City Council - Regular Meeting

Thank you.

All right, I would like to call this July 14th meeting of City Council to order. Adam Clark, would you please call the roll?

Councilmember Gregg, Councilmember Sheeley, Councilmember McBride, Councilmember Polkay, Councilmember Brady, Councilmember D'Alessandro, Councilmember Waring, Councilmember Seekings, Councilmember Tinkler, Councilmember Bowden, Councilmember Appel, Councilmember Scardin, Mayor Cogswell.

Here. I'd now like to call on Councilmember Polkay to lead everybody, to give the invocation and lead everybody in the Pledge of Allegiance. Sure.

At this time, please join me in a moment of silent reflection in memory of the deceased senior senator from South Carolina, Senator Graham.

Amen.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

Okay. Um, starting out tonight, we have three presentations and recognitions. Thank you. Uh, council member Polk for that, um, those words relating to the late Senator, uh, Senator Graham, we have a resolution here for him, uh, for all that he has done for this city. He was an incredible advocate for particularly bringing funding back for flooding and resiliency efforts. So he will be missed by the city of Charleston. Whereas Lindsey Graham was born on July 9th, 1955 in Central South Carolina and served the people of South Carolina and Washington for more than three decades, first in the United States House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003, and then as a United States Senator from 2003 until his passing. And whereas prior to his political career, Senator Graham proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and South Carolina Air National Guard, accumulating 33 years of military service and retiring at the rank of Colonel. And whereas Senator Graham was a steadfast champion of Charleston Harbor, supporting its deepening from the earliest study through final funding, securing the future of our port for generations to come. And whereas Senator Graham was equally committed to protecting the city of Charleston from flooding, helping win federal authorization for the battery extension and delivering funding for drainage improvements across the entire city. And whereas Senator Graham brought decades of dedication and hands-on advocacy to South Carolina, consistently pushing past red tape to deliver practical results for Lowcountry and the state as a whole. And whereas Senator Graham was a devoted brother, who after losing both of their parents in a close succession while he was in his early 20s, adopted his younger sister, Darlene, a bond that would carry through to the rest of his life. And whereas Senator Graham passed away on July 11th, 2026, at the age of 71, leaving behind a legacy that will endure in the city and state he loved. And whereas Governor Henry McMaster has appointed Senator Graham's sister, Darlene Graham, a graduate of the College of Charleston, to serve as United States Senator. And she was sworn in today, July 14th, 2026, becoming South Carolina's first female senator. And whereas the city of Charleston extends its confidence and best wishes to Senator Graham as she takes on this role in her brother's memory. Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, William S. Cogswell, Jr., Mayor of the City of Charleston, on behalf of City Council and all of our citizens, hereby express our deepest condolences to the family, friends, staff, and constituents of Senator Lindsey Graham and extend our sincere gratitude for his decades of service to the city of Charleston, the state of South Carolina, and the United States of America.

Mr. Mayor, before you leave that, the way Senator Graham reached across the aisles was something to be admired. You know, Mayor Riley used to have something that would say on certain projects, does it pass the 50-year test? Senator Graham worked very hard with Congressman Clyburn to get the money to build What we now know is the Ravenel Bridge, which at that time was the largest infrastructure project in the history of the state of South Carolina. Ongoing projects, you mentioned the flooding. He was a strong advocate for that. Our bike pedestrian bridge, Mr. Somerville, who we recognized appropriately in a few moments, there was something called a TAGA grant that I think was $18 million. We had $0 for the bike pedestrian bridge at that time. And we needed... the grant and Katie Zimmerman, I don't even know if she's in the audience tonight, asked if we had any inroads to Senator Grimm. And Bill Moody and myself did, but former Mayor Riley had a better relationship. So we called Mayor Riley, asked if he would call Senator Grimm. because that was during a period of time where air marks was such a bad idea. Okay. Uh, all I can tell you is one call to Senator Graham and the tag of grant, uh, came through. And now obviously we're building the bike pedestrian bridge for good works of a good man that was willing to reach across the aisle. So I'm glad we did the resolution. Thank you for your words.

Well said well said, okay. You mentioned. I won Robbie Somerville and it is my pleasure and honor to read this proclamation on his behalf, Robbie, as you all know, needs no introduction. Uh, is a staple in this community and part of this city and really has done incredible things in his. service and career. So if you would join me up and anyone else from TNT, why don't y'all come on up here as well? Come on, guys. Come on. Don't be shy. I'll put you in the picture. Come on, Matt. Whereas Robbie Somerville has proudly served the city of Charleston for over 30 years, starting out as traffic tech and retiring as the section chief of public works, a journey that took him through several different positions and years of hard work. You'll come on up. And whereas Mr. Somerville reached his 30th anniversary. with the city on April 1st, having served under three mayors and was recognized early as a recipient of the city's customer service award given in just its second year. And whereas Mr. Somerville has known and loved throughout the city for his kindness, his easygoing nature and the genuine care he brought to every relationship, making him a true pleasure to work alongside. And whereas before joining the city, Mr. Summer was drafted by the major by major league baseball in the 28th round of the 1987 amateur draft out of the college of Southern Maryland. And whereas his three decades of service and his warmth towards everyone he met have left a lasting mark on this city and all those who have had the privilege of working with him. Now, therefore, our William S. Cogswell, Mayor of the City of Charleston, hereby honor and recognize Robbie Summerville for his outstanding public service and lasting contributions to the city of Charleston and extend a sincere congratulations and best wishes upon his retirement. Let's give him a round of applause.

I'll hold your hand.

Wow. To me, it really feels like I need to be giving the thanks to the city of Charleston. Um, over my 30 years, I just made so many friends. I built so many relationships from coworkers to city council members, to citizens, to contractors, to everybody. I just, you know, the city has done so much for me. Yes. I was here for 30 years. Yes. I worked my way up, but the city really became my heart and soul and I'm going to miss you guys. I'm going to love the city and continue to love the city and Thank you.

You go there. I'm sorry. Figure this out by now. Reggie.

All right. We have one more important recognition tonight. I would like to invite the members coaching staff of the James Allen charter high school Trojans baseball team up. Come on in guys. We've got the doors open. Look at this. Come on gentlemen.

Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations. Congrats, man. Congrats. Congratulations.

Y'all come on up. Keep going, guys.

