COUNCIL CHAMBER
Regular Meeting
January 27, 2015
The seventieth meeting of the City Council of Charleston was held this date convening at 5:00 p.m. at the City Hall.
A notice of this meeting and an agenda were mailed to the news media January 21, 2015 and appeared in The Post and Courier January 25, 2015 and are made available on the City’s website.
PRESENT (13)
The Honorable Joseph P. Riley, Jr., Mayor
Councilmember White District 1 Councilmember Waring District 7 Councilmember Williams District 2 Councilmember Seekings District 8 Councilmember Lewis District 3 Councilmember Alexander District 9 Councilmember Mitchell District 4 Councilmember Riegel District 10 Councilmember Wagner District 5 Councilmember Moody District 11 Councilmember Gregorie District 6 Councilmember Wilson District 12
Mayor Riley called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m.
The Clerk called the roll.
Mayor Riley said, “I will now call on Councilmember Kathleen Wilson to open our meeting with an invocation, and then lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.”
Councilmember Wilson said, “Thank you, Mr. Mayor.”
Councilmember Wilson opened the meeting with an invocation.
Councilmember Wilson then led City Council in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mayor Riley said, “It’s a pleasure to have all of you with us tonight. I have a housekeeping matter before I forget. We would like to make available, a tour of the Gaillard for City Council the week of February 23rd, because it’s been a while since City Council has been there, and as you will see on the video tonight, a lot has happened. So, I think maybe if there are some days that you like or if there are days that would be out of the question, if you would let our Clerk’s office know, and they will try to work something out and the time of day. It seems to me like late in the afternoon was pretty good. Is that right? If so, it would be in the 5:00 range or something, generally. So, we can start working on a day.”
Councilmember Moody asked, “The week of the 23rd?”
Mayor Riley said, “Yes, sir. The week of February 23rd. The first matter on our agenda is a most pleasurable one, and that is to announce the winner of the 2014 Harold Koon Award. City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 2
I would like to ask a few people to join me for this, the 17th annual presentation of a very special award, the Harold Koon Volunteer Award. If members of the Neighborhood Commission would please join me up here. I’ve spoken to all members of the Commission earlier this evening, so it’s such a pleasure to have them there. The success of our wonderful City is due in large part to the extraordinary contributions that are made by volunteers. Our system of neighborhood councils is unequaled in America. We have 107 now, is that right?”
Su Griffin of Neighborhood Services responded, “No, it’s 109.”
Mayor Riley said, “109, see it keeps growing. 109 neighborhood councils, and those are neighborhood councils that are active with the City and with our Department of Neighborhoods. Years ago, we had a special Neighborhood Council President, Harold Koon, and Mr. Koon was the Mazyck-Wraggsborough Garden Neighborhood President. In fact, I think he actually coined that full name, and he did everything in the neighborhood, and then, everywhere else. He was ‘Mr. Neighborhood’, a neighborhood citizen, and then he died suddenly at a young age, and it made all of us extremely sad. We thought of how to recognize him, and we did so by creating an award in his honor. This is the 17th year it’s been given. The recipient receives this plaque and then their name goes on the wall for being a recipient of the Harold Koon Award. I’m very pleased to announce that tonight I was so happy to make the phone call to tell the winner. That winner of the 2015 Harold Koon Award is Diane Hamilton, President of Maryville-Ashleyville.”
Applause filled the Chamber.
Mayor Riley said, “Last year, the recipient was Julia Simmons of Joseph Floyd Manor, and then we had many distinguished people nominated for the award that Diane is receiving. So, let me read you some things about Diane, some of which I know and some of which I didn’t know. One needs only to consider the things that Diane has done and accomplished to know that she has, and currently is, leading a life of service to our local young people, her neighborhood, and the Charleston community at large.
Diane is a lifelong resident of Maryville-Ashleyville and is serving her fifth year as President of the Neighborhood Association. She is a retired educator, having taught history and social studies, as well as chairing a department, and coaching teachers. After retirement, she went back to the classroom for a period when asked by the school district.
Diane is a leader in STAND UP CHARLESTON, a task force to prevent crime through citizen engagement. STAND UP’s first-ever Neighborhood Assessment was hosted by Diane for her neighborhood in October 2013. She worked closely with Chief Mullen, STAND UP staff and College of Charleston Public Administration graduate students and staff. She inspired and engaged the residents to take advantage of this opportunity, and they came out in large numbers. They were energized through Diane’s guidance to contribute their ideas and recommendations to make their community more united, safer, more attractive, and to offer youth a greater direction and more recreational opportunities. One of the surprises of these meetings was the attendance of so many young people from the community. Diane went through the neighborhood and motivated them to say “yes” to the invitation to attend and engaged their participation while stressing the need for their generation to take more responsibility in neighborhood issues, work on problem-solving, and getting involved in leadership opportunities.
Diane and the community of Maryville-Ashleyville are doing many constructive things to emphasize that feeling of a ‘tight-knit, family-oriented and active community’ while welcoming City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 3 new homeowners’ involvement. Her commitment to maintaining that feeling of pride and togetherness while working to make things better is both a mission and a ministry. She has also established a harmonious and positive relationship with City of Charleston staff, and it is such a pleasure to work with her. Diane is responsible for the attractive neighborhood signs that were installed last year, which we had many discussions about. I had many discussions with DOT on behalf of Diane and her neighborhood. The signs give the Maryville-Ashleyville neighborhood their own special identity within the City of Charleston. No one is more excited about the new Higgins Pier than Diane. She has been graciously persistent in monitoring the progress and looks forward to the day when this amenity will open in her neighborhood.
She answered the call to be involved in 10,000 Trees for Charleston by working with Jimmy Bailey, its Chair. Senior services are close to her heart. She is a member of the West Ashley Senior Services Coordinating Committee. She represents Councilmember Waring on the Neighborhood Commission. Over the years, she worked many volunteer positions in her church, Graham AME.
The welfare and education of children has been the pulse of Diane’s professional life. In addition to teaching, organizations like The Jenkins Institute for Children, YWCA, Family Services Committee, North Charleston Homeless Shelter, and Habitat for Humanities have benefited from her involvement.
So today, in the spirit of Harold Koon, we honor Diane Hamilton’s contribution to volunteerism in our City as the appropriate recipient of the 2015 Harold Koon Award. It is my honor to present this Harold Koon Award to ‘Diane Hamilton 2015. Award presented in memory of Harold Koon 1948-1998 Neighborhood Leader and dedicated community volunteer. Harold Koon worked tirelessly on behalf of the City of Charleston and his neighborhood. His leadership and ability to create a sense of pride for his neighborhoods was outstanding. Joseph P. Riley, Jr. established this award in 1998 to perpetuate the energy, dedication, the selflessness of his example and in memory of him’. Diane, it is such an honor to present this Harold Koon Award to a most deserving recipient. Congratulations.”
Ms. Hamilton said, “Thank you.”
There was a standing ovation.
Ms. Hamilton said, “Mayor Riley, members of City Council, members of the Neighborhood Commission, Margaret Seidler and distinguished guests. I am truly humbled and appreciative of having received this Harold Koon Award for community service. It was really my parents and my neighborhood, Maryville-Ashleyville that instilled in me the importance of service to others. This just seems normal. It’s not anything out of the way. This is just the way it’s supposed to be. We are supposed to help our neighbors. We are supposed to share information with our neighbors and this is what I try to do. I am truly appreciative of all of this that you have shown me tonight on behalf of my neighborhood. Again, thank you, and I will continue to reflect the spirit of the Harold Koon Award.”
Mayor Riley said, “Wonderful.”
Applause filled the Chamber.
Mayor Riley said, “We have other Harold Koon recipients here. Reverend Dungee was the very first recipient of the Harold Koon Award.” City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 4
Applause filled the Chamber.
Mayor Riley said, “Ms. Greene, Mr. Lawrence, and Margaret are recipients of the award as well. Thank you all so much.”
Applause filled the Chamber.
Mayor Riley said, “We will now proceed with our public hearings. The first has been deferred, which was Clements Ferry, Cainhoy, Planned Unit Development, 2.296 acres. If anybody came here to speak on that, we would welcome their comments, but no action will be taken tonight. It will be considered at a later meeting of City Council. Yes, sir, would you like to speak about the Cainhoy matter?”
