Public Meetings - Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

The Mount Pleasant Town Council convened in a two-part session on January 13, 2026. The evening began with a special meeting dedicated to executive session and personnel reappointments, followed by the regular monthly meeting featuring public hearings, the presentation of the Crespo Historical Stewardship Award, and extensive debate regarding annexation, rezoning, and the preliminary selection of projects for a potential Charleston County sales tax referendum. Consent Calendar - Removal of Item 7C: Council moved to remove ordinance item 7C (perpetual easement and water contract to Mount Pleasant Waterworks) from the consent agenda to address specific language amendments, subsequently approving the consent agenda items 7A and 7B. - General Approval: Final reading of ordinances 260001, 260002, 260003, 260004, 260005, 260006, 260007, 250505, and 250506 was conducted with motion and second. Public Comments & Testimony - David Spedden: Expressed frustration regarding the lack of a clear update on the Highway 41 project, noting the missed January 15th deadline for a detailed update. He urged the council to prioritize a coordinated meeting with Charleston County leadership regarding Oil Hill Park alternatives to ensure community confidence in the 2026 sales tax referendum. - Richard Habersham: Opposed the process of annexation into the town for settling communities, stating it occurred without adequate notice. He advocated for existing zoning to be respected to prevent circumvention of county zoning and requested the same historic district protection for the old village as is currently granted by the county. - Fred Smalls: Formally opposed the annexation of property at 1651 Highway 41 (Phillips community). He argued that annexation followed by development has historically led to the destruction and disappearance of African American communities in the area. - Mike Manhorn: Requested the installation of traffic calming devices or crossing lights along the Highway 17 corridor, citing recent safety issues and fatalities in the area to protect residents crossing to local amenities. - Mars Snipe Richardson (President of Hamlin Beach Community): Opposed forced annexation via the town's water/sewer ordinances and called for an end to annexing properties in historic Gullah Geechee communities without their consent. She requested the town provide the same historic district protections for these communities as they receive from the county and invited staff to attend a county public hearing on January 20, 2026. Discussion Items - Reappointments: The council discussed and voted on reappointing Gary Davis to the Planning Commission, and Megan Gravat and Warren Player to the Historic District Preservation Commission. Council Member Tinky recused himself from the vote on Gary Davis. Subsequently, Giles Branch was reappointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals. - Annexation and Rezoning (Hamlin Beach): Staff recommended approval for the annexation and zoning (CC - Community Conservation) of a 0.93-acre parcel in the Hamlin Beach Historic District. Council Members Tinky and Heaney expressed positions opposing the action, stating it erodes community protections by allowing annexation into areas currently lacking historic overlay status, despite county history. Council Member Rambo argued that denying annexation is detrimental as it allows developers to avoid town taxes and fees, though she conceded the historic overlay is still pending. The motion carried with a vote of 6-3. - Annexation and Rezoning (White Sides Elementary Area): Staff recommended approval for the annexation and zoning (R3) of a parcel adjacent to Lural Lakes, though the Planning Commission recommended denial based on the Comprehensive Plan calling for R1/R2. Council Member Tinky opposed the rezoning to R3, citing safety concerns for White Sides Elementary and the need to prevent additional curb cuts. The motion to deny the R3 rezoning carried, which leaves the property with an automatic R1 zoning upon annexation. The annexation itself carried. - Rezoning Exception (Earthman Drive): Discussion regarding rezoning a lot from AB1 to R2 to allow for a non-conforming residence to age in place with an addition. The motion to approve carried unanimously. - Charleston County Sales Tax Referendum: Council debated the need to submit a preliminary list of transportation and resiliency priorities to Charleston County immediately. Staff and some council members argued for submitting the 2024 list as a starting point to maintain good faith, despite not being a final vote. Council Member Rambo and others expressed concern that voting on a preliminary list without full discussion on items like overpasses versus intersection capacity could set unfavorable precedents. It was agreed that staff would share the working draft with county staff to allow consultants to begin their