Y'all know how to do a group photo. Come on up. Come on up. Come on in parents. Y'all got it lined up. All right. Whereas the James Allen Charter High School Trojans baseball team demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and teamwork in capturing the 2026 Class 5A Division I State Championship, And whereas the championship marks the Trojans' third consecutive state title, second consecutive state championship in South Carolina's highest classification, and sixth straight regional championship, highlighting one of the state's premier high school baseball programs. I would say the premier high school baseball program. Whereas the Trojans compiled an outstanding 31-4 record, finished a perfect 20-0 at home, extended their home winning streak to 33 games, set a school record with 37 home runs, and earned a number eight national ranking by Baseball America. And whereas the team's dominance was reflected in a .37 batting average, a .177 opponent's batting average, and the leadership of South Carolina Player of the Year, Todd Marchant, who earned the honor for the second consecutive season. And whereas under the leadership of head coach Matt Spivey and his coaching staff, the Trojans have brought tremendous pride and recognition to their school, their community, and the city of Charleston through their commitment to excellence, both on the field and off the field. Now, therefore, I, William S. Cogswell Jr., mayor of the city of Charleston, to hereby proclaim July 14, 2026 as James Island Charter High School Trojans Baseball Team Day. Let's give them a round of applause.

All right, all right.

Leslie, come up. We're going to get a picture. Absolutely, yeah. I mean, guys. i'll take it easy on the other guys a little bit next year maybe but uh we'll see you next year right who's got a little brother there all right guys congratulations

Congrats. Impressive. Very impressive. Good job, man. Absolutely. Until next year. Good night. See you again. See you next summer. I like it. I like it.

Just rinse and repeat. Oh, wait. Coach. Coach. Here we go.

I'm good. I appreciate it.

Yeah, man. Absolutely. Impressive. Impressive. All right. We are now on to public hearings. We've got three, four on the agenda. I'll call on Christopher Morgan to come up.

Thank you, Mayor. Members of council. Is the microphone on? Is that on? Is it working? Can you all hear me? No? All right. We've got our slides here. So we've got the first item is rezoning at 1006 Savannah Highway. This is a request to go from SR1 to Limited Business. It's an existing residence in this location. It's in the midst of other commercial uses across the street and also in Charleston County adjacent to it. Here's an aerial image. You can see the nature of the commercial development around it. And here's a larger view. It's actually the only remaining house that was residentially occupied for several thousand feet on the section of Savannah Highway. And it's now converting over to commercial use by virtue of this rezoning. Here's a street view of it. This is the surrounding character. And it's in our comprehensive plan is lower back and be served. That's because of the elevation. Should it, if it were being rebuilt, that would come into play more of its existing structure that's going to be reused. Um, and um, so, uh, planning commission is recommending approval of the resigning to new business. The next item is a recent annotation at 1722 Ashley River Road. This would come in the city as limited business. It's a small shopping center on a portion of Ashley River Road that is almost entirely commercial. You can see an area of a street, the image of the property. And it's in our conference of plans, they were dead. So the business would be in line with that. And then we also have 1942, Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, another commercial property that's being annexed into the city or the city's general business. It's surrounded on three sides by general business, as you can see from this image here. And that would be in line with the comprehensive plan for it to be brought in at general business. Here's an image of the property street. And then we have restrictive covenants amendment for 1025 St. Rittenberg Boulevard and Ms. Copeland is going to explain that situation.

Karen Hollweg, All right, real quick on this one Council had approved first reading on some restrictive covenants for this particular property, which is planned for the event space, I just want to give you a brief. Brief back up on that. The additional restrictions are no more than 200 guests, no outdoor bar service after 9, no live or recorded music after 9 o'clock, no continuous or repetitive sounds or vibrations from the interior of the building, no amplified sounds, whether indoor or outdoor. It can be plainly audible from the site. Outdoor music live or recorded must be acoustic or background music. Any speakers must be oriented to direct sound towards Sam Rittenberg Boulevard. and no live or recorded music can be above 75 decibels. Also, all interior music must stop at 10 and all events must end at 11. There's also required 25 foot landscaping buffer and privacy fence required of the applicant for this particular property. And also as part of the restrictive covenants, there is a provision in there that allows city council in one year time to unilaterally reopen these restrictive covenants and revisit it as it relates to sound,

and any impact it may have on the neighboring property owners okay we now have public comment period yes we have people we have signed up to speak for um three in person and one online Okay, we'll give everybody a minute and a half on this one since there are only four, or four and five, four and one, is it?

They're three in person and one online, four.

So we'll give everybody a minute and a half since there are not that many folks. Do want to remind people that are coming to speak, the rules of decorum. We just ask that you maintain the rules of decorum. This is not a question and answer. This is for you to have your voices and opinions heard, for us to listen to you respectfully. If you do not follow the rules of decorum, I will give you one warning. If you can persist, you will be ushered out of the chamber. So, Madam Clerk, will you please call the first speaker that signed up?

And this is just for the public hearing. Citizens' participation is later on. Ellis Lesman.

Mr. Mayor, ladies and gentlemen, the council, my name is Ellis Lesman. I'm here with Mike Russo, also Charles Allman. Mr. Russo is the operator of Ashley River Hall. the venue that would be permitted through the covenant amendment. I was personally involved, as was Mr. Russo, Mr. Altman, in the compromise process that resulted in the covenant amendment that's before you. Ms. Copeland already mentioned to you a number of the restrictions that are in place that are part of that compromise, as well as tightening the ability of the city to enforce those covenants, as she mentioned, beyond what they are in their current form. As with any compromise, not necessarily everybody's going to be pleased about it, but this is something that's in the best interest of the city and West Ashley out submit to you. This is a dormant property that with those restrictive covenants as they're currently written is going to remain dormant. I know that this body and the city is going to be talking a lot about the Sam Rittenberg redesign and for the past several years. Due to the efforts of the Council members that represent West Ashley. There is an increased for focus on revitalization. Well, where should it start, but with the gateway to Sam written book Boulevard. And this is an important piece of that. The covenants through this amendment will stay in place as opposed to eventually perhaps collapsing to do the litigation or some other forces. So those protections are still there rather than having something revert back to the limited business zone. So those protections are in place. They're helpful. You may hear some comments about permitting issues. Time. Thank you, Mayor. May I have 15 seconds? Thank you. The operator is in close coordination with Ms. Hart, Mr. Summerfield, Ms. Schultz on all permitting issues. This is a special property that was flattened a long time ago. So I want you to know that there's careful cooperation as opposed to with this million dollar investment, this property, 50 plus events plan. We appreciate it and hope you consider supporting this development. Thank you.

Lexi Frazier.

