OP with proper fencing and Leland cypress boundaries, protecting the neighbors from the parking lot in the rear. Shaun Rudy, 1232 Melvin Bennett, said there are a lot of lies being told. He said building and zoning will only allow the building of four houses on this property, not five or six. He said Mr. Askins has plans for these four houses but has not shown what he has planned. He said there are two driveways on both sides. He said Mr. Taylor mentioned that traffic zooms up and down Bowman Road side, so why do you want a business there that will make it worse. He said the four houses will face to the inside to the green zone and the garages will be on the back facing Bowman Road, so it would provide more privacy with the four houses. He implores Council to ask Mr. Askins to show them this plan. He said the lies by the neighbors saying it is going to be five or six houses, they are simply lies. He said in the last election, those running said they will follow the comprehensive plan. He said he did his part by voting them in, now he is asking for Council to do their part and stand behind what they said. He said as far as Black Forest Import Services goes, he is supposed to have an eight-foot concrete barrier that separates residential and business and he does not have a concrete barrier behind his business. Louise Taylor, 1336 Bluebird Drive, stated that it is her understanding that there are deed restrictions on commercial property that go further to specify what cannot be built there and those include things like a bar or gas station, which is a big concern to those who desire Council to deny Mr. Askins’ proposal. She said Page 20 of 38 as far as the traffic on Melvin Bennett Road going onto Chuck Dawley is concerned, traffic is a big problem. She is retired and when running around Mount Pleasant, she is fortunate to have the property behind them, so she cut through that property to avoid that intersection. She and her husband both support Mr. Askins’ proposal and believe it is the most reasonable thing to do. Mr. Owens stated that it is obvious we have a divided community in Moss Park. He said these residents purchased their properties many years ago in hopes they would raise their families and live their lives in an area that is zoned R1 with large lots off Chuck Dawley Boulevard and Bowman Road. He said he would also like to add that Mr. Askins did a commendable job in attempting to come up with a compromise. At the end of the day, this is a decision that Council needs to make on behalf of the citizens. He said it is important that Council abide by the comprehensive plan in place that has not changed. He said it is unfortunate that this has come before Council prior to the zoning request. He said these residents expect Council to continue to abide by the comprehensive and for that reason, he will be supporting the comprehensive plan in this effort. Ms. Whitley stated that for clarification from Legal Counsel, Town Council is not allowed to condition zoning on anything, so promises of deed restrictions or what will be done for the property are not actually enforceable by the Town. Mr. Pagliarini responded in the affirmative. Mr. Bustos stated that it is laudable that everyone wants to follow the comprehensive plan, but the comprehensive plan is not infallible. What Council members were elected to do was to use their good sense. He has said on a number of occasions through the years, that the Town needs more commercial and fewer residences, because residences create more traffic. He thinks it is an error and a crutch to say to follow the comprehensive plan no matter what. He said this is a circumstance where Council needs Page 21 of 38 to make a decision not based on the comprehensive plan and following it blindly, but on what is best for the community. Ms. Landing stated that she received an email this afternoon addressed to Council members, with pictures from Mr. Askins. She said one of the big concerns was how much this commercial property would run along the Rudy’s property line approximately 85 feet. She said in the picture that was provided by Mr. Askins, because of buffer zones that are required and because of trees where they are located, it took the whole line back flush with the back of the property, so turning the building facing more diagonally, made it more where there was nothing but trees. She said the line that is shown comes to the back of where the shed is located on the Rudy’s property. She said if Council were dealing with this as only to the back of the property, rather than 85 feet into the property line, if it would be considered differently. She said if Council voted this down tonight, would the developer be able to come back with a slightly different request by moving the line. Mayor Haynie stated that if we vote to deny this item, then the other item for final reading VIII.B.5 will also die on the floor. He said that these two