SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, June 20, :00 pm

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1 Page 1 of 13 SPECIAL TOWN COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, 3:00 pm Mayor Hallman called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. In attendance were Council members Joe Bustos, Thomasena Stokes-Marshall, Paul Gawrych, Gary Santos, and Kruger Smith. Larry Carr and Bobby Utsey were absent from the meeting. Staff members in attendance were Mac Burdette, Eric DeMoura, Colleen Jernigan, Ted Summerford, Jody Peele, Sally Phipps, Asst. Chief Herb Williams, Major Harry Sewell, and Joel Ford. Mayor Hallman stated that this was a special council meeting and normally do not invite individuals to speak; however, Mayor Hallman stated that he would allow an individual representing a group to speak for the group. Mayor stated that the first order or business is A Resolution acknowledging the resignation of Councilmember Joe McKeown and authorizing the election to fill the vacancy (R.06063). Mr. Smith moved for the approval of R.06063); seconded by Mr. Santos. All present were in favor. Mr. Burdette read FINAL READING BY TITLE ONLY. This Resolution SIGNED, SEALED, AND DELIVERED THIS DATE. Second order of business was Final Reading of an ordinance to amend Sections and Sections through of the Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances, pertaining to revising the current provisions of the Conservation-Historic District and the Town Appearance Commission (Ord. No )

2 Page 2 of 13 Mr. Bustos made a motion to amend Ordinance No , prior to final reading, to move with respect to ordinance 06052, to amend paragraph A, subparagraph 1 and paragraph D, both of on pages 6 and 7, specifically pursuant to South Carolina Code Title 6, Chapter 29, the Town created a Historic District Commission known as the Town Appearance Commission. In an ordinance passed May 5, 1986 as amended. This regulation hereby dissolves the same herewith and terminates the appointment of the current members and does now reconstitute a new Historic District Commission herewith to be known as the Old Village Historic District Commission as referred to as the Commission in order to more accurately reflect the Commission s powers and duties as delineated herein and the term of their office would be for each member shall be appointed for two (2) years, except for members holding seats 3, 4, and 5 for an initial as stated; seconded by Mr. Gawrych. All present were in favor. Mr. Gawrych moved for final reading of Ord ; seconded by Mr. Bustos. All present were in favor. Mr. Burdette read FINAL READING, AS AMENDED, BY TITLE ONLY. This Ordinance SIGN, SEALED, AND DELIVERED THIS DATE. The next order of business was Final Reading of an ordinance to amend Section of Chapter 156 of the Mount Pleasant Code of Ordinances, providing for two new Planned Development Mixed Use zoning classifications (Ord ). Mr. Ford stated that there were amendments provided by the town s attorney; one in particular that has to do with the purpose of intent of the district. He stated there is language included that states when there is a mixed-use plan development, staff would like to ensure the land uses are

3 Page 3 of 13 fully integrated on the site and a center and an edge of the site is defined. Mr. Ford believes that it is very important for Council to consider the amendments to these planned developments, which are done in two PD districts; one is the mixed use suburban/urban and the other is mixed use suburban/rural. Mr. Ford stated that staff would respectfully request that Council consider the amendment. Mr. Ford stated that there is also an amendment that is on the mixed use suburban/urban which has to do with a bonus density. He stated that at the last Council meeting, there was discussion of the possibility of revising the density as there was a written request for a higher density. He stated that staff is offering an amendment for Council s consideration, where there are specific properties that qualify and how they qualify, which is defined. Mr. Ford stated under the bonus density provisions, staff is suggesting that the density can be increased to 16 units per acre if there is a certain amount of land set aside for open space (10% of the total site); or 20 units per acre if 20% of the total site is reserved for open space. He stated that there are other performance standards that much also be met, such as traffic studies that indicate and the increased densities can be handled based on the acceptable level of service, which is a level D or better. He stated that a parking garage must also be provided as well as increased heights. Mr. Ford stated that when staff went through the master land use plan, there was a great deal of time expended looking at certain properties that were problematic or provided certain opportunities that other properties did not.