work, with the final prioritization vote scheduled for the retreat on January 27, 2026. - Vesting Periods and Limitations: A significant debate occurred regarding whether to forward requests for extensions of vesting periods to the Planning Commission for initial review or keep them on the Council agenda. Council Members Rambo, Tinky, Whitaker, Crosby, Chapman, and Mayor Heaney opposed the referral, arguing that elected officials must maintain the public's trust by not abdicating their voting responsibility on forced votes to an appointed body where no outcome is legally possible anyway. The motion to deny the referral (keeping the items on Council agenda) passed 6-3. - Gary Santos Recreation Park Road Name: The Transportation Committee unanimously recommended naming an access road in honor of former Mayor Linda Page, despite a brief concern about naming a facility after a currently elected official. Key Outcomes - Reappointments Carried: Gary Davis, Megan Gravat, Warren Player, and Giles Branch were all reappointed to their respective commissions and boards. - Annexation Approved (Hamlin Beach): The annexation and CC zoning for the Hamlin Beach parcel was approved by a vote of 6-3 (Members Crosby, Hyatt, Ikafana, Rambo, Whitaker, Chapman, and Brownstein voted; Tinky, Heaney, and others voted against or recused). - Rezoning Denied (White Sides): The request to rezone from R4 to R3 near White Sides Elementary was denied (Motions carried to deny rezoning), while the annexation itself was approved. - Ordinances Adopted: Multiple ordinances regarding rezoning (R1 to AB1, R3 denial), vesting periods, and right-of-way grants (DOT, MPW) were approved or adopted with specific language amendments. - Legacy Recognition: Lynette White received the Crespo Historical Stewardship Award for her work preserving Gullah Geechee culture through the Plantation Singers and radio programming. - Road Dedication: The motion to name the Gary Santos Recreation Park internal road after former Mayor Linda Page carried. - Future Actions: The transportation committee draft regarding sales tax referendum priorities will be shared with staff for submission to the County, with a final definitive vote to occur at the January 27 retreat.

The Mount Pleasant Town Council convened its regular November meeting with the swearing-in of Mayor-elect Howard Chapman and newly elected/re-elected council members. A significant portion of the evening was dedicated to a County of Charleston presentation regarding the future of the 20-year-old Transportation Sales Tax program, sparking debate on trust, project prioritization, and citizen engagement. The council also addressed multiple zoning and annexation items, alongside administrative appointments and the renewal of a lease for municipal equipment. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes from the October 6th, October 14th (special and regular), and the September 25th financial statement following a minor clerical correction. - No items were listed on the consent agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - Brian Stress: Announced his candidacy for a vacancy on the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA); cited 32 years of construction industry experience as relevant to the role. - Councilmember Ikefano: Expressed strong opposition to a potential new sales tax referendum, arguing that citizens cannot be expected to trust the County with funds after the mismanagement of the Highway 41 project; noted that the specific Mt. Pleasant area previously voted down such a referendum by a large margin. - Councilmember Crosby: Questioned the County's transparency and trustworthiness, referencing recent reports of County Council members making disparaging comments about Mount Pleasant citizens. - Councilmember Rambo: Suggested a full-day workshop with County leadership to resolve tensions and humanize the negotiation process. - Councilmember Wood: Requested clarification on the definition of "green space"; proposed allowing funds for undergrounding power lines within the greenbelt category as a resiliency measure; suggested a checklist process to bypass the Greenbelt Advisory Board for specific projects to reduce political friction. - Councilmember Tinky: Echoed concerns regarding stormwater management; expressed willingness to cooperate with the County but emphasized the need for fair collaboration in decision-making. Discussion Items - Transportation Sales Tax (33% Population Growth): County staff presented a listening session on the potential extension of the half-cent sales tax, citing a projected 4.2% population increase and 41.5% rise in vehicle registrations since 2008. They proposed a new plan allocating roughly $4.25 billion over 25 years across categories: Greenbelt (aiming for 20-52% investment), Bike/Ped, Public Transit (including Low Country Rapid Transit), Roadways, and Rural Safety. Staff requested a list of town priorities by December 1st. - Annexation of Chandler Road Parcels: Proposal to annex 6.5 acres (two parcels) to add two new units (1 unit per 3 acres) outside the urban growth boundary. Councilmember Tinky moved to defer due to concurrent county zoning votes (Nov 20) and historic district concerns. Councilmember Rambo opposed annexation "for annexation's sake," citing insufficient tax revenue to cover service costs. A letter from neighbors requesting to remain in the county was presented. - Zoning Code Amendments (First Reading): Three-part ordinance presented: 1. Adjusted setbacks and height restrictions for detached accessory structures town-wide (max height cannot exceed principal structure; increased setbacks for structures over 18 feet). 