items should be considered together, approving this item tonight, deferring item VIII.B.5 so they can both be considered just as Council has done in the past. Mr. Brimmer stated that we are not here this evening to vote on a project or discuss uses or zoning. He said the question with this item is if this parcel is more appropriate for a commercial use or a residential use. This is what is being addressed. He said he is looking at the map and all the AB-2 parcels surrounding this one along Bowman Road. He said ten years ago, this was not the case. He said for better or worse, previous Councils have made zoning decisions that have made the map look the way it does today. He said there is more high density in this area and hotels. The question is if this part of the property is better suited for people living there with the traffic and all the other impacts of high Page 22 of 38 density development, or is part of the property more appropriate for some sort of commercial use. Mr. Owens stated that his position earlier was not to speak on the comprehensive plan as a zero tolerance, but to state that this property for the last 60 years has been zoned residential. He said so much so, that the comprehensive plan continues to show it as an R1. He stated that it is a portion of the Moss Park development, a parcel that was contiguous to Moss Park and incorporated into Moss Park and the ingress/egress was off of Melvin Bennett Road and would continue to be off Melvin Bennett Road, whether they put two houses or four houses in its place. He said this does not have anything to do with a zero tolerance, but instead making the right decisions for our community based on what our current comprehensive plan indicates, which is that this parcel is and has been incorporated into the Town of Mount Pleasant, more particularly with Moss Park subdivision. Mayor Haynie stated that the current motion on the floor is to deny. Mr. Bustos, Ms. Landing, Mr. O’Rourke, Mr. Brimmer and Mayor Haynie were opposed. Mr. Cunnane, Mr. Owens, Mr. Santos and Ms. Whitley were in favor of denial. Motion to deny fails 4-5. Mayor Haynie stated that Item VIII.B.5 under Old Business may be considered this evening or it may be deferred. Mr. Pagliarini stated that there first needs to be a motion to approve this item. Mr. Bustos made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Brimmer. Mr. Santos stated that Mr. Owens was clear earlier, because when they all campaigned, the Comprehensive Plan was discussed, and this is an opportunity to do what they told the citizens they would do. He said there is a group that is reviewing the new Page 23 of 38  comprehensive plan and he does not believe that there should be changes at this time until the group comes back with their recommendations to see how it fits in with the community. He said he campaigned on abiding by the comprehensive plan which is why he is voting the way he is voting this evening. Mayor Haynie stated that this motion is to approve this item. Ms. Landing, Mr. O’Rourke, Mr. Brimmer, Mr. Bustos and Mayor Haynie were in favor. Mr. Cunnane, Mr. Owens, Mr. Santos and Ms. Whitley were opposed. Motion to approve carries 5-4. Mr. DeMoura read FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY. B. OLD BUSINESS 1. Final Reading: An Ordinance providing for the annexation of an approximately 5.32 acre tract of land owned by the Town of Mount Pleasant, located at 3745 Highway 17 North, identified by TMS No. 614-00-00-033 and depicted as Lot 1 on a plat recorded by the Charleston County ROD Office in Plat Book L10, Page 0138. (Ord. No. 18025) [Mr. Bustos departed the meeting at 7:37 p.m.] Mr. Ulma stated that the next two items are final reading for the annexation and zoning of Town owned property at Lieben Road and Highway 17 North, which will be studied for future use by Public Services Department. The current zoning in the County is Community Commercial and the Planning Committee recommended approval of the annexation. Mr. Santos moved for approval; seconded by Mr. Owens. All present voted in favor. (Mr. Bustos was not present for the vote) Mr. DeMoura read FINAL READING BY TITLE ONLY. This Ordinance SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED this date. Page 24 of 38 2. Final Reading: An Ordinance to zone PI-2, Public Institutional-2 District, an approximately 5.32 acre tract of land owned by the Town of Mount Pleasant, located at 3745 Highway 17 North, identified by TMS No. 614-00-00-033 and depicted as Lot 1 on a plat recorded by the Charleston County ROD Office in Plat Book L10, Page 0138. (Ord. No. 18026) Mr. Santos moved for approval; seconded by Mr. Brimmer. All present voted in favor. (Mr. Bustos was not present for the vote) Mr. DeMoura read FINAL READING BY TITLE ONLY. This Ordinance SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED this date. 3. Final Reading: An Ordinance providing for the annexation of an approximately 