Meeting colors

OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Charleston City Council Meeting – June 16, 2026: Proclamations, Annexations, and Restrictive Covenant Amendment

City Council — Tuesday, June 16, 2026

BodyCharleston, South Carolina

SessionCity Council

DateTuesday, June 16, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 54:14

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:30

Well, you can't ready?

1:08

Okay, uh, like to call this June sixteenth meeting of City Council to order.

1:14

Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll?

1:16

Councilmember Greg, Councilmember Sheeley, Councilmember McBride, Councilmember Pulquet, Councilmember Brady, President, Councilmember Di Alessandro, Councilmember Waring, Councilmember Seekings, Councilmember Tinkler, Councilmember Bowden, Councilmember Appel, here, Councilmember Scardon, Mayor Cogswell.

1:37

Here, I'd now like to ask Councilmember Brady to give the invocation and lead everybody in the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:44

Yes, thank you, Mr.

1:45

Mayor.

1:45

If we could all bow our heads, uh in honor of America's two hundred and fiftyth anniversary as a uh Eagle Scout, I'd like to offer the Philmont Grace, if that's okay, which is for food for arrangement for life, for opportunity, for friendship and fellowship, we thank the O Lord.

2:03

Amen.

2:04

Amen.

2:05

I pledge allegiance to the flag, the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

2:21

Okay, before we get started with uh presentations and recognitions, I did want to just remind members of council, this is uh a week of remembrance that we have here in Charleston uh for two tragedies, uh, the Mother Emmanuel uh shooting and the Charleston non sofa superstore fire.

2:44

We have uh two memorials this week.

2:47

Just wanted to uh make sure you all are aware of.

2:51

If you're able to attend, there will be a church service tomorrow at noon at Mother Emmanuel, uh, and then there will be a memorial at uh the Sofa Superstore site, which is adjacent to uh Fire Station Eleven on Thursday evening at 7 p.m.

3:08

So I just wanted to make sure you all were aware of that.

3:11

Um hopefully some of you are able to attend.

3:14

Okay, we're now moving on to uh presentations and recognitions.

3:22

We have the first presentation is honoring a native son who uh was not listed on the agenda because there was some concern over uh potential crowds.

3:37

Uh that got back to the recipient, and he is a very bashful person, very uh nervous in crowds and talking to groups of people.

3:46

So unfortunately, Stephen Colbert will not be here to this evening, uh, but we are going to honor him with this proclamation.

3:55

So if you will bear with me, whereas Stephen Tyrone Colbert was born on May 13th, 1964 in Washington, DC, and raised right here in Charleston, South Carolina, growing up on James Island, attending Styles Point Elementary School and going on to graduate from Porter Gaud School.

4:14

And whereas Stephen Colbert is the youngest of eleven children of Lorna and Dr.

4:19

James Colbert, whose family made their home in Charleston and whose father served the community through his work at the medical university of South Carolina.

4:28

And whereas he rose to prominence on Comedy Central's The Daily Show, created and starred in the Colbert Report from 2005 to 2014, and in 2015, became the host of the late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS, where for a decade he entertained millions with intelligence, humor, and an unmistakable Charleston forged character.

4:51

And whereas throughout his career, Stephen Colbert has never forgotten where he came from, maintaining deep ties to the low country, keeping a home on Sullivan's Island with his wife Evie, McGee Colbert, another proud Charleston native, and sharing Charleston with the world through his platform.

5:10

Even their dog, Benny, a boy Conspaniel, is a nod to South Carolina's official state dog.

5:16

And whereas on May 21st, 2026, the late show with Steven Colbert aired its final episode, closing the curtain on one of the most celebrated runs in late night television history.

5:29

And it is only right that the City of Charleston pause to recognize one of its most beloved native sons and the extraordinary career that he built.

5:39

Now, therefore, I, William S.

5:41

Cogswell Jr., mayor of the City of Charleston, to hereby proclaim June 16th, 2026 as Stephen Colbert Day.

5:50

Let's give him a round of applause.

6:03

Okay.

6:11

Next up, we have a recognition of a woman that needs no introduction, but I would ask that Lori Garborough, where is she?

6:24

If she she's always used to being on that side, if she could join me up here as we honor her longtime commitment to the city of Charleston and the Recreation Department.

6:38

Absolutely.

