A - Town Council Meetings

MOUNT PLEASANT TOWN COUNCIL SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING Friday, July 10, 2020, 1:00 p.m. Municipal Complex, Council Chambers 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 MINUTES I. Call to Order Mayor Haynie called the Special Council meeting to order at 1:02 p.m. Council Members Tom O’Rourke, Laura Hyatt, Brenda Corley, Guang Ming Whitley, Jake Rambo, Kathy Landing, Howard Chapman and Gary Santos were present. II. Public Comment [None] III. First Reading: An Ordinance to amend Section 30.35(F) of the Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances and to add Section 30.35(H) in order to allow Council participation and voting by electronic means. (Ord. No. 20038) Mr. Pagliarini provided legal opinion on the changes to the ordinance. Mr. Rambo moved to approve; seconded by Ms. Whitley. Mr. Chapman stated that he is not in favor of requiring the video portion. He stated that from an electronic standpoint, Council would be eliminating the ability for someone to pick up the issue if they have electric problems. He stated that he has had this issue as well. He said the easy way to find out if members are present is to conduct a roll call. He stated that Council may not have the visual means to participate; however, a cellular phone would likely be more convenient and available. He added that he is not in favor of only allowing a visual means.  Mr. Chapman moved to strike the portion that requires the video portion and still allow for council members to be able, in an emergency, to use a telephone to participate and vote. Mr. Pagliarini stated that if this ordinance goes forward, this motion would be addressed at final reading. Mr. Chapman asked if there is anything in State law that would preclude using a telephone. Mr. Pagliarini responded in the negative. Council continued with discussions. Mr. Pagliarini clarified the intent of the ordinance. He said if there is an actual emergency situation that would prevent Council meeting as a whole where it was mandated by conditions that there be an emergency meeting by electronic means, this may be accomplished. Mayor Haynie stated that this is first reading and there are situations that may have not been considered. Mr. Pagliarini stated that assuming that Council moves forward with this ordinance today, all points brought forward will be considered. Mr. Chapman stated that he would like for this to be all encompassing and general. Mr. Chapman opposed. All others present voted in favor. Motion carries 8-1. IV. Discussion of process forward for hiring in-house general counsel Mayor Haynie stated that this item was discussed at the Police, Judicial and Legal Committee. He stated that Council members have all been provided with new applicants. He stated that prior to moving forward with the interview process, all Council must be in agreement to do so. V. Executive Session Mr. Rambo moved to adjourn into executive session; seconded by Ms. Whitley. All present voted in favor. Page 2 of 3  Council adjourned into executive session at 1:31 p.m. Receive legal advice on a contractual matter with regard to the Town’s contract for legal representation and to review applicants for general counsel position VI. Post Executive Session Council may take action on any item, including any subsection of any section, listed on an executive session agenda or discussed in an executive session during a properly noticed meeting. Council reconvened at 2:50 p.m. Mayor Haynie declared that no action or votes were taken during executive session. VII. Adjourn There being no further business, Council adjourned at 2:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Ashe July 10, 2020 Page 3 of 3