19.15 acre tract of land located near Hamlin Road identified by TMS Nos. 578-00-00-049 through -050, 578-00-00- 052, 578-00-00-477 through -501, 578-00-00-503, 578-00-00-506 through -531, 578-00-00-569 through -571 and depicted on plats recorded by the Charleston County ROD Office in Book L09, Page 0487-0488, Book L10, Page 0332-0333, and Book S12, Page 0161. (Ord. No. 18027) [Mr. Bustos returned to the meeting at 7:40 p.m.] Mr. Ulma stated that this was done as a Planned Development District in the County and the annexation was accomplished through the process that allows the petition by the property owners. Ms. Whitley moved for approval; seconded by Mr. Bustos. Mayor asked if this development is built out. Mr. Ulma responded in the affirmative. Mr. Santos stated that when this was addressed previously, he was not in favor of the 75% method of annexation. He said there needs to be more clarity on the Council Agenda so the public understands that this is not a 100% annexation. He said 25% of the residents in this development are against annexing. He has never Page 25 of 38  been in favor of anything less than 100% annexation and will not be supporting this item. Mr. Bustos stated that he appreciates Mr. Santos’ stance; however, 100% is not required. He said he does not see any reason to tell everyone that it is not 100%, because it is not required. Mr. Santos stated that Mr. Bustos is making is sound like everyone agreed to annex; however, 25% of them did not agree. He does not feel this is right and as long as you are paying your taxes, you should be able to decide if you want to annex into a municipality or not. He said the public has a right to know when Council is making these decisions. Mr. Santos was opposed. All other present voted in favor. Motion to approve carries 8-1. Mr. DeMoura read FINAL READING BY TITLE ONLY. This Ordinance SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED this date. 4. Final Reading: An Ordinance to zone R-4, Medium Density Residential District, an approximately 19.15 acre tract of land located near Hamlin Road, identified by TMS Nos. 578-00-00-049 through -050, 578-00-00-052, 578-00-00-477 through -501, 578- 00-00-503, 578-00-00-506 through -531, 578-00-00-569 through - 571 and depicted on plats recorded by the Charleston County ROD Office in Book L09, Page 0487-0488, Book L10, Page 0332-0333, and Book S12, Page 0161. (Ord. No. 18028) Ms. Whitley moved to approve; seconded by Mr. Bustos. All present voted in favor. Mr. DeMoura read FINAL READING BY TITLE ONLY. This Ordinance SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED this date. 5. Final Reading: An Ordinance to rezone from R-1, Low Density Residential District to AB, Areawide Business District, an approximately 1.00 acre tract of land comprised of one parcel in its entirety and portions of two parcels, described as follows: (i) an approximately 0.07 acre parcel in its entirety located on Melvin Page 26 of 38 Bennett Road, identified by TMS No. 560-02-00-038, depicted on a plat recorded by the Charleston County ROD Office in Plat Book CE, Page 190; (ii) an approximately 0.03 acre portion of an approximately 0.11 acre tract of land located on Melvin Bennett Road, identified by TMS No. 560-02-00-039, depicted on a plat recorded by the Charleston County ROD Office in Plat Book CE, Page 190; and (iii) an approximately 0.90 acre portion of an approximately 1.51 acre tract of land located at 1236 Melvin Bennett Road, identified by TMS No. 560-02-00-019, depicted on a plat recorded by the Charleston County ROD Office in Plat Book BA, Page 179. (Ord. No. 18031) Mr. Brimmer moved to defer this item to the June meeting; seconded by Ms. Landing. Ms. Landing stated that she would ask that more effort be made to bring the parties together, because Council heard different statements this evening. She said what was received via email appears to answer many of the questions. She said it definitely moved that line back to where it was flush to the back of the Rudy’s property which would be much more respectful of their privacy. She would ask that those pictures be made available at the June meeting. Ms. Landing, Mr. O’Rourke, Ms. Whitley, Mr. Brimmer, Mr. Bustos and Mayor Haynie were in favor of deferral. Mr. Owens, Mr. Santos and Mr. Cunnane were opposed. Motion to defer carries 6-3. Mr. Bustos asked if both items for final reading come back to Council or will they go back to the Planning Committee. Mr. Pagliarini stated that they will both come back to Town Council unless the request is made to go back to Planning Committee. Page 27 of 38 IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee (No Meeting) Report B. Bids & Purchases Committee The Committee unanimously approved the following recommendations: • Approval to contract with Gulf Stream Construction Company, Inc., in the amount of $7,987,152.76 to construct all work on the Snee Farm drainage improvements