PRESENT: Mayor Council: Riley Bradham, Henry Holst, Frank Thornhill, Tammy Bazzle, Whit Smith and Town Clerk Colleen Key.
ABSENT:
Meeting called to order at 7:00
Others Present: Chip Linton and Thomas Thornhill
No changes to the agenda. No time requested.
Mayor motions to approve prior Meeting Minutes. Seconded by Whit Smith. Unanimously approved.
TREASURERS REPORT:
FINANCIAL REPORT as of 12/31/2023
PREVIOUS Ending $ CURRENT Ending $
Wells Fargo Checking $116,749.75 $103, 130.96
S.C. Local Government Investment Pool $308,772.63 $310,243.92
NOTE: A virtual $10,000 is held aside for disaster clean up
Roads YTD- $7500
Municipal Association Dues are due – $300.00
Charleston Green – $1250 for shell sand at yacht club
Clik Communications – $575 for website yearly
MAYOR / COUNCIL REPORTS: None
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
- Planning: No one reporting.
- BZA: No one reporting.
- Code Enforcement: No one reporting
- DRB: Chip Linton – UDO updates are ongoing.
- WILPC: Henry Holst – Chili cook raised $4000.00. About 400 attended. Cabinet Company presented plan to build an office on Bears Bluff Rd., council denied request for approval. Fire Marshall spoke at last meeting and let everyone know that the fire department will make site visits to advise on fire alarm set up and installation and provided guidance on fire extinguishers explaining that they require monthly shaking up. Additionally, they provided instruction on proper use. CPR training was also discussed, plans to set up a date are pending.
Regarding Johns Island, CFO of Trident Hospital will attend March 7 meeting at Berkeley Electric to discuss new hospital plans. Upcoming, on April 11, Charleston County will attend Johns Island meeting to discuss road improvement plans. Four story Hotel planned for Johns Island on Maybank Highway. A surprising amount of meeting attendees were supportive of the hotel. May be located between old fire department and River Rd.
New Business:
There have been a number of complaints about commercial activity at 2447 Marina Rd. County has jurisdiction and this activity is in violation of the code. Rockville Code Enforcement officer has notified property owner of their current violations:
1. Commercial usage of residentially zoned parcel of land
2. Burning trash
Trash has been burning consistently and neighbors have complained about the smoke. Additionally, residents and businesses have complained about traffic which has impeded ingress and egress. Both County and Town have addressed the issue.
The property owner at this location has responded via a letter voicing their feeling that they are being slandered and defamed. Council feels that the Code enforcement officer who has yet to even issue a fine, is notably fair and thorough so it is unlikely that defamation is applicable as the infractions are probably true. County and Town to work together to incentivize future compliance regarding this situation. Whit Smith question – What is the nature of the commercial activity? Mayor comments that it seems to be a landscape company with dump trucks, trailers and workers showing up early loading and unloading equipment and materials. Allegedly organic matter from job sites is being burned regularly which may be a DHEC violation. Henry Holst notes that this issue was noted by the aforementioned Fire Marshall and that it is against the law for residential areas to burn commercial trash.
Roseville Rd resident Ashley Doctor, who is a family member of Deandre who was shot in his car on Roseville Rd, would like to sponsor a gun violence prevention parade from Preston’s store down Cherry Point Road ending with a balloon release in Deandre’s honor. Permission will have to be granted by St Johns Fire Department and DOT. Ms. Doctor contacted the Mayor for approval. The Town supports the effort.
Old Business:
Road improvements are ongoing. Buck Dukes from the County made a site visit to Rockland to advise on a maintenance plan going forward as the road is currently pitted. He suggested drag a prairie grader and then scarify the road using motor grader with teeth. Mayor to get estimate from Charleston Green.
Historic Preservation Ordinance is being drafted. DRB has met on the topic. New ordinance will clarify DRB jurisdiction and provide guidance on what is protected and what is not and additionally will address unpermitted structures question mentioned in prior meetings.
Chip Linton asked about a previous discussion regarding trees and their proximity to the road and the Town’s involvement in the maintenance/removal. Mayor comments that the law states that where more than 50% of the root lies is whose property it is on and that it is that person’s responsibility (or the Towns responsibility if it is on Town property). If something poses an immediate danger, Town recommends handling it immediately. Town suggests marking any questionable trees, especially in the easement and the Town will have CDH follow up. Chip notes that there are 3 in question currently.
Town does not wish to impose a noise ordinance that would prevent residents from flushing boat motors or burning trash, however with all the new construction a Commercial Construction Noise Ordinance might be necessary. Mayor has discussed with the City of Charleston and the Town attorney. Draft is pending. May add specific hours allowed for commercial work in the Town. Tammy Bazzle suggest 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, noting that a 9:00 AM start would be too late and too costly in the long run, or at least be sure that contractors can have a full 8-hour day. Chip Linton asks will it include landscape noise. Yes, per the Mayor. Draft will be reviewed by Council. Frank Thornhill suggests just talk to you neighbor to work things out! The Town maintains its stance that they do not want to operate like an HOA
Mayor motioned to adjourn at 7:37 Seconded by Frank Thornhill.
.