6:40

Whereas Lori Yarborough faithfully served as director of the Department of Recreation at the City of Charleston for 30 years, starting when she was just 15, contributing significantly to the quality of life of residents of every age.

6:57

And whereas, under her leadership, the Department of Recreation experienced significant growth in athletics, aquatics, facilities, therapeutic recreation, arts, and enrichment programs, expanding opportunities for Charleston's diverse community while advancing the department's commitment to inclusivity and recreation for all.

7:19

And whereas Ms.

7:20

Yarborough brought passion, commitment, and infectious enthusiasm to the city of Charleston, and her dedication has left an everlasting impact on all who have had the privilege of serving alongside her.

7:37

And whereas a proud South Carolina native, devoted game cockpan, an avid tennis player, her public service and stewardship to recreation is unmatched.

7:52

And whereas her dedication to recreation will leave a lasting legacy, positively impacting her Charleston community and inspiring generations of future participants for many, many years to come.

8:09

Now, therefore, I, William S.

8:10

Cogswell Jr., Mayor of the City of Charleston, hereby honor and recognize Lori Yarborough for all that she has done for this city.

8:18

Let's give her a round of applause.

8:28

I think they're a concern.

8:30

Yeah, absolutely.

8:35

Please, everybody's going to those of you that know me well know that this is not my favorite thing.

8:42

Um, but it gives me a good chance to say a few things that I need to say.

8:46

First, mayor, thank you, into city council for the opportunity to work for you and with you.

8:51

Um, I've worked for several mayors and councils now over the years, 30 years, you see a lot of faces come and go.

8:57

Um, but I'm proud of the work we've all done together, and I thank you for that.

9:01

Um, I'd like to thank the city staff over here.

9:04

There's some great men and women.

9:06

Excuse me, I'm a little choked up over there, but I appreciate all your support.

9:09

I certainly want to recognize the Department of Recreation staff.

9:13

You have 225 people that are tremendous.

9:24

Three of which are over there, and I appreciate y'all attending tonight.

9:28

Jennifer said we couldn't bring everybody, so we didn't.

9:30

So I want to just tell you, I am a lucky person.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Miscellaneous█████████████████████████████████████████████97%

Economic Development█3%

Summary of Proceedings

Charleston City Council Meeting – June 16, 2026

On June 16, 2026, the Charleston City Council met for a regular session that included proclamations honoring Stephen Colbert, Lori Yarborough, and Pride Month; a public hearing on eight annexations; citizen participation; committee reports; and a substantive discussion and vote on amending restrictive covenants for a property at 1025 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard to allow a wedding event space. The meeting lasted approximately 2.5 hours.

Consent Calendar

Public Hearings – Annexations (Items 1–8): Eight annexations were approved unanimously. Properties included 2116 Parkway Drive (James Island), 2028 Coker Avenue (James Island), 1918 Second Drive (West Ashley), 1812 Green Moor Drive (West Ashley), 816 East Estates Boulevard (West Ashley), 1519 South Pine Bark Lane (West Ashley), 2349 Brevard Road (West Ashley), and 1332 North Edgewater Drive (West Ashley). All will come into the city under SR1 or SR2 zoning, as presented by Planning Director Chris Morgan. Councilmember Waring questioned how future land use designated as “low impact conserved” would align with SR1 zoning; Morgan explained the lots are already surrounded by developed neighborhoods, so the zoning acknowledges pre-existing conditions.
Approval of May 12, 2026 Council Minutes: Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

Anthony G. Bryant: Spoke regarding the Charleston County budget and concerns about a proposed half-cent sales tax, annexation capacity, and the needs of long-term residents. He also raised a personal matter about his nephew, Keith Anthony Bryant, and urged the city to be mindful of public integrity.
Laura Stosel and Mr. Stosel (food cart operators): Expressed concerns about food cart regulations, including the need for uniform appearance, diversity of offerings (noting one operator with three identical carts), and the bid process. They requested that the Traffic and Transportation Department consider reallocating spaces, rotating vendors, and providing designated parking for tow vehicles. They also noted that removal of two King Street spaces should be reconsidered.
Online comments: One comment from Zach Basity praised the competitive bid process for food carts and urged short-term flexibility. One from Jerome Harris urged deferral of item N1 (financial assistance repeal). Anthony G. Bryant submitted a written comment. Two emails from Lexi Frazier and Natalie Sullivan opposed the restrictive covenant amendment at 1025 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard.

