Human Resources Committee
Regular MeetingMount Pleasant, SC · August 5, 2019
Minutes
TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT, SOUTH CAROLINA
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Monday, August 5, 2019
Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor
100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
MINUTES
PRESENT: Bob Brimmer, Chair; Kathy Landing; and Guang Ming
Whitley
STAFF PRESENT: Eric DeMoura, Town Administrator and Meghan
Kelly, Human Resource Director
Mr. Brimmer called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
1. Approval of Minutes from the May 6, 2019 meeting
Ms. Landing made a motion to approve; seconded by Ms. Whitley. All
present voted in favor.
2. Public Comments
[None]
3. Presentation regarding staff recruitment and retention
Mr. Brimmer stated that he asked for this presentation knowing that
when the economy improves, the workforce gets tighter and it becomes
more difficult to recruit, especially in public agencies. He wanted to
review how the Town recruits qualified staff and, once hired, what the
Town’s retention efforts are.
Ms. Kelly provided the following presentation to Committee members
indicating what the Human Resources Department does to address and
assess Recruitment and Retention.
Human Resources Committee
August 5, 2019
Page 2 of 11
Ms. Kelly stated that from time to time, the Town will use a temporary
agency to fill a vacancy, but typically an intern is utilized to assist and
current staff is asked to do more.
Mr. Brimmer asked if the Town uses long term temporary positions.
Ms. Kelly stated that this is only done in the Recreation Department and
they are referred to as Part-time Temps.
Human Resources Committee
August 5, 2019
Page 3 of 11
Ms. Kelly stated that a low unemployment rate means that the good
employees are getting wooed by other companies. The Town is unable to
compete with the private sector’s pay. She said the Town has a better
benefit package than most and some of the Town’s positions offer a
work-life balance. She stated that stability is also valued. She said during
the recession, the Town did not lay any employees off, but through
attrition, did not fill positions.
Human Resources Committee
August 5, 2019
Page 4 of 11
Mr. Brimmer asked how many positions in Planning were for Planner
positions.
Ms. Kelly stated that none of the positions were for Planners. She said
two of them were technical and specialized positions.
Mr. Brimmer asked how long it takes from making an offer to being on
the street for a police officer.
Police Captain Mark Arnold stated that it takes approximately one year
for that process.
Mr. Brimmer asked how many resignations typically happen in a year.
Captain Arnold stated approximately 20 per year.
Police Chief Carl Ritchie stated that some employees leave law
enforcement, some retire, some are recruited and then leave to go back
to their home state. However, it is rare for officers to leave and go to
another local agency in the lowcountry. He stated that the Police
Department does actively recruit sworn or pre-certified officers,
especially from out of state and with the new academy process, they can
get it turned over quicker.
Human Resources Committee
August 5, 2019
Page 5 of 11
Ms. Landing stated that Workforce and Affordable Housing for first
responders and Town employees appears to be an issue. Also, the traffic
associated when you do not have Workforce and Affordable Housing. She
asked how many employees/first responders live in Mount Pleasant
versus those that commute from Summerville, North Charleston or the
Goose Creek area.
Ms. Kelly stated that many of the Town employees live in the tri-county
area. She said the Human Resources Department did an analysis
previously identifying where Town employees reside. 40% reside in
Mount Pleasant and the remainder resided on Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s
Island, West Ashley, North Charleston, Moncks Corner, Summerville and
Goose Creek. She stated that some potential candidates do not wish to
commute, and others do not mind.
Ms. Landing asked if the Town directs any of the recruits to the advanced
studies at Wando program for more technical skills or the local
universities for degrees.
Ms. Kelly stated that job fairs are conducted at the high schools, as well
as postings at the College of Charleston. She believes more can be done
Human Resources Committee
August 5, 2019
Page 6 of 11
to actively recruit students, but it must be for positions that do not
require any experience.
Ms. Kelly continued with her presentation.
Ms. Kelly stated that HR studies indicate that effective onboarding
predicts how engaged an employee will be.