project. • Approval of a contract change order with Woolpert, Inc., in the amount of $481,730 to perform additional consulting services for construction administration and oversight of the Snee Farm drainage improvements project. • Approval to enter into negotiations and, if successful, contract with Stubbs Muldrow Herin Architects to provide professional services for the design of interior renovations of the Park West Pool restrooms and R.L. Jones Center storefront and lobby area. C. Economic Development Committee Mr. Sam Skardon, One Region Project Director, provided a brief presentation on the One Region Strategy, a plan to unify the region to become globally competitive. Mr. Skardon provided updates on the implementation of the strategy and discussed Mount Pleasant’s role within the region. The committee also discussed the Town’s strategy for the recruitment of businesses to Mount Pleasant. ACTION ITEMS: Facilitation of an Economic Development Retreat to include Town Council and Community Partners. Page 28 of 38 D. Education Committee (No Meeting) Report E. Finance Committee 1. Approval of Ordinance authorizing the issuance of stormwater bonds not to exceed $10,000,000 through the South Carolina Water Quality Revolving Fund Authority for the Snee Farm stormwater rehabilitation (See Council New Business Item XI.A.1) 2. Report A. The Finance Committee recommended approval of an Ordinance authorizing the issuance of stormwater bonds not to exceed $10,000,000 through the South Carolina Water Quality Revolving Fund Authority for Snee Farm stormwater rehabilitation project for Town Council’s consideration under New Business. B. The Finance Committee reviewed the strategy to formalize a five-year financial plan. C. The Finance Committee recommended approval, as directed by the Budget Committee, for Council consideration of the FY 2019 Budget revenues and expenditures to include the following adjustments: (1) All adjustments from the Budget Committee (2) A $50,000 grant to Housing for All – Mount Pleasant (3) An additional $250,000 for the Fire Department (4) A reduction in Community Investments by $43,000 D. The Finance Committee went into Executive Session to discuss a contractual matter related to the purchase of property. Page 29 of 38 F. Fire Committee Mr. Brimmer stated that the Fire Committee met and began with a presentation by Emergency Manager, Amanda Knight. She provided an overview regarding emergency management projects. She said some upcoming events will focus on earthquake drills, emergency evacuation drills, the EOC (Emergency Operations Center) enhancements and the Emergency Management accreditation. He said Fire Chief, Mike Mixon who provided a presentation of the department structure, call volume trends, medical program, fire fighting initiatives and strategic planning. He said what followed was a discussion regarding the Fire Department staffing. He said Mr. Cunnane provided some national standards regarding staffing. He said a vote was taken on the original motion of $675,000 to be added to this year’s fire budget. He said that vote failed 3-1 and there was a second motion by Mr. Owens for $250,000 which passed unanimously, which is the funding Mr. O’Rourke was referencing to be included in this evening’s budget. G. Human Resources Ms. Landing stated that the Human Resources Committee met last week to discuss non-discrimination language in the Town’s policies. Currently, the ordinance for public assemblies and parades includes the terms “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” in addition to the classes protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act: race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, and disability. She said she would like to replicate this verbiage in the Town’s policies on employment and fair housing. Page 30 of 38  The Human Resource Guidelines will be updated with this change in the near future. At our meeting, we asked Legal to prepare documentation addressing non-discrimination in fair housing practices for our consideration. H. Patriots Point Development Authority Mayor Haynie stated that there was a meeting and the Board voted to provide a four-month forbearance to the Medal of Honor Foundation from July to November for them to attempt to perform on what they need to accomplish to facilitate the moving of the road and utilities. This dovetails into the contract he will be reporting on in the Transportation Committee. I. Planning Committee Report Continued discussion regarding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) and Short-Term Rental properties Planning staff presented considerable background information about the existing zoning regulations, business license requirements, and taxation aspects of both ADUs and short-term rentals. Definitions, contradictory provisions, enforcement, typical regulations imposed by other communities, and example ordinances from