GREEN Commission

TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA GREEN COMMISSION JUNE 18, 2024 MINUTES Staff Report Present: David Quick, Chair, Susan Johnson, Lia Colabello, Angus MacBride, Rachel Honderd, Jim Westerhold, Olivia Flynn, Mary Conley, Andrea Martin. Staff: Liz Boyles Chris Lubert, Kevin Mitchell, Claire McLoughlin, John Farrell, Cody Robinette, Jillian Grimes, Theresa Horan Mr. Quick called the meeting to order at 3:02 pm. A. Approval of Agenda Ms. Flynn moved for approval of the agenda. Ms. Johnson seconded the motion. All in favor. B. Approval of April Minutes Ms. Martin moved for approval of the minutes. Mr. Westerhold seconded the motion. All in favor. C. Public Comment Ms. Lisa Schnipke, 185 Mossy Oak, spoke regarding a recent article in Post and Courier regarding painted storm drains in Spartanburg. She suggested that this program should be considered for Mount Pleasant. She suggested that this would highlight water quality throughout the Town. She also suggested that this would raise awareness, connect the community and provide better education on water quality. She also asked that the Commission support pollinator gardens in power line easements. Mr. Mike Tinkey, 208 Venning, stated that he submitted his comments on the draft tree ordinance and Comprehensive Plan. He stated that HOAs and POAs should be included in the LID requirements. He suggested that a more proactive approach should be taken to preserve more trees within the Town. He also suggested that there should be more code enforcement with regard to tree removal as well.  GREEN Commission June 18, 2024 Page 2 of 3 Mr. James McKee, 1247 Palmetto Peninsula Drive, expressed concern with tree removal and suggested that the tree protection policy should be better enforced. Ms. Grace Gasper, Executive Director of Friends of Coastal SC, spoke regarding their mission of conservation throughout coastal South Carolina. She thanked the Commission and the Town for their conservation efforts. She stated that they would like to partner with the Town on any future conservation efforts. Ms. Michelle Stress asked for consideration of the Town participating in the No Mow April and May next year to promote more blooms in the spring for pollination. Mr. Quick asked that discussion on the painted storm drain program be included on next month’s agenda. There being no further comments, Mr. Quick continued with the agenda. D. Residential Environmental Program Mr. Mitchell recognized the environmental team that recently responded to a discharge into Shem Creek from a storm drain and commended them for their quick response. Mr. Farrell stated that staff is working to incorporate the national wildlife federation certified habitat for residential areas and reviewed the program with the Commission. Mr. Mitchell stated that once stakeholders were identified, staff would meet with them to review the program and educate the public on implementation of the program. Mr. Mitchell stated that staff could come back to the Commission with ideas on meeting location areas. E. Public Tree Canopy Restoration Program Ms. Boyles reviewed the program with the Commission. The Commission discussed the program and provided input on how it could be implemented.  GREEN Commission June 18, 2024 Page 3 of 3 F. Updates Mr. Lubert updated the Commission on projects throughout the Town. Ms. Boyles stated that the updates to the tree protection ordinance will be reviewed at the next meeting. Mr. Quick noted that the Native Plant Symposium is scheduled for October 10th at the Charleston Museum and encouraged the Commission to attend. Mr. MacBride stated that this would be his last meeting as he is moving at the end of the month. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:36 pm. Submitted by, L. Lynes GREENComsn06182024