More questions from Island Eye--Candidates respond

The candidates for Sullivan's Island Town Council responded to another set of  interesting questions from Island Eye News. (Note:  Following the election on May 5th, this article was updated to include only responses from the 4 winning candidates.)

This week's questions concern lawsuits, communication with islanders, planning and zoning issues, what each candidate believes is the most important issue facing a new Town Council, and how each would address that issue.  

Prepare To Vote May 5th

By Jennifer Tuohy, Island Eye News Editor

The election to fill over half of the seats on the Sullivan’s Island town council takes place. To help voters choose three candidates to fill 4-year terms and one candidate for a 2-year term, The Island Eye News posed a total of 10 questions on local issues to the six candidates. The responses to the first five questions were printed in the April 10, 2015 issue (view them online here (islandeyenews.com/?p=16290). The remaining five questions are addressed below. Additionally The Island Eye News is sponsoring a public forum at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 29 in the Sullivan’s Island Elementary School. Be sure to come out and take this opportunity to ask the candidates your own questions.

1. What do you feel is the biggest issue facing the Town of Sullivan’s Island today? What do you propose to do to address this issue?

2. Does the number of lawsuits the town is currently involved in (7) concern you about becoming / being involved in town politics? What do you think could be done to help avoid such litigation in future?

3. Issues surround Zoning and Building on the island have prompted litigation for the Town. Is there any part of the Planning and Zoning of the Town you think should be re-examined?

4. Do you believe the Town has always done its best to keep residents’ informed of its plans and provided enough time and opportunity for input? If not, how would you propose to improve communication with residents?

5. Do you have a particular, perhaps more personal objective in mind for your time on Town Council? Such as a project you would like to see finished/started?

Candidates for 2 Year Term: Voters will choose 1

SARAH CHURCH

Biggest issue

Protecting our way of life as a single family residential community is by far our greatest challenge. We are faced with unprecedented growth just across the Ben Sawyer Bridge, which means more traffic, congestion, parking issues, and increased burden on our resources. While we should remain welcome to visitors, we must take measures to protect our small town way of life.

•Strategic Ordinances—With thoughtful examination of our current ordinances and the strategic development of new ones, we can minimize the impact of growth. The development of a comprehensive paid parking plan would help residents who struggle with the rush of visitors to the beach and commercial district. Part of the plan can contain simple measures, such as requiring all 4 tires of a vehicle to be off the pavement (currently not a requirement). If strictly enforced through ticketing, this could generate funds to help cover the expense created by so many day-visitors (rescue staff/equipment, additional trash pick-up, and maintenance on beach access paths).

•Commercial Zone Plan—In addition, we should reexamine our commercial district plan. There are still a few undeveloped lots in this zone—so we must discourage development of any business that would bring in substantial vehicular or foot traffic from off-island. On-site parking should be a requirement of any future establishments.

Essentially, we should look at every aspect of our ordinances to ensure they are adequately adjusted to meet the challenges we face today.

Lawsuits

Sullivan’s Island Town Council has worked through some extremely difficult, controversial issues in recent years. The most important step we can take toward gaining consensus among the residents is to make sure all citizens are informed and involved from the beginning.

Even people who disagree with the final outcome will know their opinions have been thoroughly heard and considered—and in a timely manner. While it is every citizen’s right to sue the Town, I do believe that if we facilitate greater awareness and involvement in all issues—at all stages of decision-making—the number of lawsuits will decrease.

Planning and Zoning

As a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals, I see first-hand how our Town Ordinances are constantly re-examined by the very nature of our government process. When a variance request comes before the BZA, it’s an opportunity to see if that ordinance is effective.

There have been many instances where several requests for variances have led to an ordinance change. For example, limits on driveway width were given some relief after the BZA received multiple variance requests so that residents could safely exit their property.

Specifications for the breezeways connecting attached additions were amended to ensure the additions were not functioning as second homes on a lot, attached by only a long, narrow (and unused) breezeway.

And most recently, the BZA has requested that Town Council further examine the definition of an Accessory Structure after two recent variance requests came before the board requiring us to determine if the structure in question did indeed meet the criteria to be deemed an accessory structure.

Every issue that comes before the BZA, the Planning Commission, or the Design Review Board gives us an opportunity to fine-tune our ordinances to suit our needs as a community.