Human Resources Committee
August 5, 2019
Page 7 of 11
She said during the recession, no one left; however, with the economy
the way it is today, people are being sought rather than seeking
employment elsewhere. She stated that August is a busy month for
turnover for full-time employees.
Ms. Kelly stated that for the new fiscal year, the Town is budgeted for
642 full-time positions. She said 584 are staffed, so the Town is short-
Human Resources Committee
August 5, 2019
Page 8 of 11
staffed by 58 positions or 9%. She stated that for the first seven months
of this year, the Town has hired 54 people and 36 have left. She said most
years the number of employees who leave versus those hired is a wash.
Ms. Landing asked how many employees are being recruited away.
Ms. Kelly stated that she believes it is 25%.
Ms. Angela McKee, stated that it has increased to approximately 30%.
Ms. Landing stated that the healthcare plan provided by the Town is
incredible.
Ms. Kelly stated that the benefits package provided by the Town is worth
approximately 35%, so if a position is paying $10 an hour, it is worth
$13.50 per hour when you consider total compensation.
Mr. Brimmer asked how the 9% open positions and 12% vacancies in a
department affect the budget and how is it accounted.
Mr. DeMoura stated that staff is conservative about it and do not budget
for every position knowing that there will be turnover. He said staff does
the best they can; however, having this level of open positions does tend
to yield savings at the end of the year. Staff keeps a steady approach to it
and reviews it on a monthly basis and, if adjustments are necessary, it is
brought back to Council during the mid-year budget process.
Mr. Brimmer asked if there are vacancies or turnovers that are
problematic in terms of service provision.
Mr. DeMoura responded in the affirmative and said that the Public
Services Department is the biggest concern. He said too often there are
critical jobs that must be performed and investing the time and money to
train someone, only to have them leave for 50₵ or $1.00 more an hour.
Ms. Kelly stated that some employees need to pay the bills more than
they need health insurance.
Mr. DeMoura stated that the mandatory retirement contributions, which
is a great benefit, is still a significant amount of money that employees
must contribute.
Human Resources Committee
August 5, 2019
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Human Resources Committee
August 5, 2019
Page 10 of 11
Ms. Landing stated that it may be beneficial for the Town to have a true
financial planner come in, as an outside expert, to do a seminar on a
regular basis to discuss all the things that people forget about such as
retirement and the benefits package.
Ms. Kelly stated that when the Wellness program began, they launched
into financial education because we recognized that money matters
change your stress level. She said financial advisors were brought in and
were speaking at the monthly “Lunch and Learns.” Also, we had the
representative from South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) speak
several times. She stated that approximately eight years ago, Human
Resources ran Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University at the Town
during lunch and after work. She said recently, HR showed Dave Ramsey’s
first video at the monthly training session.
Ms. Whitley stated that the cost of living, rent and food are so high, that
if you are making minimum wage, that 50₵ more an hour can make a
significant difference. She said if this is a known quantity that is making
some of the Town employees leave, then department heads should
adjust their budgets to request that increase in salary for that class of
workers.
Human Resources Committee
August 5, 2019
Page 11 of 11
Ms. Kelly stated that every July 1st the pay scale increases by the CPI
(Consumer Price Index), and every July 1st merit increases are given to
eligible employees. She stated that department managers have the ability
to hire above the minimum starting salary if the applicant’s experience
warrants it.
Mr. DeMoura stated that the Town has committed to doing a wage and
classification study every four years. The results are provided to the
Human Resources Committee first for review.
Mr. Brimmer stated that the wage and classification study at the Town is
accomplished more frequently than many other government entities. He
expressed concern with the turnover in the Public Services Department
and asked that a closer review of this department be made to seek
whatever strategies that are necessary to support this department.
Ms. Landing stated that the new Employee Fitness Center is a wonderful
tool.
4. Adjourn
There being no further business, Committee adjourned at 10:36 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Ashe
August 5, 2019
Agenda
MOUNT PLEASANT COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
MEETING NOTICE
Monday, August 5, 2019
Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor
100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Bids and Purchases Committee 8:30 a.m.
Recreation Committee 9:00 a.m.
Education Committee 9:30 a.m.
Human Resources Committee 10:00 a.m.