1. Anthony Bryant said, “Yes sir. Anthony G. Bryant, President of Bryant Group Inc., P.O. Box 20573, Charleston, SC 29413. This issue is paramount to me regarding large tracts of land that have been annexed into the City, one, and into Berkeley County. The critical question will be in 2020, with this particular land use, because Planning does not consider price points at all. So, as we proceed forward after this year here with Mayor Riley’s retirement, we have to refocus our attention on the 2,000 acres we’re playing with here, and the 81 acres in the Neck Area. So, we’re talking about what the price point is. We’re trying to get the Governor of this state to begin and make a request in law as to what the price point would possibly be by developing these long tracts of land and the long-term impact on infrastructure, flooding and other issues too. We need a new FEMA map immediately. We see this the growth coming, we’re not talking about the Governor’s state, Ray Farmer and Insurance Commission doing their job and ensuring that people in this community won’t be flooded out of this area completely if a hurricane, category 3, 4, or 5 hit because there won’t be a Joe Riley around when that happens.”
Mayor Riley said, “Thank you, sir. Anyone else would like to be heard on that matter that’s being deferred?”
No one else came forward to be heard.
Mayor Riley said, “If not, we will proceed. I guess we can take them up together, the matter of 528 Meeting Street, 78-82 Lee Street, 14 Drews Court, and I assume, maybe or maybe not, 193 Jackson Street. Is that all together?”
Tim Keane said, “We can take them together.”
Mayor Riley said, “Tim Keane is the Director of our Department of Planning, Preservation and Sustainability.”
Mr. Keane said, “Of the first items tonight, this first one is on Meeting Street between Lee and Jackson. This is property that’s zoned General Business. It is the former site of a gas station. It’s not used currently for any active business. The rezoning proposal is to go from General Business to Mixed-Use/Workforce Housing, so what the applicant is intending to do is, rather than a mostly Commercial development with little bit of Residential, they would do mostly Residential with a little bit of Commercial. That is why they’re requesting the Mixed- Use/Workforce Housing. There are no other zoning changes associated with this. No height changes or any other zoning, it’s simply a base zoning change that they’re proposing. We think City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 5 this is the right zoning district for this area and this property. We’ve used Mixed-Use/Workforce Housing, and in a number of locations, it was really designed for our main streets and urban areas like Meeting Street. So, we’re recommending it. We had a Planning Commission public hearing, and the Planning Commission recommends this to you also. You want to take the other one at the same time?”
Mayor Riley said, “Yes, why don’t you.”
Mr. Keane said, “I have some photographs here. This is a property, with the old gas station on it. That’s the proposal to go from General Business to Mixed-Use/Workforce Housing. So, here we are at Jackson and Meeting Street. You can see, on Jackson Street, the cottages that are a separate item on the agenda in terms of public hearings. Here they are. On Jackson Street, the cottages are proposed from be rezoned to Diverse Residential to Limited Business, and we had a lot of discussion with the applicant about saving those buildings and reusing them, and that will be done. The buildings will be protected, preserved, and restored. To facilitate that, they wanted to achieve some greater flexibility in terms of use, so we ended up proposing the Limited Business. It has General Business across the street from it. As you can see, the whole block north of this block including the Housing Authority office building is already zoned more intensely as Commercial with a General Business. The thing about the Limited Business, which is why we chose it, is it also permits Residential use. In terms of having some flexibility here, it can be used residentially, it can be used for an office, it can be used for a business. In the Limited Business, you have restrictions on use and you have restrictions on hours of operations that you don’t have in the General Business. So, it’s a somewhat limited Commercial zoning, but it does give you the right to do Residential and other things. That’s why we chose the Limited Business for these properties to, in part, help facilitate restoration of these cottages. Given the zoning that’s around it, Limited Business seemed appropriate to us. We’re recommending this, and the Planning Commission recommended it after a public hearing as well. We have two rezonings here, the General Business to Mixed-Use/Workforce Housing, and then separately, the Diverse Residential to Limited Business on Jackson Street.”
Mayor Riley said, “Thank you. Should we see if anyone wants to be heard first? Any citizen would like to be heard? Yes, sir.”
1. Mohammed Idris said, “Mayor Riley, City Council. Mohammed Idris. Is this the area Tim, where the people were promised, when the bridge came through that they would be able to have first access to that particular land?”
Mr. Keane said, “This property is not part of any of the publicly owned property that’s associated with the Bridge Project. This has been privately owned forever. Mr. Gilchrist has owned it for quite some time, so it’s not part of what you’re thinking of as the mitigation property associated with Bridge Project. It’s not part of that.”
Mr. Idris said, “It’s the Gilchrist service station, where the service station was?”
Mr. Keane said, “Correct. It’s been privately owned for years.”
Mr. Idris said, “Wouldn’t it be right to allow the people that you all promised in that area to come back in that area? Wouldn’t that be right to see if you all could get involved with that some kind of way?”
City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 6
Mr. Keane said, “Well, the thing about this rezoning, that’s what’s before us tonight, is that it’s the Mixed-Use/Workforce Housing, so 15% of the housing will be for low and moderate income people. We think this is a better zoning for the property in terms of the issue you’re raising.”
Mayor Riley said, “Thank you. Yes, sir.”
2. Anthony G. Bryant said, “Anthony G. Bryant, president of Bryant Group, Inc. P.O. Box 20573, Charleston, SC. The critical question for Mr. Keane has been urbanism itself. The term urbanism, and urbanism is really about sustainability and the highest and best use of land. The critical question that has always been for me, is because in planning you cannot even deal with the issue of price point or, like I said, any hardship. We need you to look at things in the Governor’s Office and the General Assembly to begin to start looking at price points and potential price points by anyone bringing an application when you’re dealing with flood issues, FEMA maps and things of that nature. So, the real critical question with urbanism, which the Mayor has been performing for many years and architectural records as well, in my observation, urbanism is questionable in its inability to deal with the dilution of the black vote. This has been, to me, some type of way of diluting that base knowing the price points, knowing the incomes of people in the community. So, urbanism is being used in this. I support the proposal. This is for the record and information for the Governor’s Office, General Assembly, regarding price points and planning. Thank you.”
Mayor Riley said, “Thank you very much. Anyone else would like to be heard?”
No one else came forward to be heard.
Mayor Riley said, “That concludes the public hearing. Councilmember Mitchell.”
Councilmember Lewis said, “Move for approval.”
Councilmember Alexander said, “Second.”
Councilmember Lewis said, “A motion has to be on the floor before we can discuss it.”
Councilmember Mitchell said, “I know. That’s okay.”
Councilmember Lewis said, “I withdraw my motion and let him put his motion on the floor. We have to have a motion on the floor before we could discuss it. Am I correct, Madam Clerk?
There was laughter in the Chamber.
The Clerk said, “Yes.”
Councilmember Lewis said, “Thank you. That’s all I was doing. Helping him out, but let him go ahead.”
Councilmember Mitchell said, “I am going to move for approval first.”
Councilmember Lewis said, “Okay.”
City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 7
Mayor Riley said, “The motion is on the floor.”
Councilmember Gregorie seconded the motion.
Mayor Riley said, “Would anyone like to be heard? Councilmember Mitchell.”
Councilmember Mitchell said, “I have worked with the developers, and I have met with them on three different occasions at my house where we went over this proposal. That’s why I had it deferred for a long time before we brought it back to Council. I wanted to make sure that the area and the community were notified and the church in the area was notified. The developer has done everything I asked him to do, and I have worked out with him even with the affordable housing piece. In our ordinance, we have a 15 percent housing piece for affordable housing, which is Workforce Housing. I have had them kind of split that up a little bit to have some of the houses 60 and 50 percent below the median income with that particular 15 percent. So we will take about three or four units out of that and make that affordable for some people to be able to move in there, and meet that criteria for that affordable housing piece. They have done that, and they have worked with that. I also worked with them in making sure that the parking is made available. They’re going to have parking on site for those four particular units that going to be Freedman Cottages, as you know that Freedman Cottages are there, and it’s going to take a heap of money to restore those particular units. The City, as we are, cannot do it. We don’t have the money to do it. So, this is why we went back to Limited Business for just that one block and across the street from it is the Housing Authority. They contacted Don Cameron of the Housing Authority. They are satisfied. The people see it’s a blighted area on their corner, so they’re happy to see something happening there. So, I moved for approval, and I hope that we all would vote on that issue. Thank you.”
Mayor Riley said, “Thank you. Anyone else would like to be heard?”
The Clerk said, “Mayor, just for the record, we’re voting on items two and three. The motion is for both.”
Mayor Riley said, “Councilmember Lewis.”
