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.

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

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

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

There's some great men and women.

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

I certainly want to recognize the Department of Recreation staff.

You have 225 people that are tremendous.

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

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

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

When I was 12, I realized in this gym that I was playing basketball in, you can hear the basketballs on that wooden floor.

I realized there were these people standing in shirts, just like what I'm wearing right now.

And they were earning a living.

And I thought, oh my God, that's what I want to do.

Well, my parents were not very excited, but I did.

I did manage to make a great career.

It's been my biggest honor to work here.

And let me let me leave by saying, please, let me continue to ask you to fund parks and recreation.

It's so important.

Don't let that slip.

So we used to have a saying we're number four.

We knew we weren't police, we knew we weren't fire, and we knew we weren't sanitation, but by golly, we could be number four, okay?

So make sure you keep funding that, and I appreciate everything.

Thank you.

Okay, thank you.

Yeah, we're gonna go.

We gotta make it show the seal and everything.

Okay.

Okay.

Yes.

Okay, thank you.

All right, one more round of applause.

Okay, last one, but certainly not least, uh, we have a proclamation honoring uh Pride Month here in the city of Charleston.

Whereas the city of Charleston embraces and celebrates diversity, inclusion, and the fundamental rights and dignities of all residents, and whereas the month of June has been widely recognized as Pride Month, honoring the LGBTQ plus community and commemorating the historic Stonewall riots of June 1969, which marked a turning point in the fight for equality and justice for all.

And whereas the city of Charleston acknowledges the vital role played by the LGBTQ plus commun individuals in shaping our vibrant community, fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural diversity.

And whereas we recognize the important work of the LGBTQ plus organizations, advocates, and allies who tirelessly strive to create more inclusive and equitable society, fostering understanding, support, and respect for all residents of Charleston.

And whereas it is the city's responsibility to promote an environment of respect, of dignity, and equality for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Now, therefore, I William S.

Cogswell Jr., mayor of the city of Charleston, along with city council, to hereby proclaim the month of June 2026 as Pride Month in the City of Charleston, and we call upon all residents to observe this month with respect and support for all.

Christopher Morgan, if you could make your way up to the microphone.

Thank you, Mayor.

Members of Council, these are all recent annexations, so this should go pretty quickly.

Is this on?

I just have to get closer, sorry.

Um, okay.

We've got uh 2116 Parkway Drive on James Island.

It will come in the city as single and two family residential.

Yeah, you got the image of the property there.

Let's see.

It will advance for me.

Here we go.

And then we've got uh 2028 Coker Island Coker Avenue, also on James Island that also would come in as single and two family residential.

We have an image of that.

Both of these are in Riverland Terrace.

Then we have 1918 second drive in West Ashley.

Come in the city as SR2.

We have an image of it here.

And then we have 1812 Green Moore Drive in West Ashley.

Would come in the city as SR1.

There's an image of it there.

Okay.

And then we have 816 East.

Oops, 816 East Estates Boulevard.

Um would come in the city as SR1.

It's in West Ashley as well.

Is the image there?

Oops.

Okay.

Then 1519 South Pine Bark Lane would come in the city as SR1.

Shove it here.

A little bit sluggish.

Here we go.

Here we go.

That is property.

And then we have uh 23 49 Brevard Road.

We come in the city as SR1.

We have an image of it here.

And here we go.

And then finally, 1332 North Edgewater Drive would come in the city as SR1.

And we're back right there.

And those are your public interests this evening.

And we have one person signed up.

Alright, let's give a minute and a half for anybody that signed up.

Please call the first speaker.

Alright.

Anthony G.

Bryan.

I made public comment on the city on Charleston County's budget 2026, 2027.

And this goes in line with my concern for the half stand sales tax one to the increase on July 2nd, possibly by Dominion G corporation of rate increases from probably 11, 20, 11.

So again, the capacity you'll make a request of the county council support a half cent sales tax.

But we're not measuring the terms of every time you make an annexation or add capacity, you know what's the benefit to those existing residents for quite some time.

The issue is people are coming in.

We've been here for a while.

We have to have to balance between what's what.

Secondly, there's no conversation with the opposition to the half-saint sales tax to come level of approving but conditions.

So I basically am in the middle of that.