Good evening, my name is lexi Frazier i'm a district nine constituent and i've been a resident of the park shore three neighborhood for over 10 years, this is the neighborhood that is directly. That this event hall is proposed to take place in my backyard looks directly into the outdoor proposed outdoor space and vice versa looks directly into my backyard where my young children. uh play i'm here tonight to oppose amending the restrictive covenants with respect to 1025 sam rittenberg i've made my thoughts known in written comments in advance of tonight's meeting as well as in advance of the june 14th meeting and directly to councilman tinkler i'm extremely disappointed in the process that has led us here we are in this situation because at some point for multiple points there were breakdowns in the due diligence process renovations should never have been made to this on this property for an event space In addition, all outdoor work excluding an ADA ramp was completed without permits and without any environmental precautions. Additionally, this entire process has seemed to be expedited seemingly in favor of the owner operator without full regard of the impact of constituents and residents. The push to amend restrictive covenants that were originally put in place to protect our neighborhood is being done retroactively to appease an owner operator that has already displayed neglect of following proper procedure. Lori Frazier,

Good evening, City Council and Mayor Cogswell. I'm opposing any changes to the restrictive covenants of 1025 Sandburg and Brickville. This parcel was zoned SR3 until 1980 when it was rezoned and restrictive covenants were put in place to allow indoor operations only and protect the sensitive nature and lot in the surrounding neighborhood. For 40 years, it has been successfully owned and operated under these restrictions. The proposed changes will allow outdoor events hosting 200 people operation of an outdoor bar, and allow outdoor amplified music. These changes will negatively impact my family, my neighbors, and the value of my home, which I have spent my life's work to obtain. The operator proposing these changes is for this 2,000 square foot concrete slab with no zoning, building department approval, and without a permit. It sits over SR1 zoning lines, which prohibit commercial use and violates zoning ordinance and protected trees. It directly faces and is less than 250 feet from my home and many others where my children sleep and play. This parcel is still defined by the city's comprehensive plan is low impact conserved. This is not low impact. This is not conserved. The original covenants state the city council is to prosecute those violating or attempting to violate the restrictive covenants to prevent them from doing so. Do not change the restrictive covenants for an operator who has failed to perform proper due diligence and has shown disregard for city zoning, permitting, and the greater impact to the community. It is the city council's duty to protect and enforce the restrictive covenants in place as they stand today.

All right. And then our last speaker is Anthony G. Bryant, and he is online. You can press star six to unmute yourself.

anthony g bryant um my deeper concern is also for the fact that my community development uh public comment digitally addressed the issue of the 65 000 threshold in terms of um affordable housing in charleston which is really really high the question i have the public safety committee uh community development transportation and a coordinated uh report back to council in terms of what is the specific plans. So those who are under $65,000, uh, by category, uh, from college student to, uh, to senior citizens, you just everyday folk, uh, because we're talking about, uh, Institute and 3,500 units, we have thousand, a thousand, um, new deal FDR units. And I hope that you understand those are zero base, uh, plan. There's no value to that land. And when you, when you change the market housing, you're giving it a value. And it only is what it is because it doesn't have any real value because the government IE union peer development. So we'll let that be known. Thank you.

And then we did receive some comments online. Six emails were received in opposition to the proposed amendments to the restrictive covenants regarding 1025 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard. One email was received from Patrick Rooney asking for more time to review the proposed amendments regarding 1025 Sam Rittenberg Boulevard. And those were all the comments we received for public hearings.

Okay, open it up to any comments, questions from members of council. Councilman Bowman.

Thank you, and I appreciate folks in support and against the 1025 Sam Rittenberg matter for being here tonight. I'm similarly situated. I have a young family. I go to bed at 9 p.m. I don't like loud noise. I don't like things that interfere with my property rights. Every Friday night in the fall, they play football at West Ashley High School. Christopher McConkey- it's loud I hear it in my neighborhood they hear it all over West Ashley. Christopher McConkey- doesn't mean they shouldn't get to do it. Christopher McConkey- I hear this. Christopher McConkey- You know that I think the question here. is do we have a fair compromise? And I think the answer is absolutely. I have never in my tenure here heard of a property owner giving us the ability to reopen their property rights in a year if we don't like what they're doing. Nobody would volunteer for that. um i have gotten several emails saying that we should hold against these operators that they haven't worked with the city or something like that and i just don't view that to be true I don't think anything about this process has established that as a fact in any way. I think they're doing everything within their power to operate a facility that doesn't impact the neighborhood to the maximum extent possible. And prevent what I think is a far worse outcome of this property just being completely vacant. you know, they have a vested interest in protecting the marsh area, which is the attraction for their venue. You know, I have bent over backwards trying to understand the position of those that oppose this. And I simply don't, I can't get there. I can't get to a place To to kind of catastrophes what could happen. When we actually have you know I think a real. Real protections for the neighborhood. And a remedy if those protections don't work the way we hope they will. So, I, I'm going to vote in favor of this. I think it's, I think I think it's absolutely right. That is part of the, the puzzle of an attractive. Redevelopment of the entire Sam Rittenberg corridor. And I think it's absolutely in the interest of West Ashley to have a productive use of this property that is doing everything they can to prevent spillover effects for the neighborhood. So I'm going to vote in favor.

Councilman Tinkler. Well, just as a point of order, shall we vote on the first readings of the first one through three you're going to make a motion if you like all right okay well i'm just going to go because i would like to say something about about the 1045 sam randler but um i'll go ahead and move uh to take one two and three um to for approval for first readings take them together and for approval we have a motion made probably seconded all those in favor signify by saying aye aye opposed eyes have it madam clerk uh if i could just be noted as a nay on number one

That's one name for the record, Council Member Brady.

Councilman Tinkler, did you want to follow up on item number four?

Sure, unless any other members want to talk. As a point of order, I'd move for approval, just so we can have discussion on the item.

I'm a parliamentarian. Move, properly seconded for discussion, Councilman Tinkler.

I may have the last word, I guess.

James Rattling Leafs- that's we're thinking just very briefly, I think, in the now number of years i've said here 17 I don't think i've ever seen a situation where we've gotten a claw back on a zoning exception or the changing of covenants so. without that clawback, I think this would be kind of a close call for me. But with the clawback, we get a free look at what goes on back there in an area of the city that really could use some revitalization. I get it. If I live back there and it's really a raucous and they've got some of the very specific requirements that are on them, if they're not in compliance with that, I don't want our team running over there all the time, but we need to see what's happening. So I like that. I mean, I don't know if I like the clawback or not. I've always said zoning is forever until it isn't. Now it's kind of who knows what it is. It's in that, zone of um this is a unique circumstance right so the look the look back is um unique i think for this property appropriate and i'm going to vote in favor of it because of that

Thank you, Mr. Eakings. Uh, I, I, I share your comments on that. Um, I do have some concern over some of the work that has been talked about. Uh, we're gonna look into that just for, for those of, uh, you that have come and spoken on that. Uh, but with that, I'll turn it over to, but, but I do appreciate the spirit of compromise and I do think, um, the clawback gives us some insurance, if you will. Councilman Waring.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, The covenants that have been amended and Ms. Copeland spoke about it at the beginning of the public hearing, almost worth reiterating. I put 17 years on the planning commission with city of Charleston. I've sat here 15 years next to my colleague, He's been here 17 years. He's the senior man on this body.