Communication with residents

There are multiple steps we can take toward improving public input and accessibility of information.

•More Time For Comments—Require a longer waiting period for ordinances to be passed so that the public has time to voice comments and concerns. Hearing concerns shortly before voting is not sufficient.

•Greater Accessibility—Live stream or video tape Town Council meetings, workshops, and committee meetings. Have them accessible on the town website for future reference.

•Require Public Discussions—Require all discussions to be in public, not executive session, if they are not specifically about contracts or personnel.

•Priority Information Section Of Newsletter—Have the SI Town newsletter create a priority information header section. This would contain the most pertinent town issues at the top, including topics of latest SITC meeting that might warrant public input or time sensitive issues.

•Town Council Email—Create one email address that would automatically generate to all SI Town Council members and the Town Administrator.

•Community Surveys—Create more town surveys, such as the one we should see shortly on the paid parking issue.

•Informational Charettes—Host more informational charrettes for all new projects and receive public feedback, such as was recently done with the new Town Hall.

Project to finish/start

There are many projects that have not even been brought to the table for discussion yet that might be of interest:

•Speed Reduction—Consider asking the Department of Transportation to reduce the speed limit on streets other than Middle and Jasper. The current speed limit is 30 mph where not marked otherwise. You don’t have to travel far on these back roads to find a child riding a bike, or a cat running across the street. I would like to see our speed limit reduced to 20 mph or if residents were in agreement, we could follow a trend of many island communities, and go to an unusual number such as 18mph.

•Bike Path Guard Rail—Consider putting a guard rail along the new bike/walking path on the Ben Sawyer Causeway. This is a safety issue that should be addressed promptly. I have heard the Mt. Pleasant mayor is in agreement. One driver glancing at a text message and swerving just a little could have catastrophic consequences. An attractive guard rail just at the edge of the path will barely be visible as the sweetgrass grows.

•Drainage Maintenance—Work with the SCDOT to ensure they are maintaining their storm drains. Just on my block are two catch basins that are completely clogged. It is the SCDOT’s job to maintain their infrastructure and keep them in operational condition and clear of debris.

There are many small steps we can take to improve our daily life here on Sullivan’s Island. I am ready to get to work. I humbly ask for your vote on May 5th.May 

MARK HOWARD

Biggest issue

I believe the single major issue facing the Island is the maintenance of our quality of life. It starts with the Island’s use of its natural resources by both visitors and residents. However, the summer/ tourism season has now stretched into almost year round making the “off season” a very brief period indeed. This is a matter of dealing with our success.

This matter affects every Town Council issue. It is a bedrock concern in negotiations on a parking policy. It should be the overriding concern when reviewing the overall health of and plans for the commercial district. Getting on and off the Island now requires mathematics and traffic reports. I cannot think of any issue that affects Islanders more. The preservation of quality of life has always been a leading consideration and an anchoring tenet of my campaign. We will always best be served when we consider all issues with a quiet, single-family residential community base. It should be our principled starting point when considering all present and future issues.

Lawsuits

The number of current lawsuits has not affected my desire be of service to the island. I do not believe the town is out to hurt any individuals by its actions, but rather most lawsuits are a matter of code /zoning enforcement. It is the town’s policy not to discuss ongoing lawsuits in public. That is a wise policy, which aids in avoiding hurtful personal insinuations. What saddens me the most about lawsuits in general is that people stop talking and lawyers start billing. Another problem is the time involved in settlements. This is unfortunately reflective of the current state of our court systems and bears little resemblance to the issues involved. Regardless of whichever party is successful in a particular lawsuit I hope the base issues are studied with the goal of improvement for all the people. My sense of things is that council could benefit if it allowed more input from citizens on the larger issues. More forums or open meetings on a single issue that attracts larger than usual gatherings of Islanders seeking more information.

Planning and Zoning

Overall I am satisfied with the goals of our zoning and building codes. Whenever a governmental agency tries to codify human activity issues are bound to arise. Some issues are inherent. Take for instance the size of our island lots. Large lots, some stretching from street to street, present issues most municipalities do not have to contend with. Many of our efforts are aimed at just keeping those lots single family only. It becomes more difficult with time and increases in property values. The maintenance of a historical and single family location while initially attractive to many, becomes a personal dream killer when some develop home plans. It is within an atmosphere of preservation that the town is trying to manage most of its zoning ordinances.

