Goose Creek City Council Regular Meeting – July 8, 2025
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Goose Creek City Council Regular Meeting – July 8, 2025
The Goose Creek City Council held a regular meeting on July 8, 2025, at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting included a presentation of the annual financial audit, approval of several annexations and zoning amendments, and introduction of new ordinances regarding bonds, golf carts, parking, and camping. The Mayor also made community announcements.
Presentations
- Annual Financial Audit: Gary Bailey of Love Bailey CPAs presented the audit for fiscal year 2024. He reported an unmodified (clean) opinion with no findings or compliance issues. Key highlights: general fund revenues exceeded $48 million, 75 cents of every dollar went to salaries/benefits, 17 months of cash on hand, a quick ratio of 16.3, and net position of almost $12 million. The water and recreation funds also showed strong liquidity.
Consent Calendar & Old Business
- Minutes: Approved unanimously for June 10, 2025, and June 24, 2025 (special meeting and workshop).
- Annexation (Lindy Creek Road, TMS 244-01-04-023): Second and final reading. Approved unanimously.
- Zoning Map Amendment (200 Lindy Creek Road): From Conservation (C) to Residential Single-Family (RSF). Second and final reading. Approved unanimously.
- Flexible Review District (FRD) Ordinance Amendment: Text changes to zoning district regulations. Second and final reading. Approved unanimously.
New Business & Public Hearings
Carnes Crossroads Improvement District Bonds
- Ordinance authorizing up to $44,950,000 in assessment revenue bonds for the Carnes Crossroads development. The bond is issued by the city but the developer is responsible for repayment. Public hearing held with no comments. First reading approved unanimously.
Annexation (Lindy Creek Road, TMS 244-01-04-037)
- Annexation of a parcel for a residential project by Stanley Martin Homes. Mayor explained that the project includes three lots and results in a net increase of conservation space (12 times more undisturbed land). Public hearing: Roger Hunt (Stanley Martin) was available for questions. First reading approved unanimously.
Annexation (Nello Drive, TMS 235-01-04-030, 036, 040)
- Annexation of three parcels for a proposed development. Chris Young (developer) spoke, praising the new Flexible Review District zoning. Councilmember Tekac noted this was the third proposal for this parcel and called it "dramatically better." First reading approved 5-2, with Mayor Pro Tem Green-Fletcher and Councilmember McSwain opposed.
Golf Cart Operation Ordinance
- Ordinance to authorize and regulate golf carts within city limits per state law. Public hearing: no comments. First reading approved unanimously.
Parking Method Ordinance
- Ordinance adopting state parking standards: direction of parking (with traffic) and distance from curb. Councilmember Enos-Sims explained it adds local enforcement penalties. Public hearing: no comments. First reading approved unanimously.
Prohibition of Camping on Public/Private Property
- Ordinance prohibiting camping on any property without proper facilities, targeting homelessness and unsanctioned dwelling. Councilmember Cox clarified it does not prevent temporary backyard tent use (e.g., kids camping). Mayor stated it addresses recent issues in Goose Creek and other municipalities. Public hearing: no comments. First reading approved unanimously.
Mayor's Report
Mayor Habib announced:
- Successful "Fabulous Fourth in the Creek" event.
- Veterans Banner Sale ($100, online order) and Veterans Brick Sale ($125, online) for display at John McCants Veterans Park.
- Upcoming concert announcement (social media).
- Central Creek Farmers Market: July 16 (Youth Entrepreneurial Market) and August 6.
- American Red Cross Blood Drive: July 18 at Activity Center; followed by "Christmas in July" pool event.
- Summer Skate Night: July 25, 6–8:30 PM at Central Creek Park.
- Kids Fest: August 2, 5–8 PM at Central Creek Park.
- National Night Out: August 5, 5–8 PM.
- Citizens Police Academy: starts August 13, Wednesdays 6–8 PM for eight weeks.
- Back to School Splash: August 16, 9–11 AM.
- Encouraged residents to serve on jury duty; trials at Municipal Court on Wednesdays at 9:15 AM.
- Recognized Jamen Sanders, a junior golfer from Crowfield/Northwood Academy, who placed top 10 in the North South Amateur at Pinehurst and played a round with Tiger Woods' son.
Key Outcomes
- All agenda items were approved: minutes, three old business items (unanimous), and six new business items (five unanimous, one 5-2).
- City financials were certified as strong and healthy.
- The anti-camping ordinance was introduced for first reading and will require second reading.
No public comments were received during the public comment period.
Meeting Transcript
I'm not gonna hit it too hard. It always scares everybody when I hit it too hard. And I only do it for my own enjoyment. So I'm gonna be nice. Welcome everybody. Thank you all very much for being here tonight. Today is Tuesday, July 8th. This is our regularly scheduled council meeting. Um and again, I do appreciate everybody being here. At this time, uh Pastor Josh T. from St. James United Methodist Church will lead us in prayer, and we're gonna follow that with the Pledge of Allegiance. Sustaining God on this evening, may we come together in full acknowledgement that the nature of our humanity gifts to us community, a commonality, and the need to foster compassion and care for our neighbors. Thus, we pray for guidance and for wisdom for understanding. We pray for our mayor Greg and our elected city council representatives and all those appointed and employed for the organizational care of the municipality of Goose Creek. We pray that all the deliberations, decisions, hopes, and dreams we have for our community be imbued with an understanding that goes beyond our conceivable limits. Lift us with unity and harmony, that we may seek to unify our efforts despite the differing perspectives we hold and cherish. May we move forward in a spirit of mutual cooperation, deep listening, and willingness to hear the perspectives of another. As the community is built, let us construct it upon the principles of justice and fairness, so the decisions made in this chamber and in meeting rooms would benefit all members of our community. Keep us humble and willing to serve the interests of both our neighbors and those the scripture calls the least of these. Thank you for those who serve the safety and well-being of our citizens and those who continue the celebratory initiatives of art and expression that give to our community a place of grounding. As we carry out our very duties, we pray not only for guidance, but also for protection and strength. Grant us that which we need to carry out the duties to which we are called. Let us all then strive for power and wisdom that transcends the limits of ourselves. Let us be ever willing to reach out to our neighbors in the community for guiding light, and above all, be willing to reach out to our God who grants us a holy imagination of beloved community to those who are truly seeking a world that makes better the lives of every woman, every man and child, no matter of color, creed, orientation, or origin. In times of prosperity, we pray you fill our hearts with thankfulness, and that in our days of trouble, let our faith in you not fail. All of which this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. May it be so. Amen. Thank you. For which we stand in the municipal liberty and justice for our pastor, thank you so much. I appreciate you sharing the word with us. Uh Kelly, we did not have anybody sign in to speak, it appears. Thank you very much. Council, in your packet, you have the minutes of the city council meeting of June 10th, the special city council meeting of June 24th, and the council workshop of June 24th. Excuse me. Um I would take a motion to approve those minutes at this time. I have a motion to approve. Is there a second? I'll second Mayor. I have a second. Is there any comment or correction? Hearing now I'll call for a vote. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Any opposed, nay. And that is approved. Tyler. Yes. Very good.
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