2. Extended the Building Area Ratio (BAR) to the "Old Mount Pleasant" neighborhood to preserve neighborhood character in areas without HOAs, setting a 1,800 sq. ft. minimum for new construction. 3. Adjusted setbacks for accessory structures specifically within the Old Village Historic District. - Councilmember Rambo expressed concern that the height restrictions on accessory structures might incentivize the demolition of existing homes solely to build larger additions; advocated for a 50-year protection layer for older structures. Councilmember Wood and others noted the lack of extensive public outreach to the 2,400 residents in the affected neighborhoods. Key Outcomes - Official Swearing-In: Howard Chapman was sworn in as Mayor. Tinky and Councilmember Ikefano were re-elected. Ms. Whittaker and Ms. Crosby were sworn in as new council members. - Mayor Pro Tem: Howard Chapman was elected Mayor Pro Tem by voice vote. - Annexation Vote (Item 8A1): Motion to approve annexation of Chandler Road parcels carried on a roll-call vote, 6-3. - Votes For: Brownstein, Chapman, Hyatt, Icofano, Rambo, Whitaker. - Votes Against: Crosby, Tinky, Mayor Haney. - Zoning Amendment Vote (Item 8A3): Motion to approve the three-part zoning code amendment (First Reading) carried unanimously (Aye). - Vested Rights Update (Item 8A4): Council approved a vested rights extension for a planned development; authorized the Planning Commission to study a future ordinance to move these approvals to staff level if state requirements are met. - Financial Resolution: Adopted a resolution authorizing a lease purchase agreement with TD Equipment Finance for $5,075,000. - Business License Ordinance: Approved First Reading of Ordinance 25-052 to update the business license class schedule; confirmed the changes are revenue neutral and do not affect churches operating daycares. - Executive Session Actions: - Denied the contract extension for town-owned property on Phase Road. - Appointed Corey Barber to the Planning Commission. - Appointed Brian Stress to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). Note: A discrepancy exists regarding the date of the County's request for input (December 1st) versus Councilmember Rambo's concern that this date is too soon for the newly constituted council; staff indicated the date was a request for a list of priorities, not a hard deadline for final consideration.

A special session of the Town Council was convened in the committee room on Friday, November 7, 2025, primarily to address and adopt a resolution acknowledging the election results from November 4, 2025. The meeting focused on correcting preliminary figures to align with official data provided by the Charleston County Board of Voting Registration. Consent Calendar - This section was not explicitly utilized in the transcript; the council moved directly to public comment and adoption of resolutions. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided comments or testimony during the meeting. The Mayor called for public comment (Item 2) but no one came forward. Discussion Items - Amendment of Election Results: Staff and Council discussed the need to amend a resolution declaring the election results to reflect the official numbers found in Exhibit A (page 3 of 6). The Councilor noted that while the numbers changed, the order of finish and the outcome did not. A staff representative clarified that the Town of Mount Pleasant lacks the ordinance authority to alter these figures, as they originate from the certifying body (Charleston County Board of Voting Registration). - Correction of Data: The Council sought to ensure all digits were accurate, specifically referencing Exhibit A page three, before proceeding to the vote. Key Outcomes - Amendment Carried: The motion to amend the resolution to reflect the official results from Exhibit A (dated 11/5/2025 at 10:31 AM, though referenced as 11/6 in the motion text) was voted on and carried unanimously (All in favor: Aye). - Resolution Adopted: The primary motion to adopt the resolution reflecting the updated numbers was voted on and carried unanimously. - Adjournment: Following the adoption of the resolution, the Mayor congratulated the winners and adjourned the meeting.