I feel that is something going on in terms of existing residents over 20 to 30 years being overlooked for their contributions and paying price of those who've been here from say five to ten years and making these requests of capacities they created.

But to make sure that's on the record.

We're on county council right now.

Agent Anthony G.

Bryan is there, and is there right now to deal with you guys?

And what's the benefit to those with it for quite some time?

Thank you.

Was there anyone else who needed to speak to any of the public hearings?

Citizens' participation will be later on in the agenda.

Any questions, comments from council members?

Uh Councilman Right.

Yes, thank you, Miss Mayor.

Uh Ms.

Morgan, I just had a quick question.

I saw on the slides, uh, some of the future land use was low impact conserved, but it's coming into the city as SR1.

Uh how does that eventually meet the future land use in terms of uh how it eventually gets to low impact conserved, which is what the city is trying to kind of get to.

Right.

So if it was low impact and conserved and not developed, it would be a different story, but these are all in the midst of surrounding neighborhoods that we already have a number of lots in.

So we go ahead and bring them in.

It is an acknowledgement that it is in an area that could have impacts in the future, but because we already have other lots in those surrounding areas, it's it's kind of looked at as it's a pre existing condition.

Any further questions, comments for Mr.

Morgan?

If not, uh motion for approval items one through eight that has been properly seconded.

Any further discussion?

If not, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

Opposed.

I have it.

We now have approval of the May 12th council minutes.

Can I understand a motion?

Move for approval.

Second.

Uh all those in favor signify by saying aye.

I opposed, eyes have it.

We're now on to citizens participation.

Uh Madam Clark, how many people do we have signed up?

We have three.

Alright, so we'll give everybody a minute and a half.

Just remind everybody the rules of decorum.

Just ask that you be respectful.

This is not a question and answer session.

We look forward to hearing from you, but again, be polite.

Thank you.

Anthony G.

Bryant.

Keith Anthony Bryant, which I hadn't seen quite some time.

He has eight mugshots on Charleston County Sheriff's website.

I am his uncle.

I've made opposition to the Sheriff's Department, town of Mount Pleasant and North Charleston on a number of their practices.

One of the city councils have a public integrity issue.

One of the council members have public interviews on Charleston's schools about a U.S.

attorney and FBI.

So I'm as all making these statements.

And I submitted for the record that possibly he could have been hurting at the county jail with Brockwood in the county jail.

Probably people died in the county jail.

I was unaware of that as his uncle.

He's a grown man.

He's my nephew.

And therefore I'm here for that particular reason.

Not the city of Charleston, but here, and I am his uncle.

That's my brother's son who passed at 47.

So I want to make sure it's on record for the town of Mount Pleasant.

Anthony G.

Bryant will be coming to Mount Pleasant.

He will be coming to North Charleston in the terms of affiliation.

I grew up in the city of Charleston where affiliation is real and the tribe control bills for years.

So he wouldn't know the people I know.

And he knows the people we would know in the prisons.

Went to school with the real brothers in the community out of college too.

From that, and did pretty well from those brothers and sisters.

I've connected him forever.

Not him, but me.

So I've taken my nephew, Keith Anthony Bryant.

I'm his uncle.

I'm here.

Let the mayor know North Charleston know that.

The Mayor Mount Pleasant, the sheriff know that, but I'm his I'm his uncle.

Have a nice evening.

Laura Stosel.

I know food truck situation.

Food parts are up to that point there.

It's this is the time to speak about that, yes.

So here, thank you for having us in Charles moved here.

And we're part of the food part issue problem as a nightmare.

Um I know it's gonna be going until baby in the future.

They're all discussing it.

Um not only is she going to a big, um, I understand that, but we have to have rules with the bid that a lot of food trucks are food carts, are not doing.

Um, when I look good.

I mean, this is Charleston.

You have to be respectful.

You have to, you know, you have to represent your brand.

I think you also have to represent Charleston.

I'm the people, we're the people right outside here.

We've gotten to a lot of effort to make our heart complaint, Charleston, make it clean, make us friendly.

We have a lot of people that come through town.

We can make a fortune on just pictures.

I mean, we see we have more pictures taken than some of them.

So I'm like, maybe we should do like dollar kitchen.

