A - Town Council Meetings

MOUNT PLEASANT TOWN COUNCIL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, April 8, 2025 6:00 p.m. Municipal Complex, Council Chambers 100 Ann Edwards Lane Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 MINUTES Listen to the meeting recording here. View the Power Point presentation here. Mayor Pro Tempore Whitley called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Daniel Brownstein, Howard Chapman, Laura Hyatt, Jake Rambo, John Iacofano and Mike Tinkey were all present. Mayor Haynie was absent. I. PRAYER Chaplain McCroskey gave the Invocation. II. PLEDGE Mr. Rambo led Council in the Pledge of Allegiance. III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mr. Pagliarini stated he would like to request that Council move item VII.B on the Consent Agenda to item Planning Old Business to discuss a possible amendment. Mr. Rambo moved to amend as stated by Mr. Pagliarini, seconded by Mr. Brownstein. All present voted in favor. Mr. Tinkey moved to amend the agenda to move items VIII.B.3 and 4 related to Patriots Annex to be placed immediately after Public Comment, seconded by Mr. Brownstein. All present voted in favor. Mr. Chapman moved to approve the agenda as amended, seconded by Mr. Iacofano. All present voted in favor. IV. PUBLIC HEARINGS, AWARDS & PRESENTATIONS A Public Hearing to receive input on the proposed municipal budget for the 2026 fiscal Year. Page 1 of 11  Proposed FY 2026 Budget General Fund $ 121,607,115 Capital Asset Fund 46,574,241 Debt Service Fund 16,095,977 State Accommodations Tax Fund 2,983,383 Less Interfund Transfers (20,957,550) Total Proposed budget $ 166,303,166 Its general content is as follows: Current Projected Percentage Current Fiscal Year Revenue Change In Fiscal Year Revenue FY 2026 Revenue Millage $393,378,628 $166,303,166 -57.7% 34.7 Mills (operating) 9.6 Mills (debt) Current Projected Percentage Estimated Fiscal Year Expenditures Change In Millage for Expenditures FY 2026 Expenditures FY 2026 $393,378,628 $166,303,166 -57.7% 34.7 Mills (operating) 9.6 Mills (debt) One mill generates $1,329,598 as based on the total estimated assessed value of all real and personal properties within the Town of Mount Pleasant. One mill equals $1.00 per $1,000 of assessed property value. Ms. Harness reviewed the budget. There being no speakers, Ms. Whitley declared the public hearing closed. V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM THE MARCH 11, 2025 SPECIAL AND REGULAR TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS, THE MARCH 28, 2025 SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING AND THE FEBRUARY 2025 FINANCIAL STATEMENT Mr. Chapman moved for approval of the minutes and financial statement, seconded by Ms. Hyatt. All present voted in favor. VI. A. PUBLIC COMMENT Page 2 of 11 James McKee, 1247 Palmetto Peninsula expressed concerns about the Patriots Point development, stating that the new proposal relegates the public to a central section blocked by buildings, taking away the public's enjoyment of the waterfront view. David Halsey, 917 Tall Pine Road spoke about the importance of maintaining open space and views at Patriots Point, expressing a preference for as little development as possible in the area. Lisa Schnipke, 185 Mossy Oak Way opposed the planned development district proposal for Patriots Point, arguing that the land belongs to the public and should be protected for civic and institutional uses as originally intended by the Waterfront Gateway zoning. David Spedden, 3429 Toomer Kiln Circle congratulated Councilman Tinkey on his victory and requested that the town council take a vote on rejecting Alternate 7 for the Route 41 expansion. Debbie Donovan,1333 Woodlock Road spoke about item 8B1, requesting a larger buffer to screen properties from the proposed storage facility at 1209 Denning Road. Myra Richardson, 2755 Earl Johnson Lane asked the council to deny annexation of the 3.11-acre tract in the Hamlin Beach community, citing concerns about the impact on the historic district and potential clear-cutting of trees. Lynn Fletcher, 1512 Privateer Drive expressed concerns about the Patriots Point development, particularly regarding traffic and flooding potential. Deidre Kennedy, 971 Cliffwood Drive urged the council to tighten up the Patriots Point PD agreement or send it back, emphasizing the need to protect public interests on public land. Mike Van Horn, 1204 Ironbridge Drive suggested creating community forums for upcoming election candidates and requested traffic mitigation measures for