A regular meeting of the Town of James Island was held on Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the James Island Public Service District Office, 1739 Signal Point Road, James Island, South Carolina.
Present at the meeting were the following: Mary Clark, Mayor, who presided, Council Members: Leonard Blank, Joe Qualey, and Parris Williams. Absent: Councilman Bill Wilder.
Also present were: Bonum (Bo) Wilson, Attorney, Roy DeHaven, Planning Consultant, Charlie Rhodes, Disaster and Emergency Coordinator, Mary Jo Thomas, Grant Coordinator, and Frances Simmons, Town Clerk.
Councilman Williams gave the invocation and led in the pledge to the flag.
Mayor Clark called the meeting to order and announced that the meeting was being held in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, and would be conducted according to Roberts Rules of Order.
Mayor’s Comments: None.
Public Comments: The following individuals addressed Council:
George Temple – 758 Sprague Street: Mr. Temple thanked Council for their service; particularly, Councilman Qualey for his involvement at a recent meeting in which the alternatives for 526 was presented. He addressed a problem on Brookbank Avenue, where a vacant lot abuts his and Mr. Yancy’s property (also present to speak tonight). This lot was cleared and the contractors placed the trash and debris at the head of the road. Since the debris has been there for a while, it has caused rodents and snakes to come into his home. He has not been able to get assistance from DHEC or the City of Charleston and has asked the Town for help. He said the Town needs to begin providing services so that when it is vindicated in the fight to become a Town against the City it is ready to take a stand; constituent services are not being provided.
Calvin Yancey – 804 Sprague Street: Mr. Yancey said he continuously clean-up debris and trash that overflows onto his property from the lot. Mr. Temple added that the problem has become a drainage issue; the drainage was obstructed when the lot was cleared for vehicle access. Mayor Clark asked and was given the name of the owner; Mr. DeHaven said the property is in the City of Charleston, not the Town. Mayor Clark concluded that if the property is in the City, they would be responsible for the enforcement of violations.
Hilde Maricq – addressed Council regarding global warming issues. Mayor Clark suggested that a committee may be formed in the future to address this matter.
Consideration of Minutes: December 18, 2007: A motion to approve the minutes of December 18, 2007 was made by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilman Blank and unanimously approved.
Town Counsel Report: Mr. Wilson announced that he is continuing to communicate with the County on a number of issues but did not have a formal report tonight.
Disaster and Emergency Coordinator Report: Mr. Rhodes has obtained the necessary paperwork from State and Federal Surplus to purchase items needed during a disaster. There are six months before the storm season begins; historically storms begin in September, however, they can strike as early as July. Mr. Rhodes expressed the importance of the CERT team, Mayor and Council, to be able to communicate with each other during a disaster. No radios are available through the County and the old analog radios are now obsolete - the County and other entities are using digital radios. Mr. Rhodes has met with a representative from Motorola to determine the needs of the Town, amount of radios needed and cost. Motorola is willing to enter into a lease-purchase agreement, (including maintenance), and the cost for the radios could be budgeted for in the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Mr. Rhodes asked for permission to pursue matter and report back to Council. A motion to allow Mr. Rhodes to pursue a lease-purchase agreement with Motorola for radios for the Town for disaster and emergency was made by Councilman Blank, and seconded by Councilman Williams.
Councilman Blank commented that cell towers would be lost first during a hurricane; he said it is essential that the Town has radios.
Mayor Clark called for the vote. The roll was called and votes were recorded as follows:
Councilman Blank - Yes Councilman Qualey - Yes
Councilman Williams - Yes Councilman Wilder - Absent
Mayor Clark - Yes
The motion was approved on a vote of 4 yes; (1 absent), to allow Mr. Rhodes to pursue a lease agreement with Motorola for the purchase of radios for the Town.
Councilman Qualey made reference to an ad in Sunday’s Post and Courier that the Planning Commission of the City of Charleston plans to rezone properties which were annexed on James Island. These properties were annexed into the City as of December 15-19, 2007 and are coming up for zoning. Since the other members of Council had no knowledge of the ad, the Clerk was asked to provide a copy of the ad to them.
Councilman Qualey asked for an update on the following matters:
Knology Franchise: no information to report to date.
Leasure pond: Mr. Leasure has signed the amended release and it has been sent to E.M. Seabrook. Mr. DeHaven added that Mr. Seabrook has contacted General Engineering to get their newest proposal so that work can begin.
Town Hall: the Department of Justice has been contacted and asked to give the Town approval on the plans submitted or to have an inspector do a walk-through and give the Town the okay to open the Town Hall. We are waiting on hear back from the Justice Department. Mayor Clark said the Town Hall will meet all of the requirements of ADA after it is completed. Also, future plans for the Town’s web site is to have information in Braille so that everyone is accommodated.
Treasurer’s Report: the treasurer had a delay with his computer program; he plans to attend the next Council meeting to give a full report
Planning Consultant Report: Mr. DeHaven reported that the public hearing on Five Points will be held on Tuesday, January 15th at 6:30 p.m. at the James Island Baptist Church. The Planning Commission will meet on the same issue at its meeting on Thursday, January 24th and to Town Council at its first meeting in February.
West Ocean View and the residents of Ocean View expressed their appreciation to Mayor, Council and staff for providing assistance in getting the road graded. The contractor will begin work on Hollings Road this weekend. Mr. DeHaven said there are 15-16 other dirt roads that need to be prioritized and placed on a schedule for grading.