4 Mr. Bustos made a motion with respect to 06039, to amend Page 4 of 13 Subparagraph 1 of both paragraphs J and K and add a new subparagraph 7 to paragraph J, both of section found on pages 2, 3 and 4 specifically planned development district, planned development mixed use suburban/urban standards. The purpose and intent of the district is to achieve the objectives of the comprehensive plan by allowing flexibility and development that will result in improved design, character and quality of new mixed use developments that may also preserve natural and scenic features of open spaces as a design component. The planned development provisions must exhibit innovative site planning for mixture of residential commercial and institutional uses as reflected in the planned development map which becomes the zoning district map for the property. The area identified as south and west of Boone Hall and the Isle of Palms connector is largely developed but has opportunities for infill and redevelopment. The Mixed Use Land Plan shall have at least one center and an edge. A center is that part of the PD-MU-SU where mixed uses are concentrated and land uses are integrated. Density shall be higher in the center and less at the edges of the PD-MU-SU. Centers are not necessarily located in the middle of the development, but shall be sited to maximize the accessibility thereto by residents of the PD-MU-SU and other intended uses. (7) Bonus Density. An applicant for PD-MU-SU may be granted additional density if the following criteria are met: (a) Up to 16 units per acre if a minimum of 10% of the total land area is reserved for open space; or (b) Up to 20 units per acre if a minimum of 20% of the total land area is reserved for open space; and (c) In

5 Page 5 of 13 either case: (i) the traffic studies show that the increased densities can be handled based upon an acceptable level of service; (ii) parking garages are provided; (iii) increased heights are granted to achieve the greater density, if required; and (iv) the location is shown as an area of Special Consideration on the Comprehensive Plan. K. Planned Development Mixed Use Suburban Rural (PD-MU-SR) standards. (1) Purpose and intent of district. The purpose of the district is to achieve the objectives of the comprehensive plan by allowing flexibility in development that will result in improved design, character and quality of new mixed use developments that may also preserve natural and scenic features of open spaces as a design component. The planned development provisions must exhibit innovative site planning for a mixture of residential, commercial and institutional uses as reflected in the planned development map, which becomes the zoning district map for the property. The area identified as north and east of Boone Hall and the IOP Connector includes large undeveloped tracts of land and includes several existing rural communities. The Mixed Use Land Use Plan shall have at least one center and an edge. A center is that part of the PD-MU-SR where mixed uses are concentrated and land uses are integrated. Density shall be higher in the center and less at the edges of the PD-MU-SR. Centers are not necessarily located in the middle of the development, but shall be sited to maximize the accessibility thereto by residents of the PD-MU-SR and other intended users; seconded by Kruger Smith. Mr. Gawrych asked Mr. Ford if under the Bonus Density, item c. (ii) parking garages are provided it does not indicate if the parking garages

6 Page 6 of 13 have to be in the center. Mr. Ford stated that this was not clearly identified, but instead concentrated on the density itself and the population, but stated that the parking garage should be located in closer proximity, but it was not specified. All present were in favor. Mr. Bustos moved for final reading of amended ordinance 06039; seconded by Mr. Gawrych. All present were in favor. Mr. Burdette read FINAL READING, AS AMENDED, BY TITLE ONLY. This Ordinance SIGN, SEALED, AND DELIVERED THIS DATE. Mr. Bustos made a motion for final reading of Items IV and V, ordinances and 06051; seconded by Mr. Gawrych. All present were in favor. Mr. Burdette read FINAL READINGS, BY TITLE ONLY. These Ordinances SIGN, SEALED, AND DELIVERED THIS DATE. The next item on the agenda was the Track at Patriot s Point. Mr. Santos made a motion to amend the budget documents to eliminate a funding allocation in the amount of $500,000 from Patriots Point accommodations tax fund that was authorized for a track facility at Patriot s Point; seconded by Mr. Gawrych. Mayor Hallman asked if anyone in the public would like to speak. Randy Glenn 487 Springfield Road, Mount Pleasant. He stated that he is the President of the Mount Pleasant Soccer Booster Club. He asked for those in the audience who supports the partnership with the College of Charleston, building the track at Patriot s Point raise their hands. No one raised their hand. Then Mr. Glenn asked for those who support the