Faison Road. David Quick, 1502 Village Square spoke about protecting Patriots Point as one of Mount Pleasant's "jewels," urging caution and patience in development decisions. Page 3 of 11 Denise Fugo, Executive Director of Housing for all Mount Pleasant, requested funding for her organization and opposed annexation in the Hamilton Beach historic district. She also advocated for affordable housing considerations in the Patriots Point development. Danielle Case, 3583 Goodwater Street encouraged Mount Pleasant to stop using fluoride in the water system. Candace Johnson, 2488 Cotton Creek Drive spoke in support of the Rainbow Bridge pet memorial placement at Shem Creek. Susan Carr, 62 East Lake Road said the healthcare guiding principle is first do no harm when making decisions surrounding patient care. She asked Council to use the same principal when making decisions that impact the health of the Mount Pleasant community with regards to Patriots Point. Allison Hunt, Executive Director of the Patriots Point Development Authority, 40 Patriots Point Road thanked Council for the opportunity to address them this evening. She said the Patriots Point Development Authority is in support of the continuing process that their partners at the Town of Mount Pleasant and their tenant partners Bennett Hospitality have been working through with the zoning amendments and extension of the development agreement. Ms. Hunt said the lease revenue from Patriots Annex as well as their tenant partners helps Patriots Point fund the maintenance and upkeep of their two highly decorated National Historic Landmark World War II warships. She said preserving those ships is central to their mission, part of which is to operate a museum of ships to foster patriotism. Glenn Hammerbacher, 184 North Plaza Court opposed the Patriots Point development, expressing concerns about density and traffic issues. Bob Salazo (address not stated) expressed concerns about overdevelopment at Patriots Point and traffic congestion during events. Diane Lauritson, 705 Bradburn Drive stated Patriots Point is a gateway for waterfowl as well as people. She said it creates an important habitat for creatures that call this place home, and it Page 4 of 11  provides a place for people to come and see what is naturally here. Alicia Lockwood, 316 Lapwing Lane said she is not that knowledgeable about the project, but she does not see any sound reason for changing the zoning at this time. She asked in these uncertain economic times if it is wise to enter into such a huge commercial development and urged caution. Michelle Stress, 545 Veranda View emphasized the importance of protecting public access to the waterfront at Patriots Point and cautioned against vague developer promises. Torrey Sanders, Communities and Transportation Project Manager with the Coastal Conservation League provided recommendations for the Patriots Point project, including shared parking strategies, multimodal access, and preservation of mature trees. James Wilson, representing Patriots Annex, clarified that the proposed PD is more restrictive than the current Waterfront Gateway zoning and expressed willingness to work with the council on their concerns. B. Final Reading: An Ordinance providing for a First Amendment to Ordinance 19058, The Development Agreement by and between the Town of Mount Pleasant, Patriots Point Development Authority, and Patriots Annex, LLC. (Ord. No. 25009) Council members engaged in extensive discussion about the Patriots Annex development. Key points included: 1. Clarification that the land is owned by the state of South Carolina. 2. Appreciation for the developer's willingness to negotiate in public. 3. Discussion of density reduction from 12 units per acre to 8 units per acre. 4. Concerns about gated parking and sidewalk width. 5. Acknowledgment of progress made in negotiations but recognition that more work may be needed. Page 5 of 11  Council members expressed mixed opinions on whether to approve, deny, or defer the ordinance. After discussion, a motion to defer was made. Mr. Tinkey moved to defer both items but have a more definitive way to go through this, page by page; seconded by Mr. Brownstein. Mr. Rambo and Mr. Iacofano voted opposed with all others present voting in favor. The motion carried with a 6-2 vote. December 11, 2024 Planning Commission Minutes January 6, 2024 Planning Committee Minutes February 3, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes March 3, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes March 31, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes C. Final Reading: An Ordinance providing for the adoption of the Patriots Annex Planned Development District Ordinance (Ord. 25010) pertaining to development known as Patriots Annex, an approximately 30.32 acre portion of a larger 162.86 acre tract of land bounded by Patriots Point Road and Charleston Harbor. Depicted in Plat Book L23, Page 0080, Charleston County ROD. (Ord. No. 25010) (4/3/2025 Updated Documents) Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions. Planning Committee recommended approval with conditions. December 11, 2024 Planning Commission Minutes January 6, 2024 Planning Committee Minutes February 3, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes March 3, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes March 31, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes [Deferred with Ord. 25009 above.] VII. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS A. Final Reading: An Ordinance to amend Chapter 156, Zoning Code, of the Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances by renumbering Sections 156.049, Vested Rights, and 156.296, Workforce Housing Exemption Grant Program. (Ord. No. 25012) (Ord. No 25012 FINAL) Planning Commission recommended approval. Planning Committee recommended approval. February 19, 2025 Planning Commission Minutes March 3, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes February 19, 2025 Planning Commission Minutes Page 6 of 11  March 3, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes B. Final Reading: An Ordinance providing for the annexation of four parcels, comprised of an approximately 1.75-acre tract of land located on the corner of Porchers Bluff and Briley Court. (Ord. No. 25016) (Ord. No. 25016 FINAL) Planning Committee recommended approval. March 3, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes C. Final Reading: An Ordinance to Zone R-1, Low-Density Residential District four parcels comprising 1.75-acres located at the corner of Briley Court and Porchers Bluff. (Ord. No. 25017) (Ord. No. 25017 FINAL) Planning Commission recommended approval. Planning Committee recommended approval February 19, 2025 Planning Commission Minutes March 3, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes D. Final Reading: An Ordinance authorizing and approving a grant of Perpetual Easement and Title to Water and Wastewater Systems and Grants of Easement to the Mount Pleasant Waterworks, relative to the Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park Project. (Ord. No. 25018) (Ord. No. 25018 FINAL) Mr. Rambo moved to approval all Consent Agenda items (noting Ordinance 25015 was moved to Planning Old Business), seconded by Mr. Brownstein. All present voted in favor. These Ordinances SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED this date. VIII. PLANNING A. New Business 1. First Reading: An Ordinance providing for the annexation of an approximately 3.11-acre tract of land located on Hamlin Beach Road, depicted as Tract 1 on a plat recorded by the Charleston County ROD Office in Plat Book CA, Page 71. (Ord. No. 25019) Planning Committee recommended approval. Mr. Rambo moved for first reading of items 1 (Ord. 25019) and 2 (Ord. 25020), seconded by Mr. Chapman. After discussion, all present voted in favor. Page 7 of 11  March 31, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes 2. First Reading: An Ordinance to zone CC, Community Conservation District a 3.11-acre parcel located on Hamlin Beach Road depicted as Tract 1 on a plat recorded by Charleston County ROD Office in Plat Book CA, Page 71. (Ord. No. 25020) Planning Commission recommended denial. Planning Committee recommended approval. [Approved with Item 1 above.] March 19, 2025 Planning Commission Minutes March 31, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes 3. First Reading: An Ordinance to rezone R-2, Low- Density Residential District a 0.14-acre parcel located at 106 May Lane. Parcel is currently zoned AB, Areawide Business. (Ord. No. 25021) Planning Commission recommended approval. Planning Committee recommended approval. March 19, 2025 Planning Commission Minutes March 31, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes Mr. Tinkey moved for first reading, seconded by Mr. Chapman. All present voted in favor. 