The October 6, 2025, meeting consisted of a special town council session and several committee meetings (Public Services, HR, Education, Transportation). Key actions included a heated debate over the implementation of a wage study and additional public safety personnel funded by a recent 15% property tax increase, as well as updates on the Highway 41 corridor project and parking issues at Edwards Park. Consent Calendar - Approval of minutes from previous meetings (various committees). Public Comments & Testimony - Carl Middlestadt (Brickyard resident) requested deferral of the Brickyard Parkway sidewalk project citing safety, redundancy, and tree ordinance violations. He stated the proposed design includes over 120 violations. - Rebecca M. Holtz (Brickyard resident) supported the sidewalk, saying it will enhance quality of life and allow children to walk to school. - Barbara Smith (Royal Avenue) thanked staff for no-parking signs under the oaks at Edwards Park and questioned the need for off-leash dog hours, arguing the park has worked well for years. - Myra Jones (Creekside HOA) asked for help restoring a privacy buffer after the town’s contractor removed plantings along a drainage easement; proposed taller fences and tree planting. - Lisa Schnipke (Mount Pleasant resident) questioned the timing of the compensation review, suggesting it should have been part of the regular budget process. - Mike Van Horn (Iron Bridge Drive) noted the town’s 2026 budget is down 58% from 2025 and urged a wage review before the comprehensive plan. - Ellen Moore (Carolina Park) thanked council members and urged support for the wage study to retain first responders. - Kevin Crenane (Mount Pleasant resident) criticized the fire department’s response time and urged action to improve staffing and pay. - Helena Stickle (Primus Road) urged tree preservation along the Mount Pleasant Way project. - David Spedden (Mount Pleasant) argued the county’s “road to compromise” alternative for Highway 41 is unsafe, citing traffic diversion onto residential roads. Discussion Items - Wage Study and Personnel (Special Town Council): Council debated implementing the $1.537 million phase one of the wage study, adding 12 new public safety positions (6 firefighters, 4 corporals, 2 CSOs), and a 4% salary increase for police and fire. A motion to add the 4% increase passed 5-4. The final motion to implement phase one, the 12 positions, and send remaining funds to committees passed unanimously. The funds come from a 15% property tax increase (estimated $5.284 million annually after delinquencies). - Highway 41 Corridor (Transportation Committee): Staff reported that a time-of-day left-turn phase will be activated at Rivertown Parkway and Highway 41. Residents raised concerns about the county’s “road to compromise” alternative, with data showing it would increase traffic on Park West Boulevard to 19,609 vehicles per day (more than on Highway 41 today). No action taken; council will seek local consent from the county. - Edwards Park Parking (Public Services Committee): New “no motorized vehicles” signs have reduced parking under the oaks. Options discussed include bollards, vegetation, formal parking, or no-parking zones. Committee decided to monitor the signs' effectiveness before further action. - Off-Leash Dog Hours (Health, Recreation & Events Committee): Staff proposed designated hours and rules for off-leash areas at Edwards and Carnes Parks. Council members expressed concerns about enforcement and safety; deferred for further study. - Public Safety Education Campaign (Education Committee): Chief Arnold highlighted ongoing efforts (social media, HOA meetings, “lock it or lose it” signs) and noted 23 guns stolen from unlocked cars year-to-date. Council discussed ways to increase public engagement. - Total Compensation Review (HR Committee): Staff presented sample pay statements showing total compensation including benefits. Discussion on overtime impacts and the need for a dedicated crime prevention officer. Key Outcomes - Special Town Council: Approved phase one wage study ($1.537 million) and 12 new public safety positions (6 firefighters, 4 corporals, 2 CSOs). A 4% salary increase for police and fire was added via amendment (5-4 vote). Remaining funds (estimated $1.6 million) were sent to committees for further review. Implementation will begin as soon as administrative structures are in place. - Transportation Committee: No action taken on Highway 41; council will continue to engage with Charleston County. - Public Services Committee: Edwards Park parking modifications to be monitored; no immediate changes. - HR Committee: Discussed code of conduct for boards/commissions; will revisit orientation process. - All other items were informational or routine.