Transportation Committee 10:30 a.m.
Police, Judicial, and Legal Committee 11:15 a.m.
Finance Committee 12:45 p.m.
Economic Development Committee 1:45 p.m.
Planning and Development Committee 2:15 p.m.
The following Committees will not meet:
Fire Committee
Public Services Committee
Water Supply Committee
Title VI Notice: The Town of Mount Pleasant fully complies with Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and
related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. Town
meetings are conducted in accessible locations, materials can be provided
in accessible formats, and provided in languages other than English. If you
Telephone (843) 884-8517 - Fax (843) 856-2180
www.tompsc.com
would like accessibility or language accommodation, please contact the
Title VI Coordinator one week in advance of the meeting, at the Town of
Mount Pleasant at 843-884-8517.
Telephone (843) 884-8517 - Fax (843) 856-2180
www.tompsc.com
MOUNT PLEASANT COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
BIDS AND PURCHASES COMMITTEE
Monday, August 5, 2019
8:30 a.m.
Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor
100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
AGENDA
1. Approval of Minutes from the July 1, 2019 meeting
2. Public Comments
3. Award of lease-purchase financing for vehicles and equipment
4. Award of a contract for two (2) automated side load refuse trucks
5. Award of a contract for one (1) residential refuse packer
6. Award of a contract for athletic uniforms for the Town’s Recreation
Department
7. Award of a contract to remove and replace the Queen Street tennis
courts
8. Local Vendor Quarterly Report
9. Adjourn
Title VI Notice: The Town of Mount Pleasant fully complies with Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and
related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. Town
meetings are conducted in accessible locations, materials can be provided
in accessible formats, and provided in languages other than English. If you
would like accessibility or language accommodation, please contact the
Title VI Coordinator one week in advance of the meeting, at the Town of
Mount Pleasant at 843-884-8517.
Telephone (843) 884-8517 - Fax (843) 856-2180
www.tompsc.com
MOUNT PLEASANT COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
RECREATION COMMITTEE
Monday, August 5, 2019
9:00 a.m.
Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor
100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
AGENDA
1. Approval of Minutes from the June 4, 2019 meeting
2. Public Comments
3. Discussion of field and facility rental fees
4. Program/projects update
5. Adjourn
Title VI Notice: The Town of Mount Pleasant fully complies with Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and
related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. Town
meetings are conducted in accessible locations, materials can be provided
in accessible formats, and provided in languages other than English. If you
would like accessibility or language accommodation, please contact the
Title VI Coordinator one week in advance of the meeting, at the Town of
Mount Pleasant at 843-884-8517.
Telephone (843) 884-8517 - Fax (843) 856-2180
www.tompsc.com
MOUNT PLEASANT COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Monday, August 5, 2019
9:30 a.m.
Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor
100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
AGENDA
1. Approval of Minutes from the July 1, 2019 meeting
2. Public Comments
3. Presentation on potential structure of a Town of Mount Pleasant Youth
Council
4. Adjourn
Title VI Notice: The Town of Mount Pleasant fully complies with Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and
related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. Town
meetings are conducted in accessible locations, materials can be provided
in accessible formats, and provided in languages other than English. If you
would like accessibility or language accommodation, please contact the
Title VI Coordinator one week in advance of the meeting, at the Town of
Mount Pleasant at 843-884-8517.
Telephone (843) 884-8517 - Fax (843) 856-2180
www.tompsc.com
MOUNT PLEASANT COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Monday, August 5, 2019
10:00 a.m.
Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor
100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
AGENDA
1. Approval of Minutes from the May 6, 2019 meeting
2. Public Comments
3. Presentation regarding staff recruitment and retention
4. Adjourn
Title VI Notice: The Town of Mount Pleasant fully complies with Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and
related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. Town
meetings are conducted in accessible locations, materials can be provided
in accessible formats, and provided in languages other than English. If you
would like accessibility or language accommodation, please contact the
Title VI Coordinator one week in advance of the meeting, at the Town of
Mount Pleasant at 843-884-8517.