Discussion Items

Stephen Colbert Proclamation: Mayor Cogswell read a proclamation declaring June 16, 2026 as Stephen Colbert Day in Charleston. Colbert was not present due to being “bashful.” The proclamation highlighted his career and ties to Charleston.
Lori Yarborough Recognition: Mayor Cogswell honored Lori Yarborough for 30 years of service as Director of the Department of Recreation. Yarborough thanked the city and staff, and urged continued funding for parks and recreation.
Pride Month Proclamation: Mayor Cogswell proclaimed June 2026 as Pride Month in Charleston, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and calling for respect and support.
Committee Reports:
- HR Committee (Councilmember Sheehan): Discussed a drug-free workplace policy and the MUSC/Cigna contract dispute, which could affect access for city employees; Mayor expressed optimism about resolution.
- Recreation Committee (Councilmember McBride): Reported on summer 2026 programming and ongoing trash overflow issues at Johns Island City Park, possibly due to soccer tournaments.
- Community Development (Councilmember Appel): Reported approval of PUD-related grants in May.
- Special Facilities (Councilmember Brady): Discussed restoration of the Powder Magazine and an Angel Oak update with Lowcountry Land Trust.
- Public Safety (Councilmember Sheeley): Approved law enforcement support agreements with Lexington County and Myrtle Beach, and a grant for an ATV for the mounted patrol.
- Public Works & Utilities (Councilmember Waring): Approved all items from May 21 and June 15 meetings, except a deferral on St. John’s Woods Parkway.
- Traffic & Transportation (Councilmember Brady, for Chair Seekings): Reported on MOU with SCDOT for carbon reduction signal improvements, Sam Rittenberg Boulevard redesign (road diet from Savannah Highway to Ashley River Road), Maybank Highway signal alignment, and pedicab franchise agreement renewal (30 decals at $65,884.63 for 10 decals for five years, with one five-year renewal at $75,767.33).
- Ways & Means (Councilmember Greg): Moved approval of committee report, including first and second readings of bills.
Bills – Second Reading (Items T1–T4): Approved unanimously for second reading and then for third reading and ratification.
Bills – First Reading: Item N1 was deferred to Community Development Committee on request. Item N2 was a discussion on amending restrictive covenants for 1025 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard.
Restrictive Covenant Amendment (Item N2): Councilman Tinkler presented details: the property, formerly a Boy Scout council headquarters and later a photography studio, had a restrictive covenant limiting uses to administrative office and Boy Scout activities. A wedding event space operator leased the property but the covenant prevented its use. Tinkler negotiated amendments with neighbors and the property owner/operator. Key restrictions include: no continuous or repetitive sounds (including low frequency); no amplified sound plainly audible inside a dwelling; music must end by 10 p.m.; outdoor operations cease by 9 p.m.; dense vegetation and privacy fencing; enforcement via municipal court; and a provision for the city to revisit restrictions after nine months but no sooner than one year. The operator requested exceptions for officiant microphones during ceremonies. Council approved the amendment as presented.

Key Outcomes

Proclamations: June 16, 2026 designated Stephen Colbert Day; Pride Month proclaimed; Lori Yarborough recognized.
Annexations (8 properties): Approved unanimously.
Committee Reports: All reports adopted, with noted deferral on St. John’s Woods Parkway for additional information.
Pedicab Franchise Renewal: Approved for current operators (30 decals) at $65,884.63 per 10 decals for five years, with one five-year renewal at $75,767.33.
Restrictive Covenant Amendment (1025 Sam Rittenberg Blvd): Approved as amended with councilman Tinkler’s restrictions and operator’s two asks. The city retains right to reopen within 9–12 months.
Next Meeting: July 14, 2026 (double meeting).

