Sullivan’s Island Council – February 16, 2010
Council member Pat ONeil passed out Mardi Gras beads to the audience before the meeting began.
Council member Pat O’Neil shared a little of the Mardi Gras spirit with the assembled crowd before the Council meeting began, throwing handfuls of green, yellow and purple beads to the laughing attendees, including Mrs. Watson’s first grade class from Sullivan’s Island Elementary.
The first graders, bedecked in beads and smiling from ear to ear, opened the meeting for the night by leading the Council in the Pledge of Allegiance (See bottom of page for a video of the recitation). According to their teacher, Council member Mary Jane Watson, the class visit was part of their lesson on President’s Day and the meaning of patriotism.
Middle Street paving project
The SC DOT (South Carolina Department of Transportation) has advised the Town if its intent to let the contract to pave Middle Street from Station 22 ½ to Station 12 in late March. The project consists of three sections, which the Town has been asked to comment on beforehand:
• Closure of Jasper Boulevard at Station 22 ½ Street west toward Station 22 Street.
• Removal of concrete traffic island at Middle/Station 18 Streets – the SC DOT would remove the traffic island and make a right hand turn at Station 18 Street.
• Central Avenue at Middle Street yield – the SC DOT would improve ADA sidewalk access and improve traffic merge at this intersection.
During citizens’ comments, several residents voiced their opinion on the effect of the closure of Jasper Boulevard on Myrtle Avenue, the street just before Jasper on the approach to the island. Many Myrtle Avenue residents were concerned that incoming traffic would simply turn on their street instead of waiting to turn on Middle Street. “I feel like we’re the island stepchild,” said Myrtle Avenue resident Heidi Brown, stating that she felt closing Jasper is smart, but the SC DOT should also study the impact on Myrtle.
Town Administrator Andy Benke pulled up a map of the area, pointing out that the SC DOT is considering closing the left hand turn lane onto Jasper due to the number of accidents that happen at that intersection, or temporarily eliminating route traffic access to the western side of Jasper. “These are just suggestions,” Benke assured the residents. Brown reasserted that she felt the closure of Jasper would just shift the accidents down a street, to which Benke replied that it was a reasonable request and they would look into it.
The Council will consider all of the proposed changes and will discuss suggestions and concerns with the DOT during their next meeting in March.
Thumbs up for renaming Ben Sawyer to Louis P. Stith Memorial
Residents Leo Fetter and Julian Simons both spoke in support of changing the name of the Ben Sawyer Bridge to the Louis P. Stith Memorial Bridge. “Louis P. Stith was born and raised on Sullivan’s Island,” said Fetter. “He was a Korean War and World War II vet. During his tenure as the judge for Sullivan’s Island, he was fair to everyone who stood in front of him. He was also selfless in giving back to the community, in which he was one of the founding fathers of the Sullivan’s Island Fire Department. I would think it would be appropriate for us to honor his service to our community by naming the new bridge after him.”
SC DOT franchise fee increase
The Council held first reading of ordinance 2010-01, which changes the terms of payment in the contract between the Town and South Carolina Electric and Gas Company (SCE&G) so that SCE&G shall pay a franchise fee to the Town of 5%, an increase from the former 3% fee. “It’s equal to a mils worth, or about $50 per household per year,” said Council member Mike Perkis. “Charleston just did it, Summerville did it, and Mount Pleasant is scheduled to do it.” He pointed out that this is only the first reading, so the Council would have time to look over it and hold a public hearing to get residents’ opinion before approving the change.
Water, water everywhere … no, really
A representative from Thomas & Hutton Engineering presented the Town with some ideas on how to handle the loss of a drainage pump at Station 18. According to Thomas & Hutton, the Town could either replace the old pump with two pumps, one working pump and one back up in case the first failed; replace the old pump with one structurally sound pump, or put in a new station at the Coast Guard station, grade the area down just a little bit and force water into lower areas so that it would flow into the adjacent station 19 basin. The first and second options would replace the current broken pump, but neither would be able to handle a very large storm. In light of the current information, the engineer recommended the third option as the Town’s best “bang for the buck.”
Planning Commission chairman Currey pointed out that, in his experience with altering the land, the Council was in for a long, drawn out process. He suggested that the Council look into what drainage lines are currently in the ground before going forward with any of the plans. Council member Perkis stated that they would discuss the issue further at the next Committees of Council meeting on March 1.
Meeting highlights:
• Reports and Communication: Mayor Carl Smith stated that Dr. Peter DeVito, who owns a house next to Durst Medical, asked that commercial angle parking not take place from Durst’s office, East. “He feels that it doesn’t look good and makes it more difficult to get in and out for residents,” said the Mayor. The Council agreed to consider this during discussions on the Commercial District plan.
• Bike-friendly island: Andy Benke stated that the chair of the Planning Commission, Hal Currey, is looking into how to make the island more bike friendly. The commission needs to assess what needs to be done to improve the current conditions, as well as what needs to be done to certify the island as “bike-friendly.” accrediadate.
• Upcoming beach runs: The first annual Adela Cook 5K Memorial Run will be held on the beach on April 10, and the Cystic Fibrosis 5K Walk and Run will be held on the beach on May 15. Beach runs are easier both on the Town, as they don’t require street closures, and on the police department, as extra police are not needed to direct traffic.
• Town income report: The Town has sold approximately 570 dog licenses as of the Council meeting date, and revenue is about $7000 over the same time last year. Building permits are also up by $17,000 from last year.
• Welcome, Officer Horne! Police Chief Danny Howard stated that Officer Anthony Horne has completed his probationary period and recommended him for full time status. The promotion was approved unanimously.
• Bridge closing party a success! Council member Mary Jane Watson reported that the Town sold 250 wrist bands during the Bridge Closing Party on February 7, so it was estimated that there was an attendance of roughly 300 residents. Watson asked if, with the blessing of the Council, if they could begin scheduling a party for the rededication of the bridge. The Council agreed and Watson said she would start planning. “It was one of best events for residents we’ve ever had,” said Council member Perkis.
• Discussion of paid parking on Sullivan’s Island Sullivan’s Island Streets and Maintenance will discuss the issue of paid parking on the island during their Streets and Maintenance Committee meeting, scheduled for 4 p.m. at Town Hall. For more info, visit www.sullivansisland-sc.com or call 883-3198.
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