Councilmember Lewis said, “Just for the record, I’d like to say Councilmember Mitchell put a lot of time and a lot of work into this issue. Some nights he stayed up pretty late. He’d call me ‘Lew, I’m trying to get this developer to do this, and he wouldn’t do this’. Later on, he would call back and say, ‘I finally got the developer to do this’, but he worked hard on it because he was interested in making sure that the people in his district are represented and that we get some houses in that 80 percent or below area median income. I applaud the developers also for working with him. That’s one thing that we need to do is continue to work with developers when they come into our neighborhood, especially these low income neighborhoods, and try to get the best that we can to maintain our citizens and to make a way for some African Americans and low income people that are working hard in this City, that built this City, to be able to live in the City. So, I certainly applaud you for that, young man.”
Councilmember Mitchell said, “Thank you, sir.”
There was some laughter.
Mayor Riley said, “Thank you. I also want to thank Councilmember Mitchell for his wonderful engagement through leadership and Councilmember Lewis as well, and Tim and his City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 8 staff, and the developers. This property has been an eyesore and on Jackson Street the Freedman’s Cottages were an eyesore and had been subjected to Code of Enforcement actions. As pointed out, the fact is having them for the City to seek to acquire them and restore them as housing, the cost you couldn’t justify. So, the structures would be rehabilitated and preserved with other uses, but the form will be there permanently. Then, this corner will be redeveloped, which has been really an eyesore and have affordable housing as a part of it. It really is a great solution, and I think it attributes to City Council for getting the planning tools available so that a developer could wisely redevelop property like this. Anyone else like to be heard?”
No one else came forward to be heard.
On a motion by Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Councilmember Gregorie, City Council voted to give first reading to the following ordinances:
An ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Charleston by changing the Zone Map, which is a part thereof, so that 528 Meeting Street, 78-82 Lee Street and 14 Drews Court (East Side - Peninsula) (approximately 1.309 acres) (TMS #459- 05-01-023, 459-05-01-024, 459-05-01-047 (a portion), 459-05-01-055, and 459-05- 01-091 through 459-05-01-094) (Council District 4), be rezoned from General Business and Diverse Residential (GB and DR-2) classifications to Mixed Use/Workforce Housing (MU-2/WH) classification.
An ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Charleston by changing the Zone Map, which is a part thereof, so that 193 Jackson Street (East Side - Peninsula) (approximately 0.202 acre) (a portion of TMS #459-05-01-047) (Council District 4), be rezoned from Diverse Residential (DR-2) classification to Limited Business (LB) classification.
Mayor Riley said, “Next is 1641 Fern Hill Drive. Anyone would like to be heard?”
Mr. Keane said, “We have a few public hearings here that are related to zoning an property that was recently annexed into the City. This first one is on Johns Island. The proposal is to zone it SR-1. It’s zoned similarly in Charleston County. We recently annexed the property, and we’re recommending that to you tonight.”
Mayor Riley said, “Would any citizen like to be heard? Yes, sir.”
1. Anthony G. Bryant said, “Anthony G. Bryant, President of Bryant Group Inc., PO. Box 20573, Charleston, SC 29413. The question when the annexation took place between the City of Charleston and Charleston County, CPW provided an exemption for citizens. The water is provided by CPW to this body. With the bonding and whatever in the past, will CPW be able to provide an exemption of people who may not want to annex into the City? I filed an EPA complaint on this question, if an annexation takes place that’s contingent upon water, is that justifiable in some kind of way to be a part of a City, if the water is bonded by or paid for by the overall community. I’m actually filing a complaint and/or public comment to the EPA regarding the issue of municipalities and counties dealing with water issues. I wonder whether or not, in the past, did this happen between the County and City of Charleston? I support it.”
Mayor Riley said, “Anyone else like to be heard?”
City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 9
No one else came forward to be heard.
Mayor Riley said, ‘This matter is now before City Council. Any discussion?”
Mayor Riley said, “Yes, sir, Councilmember Wagner.”
Councilmember Wagner said, “Again, we have this in District 5 and a relatively large tract. I have not seen a thing about this. I have not heard a thing about it. So, what I would like to do until I can find out about it, could we please defer it at least one meeting?”
Mayor Riley said, “Sure.”
Councilmember Wagner said, “I would like to move to defer for one period where I can find out what they’re doing over there.”
Mayor Riley said, “The motion is to defer.”
On a motion by Councilmember Wagner, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell, City Council voted to defer first reading to the following bill:
An ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Charleston by changing the Zone Map, which is a part thereof, so that 1641 Fern Hill Drive (Johns Island) (17.057 acres) (TMS #313-00-00-049) (Council District 5), annexed into the City of Charleston November 25, 2014 (#2014-149), be zoned Single Family Residential (SR-2) classification.
Councilmember Mitchell said, “Mr. Mayor, if I’m in order, we can take E-5 through E-7, and we can publish the addresses to see if anyone has anything they want to speak on.”
Mayor Riley said, “Sure. Thank you. So, this is 1559 South Pinebark Lane, 118 Magnolia Road, and 1702 Savage Road. Would anyone like to be heard on any of those? Hearing none.”
Councilmember Lewis said, “Move for approval.”
The Clerk said, “I think we have one.”
Mayor Riley asked, “Do you want to be heard?”
Mr. Bryant said, “I respect the vote.”
On a motion of Councilmember Lewis, seconded by Councilmember Wilson, City Council voted unanimously to approve giving first reading to the following ordinances:
An ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Charleston by changing the Zone Map, which is a part thereof, so that 1559 South Pinebark Lane (West Ashley) (0.932 acre) (TMS #353-15-00-005) (Council District 7), annexed into the City of Charleston November 25, 2014 (#2014-148), be zoned Single-Family Residential (SR- 1) classification.
City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 10
An ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Charleston by changing the Zone Map, which is a part thereof, so that 118 Magnolia Road (West Ashley) (0.21 acre) (TMS #418-13-00-165) (Council District 3), annexed into the City of Charleston December 2, 2014 (#2014-155), be zoned Single Family Residential (SR-2) classification.
An ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Charleston by changing the Zone Map, which is a part thereof, so that 1702 Savage Road (West Ashley) (0.94 acre) (TMS #351-07-00-119) (Council District 7), annexed into the City of Charleston December 16, 2014 (#2014-164), be zoned Single Family Residential (SR-1) classification.
The Clerk said, “Item E-8 is deferred.”
Mayor Riley said, “Item E-8 is deferred. That’s the property on Clements Ferry Road. Does anybody want to be heard on that? It’s been deferred.”
1. Anthony G. Bryant said, “Anthony G. Bryant, President of Bryant Group, Inc., P.O. Box 20573, Charleston, SC 29403. For the record, I served on the BZA for Charleston County from 1999 to 2006. So, I have this question, with these large tracts of land as it moves into the Governor’s Office, into the General Assembly, to try to begin looking at tracts of land over 30 acres in very high density areas and annexed into the City of Charleston, whether or not those price points will be considered under urbanism? There’s a kind of urbanism going on in Charleston, which is a fancy word for something else, but we want to make sure the General Assembly understands that, after tonight, we’re concerned about these price points to deal with FEMA maps and flood insurance. I support the bill.”
Mayor Riley asked, “Does anybody else want to be heard?”
No one else came forward to speak.
Mayor Riley said, “Hearing none, this matter is deferred.”
The following bill was deferred on the agenda:
An ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Charleston by changing the Zone Map, which is a part thereof, so that Clements Ferry Road (Cainhoy) (30.23 acres) (TMS# 267-00-00-004, 010, 050 through 057, 069 & 071) (Council District 1) be zoned Planned Unit Development (PUD). (DEFERRED)
Mayor Riley said, “Now, we have the matter of approval of the January 13th City Council minutes.”
On a motion of Councilmember Riegel, seconded by Councilmember Lewis, City Council voted unanimously to approve the minutes of the January 13, 2015 City Council meeting.
Mayor Riley said, “Petitions and Communications, memorandum regarding South Carolina Army National Guard Innovation Readiness Construction Assistance Program Request.”
Councilmember Mitchell asked, “Did we do the approval of the minutes?”
City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 11
Councilmember Lewis said, “Citizen Participation is what we have now.”
The Clerk said, “Citizen Participation. We both missed that one.”
Mayor Riley said, “I sure did. That might have been wishful sleeping.”
There was laughter in the Chamber.
Mayor Riley said, “That’s like my uncle said. Once he was at church, and the collection pass went by and this guy had his eyes shut and didn’t put anything in, and after the plate came through, my uncle said, ‘you missed the collection.’ He said, ‘I must have been dozing.’ Anyway, now is Citizen Participation, which is an opportunity for citizens to address City Council on any matter they wish. Would anyone like to be heard? Yes, ma’am.”
1. Sarah Green said, “I’m so proud to be here.”
Mayor Riley said, “It’s wonderful to have you here, Ms. Green.”
