We have made some progress towards reuniting the Town. Just this week, we returned 160 homes to the Town. But this is less than 10 percent of the total. Woodland Shores, Riverland Terrace, Secessionville, Sol Legare, Grimball, Laurel Park, and Dogwood Park still remain in unincorporated Charleston County.
The Town is working with Senator Thurmond and Representative McCoy to change annexation law to bring all of those citizens back. At the Senate Subcommittee meeting on February 19, Trent Kernodle appeared to criticize the bill. In response to questioning by Senator Thurmond, he could come up with no specific problems with the bill.
Who sent Trent Kernodle to block the effort to reunite the Town? James Island PSD Commissioner Carter McMillan asked at the JIPSD Commission meeting last Monday. Who sent Trent Kernodle to Columbia to sabotage our effort to reunite the people of James Island? Commission Chair David Engelman said that he did. Commissioner June Waring thanked Engelman for sending Kernodle.
The rest of the Commissioners agreed to ask Trent Kernodle to the next Commission meeting, however, their current plan is to discuss all of this in executive session. What Trent Kernodle said in public testimony is not something that can be discussed in secret. The voters of James Island need to know why David Engelman and Trent Kernodle are sabotaging the Town's efforts in Columbia.
Comissioners Engelman, Welch, Hollingsworth, and Brown-Crouch are all up for election in November. I know that Commissioner Brown-Crouch and Commissioner McMillan support reuniting the Town. Chairman Engelman decided to send Kernodle to sabatoge our efforts without even asking for a vote of the Commissioners. Where do Commissioners Welch and Hollingsworth stand?
Please encourage all of the Commissioners to help reunite the Town.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Annexation Election Results--84% Support Rejoining the Town
Voters in West Fort Johnson and East Lighthouse Pointed chose to rejoin the Town of James Island. The vote was 84% in favor.
The Charleston County Election Commission will certify the results on Thursday morning. Town Council will meet Thursday evening at 6:00 PM to publish the result. I anticipate first reading on the annexation ordinance at the April meeting and second and final reading at the May meeting.
Election Day!
Registered voters in the area to be annexed should come to the polls at James Island Charter High between 7 AM and 7 PM. The area to be annexed includes West Fort Johnson and East Lighthouse Point.
Please vote to return your neighborhood to the Town of James Island.
See you at the polls!
Please vote to return your neighborhood to the Town of James Island.
See you at the polls!
Friday, February 21, 2014
Second and Final Reading on Residency Requirement
Town Council voted 4 to 1 Thursday night to require that all members of the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals be residents of the Town. Councilman Kernodle was the sole member of Council voting in opposition.
Will Robin Hardin continue to pretend to be a Planning Commission despite being a resident of the City of Charleston? We will see.
Will Robin Hardin continue to pretend to be a Planning Commission despite being a resident of the City of Charleston? We will see.
Subcommittee Hearing on Annexation Legislation
A special Senate subcommittee held a hearing on Senate Bill 723 last Wednesday in Columbia. Senate Bill 723 was filed by Senator Paul Thurmond. The bill would give special service districts, including the James Island Public Service District, the power to request the annexation of the unincorporated portion of the district to a municipality that already includes the majority of the population or registered voters of the district. The Town of James Island includes the majority of the population and registered voters of the JIPSD, so the bill would allow the JIPSD to request that all of the former Town citizens that we lost in 2011 be returned to the Town. If the Town accepts, which we would, then the Town of James Island will be reunited.
Mayor Pro-Tem, Leonard Blank. and our Town Administrator, Ashley Kellahan, both drove up to Columbia to testify in favor of the bill. I had to teach class that morning, so I sent a written statement. By all reports, Senator Thurmond did a great job in representing the people of James Island. If you see him, please give him a big thank you on behalf of the Town.
Lobbyists from the South Carolina Association of Counties and the South Carolina Association of Special Service Districts both were at the hearing and raised concerns. Fortunately, both groups seemed to agree with Senator Thurmond that the bill could be amended and clarified to resolve their concerns.
