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.
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.
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