I do have some concerns about the recent Commercial Overlay District. The base approach was to limit development. I believe good intentions produced much good work but a review is in order to allow more citizen knowledge and involvement. I would like a review of height, parking minimums and need requirements, along with more historic considerations given to this area. If all that is allowable happens, what have we created and what is its overall effect? The base of my concern is that it warrants more scrutiny and review now, rather than later.

Communication with Residents

As a resident who actively tries to keep up the “doings” at Town Hall I have to report that I am often surprised by some new issue or action by the Council. I do not mean this in that they are purposely trying to get something over on the residences, but rather at times they move without enough citizen input. This can be a difficult line to define. The Council recently has rightly tried to reduce the many and repetitive hours some of their work was requiring. This was a wise and supported effort. However, something has got lost in the streamlining. What is most surprising is that these overlooked items could be major issues and not the day-to-day work most people would be more understanding of.

I strongly support proposals that will help in furthering communication. First, I recommend and hope to vote on the reestablishment of a third reading on town ordinances before passage. This ‘time saving’ measure removing a third reading was inappropriately passed by the last council. Its unintended affect shortens by a month any means for the citizenry to response to a proposed ordinance. This may have been justifiable on daily matters but a new ordinance is not day-to-day business.

Projects to start/finish

I would like to see within a completed term the development of an implemented Accreted Land Management Plan. This plan would allow for the mature and healthy development of this property and take into consideration the concerns of all Islanders, while stopping the hurtful practices that are allowed today. I strongly believe that ‘given its head’ the mature and natural development of this land with proper management procedures will allow satisfactory results for all. Mother Nature’s completed work rarely disappoints.

My concerns also extends to infrastructure management. The sewer plant, not a widely popular subject, merits our attention and concern. There are many directions I can think of that I would love to see the Island take. I look forward to improvements in the landscape beautification of the Island entrance way and signage. Our current look is a bit dated and one’s entrance makes the important first impression. I recommend an updated lighting system within the commercial district that should make for safer passage. I believe in some advances in access to the marsh side of the Island for the public. However, all this in good time within a secure budget.

RITA LANGLEY

Biggest issue

I believe developing a comprehensive parking plan and implementing a management strategy for the accreted land are the two biggest issues facing this Island today. As we all know, parking issues are intensifying due in large part to growth in the surrounding areas and as IOP explores paid parking options. These factors will certainly add more congestion, parking woes, tax our infrastructure, and impact our quality of life. First and foremost I believe we need public input to develop a plan that considers the needs of our residents first.

This dialogue should evaluate paid parking options, limited parking spaces and restrictions on “party buses” that have increased of late. In the end, I believe we can find a solution that is fair, accessible, affordable and efficient.

As for the accreted land, the town has spent considerable money on experts and time soliciting community input. As a member of Town Council, I will advocate for a management plan for the transition zone based on the recommendations that evolved out of this public process and were approved by the LUNR Committee. I believe this is a good neighbor policy that minimizes fire hazard, provides a buffer from unwanted wildlife, and enhances breezes and sight lines.

After completing the tree survey in the entire accreted land, we can move forward with implementing a management plan and a strategy for eliminating invasive species. As public land, owned in trust for all residents, the accreted land provides a great opportunity for us to be good stewards of our Island home for future generations.

Lawsuits

I am not deterred from being a member of council by the number of lawsuits currently pending against the town. Certainly the number of lawsuits is high for the size of our Island and defending them is becoming increasingly costly and time consuming. I believe that sitting down at the table and trying to find a compromise is always the best starting point. Nonetheless, the town has an obligation to defend the laws on the books—many of which we can thank for our quality of life and high property values—and unfortunately, in some cases, litigation is unavoidable. Fortunately, the Town has insurance that covers most of these legal expenses.

Planning and Zoning

As an owner of a historic home, I understand that our building and zoning ordinances can be frustrating and restrictive. But, I also recognize that our unique character and high property values are a direct result of our strict zoning. Having said that, I believe that our ordinances should be seen as fluid documents and reviewed periodically. There is a fine line between protecting the historic and unique character of our island while remaining open to change. For example, we should review and consider revising the types of business currently allowed in our commercial district. Last year, based on Planning Commission’s recommendation, Town Council passed an ordinance that prohibited chain restaurants. This change to existing zoning was a great benefit to our Island.