The Mount Pleasant Town Council held a special meeting on September 22, 2025, to establish the village rate and sales tax credit factor following the 2025 property reassessment. Public comments focused on the need for increased pay for first responders. After staff presentations and debate, the council voted 5-4 to set the operating millage rate at 34.7 mills (no rollback) and adopt the recommended sales tax credit factor. Public Comments & Testimony - Mike Van Horn (Iron Bridge Drive) urged the council to make Mount Pleasant the gold standard for first responder pay, citing that recent pay incentive recommendations lag behind in five of six categories. He emphasized that many first responders live outside town, increasing costs and response times. He specifically asked for better pay and incentives for first responders. - Kevin Crane (Toonswest) argued that abysmal pay shows lack of respect for first responders and noted that the town manager's pay rose from $180,000 to over $240,000 while first responders sometimes make less than fast food workers. He criticized take-home vehicles for office chiefs and suggested assigning chiefs to fire stations to improve service and reduce costs. He called for a tax increase to fund higher pay. Discussion Items Staff Presentation (Ms. Harness) - Property reassessment every five years; 2025 reassessment shows 10.4% increase in property values, plus 4.9% from new growth/transfers, totaling 15.3% increase above 2024. - State law requires a millage rollback to generate the same revenue as prior year. The allowable increase is limited to 3.06% (CPI + population growth), equating to 1 mil. Unused increases from prior three years can be banked; the town has 7.2 banked mills. - The rollback rate would reduce operating mills from 34.7 to 31.0, generating $59.4 million (consistent with adopted budget). If council used all 8.2 available banked mills, revenue would reach $71.1 million. - Sales tax credit factor drops from 0.00045 to 0.00037, providing a $259 credit on a $700,000 home. - Reinforcing that debt millage is allowed to increase to cover debt service. Council Deliberation - Council member Brownstein noted that the town has had an operating surplus of $2–3.5 million in recent years, arguing that a full rollback plus one mil would fund the consultant-recommended $1.5 million pay increase. He opposed a no-rollback motion, preferring a one-mil add-back after rollback and exploring housing assistance for first responders. - Council member Whitley moved to adopt a 34.7 operating millage rate (no rollback) and the sales tax credit factor, stating that the salary study’s average does not go far enough given the higher cost of living in Mount Pleasant compared to other study areas. She cited inflation (25.8% national from 2020–2025) and growing service demands (fire calls up, police calls up). She noted the need for more officers and firefighters, and expressed concern about recruitment/retention. - Council member Chapman asked about prior pay increases and personnel additions. Staff confirmed merit increases and additional hires in police and fire over recent years. The fire chief noted service calls doubled from 2011 to 2024. - Council member Rambo supported the no-rollback motion, stating that the salary study average was insufficient and that comparing to cities like Greenville and Columbia ignores Mount Pleasant’s higher cost of living. She noted that even with the study’s recommended increase, Charleston officers with a bachelor’s degree would still earn $6,500 more than Mount Pleasant officers. - Other council members expressed concern about the timing with an upcoming election and the need for further committee review. Some favored a one-mil increase after rollback to balance relief for citizens with first responder pay. - The town administrator noted that the millage rate vote does not bind the budget; the money would not be collected until January 2026, allowing mid-year adjustments. Key Outcomes - Vote on motion by Ms. Whitley: Set the operating millage rate at 34.7 mills (no rollback) and adopt the sales tax credit factor as recommended by staff. The motion passed 5 to 4. - This effectively keeps the millage rate unchanged from the pre-reassessment level, meaning property taxes will increase for most homeowners due to higher assessed values. - The decision directs additional revenue (estimated at approximately $5.3 million above the rollback level) to general funds, with council members indicating intent to prioritize public safety pay and personnel. - No further action was taken; the meeting adjourned.