Only in service.

Touche, touche. I've never seen this kind of covenants put on one piece of property in the entirety of the city of Charleston. I mean, even to the tune of which direction speakers can be pointed. We've got the chief of police in here right now, and he's hearing it just like the rest of us. And if they get down there and start a party until the break of dawn, when I find this chief in the state of South Carolina and the nation, he and his team are going to see something, and they're going to do something about that. They're just not going to be able to do that. Landowners do have rights, just as a single family property owner has rights. But to reduce those rights to the point of codifying it does give, gives me more than a pause. It gives me a rationale. I wish we could do that on more of them. Okay. So Councilman Bowden, I agree with you. I agree with Council Member Seekings. I wish more than neighbors that sign the petition knew of the depth of the covenants and the restrictions that's being applied to this one single property in the city of Charleston, the tri-curb property. proper decorum if you will and hopefully at one of the happiest days of people lives when they take on a groom and that groom is proud to take on a bride so i too will support this measure and um if it gets too loud um we know how to get in contact with it i suspect we'll have a lot of watchful eyes i agree with that thank you mr mayor

uh Councilman Tinkler unless there's any anybody else that wants to uh speak on this behalf thank you Mr Mayor um well obviously this is this is a tough issue for me um I as I mentioned last month at the meeting and I spoke for quite some time so I won't take up too much more of your time but I live in this neighborhood as well, and I think I'm going to be impacted by this as well. I understand the position that the city is in here, and certainly I've heard enough from my neighbors and friends, and I get it. And it's why I tried so hard uh to come up with the with the compromise and in fact you know add additional restrictions that i i thought uh could address a lot of the concerns that my neighbors were expressing to me um i will say after giving this um further reflection and um you know i've heard from some additional neighbors uh and you know there has been some communications going around the neighborhood uh that in the last 24 hours i think has created some confusion so you know i i i think at this point i'm a i'm a no on this um i mean i understand where everyone's coming from and i i get the policies behind it but i you know this is this is obviously something that my district feels very strongly about and it's something that i i just can't support at this point so thank you

have the no further comments we have a motion that's been properly seconded uh all those in favor signify by saying aye aye opposed nay eyes have it all right moving on third move for third reading and ratification we have motion made for uh third reading replication all those in favor second papa saying aye opposed nay I just have it. All right. We're now on to approval of council minutes, May 12th, 2026. Can I get a motion for approval? Motion made probably seconded all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Opposed? Ayes have it. All right. We are now on to citizens participation. Um, Adam clerk, how many people do we have signed up for citizens participation?

We have 16.

All right, 16, so we will go, let me do my math, I guess a minute. And again, just remind those coming to speak, the rules of decorum, we are here to hear you, for you to exercise your First Amendment rights. Uh, this is a not question answer. We look forward to quorum people to be respectful. And so, uh, madam clerk, would you please call the, uh, first speaker?

We will start with our in-person list. First agenda items first, Kate do Tilly. And the time is one minute.

I'm speaking on behalf of the historic Carlston foundation. HCF supports the proposed 60 day extension of the dominion energy franchise agreement and we appreciate the city taking the time to strengthen this agreement. As negotiations continue, we encourage the city to improve the nonstandard service funds by expanding opportunities for increased funding for undergrounding projects and creating a clear process so more projects can move forward. We also encourage the city to strengthen tree protection requirements by incorporating the tree agreement agreement directly into the franchise agreement, ensuring greater accountability and protection of Charleston's historic tree canopy. Finally, we encourage consideration of a shorter franchise term closer to five years so that the agreement can be reviewed and updated as technology infrastructure needs and community priorities evolve.

Laura Stossel.

Hello, and thank you for having me. I'm from Grouchy Bees, a food vendor. I was here last month. I'm here again. I'm just hoping that when you do your council meeting in private about allowing the food carts to be allowed in town, that you will approve them to stay on. I think there's been problems in the past that has caused concern to the legal department, and I think I hope that has been rectified. I do have a lot of suggestions. I've lived in two different areas that we've done food trucking in and things have worked quite nicely. I just haven't had a chance to sit down and talk to anybody about them. I think it would work and it would give everybody on the council a break from the craziness. And I just thank you for your time. I put a lot of years into my business, and I would hate to see it go away. We've moved here. Time. Thank you.

Emil Stossel.

By default, I'll pick up where she left off. So we moved out here in May and March, and we'll take this whole thing very seriously. I think I heard a bunch of the council members mention the word compromise. I think as we travel down this road to reimagine these spaces and everything, compromise is key. We have some suggestions as business owners, and I'm sure the council also has some ideas how they want to proceed with it going forward. So I think we should all get together and come down you know speak candidly about everything voice our concerns and come to a really uh good compromise that we can all live with and if you all are thirsty come on down by the dungeon and have a lemonade with us thank you grayson padone i'm a charlestonian i've been here since i was three months old and um thank you all i know what a pleasure it is to be here and a privilege um and

With all of the the changes, the city is making they stated the historic preservation standards. In the exact same document where I agree with that we do need to hold the standards of what we all know as Charleston storm. Charleston charm you immediately strip away our ability to do so with the ordinances you all are putting in place. The amount of goodwill we have seen from the Community towards these vendors is astronomical across the board. So I want to push that goodwill towards one thing, and that is getting the people that are most involved in this system a seat at the table, the vendors and the code enforcers. The vendors are the people that are out there every single day, and the code enforcers are the ones that actually enforce the laws. If we take an ordinance with everyone in consideration, we will have an ordinance that will stand for years to come. If those voices are not heard, we will have an ordinance where we will be back here in a month or in a year at the soonest point, because what the city council is trying to propose will not stand. Thank you.

Colin Harris.

All right. I'm Colin Grayson's business partner in Spritz card here today to talk about the removal of the King Street mobile vending spots. We've looked closely at every state of reason for moving the King Street and Queen Street vending spots. This claim that there's been competition between brick and mortar businesses and the vendors has been tested directly by myself and my business partner, specifically speaking to AW Shucks and 167 Raw Bar, two businesses in the immediate vicinity with competing food and beverage offerings. Both signed a petition stating they have no issue with our presence on the street and agreed that a well-regarded vendors add charm, energy, and an experience that draws visitors to King Street. Additionally, brooks brothers and law for Randall the two storefronts which are carts sit in front of on a daily basis. sign as well both noted that actually having the vendors there brings more foot traffic into their store. Stacey Freedman, Many businesses had grounds to raise concerns on the competition, it would be these for getting out of them have beyond these for 20. Stacey Freedman, Sign the same. Stacey Freedman, Thanks sir sign the same statement. Stacey Freedman, Along with that, a public online petition over 800 signatures stated, they want the preservation of these locations and it was. Stacey Freedman, Thank you.

