The minutes of the regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of James Island held Tuesday, October 21, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at the Town hall located at 1246 Camp Road.

 Mayor Mary Clark called the meeting to order; attending were Councilmen Joe Qualey, Bill Wilder, Parris Williams and Bill Woolsey.  Also present were Town Attorney Mike Socha and Clerk-Treasurer Marie Copeland.

 Councilman Parris Williams gave the invocation, which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 Councilman Williams moved that the minutes of the regular meeting of October 7, 2003 be accepted as written.  The motion was seconded by Councilman Qualey and was unanimously approved.  Mayor Clark announced that the meeting would be conducted under Robert’s Rules of Order and in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act.

 The Mayor chose to dispense with her comments at this time.

 Citizens Comments:  None

 Committee Reports:

 Environment:  Attached

Grants:  Attached

Public Safety:  Attached.  Councilman Woolsey commented that metal can be placed across the glass window in the reception area of Town Hall in the event of a hurricane; the cost to have this done is $2,500.00. Councilman Woolsey responded to the question asked about a generator for Town Hall. The Town has not purchased a generator but has an agreement with Lowe’s to hold one in the event of a disaster. 


Roads and Traffic: Councilman Williams followed-up on the road pavement projects for Seawater Drive, Elias Lane, Sigsbee and Ben Roads. These roads were presented to the Ways & Means Committee at its meeting on October 7th and funds were approved in the amount of $259,000 to begin pavement of these roads.  Mike Socha said he communicated with Mr. Hutto by telephone and a letter about the quote on the road pavement project; the price quoted is as good as can be estimated for the cost of these projects.  If the Town gives the County permission to begin these projects prior to January 1st, the Town will be responsible for the material costs.  The County will provide the labor, assuming County Council gives its authorization.  The Town will serve as project manager on the status of the projects (with the authority to approve additional costs, or stop if necessary). Should the cost be less than what was estimated, the Town will only be charged the actual cost.

Councilman Williams also reported on the traffic conditions on North Shore and Harbor View Roads.  He said the Roads and Traffic Committee is interested in conducting a traffic survey as soon as possible.  Residents attending the Roads and Traffic meeting stated that vehicles are cutting through neighborhood streets to get to Harbor View Road backing up traffic.  There are those who think there should be no left turns in the morning between 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. turning off North Shore onto Harbor View. Mayor Clark added that the State Highway Department will be conducting a survey to determine the best way to address this intersection. It was determined that the survey was needed to find out how many people are turning and whether a light would be the best way to handle the intersection.

Councilman Williams also reported that Councilman Woolsey and Susan Milliken has been conducting a survey on speed calming devices (speed humps) using   Mt. Pleasant’s plan as a guide.  A public meeting will be held on November 3rd regarding this issue.

Ways and Means:  Councilman Woolsey reported that the Town has not received from the County the amount of revenue that would be lost or gained by the new business license ordinance.  While finding out, it is not critical that it be voted upon tonight, but it is important to know for budgetary purposes as it will impact this year’s budget.  Mayor Clark asked that when we vote on this item, do we need to establish our own, or do we use the County’s?  Mike Socha noted that we are voting on the County’s new ordinance. If we determine if the Town will have less revenue from business license next year and want to have the same, the rates can be changed. 

Mayor Clark asked how this ordinance is different from last year’s.  Mr. Socha replied that some professions, occupations and businesses were moved from one class to another that has different rates which would account for the differences in revenue.  The Town’s agreement with the County remains the same.

OLD BUSINESS:

Second Reading of Business License Ordinance -2003-15. Councilman Woolsey made a motion to accept Business License Ordinance 2003-15, seconded by Councilman Wilder and unanimously approved. 

Ordinance 2003-18 –An Ordinance Establishing Methods of Election for Mayor and Town Council. Mr. Socha briefly reviewed the changes to the ordinance.  He stated that it was the same method that was used for James Island’s election. Discussion was held as to whether a referendum would be required if the Town’s methods of voting were to change.  Councilman Woolsey made a motion to adopt Ordinance 2003-18, seconded by Councilman Wilder and unanimously approved. 

