Town Council - Regular Meeting

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Test one, two, Yes.

Good afternoon everybody and welcome to the town council meeting of Tuesday February 10th 20 25. If you will stand and join me in saying the pledge of allegiance 26 my apologies. I aliance 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. If you'll continue standing while we have Reverend Kesler from North Island Baptist Church give the invocation.

Let's pray together. Almighty, eternal, and merciful God, we do pray at the beginning of this town council meeting. We pray for the meeting. We pray especially for the town council assembled before us. Specifically for the town council members themselves that they might understand a new responsibility they have and for the trust that's been placed upon them for the people of this community. We pray for them collectively that decisions they make will be an inspiration that will collectively benefit this community according to your will and purpose. And so it is right and proper we pray to you at the beginning of this meeting for you might guide and direct all things according to that will and that we might for not just this meeting for the day, weeks, months, years ahead be granted your direction, your purpose and your success. We make our prayer in the name of our own God and make it in Jesus name. Amen.

Thank you Robert. Next, we'll move on to the adoption of the agenda. Mr. Orlando, do you have any changes for this agenda today? No, sir. Okay. I'll ask council, does council have any motions or amendments of the changes? Uh, yes, sir. I would ask that we remove the two items from consent agenda to um unfinished business in order that we might have opportunity for public to ask questions, make comments, and also I have a couple questions for staff about the process. Is there a second to that motion?

I don't think we need a second. I'm asking the town attorney if anyone objects and it removed from the consent agenda. I'm I'm sorry, I could not hear you. I don't think we need a motion to remove it from consent agenda and put it to unfinished business.

Well, I mean, it's an amendment. I I don't know that I think that has to be the will of the council to do that. U Mr. CR, if I'm not mistaken, doesn't it isn't it uh twothirds of council has to approve any changes to the agenda? Well, that's to add something to the agenda. Okay. But I mean, I think to I I I I think that would still require a motion and consent of councel to do that.

Otherwise, it's not consent. That's a that's a standard rule that I've known for years that it's only consent if the entire group consents. It won't all take long. Well, I'm advised by Miss Gammon that that was the procedure in Bluffton that it can be moved at the request of a single member. Um is a new question for me. So, I apologize for that. But, um

Okay. So, so we can be moved by a single member. Okay. Mr. Orlando. I was just going to say um by Robert's rules, a council member can make that request and without objection of the rest of council, it can be pulled off of consent. Without objection, excuse me. Is there objection from any of the council members? All right, seeing none, it has been moved to unfinished business 8 and 8. Next, we'll move on. Excuse me. To the approval of the minutes for uh December 19th, 2025, December 18th, 2025, and January 13, 2026. Is there a motion to approve?

Move to approve. Second. Any discussion? Seeing none, all all those in favor signify by raising your right hand. So move 70. Up next, Mr. Orlando, uh your report for us, please.

Yes, sir. Good afternoon, mayor, council. Good afternoon, members of the public. I have a few things to share, so bear with me. Um, just a a a quick report on the Elmo task force. Chairman D Simone led the second meeting on January 26, and there was discussion on how work will proceed. And so I'm pleased to tell you that our consultants and and town team with myself at the table talked about a methodical approach that the group will take to uh work on the LMO amendments um over time. And so I expect by the next meeting, which is on February 26, to have a thorough assessment of what we're calling as a as a staff team along with uh the LMO task force, the remaining LMO amendments proposed that will complete the updated code, right? And so I think it's really important that um I let you know that at that meeting I shared a list of more than 30 different LMO and town code amendments that were made over the last few years um that have addressed quality of life in response in in a response to various land use and development impacts. Our next steps will include improving some subdivision regulations, zoning issues, density mass scale, and various other design and development rags. So, we're starting to really uh pull together the the list of work of of those remaining items. Um, reminders, the meetings are broadcast on Beaver County Channel. They're also on the town's YouTube page and recordings are also available on that platform. So, you can watch it live and you can watch it after the fact. And a a big shout out and thank you to Bea County um for helping us with that. All meetings will remain at five o'clock and meeting dates from now through the end of May are posted on our town web calendar. Uh thank you again mayor council for