Um, but don't for one of their they love the food, the food cards who trust around in Charleston, they lie.

Their complaint they have is that it's the same, the same brand.

Like there's one particular plot that has three spots, who sell the same exact thing.

They would like to see like a hot drawer, um, ice cream, you know, not three spots with the three exact items on.

Um, these food vendors, it's it's all.

Yes, ma'am.

And then Mr.

Sosel.

Thank you.

So I'm going to pick up where we're allowed to all.

Um, presence it needs to be uniform and represent Charleston.

Well, we see probably a million, um, not a million, but we everyone's tourists, and they're happy to be here, and we need to continue to project the image.

Um, some objectivity uh with the bid process.

We were subject to that up in New Jersey, and it would work well.

Um, perhaps maybe like Laura mentioned, uh, have a diversity in food carts instead of just one particular car holding three spaces.

Um with the proposed elimination of the two on King Street, maybe perhaps the council or traffic and transportation will consider reallocating those spaces.

Some spaces uh have less foot traffic and are more seasonal, like one by the college.

Um, one out in front of the uh visitor center, for instance, may not have as much food traffic um foot traffic.

We know that the four downtown are obviously the best ones.

Um maybe uh on a rotational basis or bid basis, that's great.

Um, and basically just uh consider the other consideration for traffic transportation.

You see our setup out there, we have a tow vehicle on the trail.

Uh, I understand the need for ability to remove it quickly.

Um it would be excellent if we had the ability to not have to try and find parking for those two um those two items at all times.

Maybe just designate a vendor parking space or something along those lines to just facilitate us getting in and out in a in a more orderly fashion set up a parking on the street and everyone going home here.

It's you know, it could be it could be dicey at times.

Um, other than that, um we're happy to be here.

We just came down from Virginia and New Jersey prior to that.

Uh we love this town.

It's just it's good by us where you um that's basically that's what I think you know.

All right, and we also received some comments online.

Um, one comment was received from Zach Basity praising the traffic and transportation department's decision to hold a competitive bid and urging council to preserve the ability to adapt by adopting short terms which balance new entrepreneurial efforts with long-standing businesses with the community.

One comment was received from Jerome Harris urging council to defer item in one due to concerns regarding the elimination of financial assistance and loans to support small business development.

One comment was received from Anthony G.

Bryant, which was sent to council in full, and two emails were received from Lexi Frazier and Natalie Sullivan opposed to amending the restrictive covenants on 1025 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard to allow for an event space, and those are all the comments we received.

Thank you, Madam Clerk.

Um moving on, we are now uh to petitions and communications.

We only had uh two items there, and I believe um, let's see that the the they have been removed.

Uh then they would report out, I guess, uh, at the next council meeting.

The first one has been moved to the traffic and transportation report on the agenda, but the second one has been deferred until July.

Okay, I should read my notes here.

So the first item has been moved to traffic and transportation, the second one has been deferred until July.

So now moving on to consent agenda.

We have four committee reports under the consent agenda, HR rec community development, and special facilities.

They do not require any inform any action just for information purposes, but wanted to offer those chairs any um uh summary if they'd like.

We'll start with HR committee.

Thank you.

We uh had a meeting.

Uh um we uh the I think the the most important thing we talked about.

Well, we we talked about uh a drug-free workplace policy uh which we currently have in place and and whether that's uh appropriate for for all of our jobs, so continuing to work on that.

I think they'll come back with um with with more at our next meeting, and we'll see if that continues to make sense for the city or if maybe we want to change course a little bit on that.

Um there were some other great updates with regard to keeping um uh health care costs uh in in check.

Um the but the big thing I wanted to address was the MUSC Cigna contract uh dispute.

Um, you know, did we as as I've seen in the past, most of these things get worked out.

Hopefully, this one will as well, but uh obviously actively monitoring that to make sure that um our employees continue to have access to one of the major health providers in our area.

Next up we have uh Ms.

I'm sorry, um apologies.

Uh Councilman Shealing.

Yeah, thank thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

I just want to reiterate what Steven said.

I mean, we're we're very fortunate to have some of the best doctors um with all of our hospitals, but certainly we have a lot of employees that are um using MUSC, and it would be a shame for them to have to not or not have access to that because they can't afford it because they've come out of out of network.