Communication with residents

I believe that the town is committed to keeping residents informed. However, as I speak with residents on the Island I hear that many feel the town could do a better job of keeping residents up-to-date on current issues. Based on this feedback, I believe there are a number of ways we could improve communication.

For example, I think we should consider extending the time requirements for approving a new ordinance from two meetings to three. This would be a return to an earlier procedure that I believe provided more opportunity for the public to be aware of pending issues. Also, as I have said before, I believe we should stream and record town meetings and make them available on the town website.

Lastly, we are a small enough community that we should consider direct communication with neighbors affected by a particular issue. For example, when the Planning Commission contemplated allowing multi-family housing in my neighborhood, I only found out accidentally when a neighbor happened to attend a planning meeting. This change in zoning would have had a huge impact on my neighborhood and I would have preferred that the town inform me earlier rather than later in the process.

Projects to finish/start

I would like to see the island inventory town owned property and develop a vision and strategy for these parcels. For example, we should consider designating some land to open space, playgrounds and recreation areas. Also, I believe the Island Club is a wonderful community asset. I would like to see the town make improvements to the building and support recreational activities for all ages.

BACHMAN SMITH IV

Biggest issue

Dealing with an aging wastewater treatment plant to provide a long term solution is crucial.

This is likely not one that is at the front of many residents’ minds. Those issues lie in the accreted land and parking, among others. Further, the more people I speak with the more I realize how many issues beyond the three named here are “the most important” to the residents.

Considering I have mentioned three issues each requiring significant funds I might say that capital funding is our biggest issue. I would go even further and say the long view is needed with a thorough study of needed capital improvements in the form of a life cycle evaluation of the Island’s infrastructure in conjunction with a capital reserve funding study. With the many ways to look at this question, and knowing that to some degree all of the issues are connected at the purse strings, I still believe our wastewater treatment facility is at the top of the list.

Lawsuits

My concern is about the number of lawsuits and not about how those lawsuits may impact me if I am given the honor to serve on Town Council. I believe the Town’s administration through its paid employees is in very capable hands. I believe the Town’s administration through its volunteer councils, boards and commissions comes from a well-reasoned and intentioned approach that can use some fresh ideas and thinking.

Unfortunately we live in a litigious society where there are individuals who prefer litigation when they feel slighted or wronged in some way, and those lawsuits cannot be addressed until filed. For the rest, there needs to be more open dialogue where both sides can step out from behind their conviction of what is right and what is wrong, who is right and who is wrong, and how things must be done. I hope to be elected so that I can serve all of the Island’s residents.

As much as I may disagree with someone I must respect a different perspective from my own in order to be the best steward of our Island that I can be. While my own ideas and ideals will inform my decisions I will look to the residents for setting baselines. This inclusive approach to governance is the best way to avoid the litigation that can be avoided.

Planning and Zoning

Just about every appeal, request or variance sought offers insight into that which can be more closely examined. Planning and Zoning are as imperfect as the people who implement them and are as imperfect as the unanticipated future makes them. This does not make them less well thought out. It does beg that Planning and Zoning be reconsidered as times change and unintended consequences manifest themselves.

Two items illustrate my point. First, there is the tree house that many of you are well aware of. I was part of the decision making process at the BZA that resulted in a denial of the appeal allowing the tree house to be finished. I did not like the outcome of that appeal but believe the right decision was made based on the ordinance as written and the laws under which the BZA is charged with its decision making. Not allowing the treehouse to be built as it was/is being built is an unintended and unforeseen consequence of current Zoning.

Second, current Zoning doesn’t allow for structures to be built or even exist on a residential lot without a residence in place. Our Planning and Zoning was established before climate change was considered in any serious manner and certainly before we realized sea levels are rising. If Planning and Zoning were implemented today in some newly formed coastal town these considerations would be front and center. A public policy of measured retreat from the coast should be encouraged. Good public policy in our coastal community should allow a residential lot to be used in some less impactful manner such that a residence does not have to exist in order for some lesser structure to be built.

