The
minutes of the regular meeting of the Ways and Means Committee of the Town of
James Island held Tuesday, January 6, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall, 1246
Camp Road.
The
meeting was called to order by Mayor Mary Clark with Councilmen Joe Qualey, Bill
Wilder, Parris Williams and Bill Woolsey present, as well as Attorney Mike Socha
and Clerk-Treasurer Marie Copeland. There
was a quorum present to conduct business.
A motion
was made by Councilman Williams to accept the minutes of the December 16, 2003
meeting as submitted with no corrections, additions or changes; Councilman
Wilder seconded the motion which was unanimously approved.
Mayor
Clark recognized and welcomed City Councilman, Henry Fishburne.
Old
Business:
Ordinance#2003-28
– Franchise Agreement with Charleston County: Mr.
Socha reported that he had not been able to meet with Kurt Taylor, Charleston
County, to review the County’s Franchise Agreement Ordinance, but was able to
obtain a copy. He and Marie Copeland will meet with Mr. Taylor on Wednesday,
January 7th to review the process. The ordinance will be placed on
the agenda for first reading at the January 20th Town Council
meeting; a public hearing will need to be held after the first reading before
adoption of the ordinance at the second reading.
Resolution#2004-04
–Planning & Zoning Committee Mailing Resolution:
Copy Attached. A
motion to accept this resolution was made by Councilman Qualey, and seconded by
Councilman Wilder. Vote: Councilman Qualey-aye;
Councilman Wilder-aye; Councilman Williams-aye, Councilman Woolsey-no; Mayor
Clark-aye.
New
Business:
Authorization
for Election Commission to Hire Legal Counsel:
Mr. Socha
reported that municipalities with legal counsel maintain a separate legal
counsel for its Election Commission. He
noted that this was best because the Election Commission is a separate body and
the process should be separated from the control of a Council. It was suggested
that consideration be given to Trent Kernodle since he was the legal counsel
during the incorporation of the Town. Councilman
Qualey asked if Mr. Kernodle’s representation would be a conflict since he
represents the Town on a number of other matters. Mr. Socha did not believe his
representation would be a conflict; however, Susan Milliken, a member of the
Election Commission, stated that Mr. Kernodle
could look into this issue. A representative of the Election Commission has
asked Mr. Kernodle if he would be willing to represent them as legal counsel and
he has agreed. Ms. Milliken
mentioned that some legal issues have already arisen which the Commission needs
to have guidance on, particularly because the Town is in active litigation.
Councilman Qualey asked what the best method of funding would be for the
Election Commission to hire legal counsel; Councilman Woolsey stated that funds
are in the budget for the Election Commission’s use and that could be expended
for legal counsel. A motion to accept Resolution
2004-01-Authorization for the Election Commission to Hire Legal Counsel was
made by Councilman Bill Woolsey, seconded by Councilman Joe Qualey and
unanimously approved.
Mayor
Clark asked and received permission to amend the agenda to include Resolution#2004-02, that the Town of James Island allocates the sum
of $20,000 for the purpose of retaining the services of grant writers; these
funds are to be transferred from the Town’s Reserve. A motion to accept Resolution#2004-02
was made by Councilman Wilder and seconded by Councilman Williams.
Councilman Woolsey asked how much money would be left in the reserve after this
expenditure. Though exact figures were not quoted, it was determined that this
expenditure would not drain the Reserve Fund. Councilman Qualey stated that he
thought Council had decided to allocate funds for grant writing later on. Mr.
Kline stated that the Grants Committee has done all and has gone as far as it
can; they have established a fantastic relationship with Charleston County, HUD
and COG. A contract has been entered into with COG for a Needs Statement and a
contract has been signed with the County for inclusion in HUD Grants. What needs
to be done now is of a technical nature, such as research, grant writing, and
administration of grants once they are received; these are jobs the Grants
Committee is not prepared to do and that require professional help. Mayor Clark
recognized and complimented Barbara Gray, Garrett Milliken, and Councilman Bill
Woolsey, for the excellent job they’ve done as members of the Grants
Committee, as well as Sussan Chavis, who has extensive knowledge about grants
writing. James Island has an opportunity to get moving on grants, but it will
require money to get these things accomplished. Councilman Woolsey stated that
he has no objection to the program; he is looking at where the funds should come
from. He asked for a proposal requesting less than $20,000; Mayor Clark
explained that the money is to administer the Grant Program. Councilman Woolsey
offered an amendment to the motion to reduce the amount of money requested from
$20,000 to $5,000; that the expenditure is taken from the line item of the Roads
and Traffic budget rather than the Reserve fund; no second was made to the
motion and it failed. Councilman Qualey stated that he, too, had no objection to
the allocation of funds, he is concerned about the control of the funds; who
will decide who is hired and how much they are paid? Mayor Clark said as Mayor
she is responsible for hiring and salaries.
After the discussion the motion
was approved as follows: Councilman Qualey-aye; Councilman Wilder-aye;
Councilman Williams-aye; Councilman Woolsey-no; Mayor Clark-aye.
Councilman
Qualey recognized Councilman Henry Fishburne.
He said that Councilman Fishburne has worked tirelessly for James Island
on the Charleston City Council. He
has been a strong advocate and ally and has worked on every issue the Town has
had before City Council. Councilman
Qualey thanked him for attending tonight’s meeting and for his contributions
to the Town. Councilman Fishburne stated that the Town is doing the right thing
in fighting for its community and wished it well in the litigation before the
State Supreme Court. He
complimented Mayor Clark and Council for going a great job on James Island. He
also shared that he will be running for the State Senate in the June 8 primary.
There
being no further business to come before the Ways and Means Committee, a motion
to adjourn was made by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilman Qualey and
unanimously approved.