such a productive day to review the update 6 months in on the FY26 to 28 strategic action plan. Um you can watch the recording again on our YouTube page and then we also issued a press release. A lot of this information is also on our website so you can link in watch the video or you can link in andor link in and take a look at at the website. uh we released and unveiled a new website at our strategic plan and we released and unveiled a strategic plan dashboard on that same day. So all that information should be um easy to find. Couple days from now we'll hold the groundbreaking ceremony at North Point on Jarvis Creek. A reminder it's Thursday. It's 100 pm. parking is at Coastal Discovery Museum and hop on the trolley and ride over to the construction site. Um, and we're very excited to share this milestone with with you and and and with our partner and and with our community. Um, and look forward to seeing everybody there. That same day at 6:00, Mitchellville Freedom Park will host a screening event for a new documentary, The Spirit Me We Move With. And then there's a lot more information on that um on our CDC's website and I believe Lola Campbell is the executive director executive director director on that. Um and it's in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce. So excited about that. Uh remind everybody that the 30th annual Gullis celebration is underway now and this month. There's a long series of events and you can learn a lot more about all of those events on our Gulligi Historic Neighborhood Community Development Corporation website, experiencegulla.org. Some briefcap project updates, capital projects and facility updates. Um, boardwalk repairs continue at Kiggney Beach Park. We included in our scope of

work new shower towers and some deck board replacement. Construction crews completed work to restore uh some storm water retention ponds on town of Hilton Head owned property, but near the Bryant Road uh near Bryant Road and adjacent to Deep Boarding Road. Maintenance work is completed at the Jarvis Creek storm water pump station. Parking lot maintenance and storm water drainage improvements continue at the Barker Field, what we call the extension, the water side of Barker Field. uh crews are working there every day and we anticipate completing that work by the end of this month. You'll still see survey crews out working um in addition to the Chaplain corridor. You'll see them on Arrow Road to Wexford Drive for an for the multi-use pathway we discussed on Marsh Point Road in the Gumree Road and Bus Drive area to take a look at the surveying that's needed to start finalizing or formalizing a pedestrian plan, pathway plan, and some intersection improvements on Gumree. Um maintenance work is underway at the Crossings Park skate park. Um, we know that that is a design build project under design right now and potentially at least a recommendation from me to you for construction in FY27, but we can't wait much longer. So, we're getting out there and making some some good repairs um to to what's needed um without uh and also keeping our eye on the ball that we will be recommending to you a brand new skate park and pump track in next budget. Mitchellville Road repaving has commenced again by the end of the month. I anticipate we anticipate the paving work to restart, weather permitting. Seems like it's nicer and nicer every day. Um and then we're also out there installing some drainage ditches and systems to manage the storm water flow.

Pickle ball courts at Old Schoolhouse Park with a new restroom and some accessibility improvements are still on track to reopen by the end of March. Taylor Family Park. Uh construction's underway and uh we expect to complete the project in late August. So, some real good news on that. Everything is is moving forward, including beach reourishment. Uh placement of sand and tilling is complete at Fish Hall, Beach Park, Pine Island, Port Royal, and we remain and we remain on schedule pumping sand onto the shoreline along North Forest Beach area and making our way toward Kignney Beach. And and again, still on track to complete by the end of March. So, seems like the end of March is uh I'm going to love the I'm going to love the end of March. Um some good news, too. We're we're past we're not we're not mobilized anymore and using Islanders Beach Park for beach reourishment. It's back open um and uh ready for and and available for public full use. And the breakwater structures continue at Pine Island. Um, and that work's still underway and that project should be done by the end of May. Couple more quick ones. Auto, we received our autobond international sustainable community reertification through 2028. So, a lot of work in house to do that and and and again some some good and great recognition on that. Town staff also participated in r a rising tides panel at the fourth annual land use law in South Carolina seminar in late January and that was focused on building resilience. So great job to the team. I do want to recognize Jeff Netinger. I know he's I don't think he's here. Definitely Sean Gillan, our assistant town manager, and Scott Harris. They did such a great job and and mayor I know you're on the board of directors. We recently hosted on Hilton Head Island the South Carolina Beach Advocates

annual meeting. It was held in the west at the west in late January and those three folks I mentioned talked on panels um and and proved that they definitely are are are leaders amongst amongst that leadership as well. So uh a very special thank you to town staff, local churches, nonprofit organizations and community volunteers who helped open a warming shelter at Christ Lutheran Church. uh most recently and a very special thank you to Angie Stone from our assistant town manager here and Tom Dunn our emergency manager um for assisting with putting that plan in place with the shelter and helping arrange training for volunteers providing supply of C so on so forth. So some great leadership after hours and and truly two caring people. And then last but not least, we can never make Natalie last without saying not least. Um, a big thank you to and congrats to Natalie and the Office of Cultural Affairs for all the art installation that you see here at Town Hall. She just switched it out and and it was nice. I was walking past the other day and there were several staff members noticing it was switched out and I came to a public meeting and some folks were out there taking a look at everything and so I just I I know that the work that Natalie does is sometimes quiet and maybe after hours but it doesn't go unnoticed. So, and that concludes my report.