7 Page 7 of 13 construction of the track at Park West. The majority of the audience raised their hands. Mr. Glenn stated that there has been a great deal of exposure about this item in the paper, internet, etc. However, he does not see anyone present who supports the track at Patriot s Point. He agrees that we need another track; however, not at Patriot s Point. He stated that it is no secret that the relationship with the College of Charleston is already a strained one with the sharing of the soccer fields. Ms. Stokes-Marshall asked for the motion to be re-stated. Mr. Santos re-stated his motion. Ms. Stokes-Marshall asked if this meant that this would discontinue the negotiations with the College of Charleston. Mr. Santos responded in the negative and that it would put the funding back into the budget; whereas before it was allocated for a track with the College of Charleston. Mr. Burdette stated that it would effectively end negotiations with the College at Patriot s Point, but does not mean the Town could not negotiate with them in another location. He also stated that at some point, staff would need guidance from Committee or Council as to whether or not staff should be communicating further with the College about a track at Patriot s Point. Mr. Bustos voiced his concern, as he recalled when this was previously done and Council moved $1.2 million for the track -- Mr. Bustos asked if the funds had to stay at Patriot s Point and does this mean the funds could be used for the Medal of Honor Museum or other things at Patriot s Point and Mr. Burdette responded in the affirmative.

8 Page 8 of 13 Mr. Santos stated that in the budget, the funds are specifically allocated for the track and he is making a motion to move it out of that. Mr. Burdette stated that the Budget Committee of Council voted to set up two funds; $1.2 million for a track at Park West and $500,000 for a potential partnership track at Patriot s Point. It was stipulated that until Council could resolve the matter at Patriot s Point, they would not act on the one at Park West. Mr. Burdette stated that his understanding of Mr. Santos motion would be to remove the Patriot s Point possible track which would leave in the budget, $1.2 to build a track at Park West. He stated that the way he would interpret the budget is if this budget is adopted, that a track at Park West would be build, unless Council stated differently. Ms. Stokes-Marshall asked if the $500,000 would still remain at Patriot s Point and Mr. Burdette responded in the affirmative and could be used for anything associated with Patriot s Point, such as restrooms for the soccer field, road improvements, contribution to tourism related matters at Patriot s Point, etc. Ms. Stokes-Marshall asked how much funding is available for Park West. Mr. Burdette stated that it is a little more than $1.2 million, which stays in the budget. Mr. Burdette stated that Mr. Santos motion removes the $500,000 from being used for a track at Patriot s Point. Mr. Burdette stated that if Council approves the final reading of the budget tonight and Mr. Santos motion succeeds, the Town will begin hiring a consultant to design the track at Park West, to be followed by construction. Mr. Bustos stated that eventually the Town is going to lose the track behind Town Hall, which leaves only soccer fields and tennis courts for this

9 Page 9 of 13 portion of town. He stated we will only increase traffic by forcing this part of town to drive to Park West for a track meet. Mr. Bustos stated that the whole idea is to disburse the facilities and now we are clustering, which will only make US17 traffic worse. Mr. Santos stated that for the time being, there is a track here at Town Hall with a soccer/football field that does serve this part of town. He hopes that if the Town decides to expand where the track/soccer/football field is currently located, they will find an alternative solution. Ms. Stokes-Marshall stated that if we already have the funding for Park West in the amount of $1.2 million, why do we need to move the $500,000 back to Patriot s Point? If we still have ongoing negotiations with the College of Charleston, what is the purpose for moving it? Mr. Gawrych stated that the motion made by Mr. Santos, which he seconded, sends a clear message that at least he and Mr. Santos are not willing to continue negotiations and are ready to move forward. He stated that he does not agree that this portion of town is being short-changed. He stated that he will do what he can to keep the track and soccer/football field here at town hall, and if the time comes where that is no longer feasible, he will do what he can to ensure that another one gets built on this end of town. Mr. Bustos reiterated his point that he believes this part of town was being short-changed. Mr. Gawrych asked Mr. Burdette that should this motion fail and we go ahead and approve the budget, that we will continue our talks with the

10 College of Charleston. Mr. Burdette stated that this would be his interpretation. Page 10 of 13 Mayor Hallman called for the vote. Mr. Gawrych, Mr. Santos, Mr. Smith and Mayor Hallman were in favor. Ms. Stokes-Marshall and Mr. Bustos opposed. Motion passed 4-2. Ms. Stokes Marshall made a motion to adjourn into Executive Session to discuss Personnel matters relating to management compensation; seconded by Mr. Gawrych. All present were in favor. The meeting adjourned into Executive Session at 3:35 pm and reconvened at 3:41 pm. Mayor Hallman declared that they were out of Executive Session and no votes or actions were taken. Mr. Bustos made a motion that Council approves the recommendation for compensation as discussed in Executive Session; seconded by Ms. Stokes- Marshall. All present were in favor. Mr. Gawrych stated that before Council considers approval of item VIII and IX, he would like to make a motion to amend each item. Mr. Gawrych made a motion to amend Ordinance No to provide for additional appropriations for the facility lease agreement for Trident Academy for the compensation requirements for general government s senior management staff for total appropriations for fiscal year shall be revised to state $87,472,337 as reflected on page one. The appropriations from the general fund balance shall be increased by $13,900 for a total of $2,267,400 to be shown on section of page two for a