4. First Reading: An Ordinance to rezone PI-1, Public- Institutional-1 District, seven parcels comprising 1.24- acres located between Simmons and Scott Streets, associated with the Shem Creek Boat Ramp. Parcels are currently zoned R-2, Low-Density Residential District. (Ord. No. 25022) Planning Commission recommended approval. Planning Committee recommended approval. Mr. Brownstein moved for first reading, seconded by Mr. Chapman. All present voted in favor. March 19, 2025 Planning Commission Minutes March 31, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes B. Old Business 1. Final Reading: An Ordinance providing for the Annexation of an approximately 11.16-acre tract of land Page 8 of 11  located at 1209 Venning. (Ord. No. 25013) (Ord. No. 25013 FINAL) Mr. Iacofano moved for final reading of the annexation, seconded by Mr. Rambo. All present voted in favor. This Ordinance SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED this date. February 19, 2025 Planning Commission Minutes March 3, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes 2. Final Reading: An Ordinance providing for an amendment to the Central Mount Pleasant Planned Development District Ordinance (Ord. No. 07030, as amended) by amending the Zoning Map to incorporate an 11.16-acre parcel located at 1209 Venning Road to be designated as Area 5 Storage Tract. (Ord. No. 25014) (Ord. No. 25014 FINAL) Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions. Planning Committee recommended approval with conditions. Mr. Rambo moved for final reading, seconded by Mr. Santos. Mr. Rambo moved to put a fifty-foot buffer along the section where houses are located, seconded by Mr. Brownstein. Ms. Whitley called for the vote on the buffer amendment and all present voted in favor. Mr. Chapman moved to require that no lighting spills over into the residential community, seconded by Mr. Brownstein. All present voted in favor. Ms. Whitley called for the vote on the amended final reading of the ordinance and all present voted in favor. February 19, 2025 Planning Commission Minutes March 3, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes March 31, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes 3. Final Reading: An Ordinance providing for an amendment to the Pepper Tract PD, Planned Development District Ordinance (Ord. No. 11048, as amended), by amending the Zoning Map, permitted uses, and development standards as identified in Page 9 of 11  “Exhibit A PD Amendment of Ord. 11048 (Pepper Plantation). (Ord. No. 25015) (Ord. No. 25015 FINAL) Planning Commission recommended approval with conditions. Planning Committee recommended approval with conditions Mr. Chapman moved for final reading, seconded by Mr. Santos. Mr. Chapman moved to adopt the amendments to the ordinance as presented, seconded by Mr. Rambo. Ms. Whitley called for the vote on the amendment and all present voted in favor. Ms. Whitley called for the vote on the amended ordinance and all present voted in favor. IX. COMMITTEE ACTION ITEMS A. Health, Recreation & Events Committee Consideration of approval to accept a donation from the United States Tennis Association of South Carolina (USTA SC) and the Lowcountry Tennis Association (LCTA) for repairs at Kerr Tennis Center Ms. Hyatt moved to accept the donation, seconded by Mr. Santos. All present voted in favor. March 31, 2025 Health, Recreation & Events Committee Minutes B. Planning Committee Consideration of approval to create a “Rainbow Bridge” pet memorial. Council discussed a proposal from citizen Candice Johnson to create a "Rainbow Bridge" pet memorial. Several concerns were raised, including: 1. The appropriate location for the memorial, with suggestions to place it near a dog park. 2. Long-term maintenance costs and responsibilities. 3. The need for more detailed plans and policies regarding the memorial's upkeep. Page 10 of 11  4. Whether the proposal should be reviewed by the Cultural Arts and Pride Commission. After discussion, the Council decided to defer the item for further review. Mr. Brownstein moved to send the item to the Culture, Arts and Pride Commission with a preference for a location, seconded by Mr. Santos. All present voted in favor. March 31, 2025 Planning Committee Minutes X. COUNCIL BUSINESS A. New Business 1. First Reading: An Ordinance to adopt and appropriate a budget for the Town of Mount Pleasant for Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026). (Ord. No. 25023) Mr. Rambo moved for final reading, seconded by Mr. Iacofano. All present voted in favor. This Ordinance SIGNED, SEALED and DELIVERED this date. March 24, 2025 Budget Committee Minutes B. Old Business There are no Council Old Business items. XI. ADJOURN There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Christine Barrett Clerk of Council April 8, 2025 Page 11 of 11