Economic Development Committee

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Monday, May 4, 2020 10:15 a.m. Video-Conference Meeting Live Streaming Link: https://youtu.be/cyyxGaWf9GM Minutes 1. Call to order Chairwoman, Kathy Landing, called the meeting to order at 10:16 a.m. 2. Roll call Kathy Landing, Chair; Laura Hyatt; and Tom O’Rourke were present. Rick Crosby, Mount Pleasant Waterworks was absent. (Mr. Crosby joined the meeting at approximately 10:20 a.m. via audio only) 3. Approval of Minutes from the March 2, 2020 meeting Mr. O’Rourke moved for approval; seconded by Ms. Hyatt. All present voted in favor of approval. 4. Public comments Please use one of the following methods to provide comments. Comments must be received by 3:00 p.m. Sunday, May 3, 2020. A. E-mail comments to execoffice@tompsc.com Michael Lawrie Mayor and Council, Thank you for all you’re doing for our town. Below are some comments for the reopening of town businesses agenda item for the Economic Development Committee. Early apprehension. The earlier we lift remaining restrictions, the greater the initial apprehension among people, which will mean things will get back to normal more incrementally and we can  Economic Development Committee May 4, 2020 Page 2 of 8 watch the numbers. In other words, the whole state would not be going out to dinner this weekend if it was permitted. But the longer we wait, the greater the onslaught of people that may abruptly abandon precautions. Plastic bags. While the population’s health was a more urgent priority and we also better appreciated the difficulties of running a small business, our plastic bag ban was unanimously suspended. And elsewhere in the country (e.g. San Francisco), reusable shopping bags haven’t only been discouraged; they’ve been banned. I would ask that you delay the reinstatement of our town’s ban until more research is done on the sanitary benefits and drawbacks of both plastic and reusable bags during this pandemic. Businesses in our town had a year as a trial run without plastic bags and undoubtedly, many will never go back to using them. But with everything that has happened, what’s wrong with letting our businesses and their customers make their own decisions in light of a new perspective? Extended hours. Whether to make up for lost business, accommodate increased demand (e.g. barbershops and salons) or spread their customers over a greater time period for better social distancing, businesses may wish to open for extended hours. If there are any restrictions in place, please suspend them as we get back to normal. Georgia. Georgia’s easing of restrictions will provide valuable data for forecasting infection rates when restrictions are lifted here. I would ask you to compare both states’ trajectories at the two-week mark after their opening of barbershops/hair salons on 4/24 and restaurant dining on 4/27. If there is no noticeable divergence in new case trajectories in our states, I think it would be a very strong argument that we can responsibly open things to Georgia’s level. Trajectory. If interested, I’ve included a chart below that shows Post and Courier numbers for Charleston County over time. The orange line is a 10-day moving average. This chart shows us in a very improved situation right now but this works both ways; if things deteriorate in the future we’ll know by watching numbers like this.  Economic Development Committee May 4, 2020 Page 3 of 8 Thank you again for your consideration. Respectfully, Michael Lawrie B. Leave a voice message at 843-856-7847 5. Discussion of Facilitating Local Businesses to Reopen Safely Ms. Landing stated that this is the Town simply attempting to help businesses open as quickly as possible so people can get back to work and to ensure that we are all clear on things that are important. She stated that one of the comments she did receive was regarding golf courses. She said golf courses have been allowed to remain open, because they are an outdoor activity and easily do not need to share equipment. She said they have not been allowing two people in a golf cart and most have been walking, which is a great form of exercise. Now that some businesses are being allowed to open, there are questions about eating establishments, which now allow outdoor eating. She said the main issue from the public comment she received was that everything needs to be as clear as possible. Mr. O’Rourke stated that he believes that framing the terms of what is not allowed is much better, because it makes it easier to understand. He also believes that we are attempting to interject in business to see what the Town can do to move it forward and open businesses back as quickly as possible. Also, to help business owners, as well as the citizens to get back to some form of normalcy. He stated that he personally gets frustrated where facts and data get eliminated from this  Economic Development Committee May 4, 2020 Page 4 of 8 discussion. By facts and data, there is no question that this virus is a monster; however, he is not certain that the fear we all have or are led to believe we have, is a fear we should have. He said just that fact that many of these casualties are those that are elderly, vulnerable, have had COPD, and a smoker for 20 or 30 years, and have respiratory issues. He said COVID-19 may have been one of the factors for their passing; however, he is aware personally of six people who had COVID- 19, and all were in the 30’s. They were