County Council - Regular Meeting

If you can just I asked for the grid that time and I think as a public meeting it's worthy of describing it and what the duration of the incentives and what it is that we sure Mr. Kroski from the project summary. Um here it's a 15-year abatement period, 15-year affordability period. The abatement percentage starts off at 73% abatement year 1 and then burns off evenly until year 15 when they're almost back up to full taxes so that there's no cliff at the end of the period.

And I just for one wish we could do for small businesses. the company has over a billion dollars in assets and give them the 15-year tax evadences. Um, when people have to struggle to pay their taxes, I have a hard time with that. So, I would respectively I appreciate all the hard work you've done and respect a lot the purpose of this, but I would vote no on this because of that. Any further discussion? All right. All in M. Sorry,

I did have uh another question. I just want to ask so we had it does say that the Yeah, I guess what I'm a little confused about is Well, I'll take them one at a time first. So, we've got it, you know, the annual fee payment is 2,752 per unit annually. Is that per all units or per the workforce affordable units?

Um that is broken down between all units. Okay. And I guess I guess maybe the you know we had when we did Cordelia we had this value of subsidy was listed as something like 3.7 million. Is that is there a corresponding number here that I'm just missing on this chart or did we not calculate that in the same way in this I'm just kind of trying to compare stuff we've done. I mean I'm willing to support this. I I do think well I'll let you answer first.

Sure. The uh total savings that develop developers will receive over the 15year period is just over 4.7 million um with 6.8 8 million being paid over that period to all taxing entities. So they're getting 41% savings 59% what taxes would be just regular taxes. So 4.7 is the comparable to the value we calculated the last time. Okay.

Listen, I I mean I'll say I I'll support this. I mean again I do think part of the overall housing efforts we've had is to to to start doing, you know, using different tools. Um, obviously we have the trust fund, we have some other programs that that we're involved in, and this is another way to supplement that. But yeah, I I think it's it's always worth focusing on those numbers and focusing on, you know, are we getting the most bang for our buck through this program or through another program? And, you know, we need to be in touch with that. So, um, you know, I think those fair questions by Mr. and uh go to that very

anything further. All right. Um all those in favor say I. I want to excuse myself until Tuesday. Okay. I need to look at information. Okay. Opposed. Well, it's still applicable to me. Did you say 1.9 billion? 1.1 billion. 1.1 billion. asking for a text. Okay. Thank you, sir. Okay. Oh, the eyes have it. All right. Moving on to You're recusing. Yes, ma'am. And Mr. Krowski, did you vote? Nay. Okay. All right. Moving on to item 5A. Mr. Chairman. Yes, sir.

I would move for approval items 5 through seven. Okay. Uh, you got a second? Second. Okay. All any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. The eyes have it. All right. Uh moving on to item eight. Uh we have a presentation from uh Carter Executive Director Ron Mitchum regarding the imminent domain for the LCRT project. Mer. Yes sir. Hey M. Mr. Clerk. Um this is a pretty important topic in our microphones. We do you think if we took five minutes we'd be able to reset this? Is there a chance of that or is it dead in the water?

They've already tried it. So, okay. I just thought I'd throw that out there. See if we can take a break and reset and see what's what. I would encourage all of our council members to project. That's what I was going to say. I'm loud. I can be louder. Let's make sure we're speaking up so people can hear us. I've heard several people get up and leave and say they can't hear what's going on. They've got up and left frustrated. So, let's make sure we're not mad, Ron. Just talking, projecting. Okay. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I I appreciate the opportunity to be with you tonight. Um I'm going to try to be fairly brief. Uh we do have an item that requires your attention. Um this is something that's recently been brought to our attention. Uh we discovered that as we're pursuing the acquisition of property at the Shane Park Fairgrounds for the parking ride for the LCRT uh which by the way is on schedule um scheduled to for a full funding grant agreement in July. The funds have been allocated by Congress. So everything's moving along except for this one piece that we got to sort of wrap up. As you know, we've been pursuing that u but it was brought to our attention that our charter has slightly different language than state law. There are 19 items related to the power and authority of regional transportation authorities like Carta. Um, the only difference that exists between what's in state law and what's in the chart that's established in the the '9s is the word two is in front of every item such as to construct public transportation service or to contract for public transportation services as opposed to just saying contract. And then there was a a component added to the power of imminent domain. It says, "However, such power is subject to approval by the governing body of the member in which such land is located." So, obviously, the property is located in Charleston County, which is why I'm before you tonight. Um, we have some time, so we wanted to go ahead and just go ahead and clarify this issue. I know you're aware of what we've been doing. Um, we have several members that served on the Carter Carter board, three that are currently serving on the Carter board. Um, So, you're obviously well aware of the fact that we're in the middle of an imminent domain issue with the Exchange

