Volume 3 Issue 22

March 7, 2008

Lettitor
By Heather Holbrook

     Everyone’s a little bit Irish on St Patty’s day. Irish-Americans and “I-wish”Americans alike don the green and plunk down some gold for shamrock necklaces and plastic bowler hats. March 17 is that sneaky holiday that comes up with little fanfare and gives us all license to indulge in everything Irish. To those who celebrate its intended meaning, St. Patrick's Day is a traditional day for spiritual renewal and offering prayers for missionaries around the world. In US cities with large Irish populations, St. Patrick's Day is a very big deal. Big cities and small towns alike celebrate with parades, wearing of the green, music and songs, Irish food and drink. It seems all the world is festooned with rainbow riding leprechauns sliding into pots o’gold. These celebrations after all are a big money making opportunity in this country; I think a distant third behind New Year’s Eve and Halloween
     With Easter arriving earlier than usual in 2008, St. Patrick's Day will fall during Holy Week this year. The conflict was too much for bishops in Ireland, so they decided to move the feast date in honor of St Patrick, the national saint. Secular St. Patrick's celebrations, however, will continue right on schedule, especially in the Lowcountry. I like the thought of a parade of Guinness and corned beef & cabbage marching across my table to the beat of fife and drum bands. But the idea of marching bands, Irish dancing and a sea of green, not to mention public drunkenness, parading during the solemn week before Easter has brought about a collective frown from US bishops who announced that the feast day of St. Patrick may be moved to Friday, March 14 in some dioceses like Savannah. Their famous Saint Patrick's Day Parade will start at 10:15am on that day, three days before New York City's traditional parade. Marching first some 247 years ago, this parade will take place on March 17 on Fifth Avenue, the same day that Dublin, Ireland, will host its St. Patrick's parade as usual.  But Boston's parade will be March 16 on Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week. You say potato, I say potahto.
     Me? I think this year I will do green in a different way altogether. In addition to wearing my favorite Irish sweater, I want to do something specifically “green” for SC and fix the drip drip drip of my bathtub faucet. I would not classify myself as a Save The Earth drum beater, although I do eschew plastic bags and bring my own canvas every trip to the grocery store. But I do feel passionately about water conservation. The thought of wasting water makes me twitch. The American Water Works Association calculator at awwa.org indicates that 3 drips from a faucet per second adds up to 26 gallons down the drain every day. What a waste. Any pipes at your house need tightening up? I say St. Patrick’s Day is the day to stop putting it off and replace worn out washers or faucets and fix that leak! Or celebrate in your own green way- recycle something Irish, consume less green beer, buy a hybrid with your gold.

Isle Of Palms City Council - February 26

The long, eroding road
Mayor Mike Sottile stated that the City is at the end of a long road where the result is an official, Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) approved Beachfront Management Plan. City Council unanimously approved the revised plan to be submitted for approval. Past plans have needed correcting and tweaking to be compliant with OCRM regulations. Mayor Sottile is confident that they are now “99.5 percent there”.
“OCRM has given us the confidence that they’re satisfied,” he said. When the plan is finally approved the City will be able to apply for State and Federal funds for things like beach nourishment. However, the deadline for beach nourishment grants is in April so the plan will need to be approved by then. The original deadline for Beachfront Management Plans was June 1991.

Money Matters
Council approved every Ways and Means recommendation during their meeting. But only one instigated debate. The City asked permission to spend an additional $200,000 in order to keep beach nourishment process going. Councilmember Carol Rice stated that she was under the impression that the City would not spend more than the initial $200,000 investment until all other participants gave their part of the $9.9 million project. See the whole story (insert title) on page __.
From the Public Safety Committee, Council approved $2,856 for an audio/visual system for Fire Station II; $4,800 for additional drainage design for the new Public Safety Building; $4,000 for fencing at Fire Station I; and $3,339.75 for a boat shell for the Fire Department to replace an older model. The engine on that boat will be reused.
$5000 was approved for materials to be used in plank replacement at the marina. Henley’s Construction of Cheraw, SC was awarded the contract to replace the 21st Avenue beach access for $86,900. Henley’s was the lowest bidder. The City will receive a $20,000 grant because the replacement will make the access handicap accessible.
Council approved $3,000 to seal the ends of corrugated steel around the gym in order to keep rodents out. A $68,500 contract was awarded to CCI of Summerville, the lowest bidder, to replace the Recreation Center’s gym ceiling. Also, a reserve fund created to  to raise $120,000 for reconfiguration of the “ball fields” and new lighting will be forwarded to the 2008-2009 budget.
$7,500 was approved to for the IOP Connector Walk/Run for the Child. Council also agreed to utilize unused bond proceeds for future payment of Fire Station II bonds. There is $320,000 available in proceeds.