Okay. Thank you. Um I noticed some people come in um a little bit late, but remember that if you do want to speak, you need to sign up and those forms are in the back on the table there. So if you want to speak at uh public comment non-aggenda items or any other items, you need to sign up back there. Um next we have the Buer County School Character Education Student of the Month, Gracie Martinez from Creative Arts Elementary School. The character trait was compassion. Gracie and her parents cannot be present today, but they came to town hall yesterday and she received her certificate and medallion. Congratulations, Gracie. And I think Kim was looking to pull up a picture there if technology will allow.

Compassion. There we go. That's awesome. Thank you, Kim. Finally, under presentations and recognitions, we have the South Carolina Arts Advoc Advocacy Week proclamation here to accept the award on behalf of the Arts Council of Hilton Head Island or Cynthia Cullen, board president, Island School Council for the Arts and Natalie Harvey, director of cultural affairs for the town of Hilton Head Island. If you both will come up front and I'll meet you down there. Town of Hilton Head Island South Carolina Arts Advocacy Week proclamation. Whereas February 9th to 13th, 2026 is South Carolina Arts Advocacy Week. And whereas the arts are a vital component of quality of life in every community and such a vital part of Hilton Head Island. And whereas local economies are strengthened by the production and presentation of arts experiences across all disciplines. And whereas local students participating in the arts are shown to succeed in many measures during their educational journey. And whereas the business community places value on creativity to create innovative solutions to today's most challenging problems. And whereas artists help all community members see the world through new perspectives and broaden our understanding of the world. Now there now therefore I Alan Rerry mayor of the town of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina do hereby proclaim the week of February 9th to February 13, 2026 to be South Carolina arts advocacy week. The count town council of Hilton Head Island recognize and appreciates the value that the arts have provided in our community, schools, and local economy. We will continue to support the arts to the best of its ability and encourage all members of the community to patron, support, and participate in

the arts. Congratulations. I know you want to say a few words. Yes. Thank you. Yes.

Esteemed members of town council, I'd like to have all of my arts council uh friends that are uh present today to stand. I want to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation on behalf of the arts council of Hilton and Island for the proclamation mayor in honor of South Carolina arts advocacy week. The arts and culture are integral to what makes Hilton and Island so special and distinctive. I commend the town for acknowled acknowledging the crucial impact that the arts and cultural sector have on our local economy. Supporting the arts not only enhances our community spirit but also drives economic development and attracts visitors benefiting us all. Furthermore, it is essential that we advance arts education and strive to enrich and enhance the art experiences of the next generation of creatives in both visual and performing arts within our local community. By fostering an environment where young artists can thrive and express their talents, we are investing in the future of our community's cultural fabric. The arts serve as a powerful means of uniting our diverse community, allowing us to come together in celebration and recognize the creativity that exists within each of us. Let us continue to champion our local artists and cultural institutions while also nurturing the talents of our youth, ensuring Hilton Head Island remains a vibrant center of creativity and connection. Thank you.

Thank you. Perfect. Thank you.

All right. Next, we will move on to general reports from council. Does council have any general reports at this time, Miss Britson?

Yes, sir. Thank you. And thanks, Mr. Orlando, for mentioning Gala Heritage Month. um and the activities uh that you can find on our website. One of which is tonight um there's a conversation with author Keith Rushing the book Descended which tells a lot about his family history, his Galaguchi roots on the island. Um that will be held at First Presbyterian Church is co-sponsored by First Presbyterian and St. Andrews by the Sea United Methodist Church tonight at 7 o'clock. Um this weekend the Voices of Gulla will be at the Art Center. So, a lot of arts going on there this weekend. Um, that's this Saturday. And then the end of the month, the seafood festival will include a Gulla village. That is Saturday, February 28th. Um, so I commend all of those activities to you and thank you, Arts Council, and all the people in the arts community.

Any other general reports? M. Becker, just a quick reminder that I'm happy to host a town hall tomorrow at the library at 5:00 for anyone who's interested in coming and chatting. um we'll be there and um hope to see you. All right. Any others? Mr. Col Train, will you come up and join us for a moment, please?

You have something to tell us?

Well, yes. as as anyone who follows this sort of thing has probably seen the council has advertised for the position that I now hold. Um the mayor has asked me to um not offer an explanation exactly, but to to just let the world know what council already knows, which is that I have reached a decision that I will retire at the end of this year. I mean, I'm sure that that's surprising because of my youthful appearance, but um but but but that's the that's the point that I have have have reached uh in, you know, with my family. And so that's um you know, let council know that and mayor asked me to let the public know that. And so, uh

well, thank you. Mission accomplished. Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate that. And and to that, you you can grab your seat. I know how you love, you know, the accolades and all that. So, um, thank you, Curtis.