For either of these situations to serve as a springboard for change we must keep in mind that a text amendment is not as simple as it sounds due to ever-present unintended and unforeseen consequences. This is not to say it can’t be done. I simply stress changes to our Zoning and Planning must be well thought out with the realization that there will always be unintended and unforeseen consequences.

Communication with residents

In 2012 the Council passed an ordinance to eliminate one of three procedural readings needed to enact an ordinance because it “is in the best interest of the Town to expedite the procedure for the passage of Ordinances . . .” (Ordinance 2012-5). In light of apparent inertia gripping the decision making process it seems to me that as well intentioned as this change was it has not always had the desired effect in practice. Going back to the three reading process would add another opportunity for community input.

With the construction of a new Town Hall live video streaming of Town Council meetings can be a reality and should be implemented.

I would caution that if live streaming is implemented there will be failures at times bringing further criticism on the Town for not being transparent enough. With implementation of live streaming should come the understanding that live streaming is not guaranteed and the mere existence of the service does not constitute a right for it to exist or for one’s ability to take advantage of the service.

Improving communication should always be a goal but putting forth a true best effort is not always practical. It is incumbent on those who wish to stay informed to avail themselves of the opportunities presented to be informed.

Projects to finish/start

I do not have a personal objective in mind in the sense this question is being asked. That said as I stated in the very first Island Eye publication that addressed this election, this Island speaks to me. It has given me and my family so much, and I believe I owe it some years of service and will be honored to do so if given the chance.

SI Town Council candidates respond to questions from Island Eye News

Read what SI Town Council candidates had to say in response to Island Eye's questions about the issues on Sullivan's Island. Jennifer Tuohy's article is copied below. (Note:  Following the election on May 5th, this article was updated to include only responses from the 4 winning candidates.)

This week's edition of Island Eye included candidates' responses to questions about parking, accreted land, coyotes, capital improvement projects, and commercial district management and/or expansion.

 As the article states, the next edition of Island Eye will include the candidates' responses to questions on lawsuits, planning and zoning, and communication.

Sullivan’s Island Council Candidates Address Issues

By Jennifer Tuohy, Island Eye News Editor

Residents of Sullivan’s Island will go to the polls Tuesday, May 5 to vote for 3 open seats on the Town Council. The council is comprised of 6 councilmembers and the mayor. Two incumbent councilmembers are running for re-election, Mary Jane Watson and Jerry Kaynard. Hartley Cooper is stepping down.

Due to the passing of Mayor Perkis last year and the subsequent election of incumbent councilman Pat O’Neil as Mayor, there is also a 2 year seat on council open (filling the remaining time in O’Neil’s term). The election to fill that that seat is also being held on May 5.

Island Eye News posed the following questions to all the candidates running for Town Council. Their responses are below, divided into those seeking one of the three, 4 year seats and those seeking the single, 2 year seat.

1. What is your position on the proposition of a managed, paid parking plan on the island?

2. Do you agree with the current Town Council policy that an island-wide 100ft transition zone be established in the accreted land/Maritime Forest? If not, how do you think it should be managed?

3. Do you believe the coyotes on the island pose a significant threat to people? What do you think the Town should be doing to manage the population?

4. The Town has been dealing with significant capital improvement projects in last year (Town Hall / Sewer System/new Fire Truck). What other improvement projects, if any, would you like to see the Town embark on in the coming 4 years?

5. What is your position on the management of

the Town’s commercial center? Do you believe it should be allowed to expand in anyway?

In the next edition of Island Eye News candidates will answer questions on lawsuits, Planning and Zoning and communication.

CANDIDATES FOR 4 YEAR TERM

Mark Howard

1) Parking: I believe the current paid parking program being studied is heading in the wrong direction. Simply stated: Paid parking is commercialization. To implement this plan will put a commercial value on every parking space on the entire Island and overlooks our fundamental tenet: we are a single family residential community.

I support a simpler plan that reflects a friendlier attitude for everyone. My proposal is: Parking Island-wide on one side of the street only. With this plan our major concerns are met in its design. It limits density and increases safety in an easy to implement format. I understand that the SCDOT has the final approval on this matter. I hope we can convince department officials that “One Side Only” has many benefits for all parties.