So any influence we have that we can use with both Cigna and MUSC, I'm sure would be certainly appreciated by all of our all of our staff, but specifically those that see MUSC doctors or have procedures done at MC.

Yeah.

I have met with Dr.

Cole on this, express the the uh concern.

We're not the only people that have reached out to him.

Um this unfortunately is uh between those two.

We've expressed um you know just how critical this is to 2000 city employees, not to mention the community writ large.

Uh they are working uh aggressively on it.

They have um a different side of the story from what what we've seen from Signa.

Some of you all have gotten some of that information, um, but I'm optimistic that they can work this out.

Uh we unfortunately do not have uh as much leverage with Cigna, but uh we we've let them know that it's very important that they get this worked out as well.

Um now moving on to committee uh councilman McBride for committee on rec.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Just covered two items last month.

Uh the city's citywide recreation programming uh for summer 2026, and Ms.

Yarborough uh gave a comprehensive uh overview of that, and then we talked about uh trash overflow uh issues in the Johns Island City Park, and um there was a little bit of discussion that that could be because in part because of the the baseball season was in session that CCSD uses just a quick update, baseball season is is over and there's still an issue up there.

Um so just still looking for a solution on that.

Uh the constituent that is keeping me informed is saying that it's probably at the soccer field uh every Sunday.

There's a lot of soccer, you know, freestyle tournaments being played there.

So it's overflowing the bin, so just still looking for a solution on that one.

That's all I have.

Okay.

Moving on to community development.

Uh Councilman Appell.

Uh thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Um Committee on Community Development met back on May 14th.

Uh we only had one item on our agenda.

It was approval of several um PUD-related grants.

Uh, it was approved unanimously and it's already been pushed through ways and means uh our last city council meeting.

So um we're gonna have a much more detailed uh community development report coming up.

We've got quite an agenda uh for next week, but um yeah, that'll do it for now.

Thanks, everybody.

Okay, uh Committee on Special Facilities.

Brady.

Yes, thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Um we received updates uh just on various of the special facilities for the city discussion regarding the powder magazine, which I'm sure some folks have seen in the paper as well.

Uh important that we get to preserve uh that historical site uh for the city and um uh allow for uh its restoration, which will be great.

And then we received uh an angel oak update, which is near and dear to Councilmember McBride's heart, um, about uh the partnership with Low Country Land Trust and um the preservation of that site as well as the um more expansive park site.

So uh lots of good things coming here at the city, which was really exciting to hear about.

Absolutely, and um a great target for potential greenbelt funds uh should the half cent sales tax pass.

Uh just wanted to throw that out there for Angel Oak.

Uh okay, now we are on to um uh committee reports.

I'd like to we're gonna start with public safety.

Uh uh, Mr.

Chair Chairman Sheely, if you would.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

The public safety committee met May 19th.

Um we had a um approval for a law enforcement assistance support agreement with Lexington County Sheriff's Office, and we had our, as you have already seen through our ways and means committee on May 26th, we had a resolution adopted in the City of Charleston Emergency Operations Plan and letter of promulgation.

We also met on June 19th, and uh we had an approval of a law enforcement assistance and support agreement with the city of Myrtle Beach.

Um and the uh we had a after the fact approval to submit an application for a grant for 23,191 dollars that will fund an all terrain vehicle for the mounted patrol team.

So that ends my report.

So can I get a motion on items L one and L two?

Second motion may probably second any further discussion on these items.

Not all those in favor, signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Opposed, eyes have it.

Now on to uh committee on public works, Chairman Waring.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

Uh, committee on public works and utilities met on May 21st.

All actionable items pass unanimously, and I move the adoption of that report.

We have motion made uh probably seconded uh for items related to the May 21st meeting.

All those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye, opposed, eyes have it.

Mr.

Chairman, talk about the 15th meeting.

Yeah, Mr.

Mayor, we met on yesterday.

You've been getting a pile of flesh out of us.

Uh same uh items, uh similar items all passed after thorough discussion and deliberation, passed unanimously, and I've moved the adoption of the report.

Second.

Motion made property seconded to approve all items on the June 15th meeting of public works.

Any further discussion?

If not, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

O's, ayes have it.