And, and to that point, um, that we have put out an RFP, uh, to fill that seat of of town attorney. And, uh, the ex the deadline is February 17th. So, any attorneys that are out there that are looking um to to potentially be town attorney, you can go to the town website through procurement and find that information to submit an RFP. So, but Curtis, thank you for everything you've done, and we'll have more on that later. So, thank you. When are you retiring? End of the year.

But yeah, end of the year. So now we'll move on to uh uh reports from committees. Uh Miss Becker uh Low Country Area Transportation. I do not have a report this this month. Thank you. Mr. Alfred, Low Country Council of Governments. No report. Miss Tuner, Beer County Airports.

Yes, airport construction continues. Uh the opening will still be in the spring, but most likely in May, so it won't be in time for the heritage. Uh the Torzo flooring and jet bridges are in place, and everything is moving forward. Uh the parking lot is going to have temporary gates that will be going up soon using a license reader to determine the amount of time in the lot and what to charge. The final design will take some time due to the complexity of the layout of the parking lot and they're re really losing a lot of revenue given the current kind of honor system that they have of paying. For example, 78 parked and only 18 people paid. So there's missed opportunity there. Uh if you're flying, Real ID is required to fly. We've had years to comply for that. But for those that do not have it yet, you'll need to pay $45 to have security run a confirmation software that is only good for 10 days. And lastly, the FAA provided feedback on potential airport layout designs. Um the group went uh to Atlanta to have a discussion in December and they did receive that feedback. Some adjustments will need to be made prior to the next airport layout stakeholder meeting which is still to be determined in regards to a date. That's it.

Okay. Thank you. Uh Mr. Burn uh no, Miss Bryson, Southern Low Country.

Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Um the mayor and I representing town of Hilton Head were not able to be at the last meeting of SLO on January 27 because we were very busy looking at the strategic plan. Um but nonetheless, I listened to the video and here's the report from that meeting. Um there was the introduction of planning director Stephanie Ross from Low Country Area Transportation Study and reported on the status of that study. Hank Edmonson, the new executive director of LOC low country council government um new executive director was introduced. Uh there was a report by Jen Clementoni, the executive director of for Carolina Night Birding Center about the environmental dangers of balloon releases and the city of Bufort's ban on balloon releases. Um then also council member Dan Wood of the town of Bluffton uh gave an overview of dangers of ebikes. Um and it uh appears as though this will be added to a future solo agenda in considering what if anything local governments will do about ebike regulation. And also it was mentioned that the town of Hilton Head Island had already uh adopted some regulations regarding ebikes. Um then um the February meeting instead of being on Tuesday, February 24th, will be held on Monday, February 23rd at 9:00 a.m. at the new Red Barn uh facility in Bluffton. Uh the purpose of that meeting is to meet with the local legislative delegation to the South Carolina legislature and for uh representatives of the board to uh hear and discuss with members of the delegation legislative key issues that may affect local governments. So that again will be Monday, February 23rd, 900 a.m. at the Red Barn in Bluton. Thank you, sir.

Thank you, Mr. Brown. Island Recreation Association.

Yes. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, Saturday, January 31st was supposed to be a snow day. Uh, once again, cancelled because of snow. Uh, it's a common theme here. Uh the senior center uh has a new men's coffee group that meets weekly. Uh the preschool and youth organization. All day summer camp registrations are happening now. Uh challenge camp, the adaptive recreation program registrations will start in March. Uh aquatics, the dome will come down in the middle of March. There will also be some CIP work being done at that time. Uh free soccer clinic February 22nd. Um, we had a hundred children to sign up. That is now sold out. Uh, youth lacrosse, um, we didn't have a lot of this stuff when I was growing up. Registering players now league starting soon. And, uh, lastly, pickle ball memberships are up to 236 on a yearly basis. Thank you. Uh, Buer County Economic Development Corporation, we have a meeting tomorrow at 4:00. Um, and Mr. Brown, back to you to Gulliguchi Historic Neighborhood Community Development Corporation.

Uh, no report, sir. There is uh polling going on at the moment with the board members to schedule our next meeting. Thank you. And Miss Becker, community development and public services committee. Thank you, mayor. Um we our committee, the community development public services um committee met yesterday and we have forwarded a recommendation um with regard to beach services to town council for consideration. Okay. Mr. Brown, finance administrative.