Meeting Transcript

Well, you can't ready? Okay, uh, like to call this June sixteenth meeting of City Council to order. Madam Clerk, will you please call the roll? Councilmember Greg, Councilmember Sheeley, Councilmember McBride, Councilmember Pulquet, Councilmember Brady, President, Councilmember Di Alessandro, Councilmember Waring, Councilmember Seekings, Councilmember Tinkler, Councilmember Bowden, Councilmember Appel, here, Councilmember Scardon, Mayor Cogswell. Here, I'd now like to ask Councilmember Brady to give the invocation and lead everybody in the Pledge of Allegiance. Yes, thank you, Mr. Mayor. If we could all bow our heads, uh in honor of America's two hundred and fiftyth anniversary as a uh Eagle Scout, I'd like to offer the Philmont Grace, if that's okay, which is for food for arrangement for life, for opportunity, for friendship and fellowship, we thank the O Lord. Amen. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag, the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Okay, before we get started with uh presentations and recognitions, I did want to just remind members of council, this is uh a week of remembrance that we have here in Charleston uh for two tragedies, uh, the Mother Emmanuel uh shooting and the Charleston non sofa superstore fire. We have uh two memorials this week. Just wanted to uh make sure you all are aware of. If you're able to attend, there will be a church service tomorrow at noon at Mother Emmanuel, uh, and then there will be a memorial at uh the Sofa Superstore site, which is adjacent to uh Fire Station Eleven on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. So I just wanted to make sure you all were aware of that. Um hopefully some of you are able to attend. Okay, we're now moving on to uh presentations and recognitions. We have the first presentation is honoring a native son who uh was not listed on the agenda because there was some concern over uh potential crowds. Uh that got back to the recipient, and he is a very bashful person, very uh nervous in crowds and talking to groups of people. So unfortunately, Stephen Colbert will not be here to this evening, uh, but we are going to honor him with this proclamation. So if you will bear with me, whereas Stephen Tyrone Colbert was born on May 13th, 1964 in Washington, DC, and raised right here in Charleston, South Carolina, growing up on James Island, attending Styles Point Elementary School and going on to graduate from Porter Gaud School. And whereas Stephen Colbert is the youngest of eleven children of Lorna and Dr. James Colbert, whose family made their home in Charleston and whose father served the community through his work at the medical university of South Carolina. And whereas he rose to prominence on Comedy Central's The Daily Show, created and starred in the Colbert Report from 2005 to 2014, and in 2015, became the host of the late Show with Stephen Colbert on CBS, where for a decade he entertained millions with intelligence, humor, and an unmistakable Charleston forged character. And whereas throughout his career, Stephen Colbert has never forgotten where he came from, maintaining deep ties to the low country, keeping a home on Sullivan's Island with his wife Evie, McGee Colbert, another proud Charleston native, and sharing Charleston with the world through his platform. Even their dog, Benny, a boy Conspaniel, is a nod to South Carolina's official state dog. And whereas on May 21st, 2026, the late show with Steven Colbert aired its final episode, closing the curtain on one of the most celebrated runs in late night television history. And it is only right that the City of Charleston pause to recognize one of its most beloved native sons and the extraordinary career that he built. Now, therefore, I, William S. Cogswell Jr., mayor of the City of Charleston, to hereby proclaim June 16th, 2026 as Stephen Colbert Day. Let's give him a round of applause. Okay. Next up, we have a recognition of a woman that needs no introduction, but I would ask that Lori Garborough, where is she? If she she's always used to being on that side, if she could join me up here as we honor her longtime commitment to the city of Charleston and the Recreation Department. Absolutely. Whereas Lori Yarborough faithfully served as director of the Department of Recreation at the City of Charleston for 30 years, starting when she was just 15, contributing significantly to the quality of life of residents of every age. And whereas, under her leadership, the Department of Recreation experienced significant growth in athletics, aquatics, facilities, therapeutic recreation, arts, and enrichment programs, expanding opportunities for Charleston's diverse community while advancing the department's commitment to inclusivity and recreation for all. And whereas Ms. Yarborough brought passion, commitment, and infectious enthusiasm to the city of Charleston, and her dedication has left an everlasting impact on all who have had the privilege of serving alongside her. And whereas a proud South Carolina native, devoted game cockpan, an avid tennis player, her public service and stewardship to recreation is unmatched. And whereas her dedication to recreation will leave a lasting legacy, positively impacting her Charleston community and inspiring generations of future participants for many, many years to come. Now, therefore, I, William S. Cogswell Jr., Mayor of the City of Charleston, hereby honor and recognize Lori Yarborough for all that she has done for this city. Let's give her a round of applause. I think they're a concern. Yeah, absolutely. Please, everybody's going to those of you that know me well know that this is not my favorite thing. Um, but it gives me a good chance to say a few things that I need to say. First, mayor, thank you, into city council for the opportunity to work for you and with you.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI

TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com