Delays on 41st
Public Safety Chair Marty Bettelli stated that the Highway Department is still considering options for reconfiguring 41st Avenue in regards to traffic concerns. Councilmember Mike Loftus stated that it is still a very important issue and should be dealt with as soon as possible. Mayor Sottile replied that the City is too financially committed to other projects that need to get done before they can deal with 41st Avenue.
“I respectfully disagree with that decision,” Loftus responded.
Bettelli also warned residents that although golf carts don’t come with seat belts, logic and laws that surround cars should be observed on golf carts. In particular, Bettelli told attendees that is dangerous to drive a golf cart with a child in your lap when behind the wheel.
“It just doesn’t make good sense,” he said.

Taj Mahal on IOP
Council approved plans for the construction of the new Public Safety Complex that will replace Fire Station I and house the Fire Department and Police Department. However, Councilmember Brian Duffy expressed some concern about the building’s size and expense saying it seems a bit excessive for the island’s needs.
“Yes it’s beautiful,” Duffy stated about Fire Station I. “But it’s the first Taj Mahal on the island.” He said he wasn’t sure that residents wanted a second World Wonder.

Yo, ho, ho to the Marina we will go
It was stated that the new Marina store will be opening sometime around March 15.
“There’s great progress being made down there,” Mayor Sottile said. “It’s going to really be nice.” The new store is expected to cater more to local, island life than the previous convenience store and should carry more fishing/boating supplies.

An ounce of prevention
The City plans to issue a bond for $1.7 million to contribute to the $9.9 million beach nourishment project at Wild Dunes. However, the City has already spent $150,000 and plans to possibly spend up to another $250,000 before bond proceeds would become available. Council passed a resolution that allows the City to reimburse itself for expenses that the City has incurred in the name of beach nourishment. The resolution allows the City to incur expenses towards the beach nourishment project from borrowed funds before those funds are actually available then pay itself back once the funds become available.

Sullivan’s Island Town Council Meeting February 19, 2008

The Sullivan’s Island Town Council held their monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 19, 2008.
When the floor opened for public comment, the topic of St. Patrick’s Day on the Island was a popular issue. Island resident Pat Votava has bad memories of last year’s holiday, when traffic from the local restaurants crowded her neighborhood and intoxicated partygoers wandered into neighborhood yards. 

Lieutenant David Price was recognized for his service to the Sullivan’s Island Police Department. Lt. Price, known as “Curly” to the residents of the Island, retired last year after he suffered a stroke.

Ways and Means
Chairman Mike Perkis gave his monthly report on the Ways and Means Committee. The police department has planned to purchase two Ford Explorers this year. In the past, the department has ordered the same vehicles as the State department. This year, the state has chosen to use Durangos, but Chief Danny Howard thinks Explorers are a better choice. According to Chief Howard, Explorers are better cars, and it is easier to transfer parts from one Explorer to another.  Durangos break down more often and are harder to fix.  Council member Everett Presson asked if Ford has a hybrid model for the Explorer, but the answer was unknown. Perhaps the council will be going “green” in the near future.

Personnel
The council discussed adding an amendment to Section 16-23 of the Code of Ordinances, which involves the hiring of relatives, also known as nepotism.  The amendment would change the consideration of “step-relatives” as employees.
Planning Commission Chairman Hal Currey expressed to the council his appreciation for the effort of Lisa Darrow in arranging and coordinating the Public Forum for the Comprehensive Plan meeting. The meeting was considered to be very successful by residents and council members.