We met on yesterday. We received our quarterly update from finance director Mr. Bird. All is well. Uh we also took up uh a request of funding from LRTA uh just north of our 50 grand I think it is that will be coming to full council for consideration. While I've got the moment, I want to also um just uh tell my committee members that I spared y'all with my 2 a.m. afterthought of the meeting. Uh the the writing is on the wall as far as the unstable condition of transportation to our island. And we are at the moment very aggressive as a town with putting hopefully more of our workforce on our island. Okay. Um so I think we need to at some point appropriate time have a discussion about how we can potentially enhance the travel through LRTA or some other organization for on island. Okay. It's very expensive to rent or own a place to live on Hilton Head and have a car load on top of that. All right. So, if there's some way that we can think through how we can get better at that and take in consideration that we've got a lot of competition off island now, um, a lot of folks are going to be gravitating that way. So, the more we can do for ourselves, I think the better off we'll be, particularly if the price tag is going to continue to go up. All right, so that's just a thought I had I wanted to share with us. um around that topic. Uh we also took a moment to uh look at the affiliated agencies. Um we are going to have all of those organizations show up on March 9th to make their presentations and answer questions. I just invite all of council

to uh attend that meeting so that we can get all things discussed because from there it will go to our budget process. Okay. Um, so that's an opportunity for us to ask questions directly to the organizations. Thank you, Mr. Mayor.

Thank you. Uh, next, moving on to unfinished business. Uh, these items were approved. Items 8 A and 8B were approved by a vote of 7 to zero, the first reading on January 13th. Uh, there have been no changes since approval. Um, the first is a consideration of an ordinance to the town of Hilton Head Island to amend title 16 of the municipal code of the land management ordinance to amend section 16-3-105.H 16-4-102.8.6 6 16-4-105 and 16-4-102.B.1 to allow residential workforce housing within medical zoning district. Second reading. Zack Gordon, please move for approval. Mr. Mayor, second.

Okay. No, we need to approve the consent agenda item B and then we go back to item A for Zach. But sorry I was removing both of those for you removed both finished business then. Yes, you're right. Yep. Sorry. So, we have a motion on the table first and second. Do we have anybody signed up to speak on these agenda items? Since it was consent, we didn't have that. But does anybody wish to speak? Okay, seeing none, we'll bring it back to the DAS. Questions or comments from councel?

Just a couple of quick questions. I'm I'm very supportive of this, don't get me wrong. Um just wanted to make sure the public had an opportunity because we did have folks to comment on first reading. Um but uh where does the process go after after the adoption of the zoning the two zoning amendments we have in front of us? Um, I know there's some demolition permits and some demolition to happen. I think it's important for the public to know before buildings start coming down. And then also uh there'll be a a development plan and building permits. So, what can you tell us about the pro uh process so the public will be aware of that?

So, the the next step in the process is to move into the development plan review uh process. We did have a meeting uh last week with uh representatives of the hospital and that went very well and I know that they are chomping at the bit to get going. Um and uh as they get through the process and and get their approvals u demolition will be coordinated uh with the uh with the approvals and obviously all the uh environmental protection measures required. Um we have uh been in contact with uh the uh POA for Hilton Head uh Plantation. Um and they have already established communication with the hospital and uh so I think that's going to continue. Uh we will be um working very closely. I think everybody's excited about this and looking forward to uh the um uh the the groundbreaking um and the uh housing being developed.

And do we have any forecast as to timing uh for demolition and any other permits? Yeah, I think I think the hope is that we can get the um the plan approval permitting wrapped up by June. And so I think that the the demo would probably follow closely after that um with uh with construction roll right into construction. Great. And I hope the applicant will have an ombbudzman to help during the construction. I see nodding head. Thank you very much. Absolutely. Yeah. Okay. Thank you,

Mr. Linda. May I just ask Zach to clarify that the development plan because it's a major development plan will go through planning commission for review and recommendation back to staff where staff level approval really is through the planning commission. So this will see public daylight. It will have that opportunity for planning commission to review the great site plan that I know is being worked on and at that time I think we'll know a lot more about and you know we know the process is development plan it's approval is site work demo is part of that when you get your final CFC you get your building permits I do know and I'm and I'm I'm proud to to say that that Zach is on top of this he's been working with the hospital with Joel Taylor and and his team to be very communicative even to me And so stay tuned. We'll give you we'll give you a heads up when we know that the demo will occur. So if you have folks that you'd like to communicate with outside of our regular channels through our permitting process in addition of planning commission, you'll have that information. You can show and tell.

All right. Thank you. Any other comments or questions from council?

Seeing none, we've got a motion on the table by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Alfred consideration of an ordinance of the town to amend title 16 of the municipal code land management ordinance to amend section 16-3-105.h 16-4-102.8.6 16-4-105 and 16-4-102B.1 to allow residential workforce housing within the medical zoning district. All those in favor, please signify by raising your right hand. So moved. 70. Next, we have a consideration of an or the town of Hilton Head Island Town Council to amend the official zoning map with respect to the real property located at Bethe Drive to amend the Palmetto Headlands Hilton Head Hospital Master Plan within the plan development overlay district PD2 to change the allowed uses of parcels R51000800337800 0 R51000800 033700 0 and R510008 8 0000452 000000 for commercial use to commercial or residential use and provide severability and effective date. We have a motion

move for approval. Second. Second. Anybody in the public wish to speak on this? Seeing none, we'll bring it back to council for any any discussion. Seeing none, I got to read all this again. No. No. You ready? Wave the reading of it again if I can.