Uh moving right along.

We are on traffic and transportation and chairman uh seeking's absence.

I'd like to call on uh Vice Chair uh Brady.

Yes, thank you, Mr.

Mayor.

I'm pinch hitting for Chairman Seekings, who is unfortunately not able to be here tonight.

We had a uh request for approval of an MOU with SCDOT for our participation in the carbon reduction program signal systems improvement project.

Um item B was the Sam Rittenberg Boulevard redesign update, which I would encourage.

If you want to see those slides, please reach out to uh Mr.

Pullman.

Um interesting things coming to St.

Rittenberg, including a road diet uh on the portion that runs from Savannah Highway to Ashley River Road.

It's one it's actually um with three lanes in each direction, it's actually uh underutilized in terms of the volume, and so we'll be able to do some um pedestrian and bike improvements there as well as some streetscape improvements.

So highly encourage folks to reach out and uh get that.

Uh also near and dear to Councilmember McBride's heart, uh the request for approval for an MOU from Maybank Highway at Southwick Drive um traffic signal, which would help realign that intersection as part of a development that's going in there, which is desperately needed in that part of Johns Island if you've ever tried to uh navigate that intersection where the roads are not aligned.

Um and then finally, uh we had a discussion and consideration of the decal rate for new franchise agreements um related to pedicabs, which I know that uh councilmember Gregg and myself have been involved in for quite some time.

Um and the committee voted to extend the pedicab franchise agreement for the current 30 general decals, uh 10 decals for each franchise operator for one additional five-year item or five-year term at 65,884.63 cents for 10 decals with one five-year renewal at 75,767.33 cents uh for an additional 10 decals.

So uh that concludes my report and I would move for its adoption.

Motion may probably second any further discussion on any of these items.

If not, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye, opposed, uh I just have it.

Mr.

Mayor, I have to ask your indulgence to go back.

There was an over site on the uh June 15th uh public course meeting.

It was a deferral on uh St.

John's Woods Parkway uh for additional information.

So uh I need to amend that.

Everything did not pass unanimously.

We did have one deferral.

Do we need to amend that vote?

It's noted in the record that it was depart.

It's a very unique.

It was a good it was a good presentation by a member of the HOA for St.

John Woods.

Did a great job.

That's off to the treasurer.

Okay.

We're now on to Ways on Me Ways and Means.

Would like to call on Chairman Greg for his report.

Move for approval.

Motion made properties.

It never gets old.

All those in favor.

If there's no further discussion, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

All right.

And that includes the first readings.

Okay.

We now have four bills up for second reading.

And move the t one through four together for approval.

Motion a to take one through four for approval.

Although if there's any further discussion on any of these four items, if not, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

Opposed as have it.

I'd move their third reading and ratification items one through four.

Motion made, property second for third reading.

Any further discussion?

If not, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Now we are on to bills up for first reading.

We have two bills up for first reading.

Um staff is requesting a deferral on item in one to the community development committee.

Is that correct, Ms.

Copeland?

Yes sir.

I'll hand it over to you.

On N1?

Or were you up here?

I mean any further questions or comments related to within one.

Just want to let you know we're seeking a deferral so we can take it through community development.

We had a discussion with Councilman Pilke, and he would prefer that we take it through committee before bringing it to you.

So we're good with that.

Since it's not noted on the agenda is being previously deferred, I would move to defer item one.

Second.

Motion made, probably seconded to defer item one.

Any further discussion on that topic.

If not, all those in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye.

Opposed.

Ayes, then have it.

Um so we have N two, which is uh item related to uh restrictive covenants on a property off of Sam Rittenberg.

I'd like to call on Councilman Tinkler.

Thank you, Mr.

Mayor, and um if you indulge me, uh obviously I have not discussed this matter with most of y'all.

Um it's obviously a matter that y'all have heard from from some of my constituents um on your desk or two letters from uh a couple of my constituents who are or stating their opposition for this change, which to give you a little bit of history about it.

Um, this is this is a property uh on Sam Rittenberg uh that y'all if y'all may remember this is where the Boy Scouts uh council headquarters was until about 10 years when it was purchased by Tumbleston photography and operated as a photography studio until uh a couple years ago when uh it's been it had been listed for quite some time.