Remarkably, Trent Kernodle, the attorney for the James Island Public Service District, also traveled to Columbia to attend the hearing. He was harshly critical of the bill. Unfortunately, neither Councilman Blank nor our Town Administrator could understand exactly what concerns he had with the bill. Senator Thurmond had the same reaction and asked him to stick to discussing what was actually in the bill. In response to Senator Thurmond's questioning, Kernodle did finally agree that he supports reuniting the Town.
The Town retained a lawyer, Danny Crowe, about a year ago to work on the bill. Crowe was formerly the general counsel for the South Carolina Municipal Association. I have asked that he contact the South Carolina Association of Counties, the South Carolina Association of Special Service Districts, and Trent Kernodle to discover exactly what concerns they have regarding the bill.
Passage of anything through the Senate is difficult. Representative Peter McCoy has filed a companion bill in the House, and it is been co-sponsored by the Speaker. Hopefully, progress can be made in the House as well.
In my opinion, having the James Island PSD's lawyer testify against the bill doesn't help at all. However, what is most needed now is for the James Island PSD to provide a written, coherent explanation of exactly what they see wrong with the bill. Only then can the bill be modified to take into account any legitimate concerns they might have. Because the bill only gives special services an additional power, it is difficult to understand why they would be concerned.
What can you do?
Please call, write, and email the Commissioners. Ask them to work with the Town and not against it. Remember, four Commissioners will be up for election in November.
Here is a link to the JIPSD website including the Commissioner's phone numbers.
http://www.jipsd.org/commission.html
Here are the emails I have for them:
Chairman David Engelman
chairswarm@aol.com
(This goes to the Chairman's wife, Sandi Engleman, so be sure to address it to David Engelman.)
Vice Chairman Donald Hollingsworth
donaldh53@hotmail.com
Rod Welch
rod@hotelguides.com
June Waring
waring1040@knology.net
Eugene Platt
poet1326@hotmail.com
Inez Brown Crouch
ibcrouch2006@yahoo.com
Carter McMillan
cartermac@aol.com
Mayor Pro-Tem, Leonard Blank. and our Town Administrator, Ashley Kellahan, both drove up to Columbia to testify in favor of the bill. I had to teach class that morning, so I sent a written statement. By all reports, Senator Thurmond did a great job in representing the people of James Island. If you see him, please give him a big thank you on behalf of the Town.
Lobbyists from the South Carolina Association of Counties and the South Carolina Association of Special Service Districts both were at the hearing and raised concerns. Fortunately, both groups seemed to agree with Senator Thurmond that the bill could be amended and clarified to resolve their concerns.
Remarkably, Trent Kernodle, the attorney for the James Island Public Service District, also traveled to Columbia to attend the hearing. He was harshly critical of the bill. Unfortunately, neither Councilman Blank nor our Town Administrator could understand exactly what concerns he had with the bill. Senator Thurmond had the same reaction and asked him to stick to discussing what was actually in the bill. In response to Senator Thurmond's questioning, Kernodle did finally agree that he supports reuniting the Town.
The Town retained a lawyer, Danny Crowe, about a year ago to work on the bill. Crowe was formerly the general counsel for the South Carolina Municipal Association. I have asked that he contact the South Carolina Association of Counties, the South Carolina Association of Special Service Districts, and Trent Kernodle to discover exactly what concerns they have regarding the bill.
Passage of anything through the Senate is difficult. Representative Peter McCoy has filed a companion bill in the House, and it is been co-sponsored by the Speaker. Hopefully, progress can be made in the House as well.
In my opinion, having the James Island PSD's lawyer testify against the bill doesn't help at all. However, what is most needed now is for the James Island PSD to provide a written, coherent explanation of exactly what they see wrong with the bill. Only then can the bill be modified to take into account any legitimate concerns they might have. Because the bill only gives special services an additional power, it is difficult to understand why they would be concerned.
What can you do?
Please call, write, and email the Commissioners. Ask them to work with the Town and not against it. Remember, four Commissioners will be up for election in November.
Here is a link to the JIPSD website including the Commissioner's phone numbers.
http://www.jipsd.org/commission.html
Here are the emails I have for them:
Chairman David Engelman
chairswarm@aol.com
(This goes to the Chairman's wife, Sandi Engleman, so be sure to address it to David Engelman.)