No, no, no. We got to do it right. Consideration of an or We have a motion by Mr. Brown, second by Mr. Alfred. A consideration of an ordinance the town of Hilton Head Allentown Council to amend the official zoning map with respective real property located above to amend the Palmetto headlands Hilton Head Hospital master plan within the plan development overlay district PD2 to change the allowed use of partials R51000800 0 337A 000000 R5100000800 033700 0 and R51000800 045200 00 from commercial use to commercial and residential use and provide severability and effective date. All those in favor, please signify by raising your right hand. So moved. 7. Continuing on with with new business, uh we consideration of a resolution the town of Hilton Head Island Town Council approving the sponsorship agreement with the Heritage Classic Foundation to support the 2026 RBC Heritage Golf Tournament. This item was reviewed by the finance administrative committee on January 12th, 2026 and the committee voted 300 to move forward. the item to town council for consideration and approval. Mr. Brown.

Good afternoon, Mr. Mayor, members of town council, town manager. Um, as we discussed with the finance committee, this is the same agreement that was approved by town council last year with the same financial support of $400,000. The only change from last year are the dates. I'm happy to answer any questions. We also have Mr. Steve Wilmmont with us today who's been leading the tournament for the past 40 years. Thank you. We have a motion. So move second.

Anybody sign up to speak on this agenda item? No comments or questions from council. All right. Seeing none, I I I'd like to to to to bring forward some thoughts going forward. Um, this tournament is the largest single marketing event that our community experiences. And what has transpired over the well since 1969 has been a plethora of ups and downs and challenges and successes. We're currently at a stage where the successes are really outweighing all the negatives and the challenges that have been experienced through the past. And because of these situations with the PGA and other golf groups, the drive to make this a signature event has caused great expenditures to be incurred by the the foundation and the tournament group. Um, I sit on this this group as an honorary member and have some information and as time goes by there are additional dollars that have to be dealled out. The foundation has done an amazing job controlling expenses while having to incur additional expenses, generating additional revenues, and this year giving away a record amount to charities. I want to make certain that we as council understand the value of this event and what it means to our community, not just from a standpoint of tourism, but also as a as a standpoint to the charities that we help support. Um, there are additional funds that will be paid out this year to the PGA, doubling from what it was last year. Um, I would like for us to think about as we

go forward into next year's budgeting, um, how we can appropriate additional funding to the foundation to show our true support for this because they have done an amazing job in raising the value of the tournament, raising the experience for the fans and attracting the best 80, no this year 82 84 players in the world. um one of the top viewed events in sports and in PGA. So I I want us to seriously consider and I'm and I'm pushing them to think about asking for more in the future. Um I don't want to tell them how much, but I think it's something that we need to show that our support is there and have that conversation. So I just want to bring that forward. Any other comments? I got a thumbs up. That's great. Okay. So, we have a consideration of a resolution of the town of Hilton Head ontown Council approving a sponsorship agreement with the Heritage Classic Foundation support the 2026 RBC Heritage Golf Tournament made by Miss Bryson, second by Miss Becker. All those in favor signify by raising your right hand. So moved. 70. Congratulations. And thank you. Next, we have a consideration of an or to amend an ordinance of the town of Hilthead Municipal Code, title 2, chapter 11, section 2-1-40 to modify the practice location requirement for the town attorney. First reading, Miss Stone.

Good afternoon, mayor, town council, town manager. Um, thank you for allowing me to be before you today. This is a minor uh amendment to the ordinance to allow a larger net to be cast for the town attorney. It changes the location of the practice from Hilton Head Island to Buford County. We retain the ability to have someone who has knowledge of local events and um and legal matters uh without constricting the pool of folks that we have to choose from. Are there any questions? Thank you. Do we have a motion? Second.

Do we have anybody signed up on this agenda item? No. Any comments or questions from council? Seeing none, we have a consideration to amend the an ordinance of the town of Hilton Head Island Municipal Code, title 2, chapter 11, section 2-1-40 to modify the practice location requirements for the town attorney. Motion made by Miss Bryson, seconded by Mr. Alfred. All those in favor signify by raising your right hand. So moved. 70. Y'all, it is 3:41. We're good. We're doing good. Public comment on non-aggenda items. I just jked this. Moving on to non-aggenda item section uh the public comment section 2-5-70 of the town's code limits each person to one threeminut comment when addressing council at the end of your three minutes you're asked to conclude your comments please maintain a decorum suitable for the meeting and refrain from using any profane abusive or obscene language if you have any materials you would like to give the town council please give them to the town clerk after you are done speaking do we have anybody signed up to speak Kim

we do um Richard Bizzy I do not see Mr. Williams. He passes. Maxi Hicks.