There are many concerns that need to be addressed. As an example, I believe paid parking is proper within the commercial district, as well as in the municipal parking lots. Many explanations and refinements are sure to come with time. This plan—“One Side Only”—preserves the residential nature of our streets while it continues free parking for our visiting neighbors; a friendly and welcoming policy towards all.

2) Accreted Land: I do not agree with this one size fits all approach to the transition zonecurrently being proposed by Town Council. It breaks down the initial good faith work the Land Use and Natural Resources Committee has spent years developing. The accreted land was placed in sections so that a plan could be developed to adjust practices dependent on the stage of natural development within each zone. This plan was developed utilizing scientific and management practices to benefit both natural development and land use for everyone. This was simply a land grab of the public’s property. We have a duty as a party to the Lowcountry Open Land Trust to practice better land use methods. Our management plan should be principled, guided by the experts, and reflect all concerns with a conservation based foundation.

3) Coyotes: It would be foolish to say coyotes are not a possible threat to anyone at any given time. One should always be alert now that a coyote population has appeared on the Island. Coyotes are everywhere in this country and successful in adaptation, so much so that are afforded no protection by any Federal or State organizations. They will not receive any on Sullivan’s Island either. That being said, I believe the Island has done a good job in its initial response to the problem. The coyote population is being closely monitored and recorded by the police. Cameras are available for use to the public to confirm any suspicions of activity in residential areas. The public is encouraged to hire professional trappers in private yards.

The Island goal here is not the protection of coyotes, but the concern that we do not hurt each other in any unwise actions taken by individuals.

4) Improvement Projects: After the current capital expenses that have been taken on by the Town, my initial response would be to stand down and take account of our current situation. As an Island, our growth and future income has limitations. I feel we are in a safe financial situation currently, but moving forward only with caution on expenses is the proper response right now. The infrastructure is our present concern.

The sewer plant is a major concern. We are currently making an application for a Federal grant and if that comes through additional funds will be required. There are many things I would have on the wish list for the Island. I would like to see some advances in access to the marsh side of the Island, and landscape beautification work at the Island’s entrance and signage. However, at this time, infrastructure is our main concern.

5) Commercial District: Expansion of the Town’s commercial center should be done only to fulfill a proven Island need. I believe a review of the Commercial Overlay District is in order. Parking, height, and square footage requirements need improvements.

Future construction must address these major concerns. More historic consideration and protection should be given to this area.

Some new development on certain lots, e.g. the post office, are sure to arise in the future and advanced planning is now required with more input from the public.

Rita Langley

1) Parking: As we all know, the population in the tri-county area is growing rapidly.

For 2013, Mt. Pleasant alone was the ninth fastest growing city in the United States. This growth is increasing congestion and traffic on our Island and other neighboring islands.

Adding to this situation is IOP’s intention to have paid parking. If IOP has paid parking, I believe more people will come to our island because our parking is free. This would add more congestion, parking woes, tax our infrastructure and our quality of life. A parking plan is needed but before we make any decisions, considerable public input and thoughtful dialogue is needed. One size does not fit all.

2) Accreted Land: Town Council adopted a set of basic principles to guide development of an improved Accreted Land Management Plan. These principles included a transition zone as a good neighbor policy that would minimize fire hazard, provide a buffer from unwanted wildlife and enhance breezes and sight lines. Town consultants emphasized that the Accreted Land varies substantially in depth (from 100 ft. to over 800 ft.) and in vegetation (from forest to shrub and grassland) and management strategies should also differ from area to area. The Land Use and Natural Resources (LUNR) Committee adopted this strategy in planning transition zones that vary for different beachfront areas. The shoreline is not a straight line and it makes sense for the transition zones to emulate this changing shoreline. I cannot agree with this one-sizefits- all, 100 feet transition zone for the entire beachfront.

3) Coyotes: I attended the Planning Committee meeting where the wildlife biologist from DNR was invited to speak. He explained in detail the biology and behavior of coyotes living in urban/ suburban areas.

He assured us that coyotes do not pose a serious risk to us and that the town’s current management plan is effective in controlling the population. The biologist also explained that our area will always be an attractive habitat for coyotes. The biologist stressed and I agree that we need to continue educating citizens on living with coyotes and continue to study and collect data on occurrences and population trends.

I agree with the town’s current plan to deal with coyotes. Traps have been set and cameras are monitoring specific coyote areas.