Um, the operator uh well, there was a lease that was entered uh several months ago with a with a wedding uh venue wedding event uh venue operation, which um uh pretty soon after the signs went up.

I started receiving some concerns about what was gonna be at at that site.

So that that backs up to a neighborhood.

Uh in full disclosure, it's my neighborhood.

Uh and it you know it's a it's a uh if you if you if you're familiar with Sam Rainbow right there, it's it's right next to the Scottish Rights Center.

It there are there are a number of parcels that are are zoned in a particular way where you don't have intense uses.

Um this was zoned if you go and look at at the the city's GIS, it's it was zoned limited business.

So and that was the understanding of staff, that was the understanding of me.

And when there were concerns that were expressed about this operation, we looked at it, ultimately found that it was within the proper uses of the limited business zoning classification.

Well, about a month ago, it was it was revealed that there was actually a restrictive covenant that's on this property that limits the uses to administrative office and uses relating to Boy Scouts, which there was a retail operation over there, offices and and some training and whatnot.

The bottom line is that a wedding event space cannot operate at that property as the restrictive covenants are currently written.

Uh, to do a lot of upfitting in that property uh to get it ready for a wedding event space.

Of course, now it's dawned on us that that can't happen.

So they have presented well when I when this when this was discovered, I reached out to to the operator who sat down with the residents who were most impacted by this.

We had a meeting a couple weeks ago, and uh he offered a number of concessions.

Um I know they were basically um they were memorialized in that amendment that was circulated yesterday.

Obviously, this is moving very quickly, and it's taken me some time uh personally to to do a fact finding to figure out what what is the best thing to do for that that piece of property, given the fact that it is a large space.

It is um it's in a what a future land use for the city has identified as a uh low-impact conserve area.

So there's not a lot that can happen there, uh, but we have this this large 40-year-old building that um that otherwise would sit vacant.

Uh I I you know I've I've consulted with a number of brokers, real estate brokers.

I think the the market over in West Ashley is um is not ideal right now for that that class of office space, especially when you have an open layout, which is what that building is for the most part.

So you know there as you can as you can see from the letters, uh the the residents that back up to this property are very concerned about uh the noise that this site would create.

They're concerned about privacy issues.

It sits on a beautiful piece of land that overlooks the marsh, and you can see the backs of homes, a couple of homes from where the wedding uh ceremony is intended to take place.

So this is not um it's not a it's not a good situation, certainly for for everybody involved.

And um I've certainly tried to bend over backwards to figure out you know if if there is a way to um to address this issue from a a uh from a addressing noise restrictions, address trying to uh look at ways for the property owner to put in uh privacy buffers, fencing and whatnot to try to mitigate as much as possible the collateral uh effects of of a wedding event space.

Um so that's that's why I indicated when I when I received the the proposal from the operator that I do not support what their proposal was.

There were concessions that were made, of course, that uh they they for you is a is a draft.

Uh there were concessions that were made to to shut down um amplify music at nine, to shut down the event space at 10 30, um to to provide concessions to to the the residents for um for privacy.

I I just did not think they went far enough, honestly.

So what what I have done is is try my best to draft and come up with with ideas that I think would would address a lot of these and um you know I I've you know there were concerns about um I I've talked to other wedding event uh space operators who have talked about the base how base travels uh yeah I've I've looked at the county uh councilman appell has has uh indicated that the county has very uh restrictive uh rules relating to noise which I which I have looked at and they are very restrictive uh to the extent where it is a it is noise violation if you can hear amplified music within within an another person's dwelling so um other other things relating to um decibel levels obviously the city's noise ordinance does not address decibel levels it really just says no amplified music after 11 o'clock which obviously was not going to work for this site so um I you know the bottom line and I I have I have presented to y'all on your desk um kind of what where my where my thinking is on this and at the end of the day um unless uh you know these terms are um are addressed I certainly it certainly does have my support so uh to the extent um I'm happy to answer any questions but um the bottom line is you know I I'm addressing no I've asked to address no continuous or repetitive sounds including low frequency sounds to address vibrations of homes uh no amplified sound uh plainly audible within a dwelling of another to keep uh to shut down music at 10 p.m uh to shut down outdoor operations at at 9 p.m.