Good afternoon, mayor and council members. Uh, sorry I was a little emotional at the last one. Uh, my name is Maxi Hicks. I've been skateboarding my entire life. And it's not just a hobby to me. It's a lifelong passion that shaped my discipline, resilience, creativity, and community. Hilton Head is a beautiful, active town. We prioritize golf, tennis, biking, and now pickle ball. But the uh dedicated space for skateboarders is a little dilapidated. Uh that sends a message, whether intentional or not, that our community doesn't fully rec that uh the community doesn't fully recognize the sport or the people who love it. Skateboarding is now an Olympic sport. It builds confidence, keeps kids active and off their screens, gives teens a positive outlet. Without a proper park, they end up skating where they're not wanted. Not out of disrespect, because they simply don't have anywhere else to go. A well-designed skate park isn't a nuisance. It's an investment in youth, health, and community pride. I ask you to support a space that gives the next generation the same opportunity this sport gave me. Thank you.

Thank you. And now state your name. My name is Gabriel Maxi Hicks and I just want to say something quick. Um, so when I first started skating, I was like young, so it's kind of helped me get through some stuff. Like, it helped me get my mind off of school. And I've made my first friends skateboarding. So, it'd be great for the younger generation to get a skate park.

Awesome. Uh, my name is Gage Malfus. Um, been skating pretty much my entire life and it's really the only reason I am who I am. My dad, godfather, grandpa, older brother. I mean, it's kind of all what we did growing up. That and surfing and it's mainly the main reason I've traveled a lot. I've gotten onto some pretty good teams and it's opened the world up to me. and Hildnet being my hometown and not having anywhere to practice, it's kind of making me and my friends go a little haywire and want to go other places and kind of messes up other people's day in the life cuz then they have to fix what I accidentally break or something like that. But yeah,

also I'll just give my petition is it? Yeah, petition's over there. Did you want to say something? You want to say a little something? No, I'm good. Okay. All right. Thank you so much. Thank you all. All within three minutes. That's awesome. I have Abby.

How's it going everybody? My name is Abby Caparusio. Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity to speak. My name is Abby Caparusio. I've also had a passion for skateboarding my whole life, just like Maxi and everybody here, teaching across the US the past decade. I now live and work on the island. I joined on as a volunteer to the Island Rex after school skateboard program a few years ago. It's been amazing to help teach the boys and girls on the island. Why having just one skate park matters? Not everyone connects with traditional team sports. Skateboarding provides an accessible, lowcost outlet that builds resilience, confidence, and self-discipline. Most importantly, skateboarders can learn about building goals as well as building friendships. I see it here every week right at the Hilton Head Island Skate Park. Our afterchool skateboard program also provides structure, supervised time, which kid keeps kids engaged, active, social, and safe. When skate parks disappear, skating doesn't stop. It moves to parking lots and private property, creating more risk and more complaints. A well-designed skatepark actually reduces liability and concentrates activity in one safe space for everyone. Today, I'm here to voice my support with the new skate park design and keep providing this one safe space for our afterchool skateboard program and for everyone who loves this sport here. Along with this, I believe the Bristol Sports Park Arena can find find compromise for other new sports if they need to for tennis and pickle ball courts. I suggest where the hockey rink is and then as well keeping the skate park where it is just with a new and safer design as it still is falling apart just a little bit, even if that means revisiting the design to make it more budget friendly. Whatever it takes, I'm here to help. I urge the town to really consider the positive impact a skate park can have on its community as there are many of us who still care very deeply about it. Thank you very much.

Thank you. Thanks,

Linda Harrington. Hello to everybody. I'm Linda Harrington, Indigor. I've been coming before this council for more than a few years and one of my requests has always been about more transparency whether it be persons working in close confidence with others to make things happen or to be selfserving andor making decisions behind closed doors. I actually called for a transparency requirement from the town council. Well, my patience has paid off. I'm happy to see and say it also appears you're following Robert's rules for the most part. I come before you again to commend you all on the new agreement with the Chamber of Commerce. It's a valued step forward in the name of transparency. I understand full well how the wheels of government grind slowly if at all sometimes and I think this is a tremendous step forward. Once we get the kind of detail expected we can go back and compare them to the prior year income and expenses. Anything that stands out can be questioned. Um I got lost. It should this is age. It should not be that hard a task to figure out what each old expense equates to in the new reporting. If there are questions, again, you can just ask. Uh, and if you don't get a voluntary answer, then I would be very concerned. Hopefully, by following this, the town of Hilton Head Island can avoid unnecessary confrontations, unourred questions, and malicious gossip. You will never satisfy everyone. There will