Club fairground folks. Um, but since we have the opportunity, we want to go ahead and button this up, make sure we've done it correct. So, we asking for your approval of that action. Obviously, the Carter board has authorized that action. So, Mr. Chairman, I'd be happy to answer any questions, but that's sort of the short of it. See happy to answer any any questions that council wants to know. Mr. Mr. Prior, so Mr. Mitchum, this is in litigation, right? Yes, sir. So, if this passes, does the litigation go away? I still is a litigation.

No, sir. There's still other items to be addressed. This is simply an item that came up during that process. Um, quite frankly, I missed it from the standpoint I was paying attention to the state law because I have that digital format. So, I pull that up whenever I need to know something. I did not necessarily have the old chart in it since it was pre-digital. Um, and didn't, you know, normally we don't see things where we add to state law. We're usually complaining about too much in the state law. So, I just quite frankly missed that. So, state law wouldn't supersede the county and the home rule. Is that what you're saying?

No, it it it does not in this case. The charter um does have an impact. So, require county council to I would I would argue that you've already been approving you've been approving of the process since you are funding the process um and aware of what we've been doing but this sort of formalizes that uh decision if you will that we funded sales tax which is actually holding correct yes sir yeah what I'm saying is this came from a half penny sales tax not out of our general operating. Yes, sir. Thank you,

Mr. Weman. Mr. Mitchum, uh, what would be the full funding from the federal government that that you were referring to? 375 million $375 million. So, that would be million LCRT. Yes, sir. A project that this council has if somebody doesn't exist because we have technical difficulties. 11 years basically. Okay. Yeah.

Thank you. Um, so, you know, I don't I think that that's all the approval that really is frankly necessary, but it sounds like what you're asking us to do is just put to bed any dispute as to whether this county authorizes Carta to move forward on this project and accomplish the goals that have longstanding support throughout this entire community. Yes, sir. Thank you, sir. Anyone else? All right. Um, a motion. So move. Have a second. Okay. Uh, any discussion? Mr. M. One more question for Mr. Mitchum. Um, and I'm sure our finance people um to date the countyy's funded

how much roughly roughly we have about $60 million. All that has not been expended, but it, if you recall, we we've set aside money in advance of the activity. So I'd have to get the exact amount that's been expended today, but that's what setting aside in the state treasur office for expenditure with the SCFT. Thank you. Mr. Kasi, is it proper to ask?

Oh, I talk soft. Can I ask is it proper in open form to ask the attorney if if what she's heard is a proper and legal grounds for a combination. I'm not I'm an attorney but I'm not a combination attorney and I you've heard the reasons. Is it proper to ask in this form or the executive session to ask you?

Um what I can say is that everything that Mr. Mitchum has said is is accurate. I and I believe that everything you said I would never question the accuracy but I mean is that a grounds for condemnation legally that for us to condemn the property because you are not condemning anything Carter has taken that action you are authorizing their engagement due to the language in the IGA but what does evident domain mean in this capacity they just don't understand it it generally means the I think it always means

which is a process by which a governmental entity procures property for public is that the condemnation? It is condemnation is the process by which a governmental entity engages in the imminent process. So it is an act of condemnation then that we're I mean I'm just trying to understand that

Mr. Weman.

Well I Mr. I think I can clarify the condemnation action is is being taken by Carter is the distinction that I think Miss Ham is drawing here that that we are we are voting to adopt a res and I did want to clarify my motion is to adopt a resolution authorizing the exercise of imminent domain by Carta to acquire title to or interest in real property in furtherance of the low country rapid transit project. So just for the record I wanted to say that and and maybe uh to to your point yeah there is there would be imminent domain here it would be done by a separate entity but given everything that was said there is some mr would you be willing to add the specificity that it is the fairground property that that is being considered

just that way yeah another question I want to ask I Okay. So, what about the CSU property? Are we going to do the same thing? Cuz I think some property from Charleston Southern is it going to require a condemnation as well? No sir, we're not at this momentation process. Okay. But if it comes up then you would have to exercise the same authority.