Stacey Freedman, Stacey a deeply.

Good evening. My name is Stacia Dively and I oversee the Hill House store on the corner of Queen and King 145 King Street. It is a privilege for me to work and live in Charleston and I thank you very much for your service to the community and all that you do. I was also informed as a business leader in the community about the new vendor ordinance that would remove vendors like Spritz cart from several King Street parking spaces. I work daily on King Street and I interact with these vendors all the time. It is also my understanding that there is a concern that the vendors are a nuisance to the brick and mortar stores on King Street. I want to assure you they are not. I do not know these vendors personally, but I offer you a community business perspective. I kindly ask that you take my feedback into consideration before making any decisions that will negatively affect a local business. Thank you for your time.

Pete Snyderman.

Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor and members of the council. My name is Pete Snyder. I've been St. Thomas Island for 23 years, not nearly as long as my neighbor George Shaw and his daughter Kalima and their family. We're here to speak about the proposed annexation of a portion of Clements Ferry Road. I wanted to voice my strong objection to any efforts to improve or widen that portion of the path to facilitate a private development. The idea here is that there is a right of way that a private developer is seeking to fund in order to provide access to their parcel, which runs directly through a neighborhood that's been in the area for years and years. The private property on both sides of the road is owned by members of the African-American settlement community and taking any portion of those owner's property to facilitate Mayor Mrakas, A dense development that is inappropriate for that location is is unwise policy and inequitable. Mayor Mrakas, I urge you not to move forward with the annexation right of this right of way further the. Mayor Mrakas, 15 more seconds further the developer, who is proposing to fund this right of way. Mayor Mrakas, has a history of bankruptcy and I don't believe is looking to steward this Community, thank you.

Matthew gum.

Hello, I'm Matthew Gumm, a constituent from District 11. Charleston has a decades long history of protests or intimidation and unconstitutional arrests. The current First Amendment ordinance is a clear repackaging of the same assaults on free speech already struck down by the Supreme Court in 1963 and the Fourth Circuit right here in Charleston in 2005. Whether you call it peacekeeping or policing, the result is the same. Permits for 25 people, 15 foot buffer zones, and authorized arrests at peaceful demonstrations directly limit free speech. How does it feel knowing peaceful activists split into smaller groups to hide from police? And the silencing continues in this chamber. 60 seconds per speaker with no discussion permitted is not democratic dialogue. It's monologue. The structure ensures that no matter how many show up with concerns, the council can adjourn having technically heard us without responding. We deserve more than token time and unconstitutional policing tactics. Thank you.

Daniel Sutton.

Hello, I'm Danielle Sutton. I'm a 20-year resident of Westside District 6, and I'm here again to call for the repeal of the First Amendment Demonstration Ordinance. To those who were in the emergency meeting on July 29, 2021, when the ordinance was passed, Councilmember Waring and others protested the lack of public engagement and transparency. Mayor, at the time, Tecklenburg said it should be revisited at a later date. Does this council still support the undemocratic way in which this ordinance was enacted? do you really support a 30-day jail sentence for peaceful protesting i understand public safety was at the forefront of those of you passing this ordinance but putting it under police in the city code rather than special events was very telling of the intention of the ordinance for the other city officials involved i would like to point out that septima p clarks presides over this council and this ordinance is an affront to civil rights history of the city those in power eroding our rights are never the good guys Sam Caron, we're holding you accountable to uphold our rights, we call for this ordinance to be repealed and full we aren't going anywhere and our coalition is only growing.

Sam Caron, Samuel carol.

Sam Caron, Good afternoon, my name is Sam carol and what the trust person of a restoration campaign sorry that Mr back in May. Um, council members, I have a list here of over 1600 signatures from charlestonians calling for city council to send this ordinance. Uh, I'd like to pass it along to the clerk for record when possible. Um, in my brief period, doing political work here in the low country on a variety of issues. Uh, I've gotten a lot of nose on canvassing. Uh, there is 1 issue that I've never received a single note from and that is this position. That's this campaign. Um. Mike Jones, Why, because every working class person understands what this ordinance in place, the only people who have a voice in local politics or those with the money or connections to hold influence and office. Mike Jones, So, while the front desk for Mr warings office continues to forget who we are and others have to ignore our emails. Mike Jones, keep in mind there is an anti establishment tenure in the air and your constituents will know that they won't be heard by you either, which will hurt from the next election, because we will be knocking on doors in your district, thank you for your time.

Mike Jones.

Thank you.

Hello, my name is Mike Jones. I live in District 9. I'm here with the First Amendment Restoration Campaign to call for the full repeal of the First Amendment Demonstration Ordinance. Everyone should be free to raise their voice together with their neighbors to celebrate, grieve, inform, and advocate. This Council trampled on that freedom when it passed this ordinance in a closed meeting with no public comment. The ordinance itself is unconstitutional and a black mark on each counselor's reputation as long as it stands, and a mere minute to say so is insult to injury. Our coalition is growing and we are educating Charleston about this imposition on their rights and you will keep seeing us.

Bonnie Cleveland.

Hi, I'm Bonnie Cleveland. I live in North Charleston. The First Amendment Demonstration Ordinance was passed almost exactly five years ago. It says that the city can unilaterally impose restrictions on time, date, or place, and whether the permit is altered or it's denied, there is only an illusory right to appeal. There's no requirement that police consult, collaborate, or discuss alternatives with an organizer. So citizens can't even advocate for their own constitutional rights when permits are denied. Though an appeal process only for denials but not permit alterations is written into the ordinance, the Public Safety Committee meets monthly because protests are often organized within days or weeks, not months. The process functions as a de facto inability to appeal. I submitted a written public comment that shows how it's virtually impossible to appeal a denial based on even a best case scenario. Tracy Tapp, When organizers apply 30 days in advance of a protest i'm. Tracy Tapp, Please. Tracy Tapp, review what I wrote in writing and then repeal the demonstration ordinance because there is no meaningful opportunity for appeal, thank you.

Tracy town.