Vice Chairman Donald Hollingsworth
donaldh53@hotmail.com
Rod Welch
rod@hotelguides.com
June Waring
waring1040@knology.net
Eugene Platt
poet1326@hotmail.com
Inez Brown Crouch
ibcrouch2006@yahoo.com
Carter McMillan
cartermac@aol.com
Dills Bluff and Camp: More Delays
Work has begun again at Dills Bluff and Camp, however, mid-February has passed and the lights are not operational. What happened?
SCDOT has noticed that water is ponding on the Church's parking lot. They are adding a catch basin by the road to drain that water, moving it under the road to connect to the storm drains across the street. While putting in the additional pipe across Dills Bluff, they found an SCE&G gas pipe. SCDOT and SCE&G are working out the problem. And so, more delays.
SCDOT has noticed that water is ponding on the Church's parking lot. They are adding a catch basin by the road to drain that water, moving it under the road to connect to the storm drains across the street. While putting in the additional pipe across Dills Bluff, they found an SCE&G gas pipe. SCDOT and SCE&G are working out the problem. And so, more delays.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
County Councilman Qualey's Meeting March 5 at James Island Town Hall
This meeting was originally scheduled for January 30 but was delayed due to conflicts with the winter weather.
News Release
|
February 18, 2014
Release Number: 3706
|
MEDIA CONTACT
Shawn R. Smetana, Media Relations Coordinator
Phone: (843) 958-4007 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 
(843) 958-4007 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting/Fax: (843) 958-4004
(843) 958-4007 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting/Fax: (843) 958-4004
Councilmember Joe Qualey to Host March 5 Public Meeting on Future James Island Development
Leaders from state, town, and city will also be on hand to help answer questions
Charleston County Council member Joe Qualey of District 9 is holding this meeting to answer questions from citizens about present and future development and transportation concerns on James Island. The meeting will be held March 5 at 6:30 p.m. at James Island Town Hall located at 1238-B Camp Road on James Island.
“It is my objective that every citizen of James Island knows exactly what development is proposed long before it occurs and each resident will have an opportunity to be heard,” said Councilmember Joe Qualey.
Officials schedule to attend include:
- South Carolina House Representative District 115 Peter McCoy
- City of Charleston Director of Planning, Preservation, and Sustainability Tim Keane
- Town of James Island Councilmembers
“Mr. Keane has been invited specifically to address the City of Charleston's zoning and development plans on James Island including the Gathering Place zoning on Maybank Highway and the city’s apparent plans to establish another such Gathering Place on Folly road,” said Councilmember Qualey. “All interested or affected citizens are invited and urged to attend and participate.”
For more information on the meeting, contact Charleston County Councilmember Joe Qualey:
• By email at: jqualey@charlestoncounty.org
• By phone at: (843) 693-3434 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (843) 693-3434 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting
(843) 693-3434 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting
-----------
For information on Charleston County Government news and services, the public can:
· Visit our website: www.charlestoncounty.org
· Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/
· Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/
o Board of Elections and Voter Registration: http://www.facebook.com/pages/
o Consolidated 9-1-1 Center’s Public Education Program: http://www.facebook.com/pages/
o Zoning and Planning Department: https://www.facebook.com/
· See us on You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/user/
· Watch County Council meetings online http://www.ustream.tv/channel/
- written by Shawn Smetana –
Shawn Smetana
Media Relations Coordinator
Charleston County Government
Office: (843) 958-4007 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (843) 958-4007 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting
(843) 958-4007 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Cell: (843) 696-1199 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (843) 696-1199 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting
(843) 696-1199 FREE end_of_the_skype_highlighting
4045 Bridge View Drive
North Charleston, SC 29405
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Annexation Election Tuesday February 25
Annexation Election on Tuesday, February 25
There will be an annexation election held on Tuesday, February 25, 2014. Those registered to vote in the area to be annexed will be eligible to vote. All precincts will vote at James Island Charter High School. The polls will be open from 7 am to 7 pm. Here is a copy of the official election announcement.The area to be annexed is described below:
Appendix A is a list of TMS numbers and street addresses making up the area to be annexed in West Fort Johnson.
Appendix B is a map of West Fort Johnson. The area to be annexed is in white.
Appendix C is a list of TMS numbers and street addresses making up the area to be annexed in East Lighthouse Point.