Ms. Green continued, “I want you all to hear me for a minute, just a minute. When Mayor Riley ran for office and won one time, two times, three times, four times, and I took sick. You know me (referring to several Councilmembers). Raise your hand, the handsome man right there. He knew when I got my award. He just looks the same, and he looks the same, but what happened to me?”
Mayor Riley said, “You’re the one that looks the same.”
Ms. Green said, “Age, I’m 73, but I want to say to you on a serious note. When I became sick with my first bypass, I didn’t know you that well. That man came to the hospital, didn’t ask if he could come, didn’t check with his advisors, but he came for a citizen that he believed in. You all need to take reverence to this man. I don’t know what you’re going to do after you leave here. I don’t know what you plan to do, but do it good like you did when you were here. Thank you.”
Mayor Riley said, “You’re so sweet. Thank you, Ms. Green.”
2. Robert Jenkins said, “Good evening, Mayor Riley, City Council. I will always enjoy the opportunity to exercise my freedom of speech. The Rolling Stones had a concert with James Brown, and they wouldn’t go on after James Brown played because he closed the house down. I would not want to be the person that has to follow Mayor Riley, with his persistence for all the years that he’s been Mayor. I’m very pleased to be here at the end of his career, his term, and I have some gifts that I’d like to give you. I have some for you, you, and you, and your secretary upstairs.”
Mayor Riley said, “Thank you.”
Mr. Jenkins continued, “This is the interview from when Mayor Riley and I sat in his office. It makes me feel very special to be able to go into his office and speak to a very powerful, very hospitable man, and this is that time.”
Applause filled the Chamber.
Mr. Jenkins said, “Please sign it for your staff. I have a question to ask you. Is there anybody here that was with you on the night of Hurricane Hugo? This man right here?” City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 12
Mayor Riley said, “Jerry was here. Mary Ann’s got a cold, but she would be here.”
Mr. Jenkins said, “I admire these people. I admire you for staying here when Hurricane Hugo was approaching Charleston. That was an opportunity for you to be great, and I think you set a good example at that time. If a person wants to be great, look at what Mayor Riley did during that time with Hurricane Hugo. Thank you very much.”
Mayor Riley said, “Thank you very much. That’s so nice. Thank you, sir, very much. Yes, ma’am.”
3. Reverend Dungee said, “Mayor Riley and Council, I was always happy to work with you all. They’re calling me the second Mayor of City Charleston now. They’re telling me now it’s time to take a break because I’m doing too much. Some of the young people call me ‘Mom.’ Some call me ‘Grandma,’ and some people call me the ‘donut lady.’ I’m here every day working with them, and I’m just so thankful. I was very appreciative when you gave me the Harold Koon Award, the first recipient of the Harold Koon Award, and I have about a 100 awards that were given to me. When you invited the Vice President of the United States, he gave me a hug, and put this pin on me. I’ve been working with the March of Dimes for over 33 years. This year I would like to raise $7,000, so whoever wants to give me a donation, I’ll be happy. Last year I raised $5,380, and this year my goal is $7,000, so I’d like to reach that goal. I’ve been feeding the shelter for over 40 years. I’m just so appreciative that God blessed me to be a blessing to others. If you can help me with the March of Dimes and reaching my $7,000, I would appreciate it. Thank you.”
Mayor Riley said, “Yes, sir.”
4. Anthony G. Bryant said, “Anthony G. Bryant, Bryant Group, Inc., P.O. Box 20573, Charleston, SC 29403. I want to thank Senator Lindsey Graham for looking into the IRS. I want to thank Senator Graham for sending me this letter here. It should be, I guess, on Comcast tomorrow. Senator Graham expressed to me in the letter that there definitely were some concerns beyond this jurisdiction. On June 8, 1998, I was stopped by a State Trooper, and this brochure here is a formal complaint that we filed. At the time, we had no identifiers. It was stolen, and we filed an EPA complaint regarding the incinerator, and so this is the brochure here for citizens to file a complaint there. Secondly, this is another brochure to file under the 1964 Civil Rights Act regarding it, as well, that needs to be available to every student in our community regarding how to formally address your grievances with your government, which I’ve done for the past four years. Thanks to Senator Graham and his staff, and I want to submit these documents to Mayor Riley and his staff for their support and look forward to getting that back with a formal address to my family and to my younger brother Keith D. Bryant. He worked in schools for years helping young brothers in the community, who did his part for his big brother. They call me ‘Dap.’ That’s my nickname, Dap, and he’s Silk. We’re brothers, and we love each other. At the end of the day, that ticket was from when he and I were going to college in my father’s car to take him his information as a basketball player at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, and he was a football player at Morgan State University. This ticket was used against us, my brother and I, and let the City of Charleston Housing Authority and all housing authorities know that we’re going to file a formal complaint against the housing authorities in this country for bias and racial profiling.”
Mayor Riley said, “Thank you, sir. Yes, sir.”
5. Arthur Lawrence said, “Good evening, Mr. Mayor and Council. It comes to that time in your life, and I just wanted to say thank you, Mr. Mayor, for all the wonderful things that you and City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 13
Council have done for the City of Charleston and for supporting the residents of the City of Charleston. I would like to thank your staff for supporting me all of those years that I was a member and President of the Westside Neighborhood Association. I’ve seen Charleston from the bottom, and grow to what it is now, and that’s because of your leadership and Council’s leadership to put Charleston on the map. I hope Charleston will continue to be on the map. For all of your fine staff, I know sometimes it used to be rocky, but sometimes families have a little fight, but they get back together and to make sure it’s not about ‘I,’ but it’s about the neighborhood and the City of Charleston. I’m not going anywhere, but I’m going to be returning back to my activist days. I’m still going to be around fighting for the Westside Neighborhood Association and fighting for the City of Charleston, but I just want to let everybody know, it’s not about the letter, ‘I.’ It’s about all of us working together to continue the fine work that Mayor Riley, his staff and City Council have done for the City of Charleston, and I thank you very much, Mr. Mayor.”
Mayor Riley said, “Thank you, Mr. Lawrence, and if I may, let us thank you. How many years did you serve as President of the Westside Neighborhood Council?”
Mr. Lawrence said, “Over 30 years.”
Mayor Riley said, “It’s really amazing service, and as members of City Council know and those who weren’t here all the while, he was at every meeting. He fought hard to get the housing rehabilitated and the removal of blight and substandard buildings in his neighborhood. He would bring us pictures. He would get us on the ball. He worked closely with the schools, and every initiative that needed neighborhood engagement, Arthur ‘Peter’ Lawrence was right there. I’ve told him before, he is the Westside, and to me, he’ll always be the Westside. Mr. Lawrence, thank you so much for your wonderful example of citizen engagement, and your service to our community. Thank you so much.”
Mr. Lawrence said, “Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I ran into your son one day, and most people don’t understand, I used to umpire the Little League Softball Game for the City of Charleston. I remember umpiring Mayor Riley’s son’s baseball game when he was that small, and all of us grew up together. Ms. Yarbrough, continue the good work.”
Mayor Riley said, “Thank you, sir. Yes, sir.”
Councilmember Williams and Councilmember Riegel were excused at 5:48 p.m.
6. Mohammed Idris said, “Mayor Riley, City Council, ladies and gentlemen, Mohammed Idris. Being a resident of the Eastside for 40 years, we have caught pure, unadulterated hell. We’ve been moved, abused, and promised over and over by this administration. This has been one of the worst administrations that we have had in the history of Charleston, and this Mayor leads that group. Promises, promises, promises. You know, when we look at the word ‘pimp’, P-I-M-P, we see the Poor Imitation of the Minister’s Population, but it could be a Poor Imitation of the Mayor’s Population. This has been the most terrible Mayor that we have ever had. We have words here that he has told us what he’s going to do, and it never happened on the Eastside, and people are crying the blues over there day-in and day-out. So, I’m here to say 40 years of nothing. He has treated us like how the children of Israel were treated in the wilderness after they left Egypt. After we got our civil rights, and he came into office in 1975, we caught pure, unadulterated hell on the Eastside.”
Councilmembers Riegel and Councilmember Williams returned to the Chamber at 5:49 p.m. City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 14
Mayor Riley said, “Thank you very much. Would anyone else like to be heard?”
7. Diane Hamilton said, “Good afternoon, once again. This is the beginning of my fifth year serving as the President of the Maryville/Ashleyville Neighborhood Association. It has been my experience for the past five years that starting with the Mayor’s office, my City Councilmembers, I just have to dial their numbers, and they come. I don’t know why. Whenever I say, ‘please come,’ they all show up, including the members who represent us in the General Assembly, as well. So, I am very pleased, and that’s been encouraging that we have the support of the members of City Council and also the staff. If I need something, starting with Su in Neighborhood Services, something called a dial, and we have that support. We in the Maryville/Ashleyville Neighborhood appreciate the support that we have gotten, and we hope that spirit will continue with the next Mayor. Thank you.”
