Mount Pleasant Town Council Committee Day and Special Meeting – August 3, 2026

The Monday, August 3, 2026, meeting included multiple committee sessions (Bids and Purchases, Finance, Housing/Recreation/Environment, Education, Economic Development, Police/Judicial/Legal, and Planning) followed by a Special Town Council meeting. The day featured contract awards, land-use discussions, public advocacy on animal welfare and property development, and updates on town projects.

Consent Calendar

• Bids and Purchases: Approved minutes from July 6, 2026. Unanimous.
• Finance: Approved minutes. Unanimous.
• HRE: Approved minutes from June 1, 2026. Unanimous.
• Education: Approved minutes from May 4, 2026. Unanimous.
• Police/Judicial/Legal: Approved minutes. Unanimous.
• Planning: Approved minutes from July 6, 2026. Unanimous.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Police/Judicial/Legal (animal welfare): Paul Spear, Sandra Connell, and Lisa Schnipke spoke in favor of strengthening animal cruelty ordinances. Spear thanked council for considering changes and expressed hope Mount Pleasant would become a model for other municipalities. Connell shared a photo of a severely neglected dog (Howie) and cited rising animal abuse cases. Schnipke also opposed the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SCARs) and supported the town’s initiative to regulate them, noting risks to raptors and pets.
• Planning (density text amendment): Barrett Brewer (Triton Academy board member) opposed the proposed text amendment that would require comprehensive plan amendments for community-facility-zoned properties, arguing it would harm public institutions like schools and churches. He reported a recent meeting with other stakeholders who shared that concern. Aaron Stampy (resident and applicant representative) supported the AMI amendment (from 80% to 150%) and noted that three homes in her 36-unit neighborhood are for sale below the maximum resale cap but have not found qualified buyers. Jeff Tibbles (attorney for the Catholic Diocese of Charleston) asked to be involved in the process to protect the diocese’s property interests.

Bids and Purchases Committee

• Award of Security Guard Services Contract (Item #4): Staff recommended awarding a one-year contract (with four optional renewals) to Walden Security in the amount of $196,100 for SLED-certified armed and unarmed guards at Town Hall. Three bids were received and evaluated on six equally weighted factors. The contract was approved unanimously. A council member asked about the impact on current personnel; staff noted the current guards may have an opportunity to interview.
• Award of Design Contract for Signalized Intersection Upgrades (Item #5): Staff recommended contracting with Kimley-Horn for $119,007 to design upgrades at 24 intersections along U.S. Highway 17, Coleman Boulevard, and other corridors, plus two isolated intersections. The work includes traffic signal modification plans and NEPA documentation. The project is part of SCDOT’s climate reduction program grant ($2.3 million total). Upgrades involve replacing existing signal heads with four-section flashing yellow arrow heads to improve operational efficiency and reduce idling. Approved unanimously.

Finance Committee

• Presentation of CARTA Proposed FY27 Budget: Robin Mitchum (Deputy Director of Finance and Administration for CARTA) presented the budget. Operating costs show a net decrease of over $1.2 million; capital expenditures increased by $16.6 million, primarily for rolling stock (hybrid buses) and facility construction at Shipwatch Square. Federal revenue declined due to expended grants. The committee did not have a quorum, so no motion could be made; the budget will go to council without a recommendation.

HRE Committee (Housing, Recreation, Environment)

• Update on Venue Mount Pleasant: Staff reported 33 rehearsal days and 20 performance days from May to July, with performances nearly selling out. Revenue from studio rentals totaled about $18,000 over the quarter. Website updates and a new online rental system are being explored. The venue is actively marketed via social media, Lowcountry Live, and magazine articles. A council member asked about operational costs and staffing; staff explained that staffing varies by event type.
• Update on Referendum Projects: Gary Santos Park construction is underway – site clearing and grading nearly complete, underground drainage being installed. Expected completion early June 2027. Muggsy Current park clearing and grading done; court installation expected in ~45 days, completion by February 2027. A council member requested a proposal for enhancing the playground at Gary Santos Park (making it larger and more nature-themed). Staff agreed to research costs and bring back options in September.
• Recreation Advisory Commission Final Report: The RAC delivered 50–55 points on the coaches’ manual and provided community feedback. The committee unanimously accepted the report.

Education Committee

• Internship Capstone Projects: Ava, an MPA intern from UGA, presented two major projects:
  1. Digital Accessibility Guide: To comply with the 2024 DOJ expansion of ADA Title II (effective April 2027), she created a guide covering accessibility best practices and trained over a dozen staff. A “Report a Digital Accessibility Barrier” form will be added to the website. The guide includes accessible document and PowerPoint creation.
  2. Internship Program Cohort Model: A formal summer internship program with four tracks (Public Safety, EDS/Public Services, Recreation, Executive) for undergrads and early graduate students. The program will include project work, shadowing, and capstone development, with cohort meetings for mentorship and career training. Positions to be posted in January.
  3. Youth Leadership Program: Replacing the former Youth Council, this program will have four meetings per school year (two in-person, two hybrid), a community service project component, online discussion via Google Classroom, and a mayoral volunteer service award (bronze/silver/gold for 20/35/50 hours). Applications are open; 12 applicants so far.