We would not. Um, we're only acquiring the property for the parking ride for the LCRP. SC DOT is under contract for rightway acquisition for the rest of the corridor. But I will say that most of the corridor is strip takes. It's not significant property. So, we're not seeing a lot of of folks who are upset or challenging that at this point. I can't say whether or not there will be any additional, but um they will not be carried out by Carter, but as of right now, we have 150 active acquisitions underway and none of them are headed in that direction as it stands. You know, I can't ever predict what people will do,

but they would be working on your behalf. Yes. Any further discussion? Uh, this time, Madam Cler, will you call the role? Yes, ma'am. Mr. Darby, I think that's absent. Mr. Kabowski, Mr. Middleton,

I Okay, Mr. Moody. Hi, Mr. Prior. I'm gonna have to be a mayor on this one till I get some more information. Yes, sir. Mr. Sass I. Mr. Wman. I. Mr. Boyin. I. Um, the motion passes with one, two, three, six eyes, two nazs, and one absent. Okay. At this time, we'll adjourn the uh finance committee and uh we'll go into our public hearings. We allow 30 minutes of public hearings. I'm sorry, excuse me. Comments. We're going to public. Yes, sir. Come here.

Comments. Yes, sir. So, the first public hearing, Charleston County Council will hold a public hearing regarding a request to reszone TMS number 475200031 from low density residential R4 zoning district to the neighborhood commercial NC zoning district.

And uh good evening, council members. Uh this request is to be zone 6786 Ward Avenue in Ward Charleston. Uh for the zoning history in 1994, the subject property was zoned single family residential district RS8, a medium density single family district. This district eventually became parore low density residential in 2006. In 2025, the applicant inquired about developing a cigar lounge on the subject property with the current zoning not allowing the bar and lounge use. The applicant subsequently submitted this request to reszone to NC neighborhood commercial which allows the use if a special exception is approved by the board of zoning appeals. The future land use of the subject property is urban, suburban, mixed use. Most of the uh surrounding properties near the subject property are in the city of North Charleston jurisdiction. Subject property has frontage along Ward Avenue and is vacant. To the north are two adjacent properties in the city of North Charleston with a residential uh zoning district. Uh one of which is vacant and the other has a mobile home. To the northwest on Ward Avenue within 215 feet is a property with a church in the city of North Charleston jurisdiction. And next to that within 430 ft is a property with a towing business also in the city of North Charleston. To the east is a vacant property in the county zoned R4. To the west and south across Ward Avenue is railroad right ofway abuting several parcels in the city of North Charleston zone M1 light industrial district and owned by the US government. The property is in flood zone X and the requested uh NC zoning allows a

uh number of uses that uh are not allowed in the current R4 district. the uh and these can be allowed by right conditionally or by special exception. Um some examples are fast food restaurant, uh gasoline service station and the bar lounge use. Um and the bar and lounge use is allowed by special exception in neighborhood commercial but not bar. Uh for the approval criteria for criterion A, consistency with the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance, the adjacent uninccorporated properties are primarily residential. So this criterion may not have been met. Criterion B may not have been met due to possible lack of compatibility with existing uses and zoning of surrounding properties in unincorporated Charleston County. Requested NC zoning allows for more intense uses that are not allowed in the R4 zoning district. Criteria C and D are not applicable. The approval criteria may not have been met. So staff recommends disapproval. Planning commission voted 9 to zero uh recommending disapproval at their meeting in March. At the March planning commission meeting, four speakers spoke in support of the request and five spoke in opposition. for this public hearing. 73 comments in opposition to the request were received and this request has been noticed as required. And this completes the presentation.