Reverend Dungee said, “Mayor.”
Mayor Riley said, “Yes, ma’am.”
Reverend Dungee said, “The North Central Neighborhood was the first neighborhood organized in the City of Charleston.”
The Clerk asked, “North Central was the first neighborhood?”
Reverend Dungee said, “The first neighborhood, and I was the first neighborhood president, and I’m still the neighborhood president, and that’s been over 40 years.”
Mayor Riley said, “I’m glad they don’t have term limits.”
There was laughter in the Chamber.
Reverend Dungee said, “I want somebody else to be it, and they say, ‘no, you stay the president because you’re doing the work. I’m appreciative of you all, and I’d like to give you all a little Valentine’s gift, but I’ll bring it back to you. Anytime I call you all, you know, that’s Reverend Dungee. I say, ‘yes, Reverend Dungee needs you,’ and you all come right away and help me. I’m just so appreciative of all of you. Anytime I can help anybody, I’m more than happy to because that’s what life’s about, sharing and caring. If you could help somebody while you’re moving, then your living would not be in vain. Just be thankful that you can be a blessing to others, and I’m very appreciative because that’s way I was brought up, to be a blessing to others. It’s not about self. It’s about being able to be a blessing to others.”
Councilmember Reigel was excused from the Chamber at 5:52 p.m.
Mayor Riley said, “Thank you. Would anyone else like to be heard? Yes, ma’am.”
8. Alice Tellis Critikos said, “Alice Tellis Critikos. I’ve heard so many goods and bads around here tonight, and I wasn’t going to say anything, but I decided I would. I came in, and I saw all these chairs for the Riley family. So, I had to sit somewhere else. So, I asked Mayor Riley, ‘am I part of your family’?”
There was laughter in the Chamber.
City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 15
Ms. Critikos continued, “I feel like I’m part of the family, in and out, fighting or not. I’m still part of your family, and I ought to be sitting over there. God bless you. Thank you.”
Mayor Riley asked, “Would anyone else like to be heard? Are there any family members?”
There was more laughter in the Chamber.
Mayor Riley said, “That then concludes the Citizen Participation Period.”
Mayor Riley said, “We will now proceed the Memorandum Concerning the National Guard Innovative Readiness Construction.”
On a motion of Councilmember White, seconded by Councilmember Gregorie, City Council voted unanimously to approve the Memorandum Concerning the National Guard Innovate Readiness Construction Assistance Program Request.
---INSERT MEMORANDUM---
Mayor Riley said, “City Council Reports, Committee on Community Development.”
Councilmember Mitchell, Chair of the Community Development Committee, said, “The Committee on Community Development met, and we had two items here on our agenda. One was the Long Savannah Affordable Housing Strategy. It was for discussion only. We also had the Five Year Consolidated Plan which was presented by Geona Johnson, to improve the quality of affordable housing, provide expanded economic development, provide a suitable living environment, and also develop the capacity of local housing and service providers. It was voted on and approved by the Committee, and I’m asking the Council to do the same.”
On a motion of Councilmember Mitchell, seconded by Councilmember Gregorie, City Council voted unanimously to approve the report of the Committee on Community Development.
---INSERT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT REPORT---
(Long Savannah Affordable Housing Strategy (Discussion Only) (Five Year Consolidated Plan – 2015-2020 Goals (Discussion Only) i. Improve the quality and quantity of affordable housing ii. Provide Expanded Economic Opportunities iii. Provide a suitable living environment iv. Develop the capacity of local housing and service providers
Mayor Riley said, “Committee on Traffic and Transportation.”
Councilmember Moody, Chair of the Committee on Traffic and Transportation, said “Mr. Mayor, we have Items ‘a’ and ‘b.’ There’s one taxi and one limo, and that amendment to the Municipal Agreement for Harbor View Road. Both of those items were discussed and approved unanimously by the Committee, so I would present those for approval to this body.”
Councilmember Alexander said, “Second.”
Mayor Riley said, “The motion is made and seconded. Is there any discussion?”
City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 16
On a motion of Councilmember Moody, seconded by Councilmember Alexander, City Council voted unanimously to approve items ‘a’ and ‘b’ of the Committee on Traffic and Transportation Report.
---INSERT TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION REPORT---
(Application for Original Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity Certificate for Taxi Cab/Limousine -- Lucky Limo, LLC (Limo) -- Lucky Cab, LLC (Taxi) (Amendment to Municipal Agreement for Harbor View Road improvements between Charleston County, SCDOT and the City as part of the half-cent sales tax transportation program (Resolution)
Mayor Riley said, “Committee on Ways and Means. I’m sorry, yes, sir.”
Councilmember Moody said, “There’s one other item. We have a first reading down there for Chapter 31. We are not ready to bring that forward at this point. I will tell you we had about an hour meeting today with the Committee, and we discussed some of the points. Our very able attorney, Janie Borden, brought us a spreadsheet where she laid out the limo, the taxi, and the TNC ordinances. We’re trying to be sure that we’re consistent, that we don’t enable something, or have some inconsistency, so we are going to have another meeting next week to go through those in detail. We are to study them and hopefully by the next meeting, we will bring forward that first reading. So, we’re not quite ready, but that’s an update. If anybody has any questions, I’ll be glad to answer them.”
Councilmember Riegel returned to the Chamber at 5:55 p.m.
Councilmember White said, “Mr. Mayor.”
Mayor Riley recognized Councilmember White.
Councilmember White said, “Just two quick comments on that. I’m glad you all have decided to look at it. I think that was one of the things that was a little bit of a concern when I did review the ordinance with the expectation of it coming forward. It did seem that it was quite far reaching in a lot of the scope. I just felt like I wasn’t sure that we actually took an ordinance specific to limos and cabs that far. So, I’m glad you all decided to address that. The second thing I would ask be addressed when you get together one more time on it, is the impact of the Cease and Desist Order that the State currently has in place for Uber and how that will impact anything that we do. Are we maybe kind of getting a little ahead of ourselves if the State’s going to do something specific to us? I just ask that it be reviewed as you all have the next conversation on it.”
Councilmember Moody said, “We are addressing those. To be honest with you, I’m not exactly sure about the PSC, they have taxis and limos that they deal with, but they don’t have a TNC. So, as long as we stay within the City, and that’s all we’re authorized to deal with, we’re probably okay, but that’s kind of where we are. So, we are looking at what impact that will have. Whatever we do, if something happens outside the City, it’s not our responsibility. We cannot regulate that anyway. The State does that.”
Mayor Riley recognized Councilmember Lewis.
City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 17
Councilmember Lewis said, “That was my concern at the last meeting, to make sure that whatever rules that we write, we cannot supersede any laws that the State has made. The taxis today and the limos have certain rules and regulations that they have to follow, so let’s make sure that we don’t give Uber special treatment because they are a billion dollar company, when we have these little taxi companies and limos that have been here for years. They’re providing transportation, especially to the low-income people in this City for years, and we just don’t want these big companies coming in here and trying to run these little companies out of town. So, when your Committee looks at this, please be very mindful of that because you know, that’s a big concern of mine.”
Councilmember Moody said, “Councilmember Lewis, that’s exactly why we’ve been very deliberate and have not brought you something. We want to be sure that we don’t do something that hurts or gives someone an advantage or disadvantage by what we do. So, we’re trying to bring it all together at one time where we can look at the whole package, limos, taxis, and TNCs, and be sure that they’re consistent and that one does not get some advantage over the other. So, that’s where we are.”
Councilmember Alexander said, “Point of information, Mr. Mayor.”
Mayor Riley said, “Yes, sir.”
Mayor Riley recognized Councilmember Alexander.
Councilmember Alexander said, “On this item, it’s been published as first reading. Is it not proper for Council to defer first reading? Would that not be the proper way?”
The Clerk said, “They are not taking any action on it.”
Councilmember Alexander said, “I’m just curious since it has been published as first reading.”
The Clerk said, “It has, and it was on the agenda last time, as well, but it was deferred because there was no action and no vote. We would normally defer it.”
Councilmember Alexander said, “I just wanted to clarify whether it was necessary.”
The Clerk said, “If it’s formally deferred, it will go under the first readings as deferred, but the Committee is still working on it. They are going to meet again next week.”
Councilmember Alexander said, “Thank you.”
Mayor Riley said, “Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, the Committee, and Janie Borden for their hard work on a very complex and important matter.”