sick, but all fully recovered. He is in favor of the Town doing everything possible to get the Town back to where it was previously. Ms. Landing stated when she mentioned earlier about not interjecting in businesses, the moment you use terminology such as “guidelines”, it seems as if the Town is telling businesses what to do, which is what she would like to avoid. She stated that she would like to know what the businesses think. She added that she would like to comment on Mr. O’Rourke’s statement regarding data. She is not sure if the public has been watching the DHEC numbers as closely as Council has needed to, but it is very interesting and helpful to know that Mount Pleasant officially, as of the update on May 3rd, has had 110 confirmed COVID-19 cases total and that number has stayed constant for several days and only increased slightly over the past week. She said it appears that the Town has plateaued or may be decreasing. She said this is in a Town with approximately 90,000 residents. She agrees that fear is one of the big factors that has affected everything and as we begin seeing our businesses open, she hopes that the citizens will pay attention to the data on this virus. She said it is very important to keep those at risk, safe; however, people do need to return to work and return to some type of normalcy. She said one of the comments she received referred to outside dining that will begin on May 4th. She indicated that you are allowed to have up to 8 people at a table but does not mentioned that they must be family members. She stated that the comment received from a golf club who does serve food outside assumed that the eight people did not have to be family members. They asked if they can also assume that two non-family members may also share a golf cart together. She discussed other requirements; however, it must be clear. Mr. O’Rourke stated that it is not the business of the Town to micromanage restaurants and does not believe it was the intent. He believes it should be left up to the establishments and golf courses and  Economic Development Committee May 4, 2020 Page 5 of 8 businesses to manage as they see fit and the best enforcement will be made by those that do not wish to potentially contract the virus. He hopes that the Town does not become too involved in the enforcement. He said the Town’s police department is already busy and believes it to the interpretation of the Governor’s orders. He stated that Council needs to be protecting the Town to ensure we do not become an enforcement division when it is not the Town’s responsibility, but the Governor’s orders. Ms. Hyatt stated that if the Town is not mandating anything, it appears that the best way to help businesses is not to do so. She asked what the Town is able to do to inform people and make the public feel comfortable that these businesses are open. She stated that some businesses are open, but you must have a mask to enter. She believes businesses are going to have their own set of requirements and need to let the public know these things. She said all the Town is able to do is encourage people. Ms. Landing stated that businesses such as Costco are requiring patrons to wear a mask now. She said this is their right as a business. She said the Town stands ready to assist if necessary; however, the best course of action is to let them run their own business and get back to work. As we receive more information from the Governor on opening dine in restaurants and other establishments, the Town is ready to assist. She directed her questions to Mr. DeMoura and stated that one of the issues he brought up about regulatory relief for businesses, she asked him to share some information on outside dining. Mr. DeMoura stated that Council saw the Governor’s order today that discussed restaurants. He stated that the Town intends to carry out the Governor’s orders on outdoor seating guidelines, which is clear. In addition, we are discussing outdoor dining, which raises the question if there is something that could be done at the Town level, temporarily, and if Council were willing, to allow businesses to add or expand their outdoor activity. He believes this can be accomplished. Restaurants may need the ability to expand into their parking lot, which is something the Town would typically not allow. If they are unable to have indoor dining, what can the Town do to help them have outdoor dining in a safe manner that would give the public the confidence to dine outside in these establishments. He said there are things the Town may be able to do to facilitate this temporarily.  Economic Development Committee May 4, 2020 Page 6 of 8 Ms. Landing asked if this would need a motion from this Committee or in a Council meeting. Mr. DeMoura stated that, in general, if this concept were supported by this Committee, staff could further develop the plan and have it ready for full Council. He said what was not mentioned is to have retailers to be able to open their doors and sell their merchandise outside as well. Ms. Landing stated that in a week or two things could be very different. She asked if staff was going to prepare this and if so, will a Special Council meeting need to be called this week in order to put this in place. Mr. DeMoura stated that Council has heard about the Governor’s desire to do what Ms. Landing has mentioned in restaurants and this information came out quickly. He said that Council will either need to have a Special Council meeting or