Appendix D is a map of East Lighthouse Point. The area to be annexed is in white.
Friday, February 14, 2014
Why Join the Town of James Island?
Why Join the Town of James Island?
The Town is Here to Stay
The Town of James Island was incorporated for the fourth time in April of 2012. There is no legal challenge to the Town's existence, so the Town is here to stay. Approximately 1/3 of the Town's former population was left out to make sure there was no challenge. As it becomes possible to annex these lost neighborhoods, the Town is organizing annexation elections. There is an annexation election on Tuesday, February 25. This is your opportunity for your neighborhood to rejoin the Town.
Property Taxes
If your neighborhood rejoins the Town of James Island your property taxes will be lower. The Town receives money from the Local Option Sales Tax and can use those funds to reduce the property taxes of Town residents. We anticipate the average homeowner will pay 10 percent less property tax next year.
Better Crime Prevention
The Town has formed the Island Sheriff's Patrol. The Sheriff's Office will continue to fight crime in your neighborhood, but the Town funds additional Sheriff's Deputies for added protection. If your neighborhood rejoins the Town, any time you have a crime or traffic problem, you can call Town Hall. The Island Sheriff's Patrol will be dispatched to help solve your neighborhood's problem.
Excellent Fire Protection
If your neighborhood joins the Town, you will continue to received excellent fire protection from the James Island Public Service District. Because of the mutual aid agreement with the City of Charleston, both Fire Departments on the Island will continue to help protect your home.
Excellent Garbage and Trash Pickup
The Town remains within the James Island Public Service District. If your neighborhood rejoins the Town, you will continue to enjoy twice weekly garbage pickup and public servants willing to take away yard and other household debris each week.
Convenient Building Services
When you plan an addition to your house or a major home improvement, do you want to drive to North Charleston? If your neighborhood rejoins the Town, these services will be found here on the Island, at Town Hall on the corner of Camp and Dills Bluff. While the Town continues to work closely with Charleston County, a top priority is to make sure that average homeowners do not need to drive to the County Office Building to obtain local services.
Roads and Drainage
Do you have a problem with drainage or potholes in your neighborhood? If your neighborhood rejoins the Town, our Public Works Coordinator will work with State and County public works departments to make sure your problem is fixed promptly. The Town is funding the expansion of sidewalks in Town neighborhoods, including along Camp Road.
Having a Say About Our Island
If your neighborhood stays in unincorporated Charleston County, you will have no voice in choosing the Town's Mayor and Council. If you rejoin the Town, you will continue to vote for Charleston County Council, but will also be represented in decisions made by the Town.
Don't Forget to Vote
Saturday, February 8, 2014
New Town Park Progress Report
The Town has been searching for a location for a new Town Park. The funds for the park will come from the Greenbelt fund. The Town has $1.1 million allocated from the half-cent sales tax. The program is managed by Charleston County.
We are looking at a property at 461 Fort Johnson Rd. I call it the "Pinckney Property." It is nearly 7 acres and backs onto a small tidal creek.
We hope to be ready to move forward at the Town's February 20 meeting. The key purpose of the park will be passive outdoor recreation. We hope to have a short presentation about the property at the Town Council meeting. There will be an opportunity for public comment.
If negotiations with the owner are successful and Town Council approves, then the next step will be approval by the Greenbelt Board. Then we go before County Council for final approval. The Town would take ownership early in the summer.
Should the Town purchase this land, we will be seeking public comment on specific plans for development of the park in the future.
If you have any comments or questions, please contact me at 697-7020 or email mayorwoolsey@gmail.com.
We are looking at a property at 461 Fort Johnson Rd. I call it the "Pinckney Property." It is nearly 7 acres and backs onto a small tidal creek. We hope to be ready to move forward at the Town's February 20 meeting. The key purpose of the park will be passive outdoor recreation. We hope to have a short presentation about the property at the Town Council meeting. There will be an opportunity for public comment.
If negotiations with the owner are successful and Town Council approves, then the next step will be approval by the Greenbelt Board. Then we go before County Council for final approval. The Town would take ownership early in the summer.
Should the Town purchase this land, we will be seeking public comment on specific plans for development of the park in the future.
If you have any comments or questions, please contact me at 697-7020 or email mayorwoolsey@gmail.com.
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