Good evening. My name is Tracy tap. I live on Seabrook. I've helped plan multiple no Kings protests in Charleston County, and I can tell you that the city's permitting process stands out as especially onerous. The 1st amendment places a heavy burden on municipalities to ensure that time place and manner restrictions are narrow case. Law has established that permitting must be neutral content blind and must and fees must be nominal. The current ordinance violates these requirements. I have three examples based on my experience. It's extremely restrictive with respect to place. It is arbitrary. Different groups are told different things, and it places unrealistic demands on citizens in one case. We were told that we needed a special event permit, which required $1,700 in fees, liability insurance, and a 30-day lead time. We've documented all of this. In closing, please uphold your oath to defend the Constitution and overturn this ordinance. Thank you for listening.

And I believe this is Marquis or Marcus Holdings. Apologies for the mispronunciation.

So last week there was a presentation at my work where they did a little speech about the history of the country and for the 250th birthday and it was really awesome speech, and I was really proud of my presentation. you know, heritage and being a citizen of the United States. And I unfortunately immediately remembered that there is an ordinance here that takes away the very first right that was written for us to enjoy. And I've lived in the tri-county areas basically my entire life, and I want to continue to be happy here and be proud here and live here, and I just can't if I know that there's an ordinance hanging over our head where we can't say what we want to say when we want to say it. Thank you.

And then we have one speaker online, Anthony G. Bryant.

Anthony G. Bryant. My deeper concern is I had an order by Joe Dawson and the federal court in 2023. And my question becomes this, whether or not my speech from 2023 to 2026 is deemed speech and am i assembled with you or is it vexations or or affiliation uh based upon north charleston and mount pleasant which i've run before mount pleasant's meeting and north charleston's meeting and i find my conduct and my comment to be uh being speech and i assembled with folks so i'm deeply concerned in terms of of that in terms of A number of things are going on in terms of speak to family or address the grievances and definitely a religion. I want to make sure that that's on the record based upon what's going on right now in the room. I salute those who support the effort of not limiting our constitutional rights. I think it's very important. Even the fourth amendment, sixth amendment and eighth amendment also is a deep concern for mine as well. So have a, have a very great evening and my compliments to my councilman in the district for all he does. for our city.

Right. And then we did receive some online comments. Seven comments were received in opposition to the Riverland Oaks development on James Island. Two comments were received in opposition to the city's First Amendment demonstration ordinance. One comment was received from Mr. Bryant, which was sent to council in full. One email was received from David Quick in opposition to the city's First Amendment demonstration ordinance. And those were all the comments that we received.

Thank you, madam clerk. Um, we are now on to petitions and communications. Uh, we have a few appointments, but before we get to that, I did want to just, uh, uh, take an opportunity to let council know that, um, and I know you all have been missing this, uh, the state of our city. address which is normally done in this chamber this year i'm looking at doing it on the road so we'll be coming to west ashley john's island james island daniel island and on the peninsula having a town hall state of our city address with constituents and just wanted to make you all aware of that you all will obviously be engaged in that we're looking to do it a series of different meetings this fall so more on that to come just wanted to let you all know because i know you were waiting on baited breath for the in chamber uh uh uh state of the city so moving on to appointments we have uh tourism commission can i get a motion move for approval items one a through c uh motion made uh all those and if any further discussion if not all those in favor Signify by saying, I also have a resolution to amend the city's open data policy. Uh, can I get a motion on this? We have motion made, properly seconded. We have Liz Bailey and Christina Aude here. If any questions on this, this is not open data like your data privacy or anything like that. Just for clarity, if there are no other questions for staff on this, can I entertain? We have a motion made on this for approval. We have a motion made, seconded. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. Opposed? Ayes have it. No council communications tonight. No consent agenda items tonight, which takes us to committee reports and would like to call on Chairman Shealy for the public safety report.

Thank you Mr. Mayor. The Committee on Public Safety met last week, July 7th at 4 PM. Charleston County Emergency Management Division did a very good presentation for us on how we're preparing for hurricanes and other disasters. We had several uh grants uh for the fire department that were submitted approved to be submitted uh one approval for a police department grant and a uh one approval to submit a grant and also the legal department had a grant all of those we saw earlier tonight so that concludes my report

I get a, there is some things to adopt here, so I get a motion.

Yeah. I make a motion to adopt this report.

The second motion may probably second. There's no further discussion on this. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Ayes have it. We now, or let me call on, uh, uh, chairman Appel for community development report.

All right. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The Community Development Committee met twice since my last report, back on June 25th and again on July 9th. I'm going to do my best to give it a quick run through, but I have to say we are Turn it in burning over at the community development committee. We're there's a lot of exciting stuff happening. So buckle up. First thing we talked about on June twenty fifth was we received a presentation from city legal on both the state and city requirements for construction on known and potential burial sites on the peninsula. Staff walked us through the respective roles of the State Historic Preservation Office, the City Building Official, and the County Coroner, plus Council's two decision points on both removal and re-internment. We received public comment from members of the community and some historic preservation groups. But this was for information only. No vote was taken, and I think it's safe to say that the city of Charleston and the College of Charleston, for that matter, is committed to following best practices both here, Charleston and nationally, including in the city of New York. um the item the next item involving west edge and the musc foundation agreement was deferred unanimously there's a lot more to come on that we next heard a presentation on the haygood avenue improvement plan thomas and hutton presented the master plan it's pretty exciting for folks over there it raises the road ties into the deep spring and fishburne drainage tunnel to protect Gadsden Green from flooding and adds a separated bike lane, sidewalks and on street parking. And the hope is for this to be one of many projects funded with the Charleston County absent sales tax authorization this November.

We then talked about the Haygood office tower.