it will need to wait until the next Town Council meeting which will be in eight days. He said staff could prepare a temporary ordinance in place shortly. Ms. Landing asked Mr. DeMoura to address what was discussed regarding business licenses which are due on July 31st. Mr. DeMoura stated that other tax payments have been deferred and this can also be accomplished with the business licenses. He stated that an additional 30 days may be provided until August 31st. He said this can be done quite easily in the documents that are being prepared to send out to business owners as part of the normal renewal of businesses licenses. Ms. Landing asked if this would be part of the same information that staff is preparing, which would be discussed by full Council and voted on. She also asked about deferring payment of impact fees which are typically due when the building permit is issued. She asked if there was discussion of deferring this payment for up to three months. Mr. DeMoura stated that they were initially due when the Certificate of Occupancy (CO) was issued, and then it was moved to when the building permit was issued. He said there may be a way to provide some extra time for relief of payment and if the owner does not pay the fees, then the CO may be withheld. Mr. O’Rourke stated that he appreciates all these ideas and anything that the Town is able to do to help businesses not only re-open but get their financial situation in a better place, so they are able to stay open.  Economic Development Committee May 4, 2020 Page 7 of 8 He agrees that this situation changes every day and believes that eight days until a full Council meeting may be too late for some of the restaurants. Those items that are urgent, especially to help the restaurant industry, should be addressed immediately in a special Council meeting. Ms. Hyatt stated that there is a sunset clause on bags and temporary signs recently passed. She asked if there is a consideration to extend this for additional time. Mr. DeMoura stated that this will all be packaged together for Council’s consideration. Mr. Crosby stated that he agrees with the Committee suggestions and wished to provide an update on what is transpiring at Mount Pleasant Waterworks (MPW), that may be of interest and benefit the residents. He said MPW has been selected from MUSC (Medical University of South Carolina), to be part of a trial with several other businesses in the lowcountry area. He said they are going to do some testing of their employees and an analysis of them to check their health conditions, medical history, and other items. He said they will provide MPW with a playbook by the beginning of next week which will tell MPW what they need to be doing in terms of addressing the virus as it relates to their business. He mentions this because all have been discussing the governmental and regulatory portion of re-opening, but if local businesses had questions relative to the health portion and what their best practices on restarting their business should be, there may be a resource at the MUSC that may be of benefit. Mr. DeMoura stated that he finds this very interesting. The Town’s first responders received tests at the beginning of last week and other government workers are receiving them now. He said he may reach out to MUSC to see if the Town may be a part of this testing. Mr. O’Rourke asked if MPW will be paying for this testing. Mr. Crosby said he does not believe so and thought that MPW was invited to participate. MUSC reached out to MPW. Ms. Hyatt stated that if there is going to be a list of best practices, if the Town could publish it and businesses could easily have a sign that they are following MUSC’s recommendations.  Economic Development Committee May 4, 2020 Page 8 of 8 Mr. Crosby stated that the advantage of this trial is the diversity with respect to the businesses, and the protocol for MPW and the Town is vastly different from that of a restaurant or retail establishment. He said by having the cross section of the businesses that are involved in the trial, a retail company may be able to obtain the playbook with respect to the retail sector and benefit. Ms. Landing stated that one other area is going back to being specific instead of being vague, as it causes confusion. She asked if there is anything that tells establishments specifically that they cannot have two people riding in a golf cart or is this something people determined from not using shared equipment or social distancing. At one point do they do what makes sense for their business. Mr. DeMoura stated that those regulations were part of the plan by the golf course to try and put into action those recommendations by the Governor. As they begin to change and open up, it is reasonable to believe that theirs would open up as well. Ms. Landing asked if any action or motion is necessary. Mr. DeMoura stated that procedurally the Mayor has the authority to call a Special Council meeting or three Council members may also make that motion to call a special Council meeting. He said staff would need that action in order to establish a Special Town Council meeting. Mr. O’Rourke moved to have a Special Town Council meeting as soon as possible to assist local businesses in expanding their business opportunities outdoors; seconded by Ms. Hyatt. All present voted in favor. 6. Adjourn There being no further business, Committee adjourned at 10:48 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Ashe May 4, 2020