NEW BUSINESS:

Planning Commission Appointments – Replace Expiring 1 year Terms.  Mr. Socha reported that the terms of appointment for Michael Johnson and Leonard Blank will expire December 31, 2003.  Mr. Blank stated that the Planning Commission is required at its next meeting to appoint a Search Committee for a new Chairman; the Chairman must be appointed in December.  Councilman Joe Qualey and Mayor Clark are the two individuals responsible for making the appointments since they originally appointed Mr. Blank and Mr. Johnson.  Councilman Qualey made a motion that Leonard Blank be reappointed to serve another term on the Planning Commission, the motion was seconded by Councilman Wilder and unanimously approved. 

Mayor Clark made a motion that Michael Johnson be reappointed to serve another term on the Planning Commission, the motion was seconded by Councilman Wilder and unanimously approved.

Mayor Clark announced that Michael Johnson is the expectant father of twin boys.

Councilman Woolsey made a motion to amend the agenda to consider the expenditure of funds for road pavement.  The motion was seconded by Councilman Wilder and unanimously approved. 

A motion to expend funds in the amount of $259,000 for Charleston County Public Works to pave Seawater Drive, Sigsbee Road, Elias Lane and Ben Road was made by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilman Wilder and unanimously approved. 


Mayor Clark complimented Leonard Blank and the Planning Commission on the development of the Land Use Plan.  This is a mile-stone; the first Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Plan that the Town has ever had.

  Mayor Clark also thanked Attorney Mike Socha, Marie Copeland, Pam Blank and Frances Simmons for all the work that they did.

Joe Bennett was complimented for the hard work he does with putting up the Public Hearing signs. She appreciates all the work that everyone does for the Town; it is a dream coming into fruition.

 Citizen’s Comments:

Councilman Williams announced that the children in the Riverland Terrace area have no place to play.  He stressed the importance of youths having a place to play other than a recreation center. Mayor Clark noted that this is one of the school sites for sale or lease.  The Town’s name has been submitted for consideration; however, the Town cannot do anything until after the ruling is given.  Mr. Socha reported that approximately two weeks ago he received an email from the School Board noting that the Town’s interest in the property has communicated to the members of the School Board. We have not gotten a response as of yet.

Councilman Williams questioned that a City Police Officer was patrolling the new school on James Island.   Mayor Clark said the road is in the Town with the exception of an area near the old K-mart.  However, she will contact Captain Boatwright to see if the County has entered into any type of joint-agreement with the City. 

Councilman Wilder recognized Melvin Hughes and Leo Simonin at tonight’s meeting.

Executive Session:

Mayor Clark asked for a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussing legal matters.  The motion was made by Councilman Woolsey, seconded by Councilman Williams and unanimously approved. 

Re-enter into Regular Session:

Mayor Clark stated that no votes had been taken while in executive session. Mr. Socha reported that, if the decision on the Camp Road Estates is appealed, the Planning Commission will need to hire an attorney to represent them.  Councilman Woolsey also stated that discussion was held about who the attorney should be for the Planning Commission. 

Councilman Qualey made a motion to amend the agenda to add two items: 1) to fund the Planning Commission an appropriate amount of money to hire an attorney in the event of an appeal on the Cornish Road matters, 2) to hire Bo Wilson to assist in the two pending subdivision denial lawsuits; it was seconded by Councilman Woolsey and unanimously approved.

 

Councilman Qualey made a motion that the Town funds the Planning Commission an appropriate amount of money to allow it to hire an attorney of their choice to defend the Planning Commission in the event of an appeal on the Cornish Road matters.  The motion was seconded by Councilman Wilder. 

Councilman Woolsey stated that the amount of money should be determined and where the funds will be taken from in the budget.  Mr. Socha suggested that if an attorney is needed, they could give an estimate of the cost and then a budget decision could be made.  Vote:  Councilman Qualey-aye; Councilman Wilder-aye; Councilman Williams-aye; Councilman Woolsey-aye; Mayor Clark-aye.

Councilman Qualey made a motion for the Town to hire Bo Wilson to assist Mr. Socha in the defense of the two pending subdivision denial lawsuits.  The motion was seconded by Councilman Wilder and unanimously approved.

There being no additional business to come before the Council, Councilman Williams moved for adjournment, seconded by Councilman Wilder and the meeting was duly closed at 8:00 p.m.

The next meeting of Town Council will be Tuesday, November 4, 2003.