Telephone (843) 884-8517 - Fax (843) 856-2180
www.tompsc.com
MOUNT PLEASANT COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
Monday, August 5, 2019
10:30 a.m.
Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor
100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
AGENDA
1. Approval of Minutes from the June 3, 2019 meeting
2. Public Comments
3. Consideration of findings and recommendations regarding Stockdale
Street
4. Discussion of Long Point Road/Needlerush Parkway roundabout
5. Coleman Boulevard update
6. Update – ongoing projects
7. Adjourn
Title VI Notice: The Town of Mount Pleasant fully complies with Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and
related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. Town
meetings are conducted in accessible locations, materials can be provided
in accessible formats, and provided in languages other than English. If you
would like accessibility or language accommodation, please contact the
Title VI Coordinator one week in advance of the meeting, at the Town of
Mount Pleasant at 843-884-8517.
Telephone (843) 884-8517 - Fax (843) 856-2180
www.tompsc.com
MOUNT PLEASANT COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
POLICE, JUDICIAL & LEGAL COMMITTEE
Monday, August 5, 2019
11:15 a.m.
Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor
100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
AGENDA
1. Approval of Minutes from the July 1, 2019 meeting
2. Public Comments
3. Police matters
No agenda items
4. Judicial matters
No agenda items
5. Legal matters
a. Progress update on efforts to provide more information on Council
agenda
b. Update on legislation governing small cell technology
c. Review of local and state laws governing tree trimming around
power lines
d. Discussion and possible action with regard to the US Army Corps of
Engineers Crab Bank renourishment project
e. Executive Session to receive legal advice regarding Crab Bank
f. Post Executive Session
Committee 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.
Telephone (843) 884-8517 - Fax (843) 856-2180
www.tompsc.com
6. Adjourn
Title VI Notice: The Town of Mount Pleasant fully complies with Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and
related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. Town
meetings are conducted in accessible locations, materials can be provided
in accessible formats, and provided in languages other than English. If you
would like accessibility or language accommodation, please contact the
Title VI Coordinator one week in advance of the meeting, at the Town of
Mount Pleasant at 843-884-8517.
Telephone (843) 884-8517 - Fax (843) 856-2180
www.tompsc.com
MOUNT PLEASANT COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Monday, August 5, 2019
12:45 p.m.
Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor
100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
AGENDA
1. Approval of Minutes from the July 1, 2019 meeting
2. Public Comments
3. Request for funding to support the National Medal of Honor Heritage
Center
4. Discussion and potential action regarding CARTA FY19-20 proposed
budget
5. Discussion and potential action regarding parking meters at
Memorial Waterfront Park
6. Approval of Mount Pleasant Waterworks State Revolving Fund series
ordinance authorizing a water and sewer system parity bond
evidencing a loan from the Water Quality Revolving Fund Authority
to the Town for sewer improvements
7. Review of Economic Indicators
8. Adjourn
Title VI Notice: The Town of Mount Pleasant fully complies with Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and
related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. Town
meetings are conducted in accessible locations, materials can be provided
in accessible formats, and provided in languages other than English. If you
would like accessibility or language accommodation, please contact the
Telephone (843) 884-8517 - Fax (843) 856-2180
www.tompsc.com
Title VI Coordinator one week in advance of the meeting, at the Town of
Mount Pleasant at 843-884-8517.
Telephone (843) 884-8517 - Fax (843) 856-2180
www.tompsc.com
MOUNT PLEASANT COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Monday, August 5, 2019
1:45 p.m.
Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor
100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
AGENDA
1. Approval of Minutes from the July 1, 2019 meeting
2. Public Comments
3. Review of economic development impact of the National Medal of
Honor Heritage Center
4. Discussion of impact fee and business license fee rates
5. Adjourn
Title VI Notice: The Town of Mount Pleasant fully complies with Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and
related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. Town
meetings are conducted in accessible locations, materials can be provided
in accessible formats, and provided in languages other than English. If you
would like accessibility or language accommodation, please contact the
Title VI Coordinator one week in advance of the meeting, at the Town of
Mount Pleasant at 843-884-8517.