There was no action taken on the following ordinance:
An ordinance to amend the Code of the City of Charleston, South Carolina, Chapter 31, to add thereto a new Article V relating to Transportation Network Companies.
Councilmember Mitchell said, “Mr. Mayor.”
City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 18
Mayor Riley said, “Yes, sir.”
Mayor Riley recognized Councilmember Mitchell.
Councilmember Mitchell said, “Not on that matter, but going back, and I skipped it under Community Development, on Long Savannah, there was no action taken on that particular item. We didn’t even vote on it. They will be coming back to Community Development to bring some more information pertaining to the affordable housing piece. I just want to let Council know we did not act on it. It will be coming back to the Community Development Committee before we really send it back to Council for approval.”
Councilmember Riegel said, “Mr. Mayor.”
Mayor Riley recognized Councilmember Riegel.
Councilmember Riegel said, “Thank you, sir. Councilmember Mitchell reintroduced the subject of Long Savannah, and you were gracious enough to let me sit in on your Community Development meeting last week. As I understand it, the Long Savannah Development Project was approved in 2000, if I’m not mistaken, before many of us were on Council. It’s a huge impact on my District 10, which has a tremendous problem with congestion and traffic and mitigating the numbers of homes that are being built out there. I think it’s going to be 6,000 units, as I understand. The question is, is this going to come back before full Council? What opportunities are there going to be to modify it? I understand that last week it was approved by the City Planning Commission, but given it is seven years old, I really think it needs to be revisited by all members of Council. Thank you, sir.”
Mayor Riley said, “Thank you. Tim, does Long Savannah come back to City Council?”
Mr. Keane asked, “Will it? Yes, it will. It’s been to the Planning Commission, and it will come back to Council soon.”
Mayor Riley said, “Good. It’s coming back here.”
Councilmember Riegel said, “I want to clear about it. It was originally approved in 2008, correct, Tim?”
Mr. Keane said, “That’s correct.”
Councilmember Riegel said, “And now it’s gone to the Planning Commission.”
Mr. Keane said, “What they’re doing is they’re changing the zoning a little bit. They’re amending the Planned Unit Development, and that’s what’s coming to you, along with the development agreement.”
Councilmember Riegel said, “Many of us have not looked into it. I have, fortunately, understanding where the roads are on Proximity and Village Green. As you know in Village Green, you can’t move in rush hour anyways. So, the Village Green Development adding more homes on Highway 61 has to be addressed. Thank you, sir.”
Mayor Riley recognized Councilmember Wagner.
City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 19
Councilmember Wagner said, “I have met with Mr. Bush on more than one occasion regarding Long Savannah. The vast majority of Long Savannah does fall within District 5, but it does come in from the backside over on Highway 61 where Councilmember Riegel is. He’s concerned, and he should be. There’s a ton of traffic out there. I actually had a biscuit with him at Hardee’s, but we’re not supposed to talk about that, right? He told me that he was planning on trying to have everything ready to come back to Council sometime in February or early March. I believe it’s Mr. Morgan that’s working on this, so, I think we’ll be seeing something. They have several things they’re tweaking in that whole thing around the zoning. The actual timing and the phasing. I mean we’re talking potentially up to 6,000 houses. This isn’t a little, small thing here.”
Councilmember Riegel said, “It’s a game changer.”
Councilmember Wagner said, “It’s huge. Right now, I think Grand Oaks is the largest of the subdivisions in the City, which Dean and I also share.”
Councilmember Riegel said, “That’s 5,000.”
Councilmember Wagner said, “This is actually going to be bigger than that, and it’s going to be adjacent to it and going all the way back to the landfill and all the way up to Bear Swamp Road and Red Top. So, they’re working pretty hard on it when I talked to them last, and I think we ought to see something rather soon.”
Mayor Riley said, “Then, that has us back to the Committee on Ways and Means Report.”
Councilmember Alexander said, “Move for the adoption of the report.”
The Clerk said, “Which includes the ordinances.”
Councilmember Alexander said, “Including the ordinances.”
On a motion of Councilmember Alexander, seconded by Councilmember Mitchell, City Council voted unanimously to approve the report of the Committee on Ways and Means.
---INSERT WAYS AND MEANS REPORT---
(Bids and Purchases (Parks-Capital Projects: Approval of the application to the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism (SCPRT), in the amount of $9,804.58 for Park and Recreation Development (PARD) funding allocation for FY 2014-2015. Funding is proposed to be used for new playground equipment at McMahon Playground. The work is to be accomplished as part of an overall renovation/upgrade to McMahon in partnership with the Charleston Parks Conservancy. PARD is an 80/20 grant. $9,804.58 in grant funding requires a $2,451.15 match. The total grant value, with match, is $12,255.73. There is no fiscal impact for this action. An approval of the grant application will only allow the Parks Department to submit the document to SCPRT. However, the fiscal impact will occur if the grant application is approved for award. A funding source will be determined at the time of the grant award. (Public Service: Approval of Amendment #3 to the professional services contract with Thomas & Hutton in the amount of $28,355 for additional property acquisition work related to the Forest Acres Drainage Improvement Project. City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 20
(Public Service: Approval of Change Order #4 to the Market Street Drainage Improvement Project Division II Construction Contract with Triad/Midwest Mole Joint Venture in the amount of $103,532.59 which will serve as the close-out change order. Work items include additional work on the 54-inch pipes due to settling and additional paving. No additional contract time is required for this change order. The original bid was significantly lower than budget estimates, so the project can still be completed with available funds. (Police Department: Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division and the Charleston Police Department, which will allow for the continuation of an Automated License Plate Reader system back office application. This will allow the storing and sharing of information between the City of Charleston Police Department and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. (Authorization to execute the Declaration of Easement for the parcel at Concord and Inspection Street and Inspection Street and Wharfside Street for the purpose of maintaining the Stormwater Conveyance Tunnel and Drainage System (TMS: 459-00-00-243) (Consider the following annexations: -- 616 Butte Street (TMS# 307-10-00-011) 0.268 acre, West Ashley (District 5) -- 2167 River Road (TMS# 315-00-00-120) 19 acres, Johns Island (District 5)
First reading was given to the following ordinances:
An ordinance to provide for the annexation of property known as 2167 River Road (19.0 acres) (TMS# 315-00-00-120), Johns island, Charleston County, to the City of Charleston and includes all marshes, public waterways, and public rights-of-way, shown within the area annexed upon a map attached hereto and make it part of District 5.
An ordinance to provide for the annexation of property known as 616 Butte Street (0.268 acre) (TMS# 307-10-00-011), West Ashley, Charleston County, to the City of Charleston, shown within the area annexed upon a map attached hereto and make it part of District 5.
Mayor Riley said, “Bills up for second reading are deferred. The bill up for first reading has been withdrawn.”
The Clerk said, “We should have a motion to withdraw that.”
Councilmember Alexander said, “Move to withdraw.”
Councilmember Riegel said, “Second, Mr. Mayor.”
The Clerk said, “We received an e-mail that went to the Planning Department. Thank you.”
On a motion of Councilmember Alexander, seconded by Councilmember Riegel, City Council voted unanimously to withdraw Item L-1 from the agenda.
An ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Charleston by changing the Zone Map, which is a part thereof, so that 51 Nassau Street & Meeting Street (East Side - Peninsula) (0.90 acre) (a portion of TMS# 459-09-01-012) (Council District 4), be City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 21
rezoned from General Business and Diverse Residential (GB and DR-2F) classification to Mixed Used Workforce Housing (MU-2/WH) classification. (WITHDRAWN)
Mayor Riley said, “So, then that brings us to the situation that unfortunately the State of the City Address is at 7:30 p.m.”
Councilmember Lewis said, “Oh, Lord.”
Councilmember Alexander said, “What time is the food truck coming in, Mr. Mayor?”
There was laughter in the Chamber.
Mayor Riley continued, “Obviously, no one needs to remain, but what we’ll do is we’ll go into recess, and those who want to stay or come back, we’ll come back into session probably around 7:15 p.m. Yes, sir.”
Councilmember Moody said, “Mr. Mayor, I just noticed that I have a guest that arrived, one of our colleagues from the City of North Charleston, Councilmember Ron Brinson, and I would just like to welcome Ron to our meeting.”
Mayor Riley said, “Welcome. It’s great to have you with us.”
Applause filled the Chamber.
Councilmember Reigel was excused from the Chamber at 6:06 p.m.