It was unanimously approved to send out a letter of intent. This non-binding LOI lets the city broker redevelopment of the vacant Haygood office tower and its 600 space parking garage. We have a 90 to 120 day study window and the right to assign the contract to a private partner if we so choose to move forward. We then received a project 3500 update from Mr. Martin. This was specifically an update on the Western and Eastern Peninsula, including the RFP process, architects of record, landscape architecture, and civil engineering services. So that project and effort is moving along. We then had an item on Opportunity Zones 2.0 as part of some recent federal legislation. The city has submitted census tract recommendations to the state on June 15th. to align with the rapid transit corridor and project 3,500 workforce housing goals. We're trying to get some properties designated under that new opportunity zone scheme. We then got updates on a couple affordable housing projects, one at 975 King Street. This is a 100% workforce housing proposal. from king street partners uh roughly 80 units plus ground for commercial at king and cleveland no action was taken on that item and then we um had a discussion about 24 calhoun street which is a mixed income this point of clarification was that 80 units it was eight Oh, sorry about that. 88 units. That was a that was a typo there. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I wish it was 80 units of workforce housing. That would have been great. But eight still helps 20. Yeah. Fair point. Um, twenty-four Calhoun Street. This is some property located right across the road from the aquarium. This is city owned property. We are looking at partnering with a local organization to provide sixty units of senior housing, half of which would be permanent, affordable housing for senior seniors. plus ground floor, community, and retail space, and the city would be contributing the land to facilitate that permanent affordability. That concludes the report for June. Twenty-fifth, July ninth meeting the other day. This is a much smaller agenda. The big item of discussion was potential amendments to our short-term rental ordinance. Um, primarily aimed at addressing the concern of overcrowding in short-term rental units, specifically in the commercial short-term rental overlay in the cannonboro elliott borough neighborhood let's just say there's still a lot more work to come this gets into some very technical code related issues and um there was a good discussion about ways we can protect good operators folks that have already committed millions of dollars in investments while also preventing some of the overcrowding that i don't think anybody wants to see if you're pulling down a Murphy bed in your kitchen to pack in people for a bachelor party. Your days, your days may be numbered in the city of Charleston. Finally, we had some modifications considered to our our some small business enterprise-related ordinances. Council Member Polkay flagged some language to amend at Section D. That proposed amendment passed unanimously, and this is mainly tweaking some terminology to stay in good graces of current federal law. That passed unanimously. City Council Chambers, And then, finally, we approved a South Carolina abandoned building tax credit for 1822 meeting street road. City Council Chambers, So the applicant can pursue a 25% state income tax credit to redevelop the property, and this is a very important program that is responsible for revitalizing a lot of the historic structures, we see downtown and around the State in downtown areas so.

with that I appreciate everybody's patience and indulgence um a lot going on that concludes um my report and I ask that all actionable items be approved the motion may probably second it any further comments questions on this Councilman has his light on no thank you I just wanted to just confirm since it's not on the agenda that the item pertaining to chapter two would be approved as amended and committee Uh, councilman Waring.

Well, thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I wasn't a member of the committee, but they allowed me to sit in and I appreciate that. Mr. Chairman, um, the presentation on, um, removing graves and subsequently reinterring those graves. Um, Ms. Copeland did a wonderful job on it. Uh, There are a number of recommendations that was part of that presentation that are just that, recommendations. I would like to call the attention that those recommendations should be codified.

But just for clarity, and if I may, council member Waring recommendations were really things that we have been doing historically uh uh as a city but or not to your point copyright as a matter of fact it was pointed out correctly a number of times that there's a gold standard that has been set by this city and I do believe it's a gold standard

for the state. I don't know any other municipality. I think there's something like 400 municipalities, believe it or not, in the great state of South Carolina. Some of them have a population of 400 people, but they're a municipality. That said, we need to make it part of our ordinance. it's one person's opinion I think those audience years and decades ago were written purposely to be vague and we just can do better than that so um that's a recommendation I certainly I'll be coming forward with working with staff and hopefully you all will work we can work together on this but um the gold standards should be codified thanks Mr Mayor

So we have motion made to adopt this report. Any actual items? There's been probably seconded. No further comments on this. All those in favor of adopting both reports, I guess. Please signify by saying aye. Opposed? Ayes have it. Thank you, Chairman Appel. Now I would like to call on Chairman Waring for Committee of Public Works and Utility.

Move for approval. I agree with councilman. I agree with this. Let's move for approval. There are a lot of good projects on there that all of them passed unanimously. And I agree with the motion that was made.

Motion made probably seconded all those in favor signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed? Ayes have it.

And that includes the first readings from that report.

That includes the first readings, as my clerk has pointed out. Now I'm just trying to all go on so quick. I got to find my place here in transportation. So Councilman Seekings, Chairman Seekings, all for traffic and transportation report.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. The Committee on Traffic and Transportation met today. There were a number of items that we undertook. The first was to recognize Mr. Somerville sitting in the audience for the first time as a civilian and not as a member of staff.

That's not why I'm celebrating. I'm celebrating Rush.

There you go. Right. Well, we're going to miss him. And, you know, he was our guiding light for a long time. We got an update, Mr. Mayor, led by you on the S River crossing. Many of you cross the bridges and see that project ongoing. The mayor broke his presentation down into segments of the bridge so we could sort of see from West Ashley to downtown where we were in real time as of today. Um, the project is moving along, albeit, maybe a little slower than we'd love, but it is getting there. The biggest thing I think that's between us and really getting to the finish line is the final design for the landing on the Charleston side, which we're not there yet, but we're getting there. Um, we did, by the way, have both our in house project manager, Mr. most here. Um, and.

Well, if I may, um, for clarity, there is a design for the Eastern landing. The question is whether or not we amend or change order that design to tie in with, uh, asher of a walk.

Fair enough. Yeah. Fair enough. And and how we pay for all that, I think was still part of it too. So we had here no fair point. We had here to answer some questions for us, but particularly on how we're interfacing with the for the landing when we get to, um. the peninsula on that slip lane, which is going to take some SCD02 work. But anyway, the project is moving along. It will conclude probably at 2027ish at the end. We undertook a request to approve a mini roundabout on James Island, maybe our first ever mini roundabout that was approved unanimously and received with great fanfare by the representative from James Island. She can now announce that they're going to have the first ever mini roundabout that is going to be enthusiastically endorsed by the SCDOT, however paid for by the city of Charleston. Well, thank you so much. We had one request for approval of certificate of public convenience by VEA LLC approved. We had a request for approval of maintenance agreement with Daniel Island Town Association, otherwise known as DITA, for the proposed Daniel Island roundabout at Seven Farms Drive and River Landing Drive. That project is being funded by the Berkeley County Have sent transportation sales tax data has, um, agreed to do the maintenance of it. Um, we will be undertaking signage and all that, but actually the maintenance and the beautification of it will be taken up by the home by the association. Uh, we had a brief discussion regarding the annual application submittals for Charleston county transportation committee project funding, which is different than half cent sales tax funding. This is monies that get to that committee, um, run by a number of people with interest in the county from the gas tax. it's not a huge amount of money we do put applications in principally for sidewalks so it's a way to get sidewalks funded um we don't get a huge number of projects out of it um we're still waiting to see what's going to get funded in terms of sidewalk um getting sidewalks getting built they're super expensive so more to come on that we finally and mercifully work through and i think has now been approved by this ways and means committee and soon to be the city council the final approval of the pedicab franchise agreements including the fee schedules which was the last piece of the puzzle that was also approved unanimously and i would move for adoption of the support unless there's any questions we have a motion made properly seconded i'd call on councilman scarden first and then councilman warren

Yes, thank you. I just wanted to send out a big thank you to the Charleston City Traffic and Transportation staff for working so closely with us on this mini roundabout. This is an incredibly confusing intersection in the heart of District 12 and came up many, many times. Um, and my door to door communication with residents, um, the design is really innovative, so it won't impact any surrounding property. Um, we are funding it within our current budget. Unfortunately, that means there's not a extra budget for sidewalks, but it's, it's moving forward and, uh, I think a pretty quick timeline, which is fantastic. um there's no stormwater or flooding impacts from this um and i'll be working with mr mathis and others to put together a one pager for property owners and i will be going door-to-door to talk to them to make sure we answer any questions and holding a public meeting as well to make sure that if anyone has any concerns We're there, and I'm hoping we can also put together one of our city's great how-to tutorial videos of how to use the roundabout. It is traversable for fire and emergency services as well. So I'm just absolutely thrilled about this and thank the city and the staff for their really great work on this.