The town will hire appropriate professionals to trap coyotes on Town property if necessary. Also, individual residents can contract with a professional to trap coyotes on their property if necessary.

4) Improvement Projects: We have spent considerable time and money on much needed capital improvements in the last few years. Sewage/water is in need of additional improvements. I understand these improvements will be paid for by a grant and the Town has allocated the remainder of the funds. The focus should now be on effective oversight of these major projects—new town hall and upgrades to the water treatment facility—to make sure that they come in on time and on budget. I would like to see improvements in communication starting with live streaming of town council meetings. This is overdue. As a member of council I would be committed to spending residents’ money wisely.

4) Commercial District: I support our quaint island atmosphere which includes our limited commercial district. I believe Sullivan’s Island has more than an adequate commercial district for its size. We should continue to evaluate a long term vision for the commercial district and make sure our ordinances reflect this vision for the Island.

For example, last year the town council passed an ordinance banning chain restaurants. Also, after considerable public input and discussion we passed an ordinance that allows for a limited number of coffee shops. I applaud this effort as a demonstration of the town’s commitment to fostering a commercial district that considers the needs of locals as well as tourist.

5) Commercial District: I support our quaint island atmosphere which includes our limited commercial district. I believe Sullivan’s Island has more than an adequate commercial district for its size. We should continue to evaluate a long term vision for the commercial district and make sure our ordinances reflect this vision for the Island.

For example, last year the town council passed an ordinance banning chain restaurants. Also, after considerable public input and discussion we passed an ordinance that allows for a limited number of coffee shops. I applaud this effort as a demonstration of the town’s commitment to fostering a commercial district that considers the needs of locals as well as tourist.

Bachman Smith IV

1) Parking: Paid parking is an excellent idea that could be a source of revenue for the town as well as a solution to safety concerns regarding accessibility for emergency vehicles and Island residents as well as alleviating traffic. While implementation in the immediate future may be desired there are concerns regarding cost, available parking, re-vamped parking ordinances upon which enforcement is based, and right-of-way encroachments, among others that need further vetting and/ or leg-work. We should not be concerned with beating the Isle of Palms to the punch by rolling out a plan before them. We should be a good neighbor and work with the Isle of Palms for reasons of economy through cost savings and for ease of implementation/ transition with our visitors knowing paid parking is a reality on both islands.

2) Accreted Land: No, I do not agree with the current Town Council policy that an islandwide 100 foot transition zone be established in the accreted land. I believe the 100 foot transition zone is arbitrary, not supported by scientifically based recommendations, and in contradiction to the working plan to address the accreted land through the use of different units that have been identified and are still being refined. The accreted land at one Station is vastly different than that which has accreted at another Station in both size (depth) and vegetative make-up.

Management Plan includes a range of recommended transition zones for each unit with two of the four units having an upper end of 100ft and the other two maxing out at 40ft. Further, the working proposal specifically calls out the need to consider erosion when setting the transition zones. I find it difficult to understand how a Town policy can be so completely unsupported by the very plan upon which it is supposed to be based. It is even more troubling to me that a policy establishing the 100ft transition zone, if implemented to its fullest with the more aggressive management allowed therein could prove harmful to the property owners abutting these areas when erosion inevitably occurs.

Simply put, this is not a one size fits all issue and the establishment of transition zones should be guided by the working proposal as currently written.

The management of all coastal property should be treated as the coast behaves or evolves and that is dynamically rather than rigidly.

3) Coyotes: I do not believe coyotes pose a significant threat to people. I also believe one’s concerns that coyotes are a threat should not be dismissed as unfounded. This is a difficult question to answer considering, from a legal stand point, coyotes cannot be poisoned or relocated.

From a practical position they cannot be shot or otherwise killed via trap in their current island habitat. (I am thinking of my youth during which I covered every square inch of the island and shudder to think of what harm could inadvertently befall some young adventurous souls making their own paths throughout the island.)

Fortunately, while we are unique we are not the only small town in America to have to deal with coyotes. In fact, we do not have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to problem solving across the board. While I do not have the solution, I do believe this issue should be addressed with the larger picture in mind. We should consider that, according to historical data, more than 1,000 people per day must seek medical attention to treat a domestic dog bite. Framing the coyote discussion with this data gives me pause and demands we be careful of the path we choose when addressing coyotes and management thereof.