11 Page 11 of 13 revised total of funds available for appropriations of $94,904,598 as shown in sections one and two of page 3 or the ordinance; seconded by Mr. Santos. All present were in favor. Mr. Gawrych made a motion for final reading of the amended ordinance No ; seconded by Mr. Santos. All present were in favor. Mr. Burdette read FINAL READING, AS AMENDED, BY TITLE ONLY. This Ordinance SIGN, SEALED, AND DELIVERED THIS DATE. Mr. Gawrych made a motion to amend ordinance no to provide for additional appropriations to the facility lease agreement expenditure for Trident Academy. The compensation requires for general government management staff. Total appropriation for the fiscal year shall be revised to show $87, as reflected on page one and three, for the total of appropriations from the general fund revised to $50,074,661 which is shown on pages one and three and that the operations expenditures for general government as shown in section 1 of page 1 is amended to reflect $2,035,803 for the total general government expenditures of $6,065,765. Also on page two of section one, the operations expenditures for the Recreation department shall be revised to $1,506,857 for a total appropriation of $8,331,354. Lastly the appropriation from the general fund balance as shown in section four on page three shall be increased by $13,900 for a total of $2,267,400; seconded by Mr. Smith. Mr. Santos, Mr. Smith, Mr. Gawrych and Mayor Hallman were in favor. Ms. Stokes-Marshall and Mr. Bustos were opposed. Motion passed 4-2.

12 Page 12 of 13 Mr. Gawrych made a motion for final reading of Ord. No ; seconded by Mr. Santos. Mr. Smith, Mr. Gawrych, Mr. Santos and Mayor Hallman were in favor. Ms. Stokes-Marshall and Mr. Bustos were opposed. Motion passed 4-2. Mr. Burdette read FINAL READING, AS AMENDED, BY TITLE ONLY. This Ordinance SIGN, SEALED, AND DELIVERED THIS DATE. The last item on the agenda was the review of the Waterfront Park master plan elements. Mayor Hallman stated that some of the wonderful sweetgrass basket weavers are in the audience and invites their representative speak. Nakia Wigfall 1435 Six Mile Road, Mount Pleasant She stated that she has resided in Mount Pleasant for over 41 years and has seen the changes from dirt roads to paved developments. She stated that the sweetgrass baskets have brought in a lot of revenue to the Town and the state of South Carolina. She stated that the sweetgrass basket weavers would like to request a pavilion at the new Waterfront Park. She stated that the history of the baskets goes all the way back to West Africa, brought over by the slaves who used them on the plantation for harvesting of crops. Mr. Burdette stated that in the original park elements approved by Town Council, it stated that a covered area, perhaps in conjunction with the Visitor s Center to support the basket makers would be provided. He stated that on the agenda today, staff has asked Council to review the list of park elements and make any last minute changed prior to beginning the master planning. He stated that Ms. Stokes-Marshall did indicate a covered area for

13 Page 13 of 13 the basket makers, which infers a pavilion-type structure. He stated that whether or not the money to build all that Council is requesting remains to be seen, but will be incorporated into the master plan. Park. Mr. Santos asked if the sweetgrass could be grown at the Waterfront Mr. Burdette stated that it is possible, but since the area will have a high volume of traffic, there were preliminary discussions with Mr. Clay Duffie of the Mount Pleasant Waterworks Commission about the possibility of clearing the area behind the Waterworks on Rifle Range Road, which is fenced in and secure to cultivate the sweetgrass. He stated that there will be sweetgrass as part of the ornamental plantings. Mr. Smith stated that the ATAC committee wanted to have a sweetgrass display area in the Visitor s Center. Mr. Burdette stated that the Visitor s Center will be built with the visitor center funds, which has already been secured and the pavilion for the sweetgrass basket weavers would come out of the $7 million from the TIF funding. Mayor Hallman stated that a consultant has been hired to design the park and wanted to assure the basket weavers that the consultant will incorporate the sweetgrass basket weavers. Mr. Burdette reviewed the amended park elements list with Council. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:52 pm.