Thank you. Which district is this in? Four. It is in um uh Council D. Council member Dar's district. That's what I know. And um I would just make a comment if I if I may. Um this is right down the street from the church. You see the pastor right out there. recommendation and um they've been hit so hard by these you know the north Charles to allow certain zoning but they incorporated so we want to protect them as much as we can I will not support this when it comes back after us in two weeks because I think they've had enough on what happened so just want you to know we want you Mr. Mut

I had a question too I I think I'm the same spot as you Mr. prior sounds like did I see they could do a smoke shop and what what are some of the if I miss it I'm sorry I'd step out smoke shop restaurant sea store I mean those are some of the things that can happen there yes with the requested neighborhood commercial that's a big jump from R4 to neighborhood commercial is it not uh yes sir I mean one is a residential yes one is a residential district the the current district and then obviously NC is a commercial Thank Okay. Anything for Mr. D? Yes, sir. Council member, I spoke to Reverend C and she has assured me that

that the majority of the citizens are not in favor of the reszone and I hope that we would listen uh not just hear them but we listen to the residents and not allowing this to be resone. So, I'm quite sure she would be along with all other residents be very appreciative. Thank you.

Yes, sir. Um, I'm saying that uh I spoke to Reverend C and she has informed me that the vast majority of residents are against the reszoning and I'm just asking my fellow council persons to please listen to the concerns of the residents and not have this pass uh because uh I don't want Reverend Dason calling my pastor um for the argument. But I'm following the lead of Reverend C um who has called to inform me of the desires of the um of the residents.

Okay, we have people who have signed up to speak. We need to do one get off. We have people who have signed up to speak on this one. Okay. Oh my. Okay. We have seven people signed up. Um, when I call your name, you can come up and speak for two minutes. And when you hear the timer go off, your two minutes is up. The first person is Charles James, followed by Reverend Curtis Dason, and then Priscilla Wearing. Hello. Good evening, Chairman.

Good evening, everybody. Um, I'm the owner of the property. My name is Charles James. And also, I had a desire to put a cigar lounge there, a more mature cigar lounge that be compatible for jazz, come through and get a nice cocktail and have a restaurant and have a restaurant there. But listening to the residents and everything like that and being a part of the um member um the the the um the membership and the and in the um park I will not pursue it. I will not pursue it. Um but um I will be asking again for because I want to move on with the property. I don't want to sit the pie sitting idle. I will be moving on with the part. But as for the rest of y'all, I have an officer. Thank y'all and thank you.

Beautiful. All right. Reverend Curtis Dason, Priscilla Wearing. You can't hear my preacher. No, I want Sunday. Good afternoon everyone. Good afternoon.

Now that the gentleman has mentioned that he would not pursue it, I would not beat him down on it. We definitely do not feel the right thing for our community because for one thing, we have the church right next door. And on top of that, we have a Christian academy right there with children K5, K2 to K5. Everything will be detrimental uh for what we're trying to accomplish in in that portion of North area. Uh I want to emphasize that we have a church that's been there 136 years. That's a long time. And we have parishioners that attend that church that have seen the good and the bad. Right now they see more good than they see bad. We don't go back to where we came from.

And so we are looking forward to helping them any way we can. If you want to sell, but uh but surely we feel the best decision not to have that type of right next to the church. Again, I thank you for listening. I think it's going the way that it should go. We appreciate that. Priscilla Wearing, Willie Stewart, Philip Robin.

Good evening. My name is Priscilla Wearing and I'm standing in opposition of reszoning. I know the gentleman said he's not going to pursue pursue what he was going to put up there, but I'm standing in opposition of reszoning it from a low density residential to a commercial. Thank you. Willie Stewart, Philip Ravenel, Betty Maxi. Good evening everyone.

My name is Willie Stewart Jr. standing here in behalf of lovely Mountain Baptist Church and that area family and longtime friends. And if they're not in favor of it, surely I'm not. Thank you, Philip Ravenel. Betty Maxi Betty say

good evening. Good evening.

