A regular meeting of the Town of James Island was held on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. at the James Island Public Service District, 1739 Signal Point Road, James Island, South Carolina.
Present at the meeting were the following: Mayor Pro-Tempore, Leonard Blank, Council Members: Bill Wilder, Parris Williams. Absent: Mayor Mary Clark and Councilman Joe Qualey.
Also present were: Bonum (Bo) Wilson, Attorney, Roy DeHaven, Planning Consultant, Charlie Rhodes, Disaster and Emergency Coordinator, and Frances Simmons, Town Clerk.
Councilman Williams gave the invocation and led in the pledge to the flag.
Mayor Pro-Tempore Blank called the meeting to order and announced that the meeting was being held in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act, and would be conducted under Roberts Rules of Order.
Mayor’s Comments: None
Public Comments: The following individuals addressed Council:
Leigh Hinson, 930 Regatta Road: Ms. Hinson lives in the Harbor Woods sub-division. She addressed traffic issues, speeding, and traffic calming measures for her neighborhood. As a new resident of the Town of James Island, she had questions about annexations. Mayor Pro Tempore Blank responded to her concerns and briefly reviewed the annexation process that has taken place in the Town. He stated that most of Harbor Woods is in the Town. Mr. DeHaven said the State Department of Transportation is studying State roads and hopes to have information to the Town by January.
Consideration of Minutes: November 6, 2007: A motion to approve the minutes of November 6, 2007 was made by Councilman Wilder, seconded by Councilman Williams and unanimously approved.
Town Counsel Report:
Mr. Wilson reported that he invited the Sheriffs Office to speak to Council tonight but was unable to get a response from them. Mr. Wilson spoke with Steven Leasure regarding his drainage issue. Mr. Leasure has offered a compromise and will speak with E.M. Seabrook about it. Mr. Wilson is hopeful that this issue will move along with a compromise indemnity agreement. Mr. Wilson will meet with England and Associates, the Town’s building inspector, to review several items of concern.
Councilman Parris Williams gave the Public Works Committee’s report. He and Mr. DeHaven met with Chuck Jarman of the Charleston County Public Works on Monday, November 19th to discuss flooding problems in the Bees Field area near Arsburn Road and Grimball Road. With the planned development of Grimball Farms in the City of Charleston, all drainage improvements will be limited. Mr. Jarman has suggested the Town consider acquiring high land to be used as holding ponds because the State and Federal governments will not allow drainage water to go directly into the marsh, Charleston Harbor or the Stono River. Councilman Williams also noted that he met with Bob George, the City’s Engineer for the project. Councilman Williams suggested abandoning the easements on James Prioleau and Williams Road since they serve no significant purpose. Mr. DeHaven said in December or January the Town will discuss abandoning any rights it has to those easements back to the property owners. This will require the Public Hearing process.
Planning Consultant Report:
Mr. DeHaven reported that there has been no mobilized effort on road grading projects with W. Frazier Construction. He is contacting other utility companies for bids to grade the dirt roads in the Town.
Mr. DeHaven asked to defer the following items to next month’s Council meeting to discuss in an executive session: Flood Plain Management, Local Option Sales Tax and Building Inspections.
Councilman Blank asked about the status of the Storm Water agreement; Mr. DeHaven said the County will ask the Town to adopt their Storm Water Ordinance to empower them to collect monies from 2006 for expenses; and, to act as the Town’s Storm Water Manager for planning and educational purposes. Clemson University will conduct most of the seminars to educate the public about how to handle storm water run-off. Mr. Wilson has a draft agreement and will present it at the December 4th meeting for Council’s consideration.
Planned Unit Development: Two new plans have been submitted for consideration by the Planning Commission in December for the intersection of Maybank Highway and Woodland Shores Road. The Planning Commission and Council have received copies of the new plans. Mr. DeHaven said a Public Hearing will be scheduled; the Planning Commission will make its recommendation and it will be heard by Town Council.
Mapping Update: All parcels in the Town have been added for the web site. Hanna Wehmeyer, Planning intern, is proofing the list of addresses against the County’s database. This information should be published on the web site in February.
Point of Light Lane: Charleston County 911 has approved the road change for East Relyea to Point of Light Lane. The County and Town will notify the citizens of this change.
Landscaping Proposal: This is a proposal to remove and dispose of a broken driveway apron for Mr. Bob Kelly at 943 Nabors Drive. Mr. DeHaven said when the James Island Public Service District installed the sewer line; they placed a new driveway on top of it. The driveway has collapsed and the damaged portion is in the Town’s drainage easement. Mr. DeHaven will present this proposal and any others he receives for consideration at the December 4th Council meeting.
Roads Issues: Mr. DeHaven referenced a letter from Mayor Clark to Chuck Jarman, Storm Water Manager for the County regarding the Grimball Farm tract; and a letter to James Hutto, Public Works Director for the County regarding Special Projects and Services for the Town for 2007-2008. The letter lists earth road improvements previously authorized by County Council; earth road improvements previously requested but not approved by County Council; and new road projects. Copies of these letters were distributed to Council; no action was required. (Copy attached to these minutes).
There being no further business to come before the body, a motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Williams, seconded by Councilman Wilder and carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:23 p.m.