So at the end of the day um I think you know this is I'm not aware if the property owner has looked at these and addressed these and consented to these but certainly is where my my thinking is on this with um uh dense vegetation along the property line to address the privacy issues of the homes that back up to this site as well as privacy fencing uh and so but but critically and I think um what has sort of satisfied me on on this is that is the the way that the city has has the ability to enforce this and that is um rather than normally restrictive covenants are uh are enforced through the Court of Common Pleas through an injunctive relief uh which is which is not the most effective way to enforce a restrictive covenant here um the the enforcement mechanism would be through the city's municipal court so it would we would be addressing this as if it is this is a zoning rule that is enforceable within the city's municipal court within the city's um framework uh as well as provisions that if this does create an issue over the next uh nine months to a year the city can come back and cut all outdoor amplified music on that site so I mean the bottom line is uh you know what whether the property owner is going to be okay with this or not I don't know but I think this creates restrictions that are more restrictive than the the residential properties that are next to it so and so if I just want to make um want to make sure I'm clear maybe um other council members uh have the same question is what you presented um on our desks, that would be a proposed amendment that what was circulated yesterday, and if that is adopted as amended, you would be in support of that that's that's correct.

If certainly if this is um again, happy to answer any questions.

If this is something that y'all are um satisfied with, um it certainly would have to be consented to by the property owner at the end of the day.

But you know, this this is not you know, it's a very unique situation to basically look at zoning from a restrictive covenant.

Uh, obviously that they were they were trying to find a very specific use uh to get a Boy Scout operation there, um, but not allow a gas station, say, which is what you can do in a limited business zone, uh, maybe you know, maybe not that close to the marsh, but there are more intense uses in limited business certainly than um than the neighborhood was willing to accept at that point in time and the restrictive covenants um they they ultimately that they they could terminate if we rezone the property anyway.

So, I mean it is you know it is it's sort of it really comes down to city's zoning authority here and whether but but for point of order if it's amended and it contingent upon the consent.

Can I just chime in here too?

Please, legal, yeah.

So the landowner, the tenant and the landowner have reviewed the proposed revisions you've made, they've consented to it.

They have two asks in this, which I I believe are in the draft that you you are all looking at right now.

One of them is in section six, um, on page three, um, it asks that nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the use of a microphone by an officiant during an actual ceremony.

So the pastor, preacher, rabbi can use a microphone to actually marry the couple.

That's the first ask.

And then the second one is on the um the last section or page four.

Uh number two, the city shall have the right within one year of ratification to reopen this and revisit it.

Should we have any problems?

But they've asked for no sooner than nine months.

So they just need some lead time because they're booking events at the space.

So they'd need some lead time that we're gonna reopen it to talk about further restrictions um prior to us actually implementing the plan.

So those are the only two changes they've made.

Everything else that you proposed, they've accepted.

Well, I think like I said, this is this was a restrictive covenant that was entered into 46 years ago.

And um, you know, it's obviously the Boy Scouts moved on, the photography studios moved on, and um honestly I think you know trying to find you know the most restrictive uh use of that property that gets actual use of that property is is something that I um support of.

So uh I guess with that I'll just I'll move to amend uh the um the proposed from the proposal from the uh I guess the landowner um with these terms which are in front of you on your desk.

The draft that you have includes the two provisions from the landowner.

So if you move to approve as amended uh as reflected with the draft you're looking at, then it would cover all of it.

So do we can I entertain a motion on that front?

Oh, that yeah, I that would that was my motion.

If there's a second, we have motion made property seconded.

This is a unique property.

I applaud you, Councilman Tinkler for taking the time to really dig into this.

Um, you hate to see a fallow property.

Uh that can lead to a lot of bad things, and so figuring out a restrictive use that um is reasonable and these seem pretty restrictive in terms of amplified use, noise, and and and and the like.

So compliments to you for the work on this.

Uh if there's no further discussion on this, all those in favor of uh this as amended, please signify by saying aye.

I oppose have it.

Um where else are we?

That's it.

Wow, okay.

Um we our next meeting uh will be on July 14th, Bastille Day.

Uh it will be a double meeting as you all uh as today was, so prepare for um you know a little bit longer session, but appreciate everybody's patience.

And with that, I call this