The Mount Pleasant Town Council convened a special meeting at 9:00 PM on September 9, 2025, to enter executive session for personnel matters, followed by a regular meeting beginning after 6:00 PM. The regular meeting included proclamations, longevity awards, public hearings, and votes on zoning ordinances and a $60 million waterworks bond. Key actions included appointments to town boards, rejection of a board member removal, approval of the waterworks bond, and deferral of an annexation request pending further discussion. Consent Calendar - Longevity Awards: Recognized Hillary Repick (30 years), SRO Temika Brown (25 years), and Detective Danny Nees (30 years) for dedicated service. - Minutes Approval: Approved minutes from the August 12, 2025 special and regular meetings and the July 2025 financial statement. - Proclamation: Declared September 14–20, 2025 as Business Appreciation Week. Public Comments & Testimony - David Spedden (3429 Timmer Kiln Circle) urged council to form a committee to oppose Charleston County's proposed 'Road to Compromise' for Highway 41, citing gridlock and danger. - Mike Van Horn (Iron Bridge Tribe) reminded candidates of an October 16 candidate forum and advocated using budget reserves to increase police staffing and pay. - Kevin Coonane criticized the mayor for opposing line-of-duty cancer protection for firefighters and failing to address police and fire staffing shortages. - Kurt Thomas (candidate for mayor) called for restored trust, better public safety investment, and smarter growth planning. - Ellen Moore questioned the $60 million Waterworks bond, citing lack of public input, rising water rates, and insufficient scrutiny of expenses. - Alex Cattel, victim of a home invasion, thanked police and council for their response and expressed community resolve. - Dana Coleman (10 Mile community) opposed annexation of four properties, arguing it would weaken the historic district and allow incompatible development. - Paul Franklin (Exchange Club) invited the public to a membership open house. - Larry Kobrowski (County Council member) apologized for previous disrespect to the town, opposed annexation in 10 Mile, and warned of increased traffic. - Waring Howe urged voters to attend candidate forums and criticized a candidate who owns vaping businesses. - Craig Askey (10 Mile community) asked council to preserve the historic Gullah Geechee community. - Jeremy Manchester (property owner seeking annexation) offered to accept lower density (1 unit/acre) to align with community wishes. - Perry War requested longer public comment periods. Discussion Items - Waterworks Bond (Consent Agenda): Final reading of an ordinance authorizing issuance and sale of up to $60 million in bonds for Mount Pleasant Waterworks (MPW). MPW General Manager Clum and CFO Coffee answered questions about the bond's purpose (new deep well, fleet facility), rate impacts (3% of recent increase), bond rating (AAA), and assistance for low-income customers. The bond was approved by a voice vote. - Annexation & Zoning (10 Mile Community): First reading for annexation of two parcels into the town with Community Conservation (CC) zoning (3 units/acre). The parcels are within the 10 Mile Historic Overlay, and council noted that development would be subject to a current moratorium limiting new lots. Approved. - Detached Accessory Structure Heights: The Planning Commission recommended reverting to 20 ft in the Old Village Historic District and keeping 25 ft elsewhere, with an additional 10 ft side/rear setback for portions over 18 ft, plus a 40% maximum of principal structure size. Councilman Chapman added an amendment that new construction cannot exceed the existing principal structure's height. The motion passed 5-3 after debate about unintended consequences (e.g., encouraging teardowns). Referred back to Planning Commission for public hearing. - Building Area Ratio (BAR) for Old Mount Pleasant: Motion to expand BAR (50% of lot area or 2,500–5,500 sq ft depending on lot size) to the Old Mount Pleasant area to control mass and scale. Passed 6-2 after discussion of its impact on property values and drainage benefits. Also referred to Planning Commission. - Personnel & Board Appointments (Special Meeting): - Appointed Georgette Rivera to the Historical Commission (unanimous). - Appointed Andrea Corneck to the Board of Zoning Appeals (unanimous). - Reappointed Brett Bennett to the Planning Commission (unanimous). - Motion to remove Deidra Kennedy from the Tree Task Force failed 2-6 after council members cited lack of due process and First Amendment rights. Key Outcomes - $60 Million Waterworks Bond: Approved on final reading (Ordinance 25045). - Board Appointments: Three appointments confirmed; removal motion rejected. - Annexation (10 Mile): First reading approved; two additional annexation items deferred (motions to defer passed 7-2 and 8-1) to allow applicants to modify zoning requests. - Zoning Code Amendments: Both the height restrictions for accessory structures and the BAR expansion were approved to proceed to public hearing and further readings. Council emphasized the need for robust community outreach. - Next Steps: The regular meeting adjourned; council will reconvene for a monthly meeting on the same date.