Town Council Meeting Report -- January 15

Town Council met on Thursday, January 15.

Scott Cave, who is the consultant reviewing the Town's Emergency Plan, gave an update.   He reported that the Town is approximately halfway finished on preparing the Emergency Plan.   He added that James Island Public Service District staff were participating in the committee meetings.   Chief Seabolt plays the leading role in operations within both the Town and the rest of the James Island Public Service District during any emergency. Thank you James Island Public Service District for working with the Town on this vital project.

Town Council reelected Councilman Leonard Blank to be Mayor Pro-Tem.

Town Council approved a record keeping policy consistent with the South Carolina State Archives.

Town Council voted 4 to 1 to appoint Warren Sloane to the Planning Commission.   Planning Commissioner Ed Lohr has resigned due to health problems.   I had nominated Ed, and nominated Warren Sloane as a replacement.   Councilman Milliken voted against the nomination.

Deputy  Stanley Singer was recognized as Island Sheriff Patrol officer of the quarter.   Thank you Deputy Singer for all of your good work in protecting the citizens of James Island.

Council approved a Memorandum of Agreement with Charleston County, the City of Charleston, CHATS, and the Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of Governments to establish the Riverland Drive Scenic Byway Committee.  

Council approved a resolution asking the state legislature to give municipalities the authority to regulate the right of way in residential neighborhoods in their jurisdictions.   The reason for this resolution was a request coming out of the James Island Neighborhood Council to allow homeowners to keep people from parking on the grass next to the street in front of their homes.    Municipalities do not currently have authority under South Carolina law to pass ordinances limiting parking in the right of way.

The Town of James Island passed on first reading an ordinance amending the use table for the Office Residential zone.   The changes make the permitted uses more consistent with the Town's Residential zone (RSL), though specifically allowing the sorts of office uses this zone is intended to allow.

Council went into executive session to receive legal advice regarding Regional Transportation Authorities.   After Council returned to regular session, consideration of the resolution regarding Town representation on the CARTA board of directors was postponed until the February meeting.