Mayor Riley said, “For those of you who don’t know, Mr. Brinson is a member of City Council, and is Mayor Pro Tem for North Charleston. He’s a journalist by profession. He was a journalist many years ago for the Post and Courier, and then has had an amazing career with the Ports Authority, then Director of the Ports Authority for New Orleans and also Director of the Ports Authority Directors’ Association and now has come back to his native land, and City Council has also been very engaged in the community. It’s an honor to have you with us, Mr. Brinson. Thank you for coming.”
Councilmember Waring said, “Mayor.”
Mayor Riley said, “Yes, sir.”
Mayor Riley recognized Councilmember Waring.
Councilmember Waring said, “In the sense of filling time --”
Councilmember Alexander said, “Not too often.”
There was laughter in the Chamber.
Councilmember Waring said, “I’d like to bring up a minor issue at W.L. Stephens Park. We met with the East Oak Forest Neighborhood Association last night and were told about the Christmas tree lighting that used to happen over there at every Christmas. We’re not going to be doing that anymore is my understanding. Not only myself, but Ms. Hamilton and Councilmember Alexander, Councilmember Gregorie, Councilmember Lewis, and others certainly have enjoyed City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 22 that activity. When I left there last night, the Christmas tree lights are actually still on the tree. The tree that is over by the park is one of the trees that used to be down on King Street, and at the end of Christmas fifteen years ago, it was moved over and replanted. So, if we could get some clarification on that, I’d appreciate it.”
Laurie Yarbrough said, “I can speak to that. The reason the lights are still on is because it’s so wet in there, we can’t get a truck in there to get them off. That area holds so much water that we’ve had a really hard time. That tree is also not shaped the way we’d like it to be, and I’m not sure what we can do, but we will work with the community to replace an event if we can’t do a tree lighting there. We will always have a community event there during the holidays. So, we’ll work with the neighborhood to make sure we come up with something that will work.”
Mayor Riley said, “Thank you, Laurie. Thank you, sir. Are there any other comments? Without objection, we’ll go into recess until about 7:15 p.m.”
City Council recessed at 6:07 p.m. for the local media to set-up for the televising of the Mayor’s State of the City Address.
City Council reconvened at 7:23 p.m.
Mayor Riley said, “This meeting of City Council, which started at 5:00 p.m. this afternoon, and the Ways and Means meeting at 4:30 p.m., has been in a period of recess, so I now call the meeting back to order. Then, we can stand at ease until the television program begins.”
Councilmember Riegel returned to the Chamber at 7:27 p.m.
Mayor Riley then gave the State of the City Address:
“Good evening. Tonight I am proud to present to you the State of our City. I wish to begin by thanking you for the honor you give me to serve you as your Mayor and I wish to thank City Council and City employees for their hard and successful work.
We are all so proud of the recognition and acclaim Charleston has received, but we are not resting on any laurels. We have much to do!
As we began this journey together in 1975, it was with the joint commitment to seek to excel in all we did. This historic city and its citizens deserve nothing less. And that is our goal every day.
And the Gaillard Performance Hall will achieve that goal. It will be one of the finest concert halls in America and I believe one of the most significant public buildings in the City’s history. The Gaillard will beautifully grace our streets, and behind these handsome windows will be municipal offices where citizens can come to conduct their business and attend public meetings. And then you will enter one of the most beautiful and acoustically perfect performance halls in America. This building will be held by our succeeding generations as a special personal treasure. It belongs to every citizen. There will be a lifetime of memories of going to the Gaillard. This building will have a special emphasis on the young by developing programs to engage school children in the arts with experiences that will be a birthright for young Charlestonians and frame positive lifetime memories. The Gaillard will also house splendid conference facilities that will hold gatherings of all kinds for Charlestonians and those who visit us – memorable experiences will be created there as well. City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 23
A very talented and hardworking team has made the Gaillard possible, but I must especially thank Martha Rivers Ingram for her leadership and generosity.
Not far away on the banks of the Cooper River will rise another center of excellence -- the International African American Museum. It is being designed by gifted architects and exhibit designers. The International African American Museum will honor those enslaved Africans who were brought to our city hundreds of years ago and in the most difficult of circumstances to this very site which was then Gadsdens Wharf. This museum will enlighten all of us about our country’s history – a part of American history about which we know so little. It is a compelling history of 3 centuries of tragedy, struggle and triumph. It is the story of a people who helped build this city and our country. This museum will become a local and national treasure.
Almost 40 years ago, we carefully developed a strategic plan for the redevelopment of an economically devastated center of our city, King Street. Diligently following the plan and working tirelessly over the years to ensure the appropriate investments were made, we now can begin to see the complete fulfillment of that effort.
Midtown, at the corner of Spring and King, a handsome development with 2 hotels, office and retail space, will be completed in late spring, creating a fine and robust book end, if you will, to the first redevelopment project, Charleston Place, a mile down the street that opened 30 years ago. The rebuilding of a city takes time and unrelenting commitment.
King Street, a national poster child of a dying downtown in the 70’s, now can boast a retail vacancy rate from Calhoun Street south to Broad that is zero.
This year construction will begin on Courier Square just north of Midtown, which will be very well-designed buildings with offices, residences and shops.
King Street is now a national example of excellence in city planning, design and development. And King Street is listed with the likes of 5th Avenue as among America’s great shopping streets.
We have another exciting strategic planning opportunity. West Ashley, the home of the first Charleston settlement in the 1670’s, was also the home of Charleston’s first suburban development. It now boasts a population of over 60,000 residents in this city and a growing number of fine new residential neighborhoods being added to the fine older neighborhoods, which are seeing new families moving in.
West Ashley‘s retail infrastructure is ready for its enhancement, as well. The City and citizens of West Ashley have developed a strategic plan for the future which will include the redevelopment of centrally located Citadel Mall, which in many respects will be West Ashley’s downtown.
Many commercial districts in West Ashley are experiencing revitalization and Avondale is one of them. This very handsome median also created a greatly enhanced, safe pedestrian crossing knitting this commercial district together.
Bees Ferry Road was beautifully improved and widened with median, bike and pedestrian paths, and the West Ashley Circle will be completed. Walmart, years ago, built their West Ashley Superstore pursuant to our plan for the West Ashley Circle. The circle will City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 24 increasingly become a wonderful mixed use neighborhood and a West Ashley civic center. Also we are going to enhance the gateways to West Ashley, creating a special sense of arrival.
And last year we opened Northbridge Park. It has already become a most cherished public space.
We recognized the need for more public access to the water’s edge West of the Ashley, as we have in other parts of our city. Northbridge Park is a beautiful site to see and a spectacular place to visit.
Another waterfront park access West of the Ashley is soon to open, Higgins Pier, which is at the end of West Ashley Bikeway. This beautiful space honoring a longtime community leader, Leonard Higgins, will provide not only this marvelous vista of historic Ashley River, but create a kayak launching opportunity. In Charleston we have greenways and we are developing connecting blueways too.
This year we will complete the construction of the last 2 portions of the West Ashley Greenway, a 9 mile bike/pedestrian path connecting dozens of neighborhoods West of the Ashley and construction will begin this year on the bike/pedestrian path across the Legare Ashley River Bridge, providing a wonderful amenity and biking opportunity for residents West of the Ashley to commute to and from work.
This bike and pedestrian path will eventually connect to the Ashley Riverwalk, which we hope to begin construction on this year. The Ashley Riverwalk will actually go out onto the river and underneath the 2 Ashley River bridges, connecting Brittlebank Park to the wonderful bike and pedestrian path along Lockwood which, of course, connects to the historic district.
And we are planning other bike and pedestrian connections West of the Ashley – all of which will connect into a world class system of new transportation and recreational assets. And remember, I-526 will have a 7.9 bike/pedestrian path connecting the West Ashley Greenway to the James Island County Park.
A wonderful public/private community effort allowed for the acquisition of 29.1 acres surrounding Angel Oak, which will then allow this priceless, iconic Lowcountry living heirloom to be the center of a most handsome large community park.
We are working closely with a non-profit corporation to have constructed a pool and community center on Johns Island. So many of our citizens, especially our young, don’t know how to swim and Johns Island would greatly benefit from a community center with a range of activities.
I will propose this year we fund a cover for the James Island swimming pool. The cover, similar to that used at the Martin Luther King, Jr. pool, will allow for year-round swimming, and during the summer the cover will be removed so that swimmers can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
I believe we have a responsibility to have constructed in our community a natatorium – this is a recreational fitness and athletic competition asset that this region needs. We will be working hard to seek to make this a reality. This will require substantial public and private funding and regional partnerships and may take many years to accomplish. I believe that in the redeveloped Citadel Mall area there will be an excellent site for this wonderful facility. City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 25
We will begin soon the design of the West Ashley Senior Center adjacent to St. Francis Hospital. This will be a 16,000 SF state of the art facility. Construction should begin later this year.