So much has been said and I just came up to say what some great person said once upon a time. I think his name was Dr. M came to me. He said our life begins to end the day we become solid about the things that matter. That was something that mattered in our neighborhood from church to daycare to resident and they're building more resident into that neighborhood and you was I appreciate what you did sir but you were talking about putting a cigar lounge between two family houses and behind of it there was more family housing and I don't see how God would Anybody would think of one simple thing. Surely you wouldn't want it in your neighborhoods like that. We don't want it in our

God bless you. Betty Maxi Betty say

good evening. Good evening council council. My name is Fett and Maxi and the property where this gentleman, I know you you want to improve yourself, but where we live across the street where you started to put this lounge, it wouldn't wouldn't have been fair. I know it's already been said, but there are children that lives in those complexes. And think about children after hours, the parents may not be home looking for their child. Where would their child be? That seemed to be right next door to where the st wanted to put this. I had no problem for things that maybe he wanted to put there, but across the street, catacorn across the street from where I live, um that wouldn't be appropriate. I have grandchildren that comes in that area and to have this particular lounge there, any type of lounge because I know alcohol would have been served and it wouldn't have been fair not to children in the area, but it wouldn't have been fair to me myself to me and the young lady that lives next door. It wouldn't have been fair for her, especially to have to maybe lock the fence or just have um unusual um people that's in the area and if you're not familiar with I'm sorry I'm so if you're not familiar with Austin Avenue where the gentleman wanted to put his mom and it's a dead entry It's not a straight where you can go through. This is a dead end street. Anyone can come on that rule and do whatever they wanted to

do and we would never know. But again, it's not fair. I would say it's not fair, but I implore anyone that wants to ex Thank you. Thank you, Betty. Say

good evening. uh chair, council members. My name is Betty C and I first want to thank um our council member Henry Darby um for listening to us and working with the community. I stand as the president of the Northern Park Civic Group and there are quite a few members here. If you guys want to let them know how much how many people are in support, we can just stand to see. But I also want to thank brother James here because he and I have had talks about what he had intended to do and I understand his position and he also understands the position of the community and I applaud him uh for wanting to work with the residents. He also joined the civic group with us and he has vowed to work with us whatever we need to get accomplished with this civic group. So again, I want to thank everyone and again, like I said, thank you so much for standing with the community for what is right and what is fair because I know you love this community just as much as we do. And again, thank you.

Well, that's it for that public hearing. Um, Mr. Chairman. Yes, sir. If I may say, um, nothing to do with council for sake. Uh, Miss Mr. Bezier, will you raise your hand, please? You raise your hand, please. Oh, thank you. Um, not to be arrogant, but when I worked at Walmart, I would go in at 10:00 and get up at 7:00 and she was my immediate supervisor. It's now 7:00. No, you got to get that shelf clean. I got to get to North Charleston High School, lady. So, I'm just saying, Reverend, I just want you to know your member worked me at Walmart, sir. I deserve every penny of it, sir. So, uh, you

Thank you, sir. So, Miss Ham, I need a lawyer cuz I'm going to sue Thank you, Miss BJ. Thank you so very much, ma'am. Thank you, sir. Yes, sir. Okay. Notice is hereby given that Charleston County Council will hold a public hearing in conjunction with a regularly scheduled meeting of the county council um regarding an ordinance authorizing the execution and delivery of a fee agreement by between Charleston County, South Carolina and AVM Group LLC, a company also known as Project Clean, providing for a payment in fee a payment of a fee in lie of taxes and other matters related ated there too. Okay.

1 C. Yes, sir. A public hearing shall be held by the County Council of Charleston County on Tuesday, April 14th before the final approval of an ordinance authorizing the execution and delivery of a fee in lie of tax agreement by between Charleston County and Center Capital Partner DBA TL South Rail SPV LLC including any related or affiliated entities and any sponsor affiliates whereby Charleston County will enter into a fee in lie of taxes arrangement with the company providing for payment by the company of certain fees in le of adalorum taxes. All right, Mr. Chairman. Yes, sir. Mr. Quick question. Yes, sir.

The gentleman has said he's going to draw withdraw his application because he's not going to pursue it. But can we that would not come by for us in two weeks. Correct. I think it um follow up with the applicant tonight or tomorrow. Catch him tonight, but we'll call him tomorrow and get him to send a letter. that we're seeing them across. Second, thank you. Okay. Uh this time we'll move into public comments. All right. We have four people signed up. Again, when you hear the timer, um you have two minutes. And when you hear the timer, your two minutes is up. The first person is David Quick, then Randy Del and Duncan Town.