Just nodded over to comms. Looks like we've got a video opportunity at the baby roundabout. There we go. Starring Councilwoman Scarton. Councilman Waring.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. I was just asked that if the landing spot for the bike pedestrian path on the Peninsula side could be sent out to via email to members of the two options.

Yeah, absolutely. We can make sure that circulated.

It's in the Tnt packet. We'll get it set up. Yeah, no problem. Thank you.

Okay. So we've had a motion made, probably seconded. No further discussion on this. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Opposed? Ayes have it. We are now 1-2.

I'm going to ask that you go back on something that I did speak about at Public Works.

Public Works.

And it was a miscellaneous, but it was naming the King-Hugee drainage improvement, having that added to our agenda for next month's meeting, to name it after Councilman Robert Mitchum. You all may remember that we uh did vote to name i think 75 huge street 375 375 i'm sorry thank you 375 uh huge street which is a affordable housing development but that contract has gone away and they're probably trying to reconstitute that but that's a housing uh authorities uh project uh the uh king street uh drainage project actually councilman member can throw a council member Mitchell can throw a rock from his house right to this which is a very fine we asked if he'd not throw a rock yeah that's it that's true I'll make sure to pass that on but um to have that named after him um Councilman Mitchell was the one that pointed out that the fire station on King Street used to have a John boat when people would run in that flooded area unknowingly we actually had a John book that would that's how deep it was that would go and ferry the people out uh until the tide and drainage went down so anyway that'd be very fitting and hopefully recognize him with that it is a 22 million dollar drainage project that started out at five but uh it's much more beautified now it's got a little lake and lagoon and all that kind of stuff's going to be there so hopefully we can like that it was and was that amended on the public works or are we looking to it was really a discussion because the one on the agenda but um as far as naming it after him and i just wanted to get that up front so it could be on the next agenda madam clerk next agenda councilman polka do you want to thank you mr mayor and i wanted to wholeheartedly support this and

I want to thank Council Member Waring for assisting me in completing with your initiative the very first pledge I made after I was elected, which was to pursue the naming of this very drainage project after Council Member Mitchell. Now, I wouldn't own the council yet when you all jumped the gun and named 275 Hugie Street after him. But I'm happy to be here to help shepherd through what I believe, as the council member Waring said, since it's proximate to his house, a better option, which was the option that I mentioned on election night. Thank you.

great uh again wholeheartedly support it and appreciate uh Councilman Waring you bring it and uh Councilman pulque for uh your uh support and commitment as well just shows character and Grace I think which we could use a lot more of in uh politics today uh so we have a motion did we vote on this Mayor Mrakas, Adopting you know we're on the ways and means we're on the ways and means.

Mayor Mrakas, I would miss there no movement is there no way we could just vote unanimously this has been rules or whatever. Mayor Mrakas, I'm sorry.

Mayor Mrakas, Well i'm sorry, but we were just we were just going to add it to the August City Council.

Mayor Mrakas, Sure yeah.

Okay, I want to ways and means I would move for adoption of the report of ways and means which includes deferral of item number 23 deferred item number 23, which is the vendor vendor ordinance vendor ordinance with some of those came and spoke on tonight, and we are glad to get together. I think the suggestion that we work with some of the vendors directly and code enforcement is a good one so we will circle up with you all uh and arrange for that to happen we really appreciate you all coming out and speaking uh on this and we look forward to again working with you so we have a motion made properly seconded for adoption with the deferral any further questions includes the report from the real estate which also includes the report from the real estate committee and the first ratings and everything else yes thank you following y'all's lead okay all those in favor signify by saying aye aye opposed ayes have it there are 21 bills up for second reading we have a motion made to take items one through 21 through uh for approval we have a motion made we have second i'm sorry who seconded councilman um i'm sorry who was the second about about okay thank you and then for item number 21 that cannot go to third reading correct that's only getting a second reading that's the that's the daniel hall of the annexation So we have a motion made, property seconded, for 1 through 21 to approve. All those in favor? Second. Second reading, sorry. All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Opposed? Ayes have it. And we have a motion made, property seconded, for third reading on items 1 through 20. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor, signify by saying aye. I'll start speaking real slowly. Any opposed?

Well, nobody's opposed.

While you're signing, Mr. Mayor.

Hang on. Nobody's opposed, so motion passes. Let me get through that.

While you're signing, Mr. Mayor, if you don't mind, just very briefly as a point of explanation as to why number 21 is going to be held back, and I don't know if our legal department wants to jump in, and Councilmember Gregg's not here, it's in his district, but adjacent to mine, that is still a piece of property that sits in the County of Berkeley, owned by the County of Berkeley, where legal proceedings are continuing on some issues relating to the right-of-way through that property so third reading may take a minute before until what happens in Berkeley County is concluded and my understanding of the last report we got from them is they're still working on it so it could like I said could take some time I know there's some people here tonight uh interested in that and we'll keep them up to date as to what's going on but there is by the way a right-of-way there the question is what's going to become of it when and if it gets annexed in the city of Charleston thank you council member seekings if you want to add any additional comments that's i got no more color commentary i got a lot of signals the soccer game today was two nothings sorry um spain for those of you who had it recorded at home i'm sorry i kind of ruined it all for you wow sorry boo

For those of you in the audience that wonder why we're in this intermission, if you will, I have to sign all of these while we are in session after third reading before we adjourn.

Thank you. Yes sir. Wait, what? There's more on this side.

They put them on the other side.

Yeah.

All right, before we, uh, I've done the signatures guys. We've got one, uh, bill up for first reading from the recreation department. Um, this is, uh, reservation permit for reserved use. Move for approval. Okay. Um, any, we have motion made properly seconded any further discussion on this? this is just an update um if none all those in favor please signify by saying aye opposed ayes have it and our next council date will be on August 18th and there's no further questions comments for the good of the body meeting is adjourned