always be those who, no matter how much good there is, will find things to relentlessly pick on. This person is here to say thank you. We all know there's much more to be done and much to be decided. My hope is that environmentally we become a bit better custodians. Hint, I for one would like to see our storm sewers clearly marked as to where that water is flowing to. If people know it's going out to the sound or so, maybe they won't want to dump that extra bit of oil they have down that sewer. Um because people know it it's it's not a nothing thing to pour liquids into those sewers and eventually that flow leads to ponds, lagoons, tributaries, bigger creeks, rivers, the sand, and the ocean. So many lives and and so many enjoy this environment. Let's keep at it. Thanks.

Thank you, M Harrington. That's all. That's all. Great. Thank you. Uh, Mr. Orlando, I real Oh, Mr. Brown. Yeah, before you close, Mr. Mayor, ask Mr. Land something as well. Um, bet you can ask him same thing.

Maybe. I'm not sure. We'll see. Um there there seems to be a bit of confusion about the pickle ball near crossings and the skate park at crossings that somehow we are going to build pickle ball courts on the skate park. Okay. So, as we continue to move forward with the pickle ball construction, and you did mention during your town manager's report that you're going to be suggesting to us as a council during this budget cycle that we have some renovations done to the skate park, that those are two separate separate things and not one on top of the other. I think that's important for the community to know.

Yep. And also, um, what's the date of our CIP workshop? um CIP workshop is February 24th, two weeks from today. And the intent really is to go through the spend on 26, the new ask for funding in 27, a quick update on where we are in 26 and new projects in 27. And I I will share with you and since you asked, I think it was a little bit of a question, the Crossings Park, what I would call a phase of Crossings Park on the opposite side of Arrow Road, though we we just we just attach it to Crossings in our minds, will be a standalone by itself pickle ball complex. I will propose that funding in full in FY27. The design is almost complete. And in that same line, I will call another phase of Crossing Park, a complete redo of the current skate park as well as an addition of of to the skate park, a pump track. If you don't know what that pump track looks like or what it is, Google it. You'll see a lot of awesome pump tracks, municipal, county, uh, pump tracks across the country. We will have as part of the skate park that pump track piece of it. Before we go live, we've got some work to do. We will share with Island Recre. We will have a community input. We will share and have another day at the skate park to share with y'all what we have as a as a design based upon budget and based upon constraints of sight. So, a lot of good work. It's completely separate than the pickle ball we're talking about on the north end of the island, which was a a reset of a few tennis courts.

Okay. Awesome. Thank you. So, um do we have a a need to go in executive session, Mr. L? Before we do that, there was a question about repairs to the existing skate park, and I I know that um some folks have been in touch with us about that. I know the town manager has responded about repairs to the existing skate park. I'm just you've asked to have to look into it to see what's going on. Yeah, in my town manager report, I I also indicated that we are out there making repairs. Yeah. I just wanted to make sure since that was raised just now. Thank you. Okay. Uh, need for executive session,

sir. Here we go. Keep the mic close. Executive session as shown on the agenda. Executive session items 11A, items one, and items two. Do I have a motion? So moved. Second. You have a first and a second. All those in favor signify by raising your right hand. 70. We're in executive session. seconds.

motion to come out of executive session. Second. We've got a first and a second to come out of executive motion. All those in favor signify by raising your right hand. So move 70. We're out of executive session. Mr. Brown, do we have any actions coming out of executive session? Yes, sir. I make a motion to approve a resolution of the town council of the town of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, authorizing the execution and delivery of an agreement for the termination of a parking and access easement, the amendment of a declaration of covenants and amendment to a non-disclosure non competition agreement and authorizing the completion of the transaction described in the agreement. Is there a second? I'll second that.

Any discussion? I think it might be helpful when we uh announce this that we tell the public where we're talking about. Yeah, it'll it'll be it'll be outlined appropriately. Any other comments? Seeing none, we've got a motion on the table by Mr. Brown, second by Miss Bryson. All those in favor signify by raising your right hand. So move 70. Anything else, Mr. Brown? Yes, sir. I move that we approve an ordinance of the town of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, authorizing the termination of a parking and access easement in the favor of the town and providing for separability and an effective date. Is there a second? Second.

Any discussion on this? Seeing none, we've got a motion by Miss Brown, second by Miss Bryson. All those in favor, signify by raising your right hand. 70. Thank you very much. And how about a motion to adjurnn? So moved. Second. All in favor, we're adjourned.