Economic Development Committee

• The committee moved into executive session to discuss an economic development incentive package. No action was taken.

Police, Judicial, and Legal Committee

• MPPD Reaccreditation: Chief announced that the Mount Pleasant Police Department earned reaccreditation from CALEA. The accreditation team and Lt. Croy were recognized.
• Explorer Program Success: The cadet explorer program won first place in every category at the statewide annual competition in Columbia.
• Discussion on Rodenticide (SCAR) Regulation (Item #6A): Town Attorney Paglerini explained that state law preempts local ordinances on rodenticides, and a state bill (S.246) remains in committee. The committee directed staff to: (1) renew a public information campaign, (2) bring an updated resolution for the next legislative session, and (3) invite Clemson University, Birds of Prey, and Kiawah representatives to present at the next meeting.
• Discussion on Animal Cruelty Ordinance (Item #6B): The town attorney reviewed the current ordinance and noted that state law limits municipal penalties to 30 days/$500. Staff will draft amendments using model ordinances from the Animal Legal Defense Fund and other sources, with input from the police department and stakeholders. A meeting with animal advocacy groups is scheduled for Wednesday. The committee expects a draft replacement ordinance for next month’s meeting.

Special Town Council Meeting (12:30 PM)

• Presentation by Friends of Faison: Tom Bittner and Mike Elder presented survey results from 31 respondents (out of 544 households) regarding the future of the 38-acre town-owned property on Faison Road. Top desired uses: community-oriented development (65%), green space/parks (45%), restaurants/outdoor dining (42%), amphitheater (39%). Strong opposition to car dealerships (32%) and warehouses (29%). Respondents favored public-private partnerships. Council members discussed the history of the property, tax implications, and the need for family amenities. A motion was made to refer the discussion to the Economic Development Committee. Council also went into executive session regarding potential litigation involving SCDNR and a conservation easement; no action was taken.

Planning Committee

• Continued Discussion on Density Text Amendment: Staff presented an amendment to return density regulations to the comprehensive plan future land use map for properties zoned R1–R4 but designated as “community facilities” on the comp plan. This would require a comp plan amendment for any development beyond one residence. The amendment has been advertised and will go to the Planning Commission for a public hearing in August, then back to committee in September.
• Review of Planning Commission Recommendations:
  • Rezoning at 917 Johnnie Dodds Blvd: OP2 to AB1 to allow retail/grocery use. Approved unanimously.
  • Annexation and Zoning on Vinning Road: Two parcels (1 acre total) to annex and zone R1. Approved unanimously.
  • AMI Amendment Discussion: First reading approved last month to increase AMI from 80% to 150%. Committee discussed reducing to 120% to stay within “attainable housing” parameters. Consensus was to support 120%; feedback from the public will be considered before final reading.
• Green Commission Standing Ordinance: The draft ordinance to make the Green Commission a permanent standing commission was reviewed. Changes include quarterly meetings (minimum), 75% attendance requirement, two-year terms. The committee voted unanimously to send the ordinance to council with a favorable recommendation.
• Stormwater Pond Management Best Practices: Cody Robinette presented an inventory of 21 town-owned wet detention ponds. Twelve ponds receive monthly contracted water quality care ($11,050/year base cost). Fourteen ponds are eligible for buffer plantings; two already have buffers. A hypothetical for Lake Bentatum showed a full buffer would cost about $2,517 in plants (assuming volunteer labor). Council members supported a phased approach, using “no-mow” buffers as a low-cost first step, and stressed public education. Staff will prioritize eligible ponds and develop a timeline.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
  • Security guard contract awarded to Walden Security ($196,100) – unanimous.
  • Design contract for signalized intersection upgrades awarded to Kimley-Horn ($119,007) – unanimous.
  • Rezoning of 917 Johnnie Dodds Blvd to AB1 – approved.
  • Annexation and R1 zoning on Vinning Road – approved.
  • Recreation Advisory Commission final report accepted – unanimous.
  • Green Commission ordinance sent to council with favorable recommendation – unanimous.
• Direction Given:
  • Staff to bring back a proposal for enhanced playground at Gary Santos Park (September meeting).
  • Staff to prepare updated rodenticide resolution and invite speakers for next month’s meeting.
  • Staff to draft a revised animal cruelty ordinance for next month.
  • Friends of Faison matter referred to Economic Development Committee.
  • AMI amendment likely to be adjusted to 120% at final reading.
  • Stormwater pond buffer planting prioritization and timeline to be developed.
• No Action Taken:
  • CARTA budget (no quorum).
  • Executive sessions on economic development incentive and conservation easement litigation – no votes or actions.
  • Density text amendment – awaiting Planning Commission recommendation.

Note: All times and dates are as stated in the transcript. The meeting took place on Monday, August 3, 2026, beginning with committee day in the morning and concluding with a special council meeting at 12:30 PM.