4) Improvement Projects: We should explore burying power lines throughout the island to include the causeway. Understanding that water is more of a threat to power lines than wind this would be a difficult and likely expensive undertaking but this should not deter us from at least exploring the possibility.

5) Commercial District: The commercial district should not be expanded from its geographical confines, and the businesses therein should not be treated as second class citizens. It is important to keep in mind these businesses are an important part of our tax base. It is also important that the businesses keep in mind their success, in large part, is due to their location on the Island. We should work with the business owners to identify and address concerns before they become issues that require reactionary measures.

As it is all but certain that a paid parking plan will be put in place we must keep in mind that allowing expanded use within the commercial district does not necessarily translate into greater traffic. The Town has done a very good job of managing the commercial district and keeping it confined. Eliminating weekly rentals stopped the issue of nuisance (more commonly associated with the commercial district) from spilling into the residential areas. Maintaining a geographical boundary for the commercial district not only helps preserve the Island residents’ quality of life, it increases the value and quality of those few establishments we are lucky enough to have on our Island.

CANDIDATES FOR 2 YEAR TERM

Sarah Church

1) Parking: I support a paid parking plan only if the following criteria are met:

Public Input: The residents of Sullivan’s Island have had ample time to voice their individual concerns prior to implementation. The concerns of residents living near beach access paths or near the commercial district will be different than those living on the quieter, marsh side of SI. We need to ensure all residents have had a chance for their concerns to not only be heard, but also considered. As a resident, I support a paid parking plan. As a member of council, I will need to hear from the residents before making any commitment.

No Hardship: We must find a plan that will not place hardship on our residents. The purpose of the managed parking plan is to relieve burden, not create it. It is imperative that we find ways to accommodate parking for guests of residents, church goers, and other special situations.

2) Accreted Land: I support the three years of progress that was made by the Land Use and Natural Resources Committee (LUNR) in developing a management plan, which includes a transition zone that varies in depth, dependent on the depth and vegetation of the particular stretch of land, as determined by experts. While a 100-foot transition zone may be appropriate where there is an 800 foot stretch of thick forest, it is not appropriate for a section that would be nearly, or entirely, encompassed by that 100 feet.

I am confident we can complete a management plan that protects and enhances this valuable public resource, and also includes compromises for the front row homeowners that will have low impact to the natural environment. This plan should be developed through the LUNR committee with open discussion, scientific input, and careful consideration.

3) Coyotes: If a particular coyote exhibits aggression or becomes overly comfortable in close proximity to people, it should definitely be removed. But according to experts, randomly killing non-aggressive coyotes could cause substantially more harm than good. Removal of an alpha-coyote can cause a population explosion because the remaining male coyotes start breeding in attempt to become the next alpha male.

According to our Chief of Police, coyote sightings have dramatically decreased, just as they did last spring. This is the typical cycle for coyotes, according to the SC DHEC coyote expert when he spoke to the Planning Commission on February 11. There were several other important aspects to his presentation:

Impossible to eradicate: According to the wildlife experts, it is impossible to get rid of the coyotes. Even if you are successful in removing one pack, the void will quickly be filled in by new coyotes. They can easily cross over from Mt. Pleasant, so even living on an island, we will never be coyote-free.

No threat to humans: The very rare coyote attacks in the United States have been by rabid coyotes. We have not had a substantial rabies outbreak on Sullivan’s Island.

4) Improvement Projects: I think we have our hands (and budget) full with the current projects! It will be important for Council to follow the current projects very closely to be sure they stay on budget, and include the promised elements. The new Town Hall should provide public restroom access from the park. Our new meeting space for Council and Committee meetings should be outfitted to either livestream or video tape meetings for residents to access on the town website. This will give the public a greater opportunity to be informed and engaged in our current issues and projects. Of course it is impossible to predict what will come our way in the next four years, but I don’t anticipate any major new projects.

5) Commercial District: The Commercial Center should not be allowed to expand. Our commercial district is already congested with traffic and parking issues. As a town, we should mindful of supporting our current businesses, but our island has no room for further growth. It was welcome news from our Zoning Administrator that there were no discussions on expanding the commercial district—nor are there any new applications for business licenses. There is very limited space left in the commercial center, and I would not support any expansion of this area.