Water and Sewer
The water delivery system on the Island received a satisfactory rating from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Water System Sanitary Survey on January 22, 2008. The council reviewed the Town Ordinance for information about water restrictions during the time of a drought. Currently, the state of South Carolina is at a severe level of drought. Greg Gress, Water and Sewer manager, brought it to the attention of the council that the island could use the old water lines to run effluent water to homes to be used for irrigation. Effluent water is safe to use for irrigation, but is not drinkable. Gress is currently looking into the project and will provide the council with more information in the future.

Recreation
The council approved the request to hold a 5K run/walk on the island to benefit the Angel Touch organization. Angel Touch is a non-profit organization founded in the honor of the late Mary Marquardt. Mart, a 9th grade student at Bishop England, lost a tragic battle to the very rare epithelial cancer. The race would raise funds for the pediatric oncology ward at MUSC.

Real Estate
The Town received nineteen responses to a request for proposals concerning the Community Commercial District Master Plan project. The council discussed tentative dates in March for the Selection Committee to begin review of the proposals. The meeting is expected to be a long one.

Streets and Maintenance
On a very exciting January 24, 2008, the South Carolina Department of Transportation repaired approximately 28 potholes.

Money Matters
Council disagrees on beach nourishment finances
By Ali Akhyari

            It was obvious during the Isle of Palms City Council meeting that not everyone is on the same page with beach renourishment funding. A debate over the City’s $2 million pledge to help nourish beach areas at Wild Dunes could possibly cost an extra $200,000. But that apparently depends on how the original agreement rests in your memory.
            City Administrator Linda Tucker stated that the City is very close to exceeding the original $200,000 pledge in expenses and requested permission to access an additional $200,000 in order to keep the nourishment project moving.
            “I will vote ‘yes’ but it is with heartburn,” Councilmember Carol Rice stated before expressing her objections. The confusion lies in where the original $200,000 and new $200,000 is supposed to be counted and how the original agreement was made. Tucker says the new $200,000 request is not new money, but part of the anticipated $1.7 million loan the City will pursue for their financial part in the beach nourishment on the north side of the island. As of February, she says, the City had already gone through $150,000 in legal, coastal engineering, and permitting expenses.
            Prior to the $2 million commitment, which includes interest, the City budgeted $200,000 for the beach nourishment project. The City later agreed to provide $1.7 million to the project. Part of the confusion is whether the original $200,000 was included in the $1.7 million pledge. Councilmember Brian Duffy argued that it was included and he voted ‘yes’ on the motion based on that understanding. Councilmember Dee Taylor made the original motion during a special City Council meeting on January 10. Duffy quoted Taylor during that motion as saying "the approximate net cash contribution to the project will be approximately 1.7 million dollars.”
            However, it now seems that the City is treating the $1.7 million pledge as a separate contribution from the $200,000, which would make the net cash contribution $1.9 million. Tucker says, “The city committed $200,000 in November and then made decisions regarding how much to contribute based on $9.9 million, less $200,0000, for $9.7 million; on which, council committed to $1.7 million plus the interest expense to borrow that money.”  By that logic, the $200,000 was spent before the City agreed to contribute $1.7 million. Until the City closes on the bond, however, the amount of interest will be unknown. Being conservative, Tucker used 5% as an example, admitting that this amount is a “worst case scenario”. But at 5%, the total interest would be $313,500, making the City’s total expenditure more than $2.2 million.
            Rice argued that she understood the City would not spend more than $200,000 until all other parties involved submitted their contributions to the $9.9 million project. “Why is it our burden to come up with this money on the front end?” she asked. Tucker told the Island Eye, “If the project is to stay on track for an accelerated construction in the Spring, then these expenses will continue for at least the next month.”
            Rice’s heartburn-accompanied vote was partnered with eight other “ayes”, making it a unanimous decision to allow the City to spend $200,000 more before the other financial contributions are acquired. The debate as to whether the City’s original $200,000 commitment was included in the total $1.7 million pledge goes on.
The City’s next Ways and Means Committee meeting is on March 18 at 5:45pm in City Hall.