other jurisdictions were described. The committee requested staff to begin preparation of updated rules and regulations to allow but closely regulate both types of uses. Draft provisions and procedures will be prepared by staff and presented at a future committee meeting. Continued discussion on a proposal to amend the Vegetation and Tree Protection divisions of Chapter 156 of the Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances, pertaining to various sections regarding bufferyard requirements, special bufferyards including the Critical Page 31 of 38 Line Buffer, and tree protection, removal and replacement requirements. Planning staff reminded the committee members of the various changes to the ordinance which had been developed and discussed thus far. Staff then advised that they have revisited the goals which have been expressed in the past, and offered several other changes for consideration. These included the addition of more road/street buffers, institution of a requirement for developments to include a fixed amount of natural open space areas, and a change in the process for subdivision and site plan submittals and review, with an eye towards open space preservation. The committee expressed support for these new techniques and requested that staff prepare the actual regulations for review at a future committee meeting. Continued discussion regarding the Urban Corridor Overlay District (UCOD) and potential removal of Ben Sawyer Boulevard from the district Deferred to next meeting or a special meeting (scheduled for May 9, 2018) Continued discussion for consideration of Potential Growth Management Plan Deferred to next meeting or a special meeting (scheduled for May 9, 2018) Discussion regarding consideration of an Intergovernmental Agreement with Charleston County for enforcement of Sign ordinances The Town Administrator requested Committee approval to proceed with preparation of an agreement whereby the county’s temporary sign regulations could be enforced by the Land Codes Enforcement officer in coordination with county staff. The Planning Committee endorsed this effort. Report on Comprehensive Plan update Page 32 of 38  Planning staff advised that the next meeting of the Plan Forum citizens group would be May 1st. Staff reminded the committee members of the “big issue” topics still being discussed (like the urban corridor, a bike/pedestrian connector system, and settlement communities), as well as a shift in focus to the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) element of the plan. Staff also indicated that the Forum would meet again on June 5th, followed by a community open house later that evening from 5-7 pm. J. Police, Legal & Judicial Committee (No Meeting) Report K. Public Services Committee Mr. Owens stated that the Committee approved the minutes from the April 3, 2018 meeting. There were two presentations given at the Public Services Committee Meeting. The first was titled “Update on design of Edwards and Royall drainage basins” and it provided an update on the status of the Old Village drainage improvement project. Committee was informed of staff’s desire to modify the original design concept to include the addition of a gravity fed outfall at Queen Street instead of a larger pump station at Edwards Park. It is believed that this will increase the reliability of the system and will save taxpayer dollars over the lifespan of the system. The Committee directed the Staff to proceed with this proposal. The second presentation was titled “Update on the distribution of fully-automated rollcarts” and it provided an overview of the Public Services Departments plan to replace 8000 rollcarts to support the utilization of the two fully automated garbage trucks that the town purchased as part of the FY18 budget. L. Recreation Committee Page 33 of 38  Mr. Santos stated that Committee heard many comments on pickleball, tennis, and soccer from Town residents. The Committee decided to have a Special Meeting on May 2, 2018 for continued discussion regarding consideration of a contract extension request from United Soccer Academy Mount Pleasant. The Committee was given an update on participation and activities. M. Transportation Mayor Haynie stated that the committee met and went into executive session to receive legal advice on a contractual matter involving the right-of-way exchange at Patriots Point regarding the Medal of Honor Museum, which is being taken under advisement. He said they also spend a good deal of time and received a great report from the Police Chief regarding traffic management for special events at Boone Hall. He said some changes will be made. He also met with Mr. McRae of Boone Hall Plantation and feels that all are working together. He feels that there will be a major change and suggested that all drivers drive sensibly. He also attended as a stakeholder, regarding Highway 41 designs. He said there is a public