Good evening, council. Um I want to first preface my comments by congratulating you on the process that you've gone through with the sales tax. I find it very appropriate today uh that the themes of this council meeting is felocks being in lie of taxes and the transportation sales tax. Here we have yet another tax giveaway to a multinational corporation. When you see incentivizing more development, which we are doing in an over woefully overdeveloped time for our infrastructure is making our lives more miserable. We are incentivizing companies to come here to bring more people to bring more more more So, we have at least two felotss tonight. One that we were informed were giving a $4.7 million tax break to a company that is worth $1.1 billion. I'd like to know how many of us are getting tax breaks. How many people who have small businesses are getting tax breaks? We're getting people to move to Charleston County. Money that we then have to turn around and ask for a sales tax from all of us for everything we buy to fix the problems. Infrastructure, roadways, jam. You all in Did you all get into traffic yesterday? Green space, less and less green space. increasing issues with mass transit and also more uh safety issues with pedestrians and cyclists and the

vulnerable. So I ask you, do you not connect the dots that you are incentivizing on one side development and then you're asking us to pay for the wos? Please a moratorum on felots and economic incentives. Thank you. Randy Delt Duncan Townsen Sarcis Ohanes.

Good evening Charleston County Council members and staff. My name is Randy Del. I live at 728 Stonecrop Lane on John's Island. We all I respectfully ask county council to consider voting to restore green belt funding in the tax referendum to the full 20% originally recommended by county staff. We all know Charleston County has experienced explosive growth with no signs of slowing down. It is widely understood that in the next 25 years, this next 25 years, the county will be largely built out. In the community I lived for, I lived in for 50 years in Pennsylvania, I saw a tremendous change over that time. What once was a rural farming community when I was a boy became a pavement covered, densely populated suburb. One housing development after another. Without forwardlooking community leaders preserve significant amounts of open space, there was only lament as to what was lost in the open development with no ability to turn back the end of time. It would be so very sad to see a similar fate come to Charleston County. You are all stewards of this beautiful community. And I ask each of you to take the long view and consider what Charleston County could look like in 25 years, in 50 years, in 100 years from now. An investment in Greek in the green belt increases the quality of life for all citizens in Charleston County. Green belt funding is investing something that will continue to provide benefits to the community decade after decade, generation after generation. It is accurate to call it an investment because this property will only become more valuable and more cherished by the community as time goes on. We have this next 25 years to fully lean into the conservation of these properties. Once these properties are privately purchased and developed, they are gone forever. As

you know, you have the ability to create the rich legacy for generations and generations to come in Charleston County. Please, I urge you to consider voting to rescore the green belt funding for the pool 25%. Thank you for your consideration. Duncan Townsen, Sarcis Ohan.

Uh, good evening and thank you for allowing me to speak tonight. My name is Duncan Townsen. I'm a resident of West Ashley and an officer of the Exchange Club of Charleston. I want to speak about the car situation. Let me start by stating that I am not an anti-b person. If buses will help alleviate our traffic problems, I am all for it. I am, however, adamantly opposed to a rogue agency that abuses its authority by taking land by legal force from an unwilling land owner. And that landowner offered reasonable alternatives, same six acres, a mere 600 yards up Highway 78, and the Carter representatives would not even discuss it. Egos got in the way. The Exchange Club is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on legal fees to keep its property when that money should be given to the worthy charities around our community that do immensely good work every year. And that is exactly the reason that the Exchange Club will not give up. This case is under litigation now, so I don't expect you to comment on it. So why do I say that Carter is a rogue agency? because its leadership of the agency has abused its authority by acting counter to its own governance documents. That was discussed just a little while ago. Carter launched its legal attack to take the land from Exchange Park in Laden on August the 5th, 2024 without the approvals of this council, the Carter board of directors, or the federal transportation authority, which was all required by its own governance documents. And these were not mere administrative oversightes. This was a pattern of intentional use of its authority. So, I'll leave you with these questions which I think have already been answered. It's hard to hear up here, but I think you've already accepted that. So, my first question was, is this

council going to help Carta cover its tracks now by granting approvals 17 months after the fact? Apparently, you're okay with that. That's what you did. How long will this council allow these abuses of power to continue? And my last question, what will be done about the past abuses of authority?