Buried in the sand
Georgetown Senator buries beach bill
By Ali Akhyari

     Some say that good fences make good neighbors. If you live on the Isle of Palms, a follow up to that statement might be: “but locked gates lock hearts”.  On IOP there is an observable tension when it comes to gates and using public money inside of them. A bill that would allow state money to be used on private land is being held up in the South Carolina Senate and shows that this division on IOP is one felt by many.
     In an effort to help private communities like Wild Dunes obtain funding for beach nourishment, local state senator Chip Campsen introduced a bill that would allow cities like the Isle of Palms to retain the portion of their Accommodations Tax (ATAX) revenue that would normally be dispersed throughout the state for the purpose of beach nourishment. This dispersing of money is referred to as the Robin Hood effect. However, this aspect of the bill was deleted in the State Finance Committee. Campsen says it could possibly be added again if the bill reaches the Senate.
The bill would also allow the City to bond State ATAX revenue with revenue bonds to help pay the debt for beach nourishment services. Campsen says that the measures in his bill would have allowed IOP to keep an additional $95,000 in local ATAX revenue and help raise approximately $2 million for beach nourishment. With the amendment the $95,000 is gone and the potential for raising money through bonds is cut in half.
     After a promising start in the State’s Finance Committee where it was unanimously passed, the future of the bill lies in the hands of Georgetown Senator Ray Cleary. Cleary has placed an objection on the bill that essentially paralyzes it until he decides to remove that objection.
“I just wish to make sure we don’t have unintended consequences,” Cleary says.
     One concern with Campsen’s bill is that it could perpetuate an insider/outsider mentality.  Cleary says, “If communities were allowed total access to [accommodations tax] funds, it might encourage more areas to reduce or eliminate public parking except for their constituents.” As an example of this attitude, Cleary recalls leaving Sullivan’s Island one day and seeing a tongue-in-cheek sign that suggested all visitors go to Folly Beach the following week.
    At least a portion of his objection is one that strikes at the heart of the erosion debate on IOP. He was a bit more candid with The Sun News, a Myrtle Beach publication, where it stated “Cleary said people who live in gated communities should be able to pay for their own beach repair.”
While this sentiment represents a portion of those with an opinion, it is not the only one.
“We’ve got a crisis on our hands,” Campsen argues. “Let’s address the crisis.”
He contends that his bill is not even a novel idea and doesn’t change the use of State ATAX revenue. It is already legal for municipalities to use this revenue to pay for beach nourishment. The problem, according to Campsen, is that there is not enough ATAX revenue to pay for multi-million dollar beach nourishment projects when contractors require payment. The only thing the bill does, according to Campsen, is allow municipalities to bond State ATAX revenue so that a substantial amount of money can be raised for beach nourishment.
     Furthermore, this money can already be used to issue bonds for other tourist related endeavors such as building a Historic Center/Museum or other civic related items that encourage visitation. Campsen says, the bill simply adds beach nourishment to that list.
As of February 26, Campsen stated that he had not spoken to Senator Cleary on the matter but hoped to do so soon. However, a similar bill, sponsored by Senator Hugh Leatherman and Campsen, has made its way through the Senate and is now in the House Ways and Means Committee. S-524, as it is called, allows any county or municipality to issue bonds using local ATAX, Hospitality Tax, and State ATAX revenue as security. However, it specifies that the normal 30 percent of ATAX revenue committed to advertising and tourism promotion can not be used. The difference is that this bill does not limit the uses for which bond money can additionally be used. Campsen’s solo bill limits it to beach nourishment.
     Campsen says that it is possible for his bill to be revived if 2/3 of the senate gets together to vote the bill into a special order session. According to Campsen, the chance of this happening is “virtually none”. The reason, he says, is that there are a limited number of special order slots and most senators not representing coastal areas would not consider the bill important enough to take a slot ahead of other bills that affect larger areas of the state.
     Time will tell whether Senator Cleary opens the gates and lets the bill through. But if local history is any indication, that gate will probably remain closed.
     Cleary did not respond to an e-mail regarding the status of his objection by our publication date.