hearing coming up. He said there is no leading design, but several that make will meet budgetary requirements and accomplish the goal and reach the level over service that they are required to at that time. He said nothing becomes a leading design until there is more public input. He said the public meeting will be held on May 16th at Park West. N. Waterworks Commission Mayor Haynie stated that he, and Councilmen Joe Bustos and Jim Owens attended the Waterworks meeting where they presented their visioning and planning mission statement and business plan. He said the level of communications between the Town and Waterworks is great. He said he is very proud of this Council for the way they are working with Waterworks. Page 34 of 38  O. Water Supply Committee Mr. Bustos stated that there is one action item that will be covered under Council New Business XI.A.1. He said Mr. Duffie, MPW General Manager, has extended to all Council members, a meeting in June or July, with the Water Commission followed by a tour of the facilities. X. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT Culture, Arts and Pride Commission vacancy XI. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. New Business 1. First Reading: An Ordinance authorizing the issuance of a not exceeding $10,000,000 Stormwater Utility System Revenue Bond, Series 2018 of the Town of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. (Ord. No. 18040) Mr. Owens moved to approve; seconded by Mr. Santos. All present voted in favor. Mr. DeMoura read FIRST READING BY TITLE ONLY. 2. Approval of contract amendment for Town Administrator Ms. Landing made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Santos. All present voted in favor. B. Old Business Final Reading: An Ordinance to amend Section 114.06 of Chapter 114, Accommodations Fee, of the Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances pertaining to the distribution of funds. (Ord. 18033) Page 35 of 38  Mr. Brimmer moved for final reading; seconded by Mr. Bustos. Mr. Santos asked if someone could describe this for the public. Mr. DeMoura stated that this makes the Town’s ordinances governing the Accommodations Tax consistent with the State law, which is important. All present voted in favor. Mr. DeMoura read FINAL READING BY TITLE ONLY. This Ordinance SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED this date. C. Executive Session Mayor Haynie stated there is a need to go into Executive Session to discuss a contractual matter related to the possible purchase of property and appointments to the Accommodations Tax Advisory Commission and the Historical Commissions. He also stated that Council may take action on any item listed on an executive session agenda or discussed in an executive session during a properly noticed meeting. Mayor Haynie asked for a motion to go into Executive Session. Ms. Landing so moved; seconded by Ms. Whitley. All present voted in favor. Council adjourned into executive session at 8:07 p.m. 1. Legal and Contractual Contractual matter related to the possible purchase of property 2. Personnel Page 36 of 38  Appointments to the Accommodations Tax Advisory Commission and the Historical Commission Mayor Haynie reconvened the meeting at 8:30 p.m. stating no votes had been taken. D. Post Executive Session Council may take action on any item listed on an executive session agenda or discussed in an executive session during a properly noticed meeting. Ms. Landing made a motion in regard to the appointment of the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee. She said no new applications were received; however, Ms. Su Frost currently holds Seat #1 and is eligible and seeks reappointment so she would like to recommend appointing Ms. Su Frost; seconded by Ms. Whitley. All present voted in favor. Final Reading: An Ordinance to adopt and appropriate a Budget for the Town of Mount Pleasant for Fiscal Year 2019 (July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019). (Ord. No. 18032) Mr. Owens made a motion to approve; seconded by Mr. Santos. Mr. Cunnane asked if this includes the additional $250,000 for the Fire Department. He stated that he would like to provide a slide that will indicate why this is a great decision by Council. He said it shows the Town’s population on the top and the fire apparatus in Town on the bottom. He said that the Town’s fire apparatus has decreased while the population has gone up. He said the original request would have been for a 10% increase in staffing; however, Page 37 of 38  this was for less, but is a great move forward. He thanked Council members who were in favor. All present voted in favor. Mr. DeMoura read FINAL READING BY TITLE ONLY. This Ordinance SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED this date. XII. ADJOURN There being no further business, Council adjourned at 8:33 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Ashe May 8, 2018 Page 38 of 38