Telephone (843) 884-8517 - Fax (843) 856-2180
www.tompsc.com
MOUNT PLEASANT COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
Monday, August 5, 2019
2:15 p.m.
Municipal Complex, Committee Meeting Room, 3rd Floor
100 Ann Edwards Lane, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
AGENDA
1. Approval of Minutes from the July 1, 2019 meeting
2. Public Comments
3. Annexations
a. A-10-19: Rifle Range Road. Request to annex an approximately 0.017
acre tract of land located on Rifle Range Road, identified as being a
part of TMS No. 578-00-00-801 and depicted as New Right-Of-Way
Parcels #2 and #3 on a plat recorded by Charleston County ROD
Office in Plat Book L18, Page 0411.
4. Review of Planning Commission recommendations from the July 24,
2019 meeting
a. R-19-19: 1228 Melvin Bennett Road. Request to rezone one parcel
from R-1, Low Density Residential District, to OP, Office Professional
District. Also request to include subject parcel in the BOD, Boulevard
Overlay District. TMS No. 560-02-00-020
b. R-20-19: 1218-1220 Schirmer Avenue. Request to rezone one parcel
from NC, Neighborhood Commercial District, to R-1, Low Density
Residential District. Subject parcel is proposed to remain in the BOD,
Boulevard Overlay District. TMS No. 532-07-00-142
c. R-18-19: Patriots Point Road. Request to rezone from PD, Planned
Development District Ordinance, to WG-C, Cooper River Waterfront
Gateway District, a 30.32 acre portion of a larger 162.86 acre tract of
Telephone (843) 884-8517 - Fax (843) 856-2180
www.tompsc.com
land and amend the official building height Plan map to allow up to
80 feet in building height. TMS No. 517-00-00-001
d. Request approval of an impact assessment and conceptual plan of a
30.32 acre portion of a larger 162.86 acre tract of land, located on
Patriots Point Road, known as Patriots Annex. TMS No. 517-00-00-
001
5. Review and potential action regarding a proposed Development
Agreement for Patriots Annex
6. Referred from Town Council back to Planning Committee
a. An Ordinance to amend Chapter 156, Zoning Code, of the Mount
Pleasant Code of Ordinances by adding a new section entitled Short
Term Rentals. The purpose of this new section is to define and
regulate the use of residential units as short term rentals in order to
protect the integrity and character of the Town’s existing
neighborhood, as well as the health and safety of occupants of Short
Term Rental Units. (Ord. No. 19048)
b. An Ordinance to amend Chapter 156 of the Mount Pleasant Code of
Ordinances by adding language in Section 156.225(E) to allow
payment into the Tree Bank in lieu of planting when the amount
cannot be adequately accommodated on site. (Ord. No. 19051)
c. An Ordinance to amend the Town of Mount Pleasant Comprehensive
Plan 2009-2019 (2014 Update) Future Land Use Map pertaining to an
approximately 1.84 acre tract of land comprised of three parcels,
located at 1729 Halls Pond Road and 1740 and 1724 LaCannon Lane
and depicted on a plat recorded by the Charleston County ROD
Office in Plat Book S19, Page 0029 and Book W, Page 145, by
changing the land use recommendation from Community
Conservation to Commercial. (Ord. No. 19021)
7. Continued discussion of building heights in the Johnnie Dodds and
Chuck Dawley portions of the Boulevard Overlay District
8. Adoption: A Resolution providing for the addition of 125 Pitt Street to
the List of Historic Properties and Structures located in the Old Village
Historic District (Staff Report)
9. Update on Building Permit Allocation System (BPAS)
Telephone (843) 884-8517 - Fax (843) 856-2180
www.tompsc.com
10. Adjourn
Title VI Notice: The Town of Mount Pleasant fully complies with Title VI of
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and
related statutes and regulations in all programs and activities. Town
meetings are conducted in accessible locations, materials can be provided
in accessible formats, and provided in languages other than English. If you
would like accessibility or language accommodation, please contact the
Title VI Coordinator one week in advance of the meeting, at the Town of
Mount Pleasant at 843-884-8517.
Telephone (843) 884-8517 - Fax (843) 856-2180
www.tompsc.com
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