To read the P&C this past week, one would think that Sullivan's Island residents are cowering in fear of salivating, 3-inch-fanged, packs of coyotes. We do have coyotes on our island. So do Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, and all of the other towns and cities in our area.
There may well be more we all can do to effectively manage the coyote population. But are some politicians resorting to scare tactics to alarm island residents? Is this coyote issue being intentionally exaggerated? Could it possibly have anything to do with the upcoming mayoral election?
In spite of little or no communication to the public, the meeting of the SI Public Safety Committee on December 3 was well-attended by islanders. Perhaps we can thank the word of mouth among neighbors and the highly-viewed website, Sullivan's Island Community Impact. The agenda was packed with important issues: coyotes, the logistical operations of the upcoming Polar Bear Swim, and the St. Patrick's Day Festivities (which we islanders affectionately call The Nightmare on Middle Street).
The size of the audience was particularly noteworthy, considering the meeting was scheduled for 3:30 in the afternoon, when many working residents can't attend. Scheduling should be at the convenience of the people. Let's start having these meetings when everyone has the opportunity to participate!
Chair Chauncey Clark announced at the beginning of the meeting that the agenda had been changed and there would be no discussion about the St. Patrick's Day debacle until January 13. The large audience was clearly disappointed and frustrated with the change in the agenda. One islander had even changed her flight plans to attend the meeting!
The coyote issue is significant. And islanders deserve to know the facts about them in our community. Mayoral candidate Jerry Kaynard spoke up and said that residents have called him about sensing an increase in danger to their children and pets. He stated that one caller "heard" a pack of coyotes on Halloween night while the children were Trick or Treating. Another resident stated that one coyote sits on the opposite side of her 5' fence, and she is in fear of the coyote scaling her fence and attacking her dogs. Another islander said that he saw a coyote on his beach path, and he was afraid of an encounter.
The Public Safety Committee needs to let the Public Safety officers do their jobs. Police Chief Danny Howard stated that there have been NO encounters with a coyote for over a year. He stated that no dogs have been attacked, although there have been some missing cats. He has 5 night-vision cameras placed in strategic spots on the island, and, upon their review, there appears to be no significant increase in the coyote population. Chief Howard offered to place a camera in the vicinity of any islander requesting one.
As was also discussed, there is a petition going around that was signed by 34 residents who support increasing the height of fences from 5' to 7'. (Thirty-four signers constitute less than 3% of the SI population.) The idea was resoundingly negated by the crowd at the meeting. Chauncey Clark stated that request would have to go through the SI Planning Commission because it would require an ordinance change.
Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed when committee member Pat O'Neil introduced a motion that was originated by Chief Howard. This motion was to lower the threshold for contacting SI Police in case of a coyote encounter. Residents are encouraged to call 843.743.7200 to report a sighting. Call 911 for an emergency. If a coyote is located on a resident's property, and it appears to be threatening or standing its ground, that resident may take whatever means possible to ensure his safety, and the safety of his family and pets.
It is a wise decision to let our Public Safety officials do their jobs. That's what we pay them to do. They have good advice, effective tracking equipment, and are always around when you need them. It is foolish and harmful for island politicians to frighten our citizens with no facts to support that fear.
Lastly, a committee of residents and experts is being formed by islander, Andy McFarland, and committee member, Mary Jane Watson. The survey committee's job will be to examine the facts and issues of coyotes existing in our coastal region and how their existence should play out in our community. If you would like to participate in the creation of this survey, please contact either Andy or Mary Jane.
The Public Committee absolutely DID NOT vote to recommend a proposal to Town Council to increase fence heights on SI. So why would the P&C report that it did? According to a story by reporter Prentiss Findlay, the Public Safety Committee recommended a proposal to increase fence heights to SI Town Council and Council will be voting on the proposal at its December 16th meeting. What!?!
The Public Safety Committee did not even take a vote on increasing fence heights, much less recommend the proposal to Town Council. Is Chair Chauncey Clark aware that proposal will be on the Town Council's agenda? How did that happen? What about the requirement that such a proposal would have to first go through the Planning Commission? Contact Chauncey at crclark4si@gmail.com and find out how this proposal wound up on Town Council's agenda!
The Polar Bear Swim was minimally discussed. It will be on January 1st, beginning at Noon and the Plunge will take place at 1 pm. It was suggested that the restaurant owners should take on more of the responsibility for security and sanity.
The audience overwhelmingly supported no outside alcohol beverages, and no beer trucks.It was reported that the Polar Bear Plunge does not reach the dangerous levels of behavior as witnessed on Saint Patrick's Day. Insisting on tighter controls now will diminish that from ever happening.
Stay tuned...
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