Because of the positive response by the citizens of Charleston County, our school district is in the process of building or rebuilding brand new schools throughout our county. Here you see the St. Andrews School of Math and Science nearing completion. It will open this August.
Also, among the newly authorized school projects, West Ashley High School will receive a Center for Advanced Studies, focusing on science, technology, engineering and math. And, as a part of the West Ashley High School campus, a new middle school building will be constructed for the very successful Wallace Middle School.
With all the interesting and exciting initiatives underway, we never forget that our first priority is the public safety of our citizens.
Our splendid Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Greg Mullen, has achieved a 70% reduction in serious crime since 2006.
This year City Council approved a very modest tax increase that will allow for construction of a new team police headquarters West of the Ashley.
Chief Mullen continues to seek additional ways to make our community safer. This year our Police Department created a family violence initiative with special attention and resources directed to the tragic fact that physical harm and death is too often caused by violence in the home. There are other victims and these are the children in the families. Our unit will continue to work with the families which have been subjected to this violence and with special attention given to the children who have witnessed these violent acts. If a child learns the only way to solve a disagreement is to use violence, then that habit may be sadly repeated in life. We are working to reduce family violence and its long-term harm on our children.
Also, the revolving jail door adds to the violence of a community and wasted lives. We are attacking this challenge with a new initiative, Turning Leaf, a wonderful non-profit headed by the most amazing woman, Amy Barch. This initiative works with hardened criminals who have served their time and who are willing to turn their lives around. This intensive program could become a national model.
Our Fire Department, under the great leadership of Chief Karen Brack, continues to advance in quality and achievement. The unsolicited comments I get from those who watch our Fire Department in action give me an enormous sense of pride.
An unusual fact about the City of Charleston is that we continue to use historic fire stations. In fact, some of our fire stations are the oldest continually used firehouses in America. We want to keep them in use -- they are centrally located and are a part of our history – but they need a lot of work. With the modest public safety tax increase approved by City Council, we will be restoring our older firehouses so they can serve in this new century as well as building new ones including a new fire station West of the Ashley on Savannah Highway.
City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 26
Our economy is robust. The highly regarded Milken Report says Charleston is the 4th fastest growing hi-tech economy in our country. We have seen a wonderful explosion in the development and growth of our knowledge-based economy. That is why we have created hi- tech incubators, Flagships 1 and 2, and we will now build a 3rd at 993 Morrison Drive, which itself has become a hub of new technology activity.
On Daniel Island, our Charleston’s own BenefitFocus is expanding with this beautiful and rapidly developing campus for 1,334 employees.
And the Horizon development, which will help link the biomedical research at the Medical University of South Carolina with job creation and will begin its first 3 buildings this year. The Horizon District will be a new live/work neighborhood on the banks of the Ashley River, adjacent to the Medical University campus.
And another new community, Magnolia, in the Charleston Neck, continues to move forward with its planning and a wonderful new adjacent neighbor will be the finest skate park in South Carolina – a project which will be built by Charleston County Parks and Recreation commissioned with support from the City of Charleston.
With the amazing success of the redevelopment of Upper King Street, we have seen the acceleration of the development of late night establishments. Bars and restaurants are good things for cities. They provide places for relaxation and entertainment. But like anything in life, sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. Because of our concern of an over preponderance of these establishments changing the nature of Upper King Street and the adjacent neighborhoods, City Council approved an almost year-long citizens-led study of the late night activities while we placed a moratorium on any further development of those establishments in this part of the City. Charleston has led the way in city planning and tourism management. We will now show how to have a lively downtown at night, adjacent livable neighborhoods and a main Street (King Street) that is also healthy and lively during the day.
Running between King Street and Meeting Street is the no longer used Norfolk Southern Rail Line. We are working with a wonderful group of citizens in an effort to acquire this right-of- way and have it become a handsome pedestrian and transit asset. It’s been given the name, the Lowline, after the Highline, the very successful redeveloped abandoned elevated train line in New York City.
In the last 39 years, we have tripled the number of parks and improved the others. The Battery, a park or promenade, is a much beloved amenity. High Battery terminated with steps to the Low Battery, which was awkward for many. This beautifully designed and gentle slope protected the visual, iconic nature of this part of the Battery and has given all of our citizens and those with disabilities the opportunity to continue to enjoy this wonderful walk.
We have begun engineering on the rehabilitation of the Low Battery, which will happen in phases over the years to come.
Colonial Lake, a public place for over 200 years, is undergoing a beautiful transformation. Working with the Charleston Parks Conservancy, we will be enhancing the water quality, adding trees, flower beds, and benches, as well as allowing the Colonial Lake Park to be enlarged by shrinking slightly the right-of-way on Rutledge Avenue adjacent to it. It is a historic treasure and is being made even more so.
City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 27
A beautiful new park, Gadsdenboro Park, will be finished this spring. This park on Concord Street will have playground swings for the little ones, soccer and ball fields for older ones, chess tables for their parents and grandparents, a bocce court, 137 trees, flower beds, a beautiful fountain and more.
A new park is a very special permanent gift to all future generations. Gadsdenboro Park will become much loved and will have as an adjacent neighbor, Williams Terrace, which will provide affordable senior housing in a handsome building from which citizens will be able to sit in their rocking chairs and watch several generations enjoying a variety of park and recreation opportunities on Gadsdenboro Park, a park they will regularly use as well. 16,000 young people use our parks each year along with 16,000 adults.
This beautiful replica of American’s first passenger railroad car was put on permanent display in this small museum on John Street.
The Best Friend was Charleston creatively using new technology almost 200 years ago. Here you see Charleston creatively using new technology to address a centuries-old Charleston problem – storm water drainage and flooding. This is an 8-foot diameter tunnel, 140 feet under Market Street. This $25 million dollar project will be completed next year.
The same technology will be used for the next phases of the Crosstown drainage. Phase 2, a $23.5 million project will begin in March and Phase 3, a tunnel 50% larger than what you see being constructed on Market Street may, we hope, get underway later on this year. The construction estimate for this phase is $49 million.
We also will begin construction of the West Ashley Forest Acres drainage improvement this year.
Here you see our wonderful, national best, First Day of School celebration. This is one of many initiatives we undertake to support our greatest treasure – our children.
We are fortunate to be working with our Tri-County Cradle to Career Collaborative chaired by our wonderful community leader, Anita Zucker. This collaborative helps us focus on initiatives that really pay off in benefiting our children like Communities in Schools, Reading Partners, the Charleston Promise Neighborhood and many others.
And tonight, I will challenge us as a community to engage one more initiative and, that is, increasing summer youth employment for our students. For a teenager, a summer job not only often provides much needed income for college and their families, but lifetime beneficial experiences are gained in the workplace and the students make a great contribution to the organization for which they are working.
I am announcing a regional summer youth employment challenge. Our goal is to have 1,000 high school students in summer jobs. I am working in partnership with the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce, our regional school districts and we will be reaching out to businesses and local governments. Let’s make the summer of 2015 an especially rewarding one for our youth.
Two vitally important major infrastructure projects continue to move forward. The deepening of our harbor channel to 52 feet is essential to the continued growth and development of our port and all the businesses and jobs that are engaged in waterfront City Council minutes January 27, 2015 page 28 commerce. I am working closely with the State Ports Authority in communicating with our nation’s government about the importance of a deeper Charleston Harbor to our nation’s economy.
Also vital is the completion of I-526. It is absolutely essential for the continued health and livability of our community. Without this important transportation artery completed, we will increasingly suffer the equivalent of a traffic heart attack because the bypass was never completed. I will continue to work closely with our county and state governments to insure that this project is completed.
Also, I believe it is essential that our state government pass a gas tax increase. It is a user fee – those of us who use the roads will pay for it. Additional resources are essential because improvements to our roads and bridges are vitally needed.
And I am pleased to report that the City of Charleston has achieved the highest possible financial rating; that is, the gold standard AAA. We are the first city in South Carolina to receive the AAA credit rating from both rating agencies. I am very proud of our CFO, Steve Bedard, and his team.
This is the State of your City – a report I am so proud to give as I am so proud to serve you as your mayor. We have accomplished so much together and have so much more to do. This will be, as it should be, a busy year.
Thank you and good night.”
There was an extended standing ovation.
Mayor Riley said, “Thank you. Thank you very much. I thank you for your warmth. I thank you for coming tonight, and as I said at the beginning, I thank you, the citizens of Charleston, for the honor of serving you every day as your Mayor. Without any further business, this meeting of City Council stands adjourned.”
There being no further business presented, the meeting was adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
Vanessa Turner Maybank Clerk of Council