Sarcus Aon chairman, council members, my name is Sarcus O'Han, 1985 Drive, Mount Pleasant. I'm here tonight to respectfully urge you to reject finance committee item 8 D and uh use of imminent domain for the LCRT project at Exchange Park. This is not just about land. This is about taking property from a nonprofit that has served this community for decades. The Coastal Carolina Fair supports charities, scholarships, first responders, local families. It is not excess land. It is working land that gives back to the public every year. Image donation should be the last resort, used only when there are no other options. But here there are other options. Choosing this property isn't about necessity. It was about convenience. And that matters because once we allow convenience to justify taking land, we set a dangerous precedent. A very costly not just for Exchange Club, but for every nonprofit and property owner in this county. I support public transit 100%. I support smart smart growth. But we should not move forward in a way that harms an organization that has done so much good for this community, especially when alternatives exist and existed before all of this. Yes, this has been going on for 11 years, but they targeted this property two years ago. We can do better. We can do both. We can build infrastructure without taking from those who serve others. So tonight I ask you to vote no which is late on item 8D and reject the use of women and domain in Exchange Park. And I thank you for your time and thank you for everything you do.

Got that? That's it. Okay. All right. Well, this time we'll go into our county council meeting. Uh ask is going to do the prayer. Okay. Okay. Um so we're going to go into our county council meeting at this time. We're going to have our prayer and pledge. So, um, Mr. Watson is going to do the pledge and, uh, Reverend Middleton, the prayer.

Eternal God, we thank you. We praise you. We bless your holy name for bringing us back to this place. We thank you, God, for a season of rest and refreshment. We thank you, God, for spiritual renewal and revitalization. We thank you for just holding us together as a Charleston County Council and Charleston County government. We ask your blessings upon everyone uh who's here tonight. We ask God that you're that you bless our county staff, those who are uh working so hard to do the business of the people. And then God, we ask that you bless those who are on the front lines, those who are fighting for this country, those uh who are patrolling the streets, those who are serving in our hospitals and our mental asylums, and then who those who are serving even in our prison. God, we bless you right now because we recognize that you have assigned to our hands an important task. So, we ask that you help us deliberate. We ask that you help us uh be judicious and be uh extremely deliberate in the things that we do. And then God, we just praise your holy name for this opportunity to serve the people. In your name we pray. Amen.

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. Freedom of Information Act. In compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, notice of meeting was posted and agendas were distributed to news media and persons requesting notification. Item two approved. Second. All right. All in favor say I. I. Eyes have it. Approve item three.

Second. All right. Any discussion? Uh, all those in favor say I.

I. Eyes have it. This time I'd invite U. 911 Director Jim Lake to come forward uh with his staff and Council Member Sass to go down and make the presentation. a resolution of Charleston County Council honoring our public safety telecommunicators and recognizing April 12th through 18th as public safety telecommunicator week. Whereas the 911 system remains the lifeline for individuals seeking urgent assistance from law enforcement, fire, EMS, and other emergency services. And whereas public safety telecommunicators are the unseen heroes who provide calm in chaos, answering calls, assessing critical details, and guiding callers through life-threatening situations with skill and compassion. And whereas these professionals from the back form the backbone of emergency response, connecting 37 partner agencies across Charleston County and ensuring seamless coordination during crisis. And whereas the demands of this role continue to grow, requiring not only exceptional judgment and resilience, but also mastery of evolving technology and protocols. And whereas Charleston County's 911 center has embraced innovation by deploying next generation capabilities such as advanced location services, real time data integration, and enhanced mapping systems while now incorporating augmented intelligence tools that empower telecommunicators with predictive insights and decision support to strengthen public safety outcomes. And whereas through their dedication and adaptability, our telecommunicators have upheld the highest standards of service, earning national recognition and maintaining accreditation from leading emergency dispatch organizations, including

recently achieving our fourth accreditation with excellence from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies along with continued recognition by the International of Emergency Dispatch. And whereas Charleston County Council commends these professionals for their unwavering commitment to saving lives and educating the public on the responsible use of 911. And whereas we affirm that public safety telecommunicators are essential first responders whose expertise and compassion safeguard our community every day. Now therefore, be it resolved that Charleston County Council proudly honors our public safety telecommunicators and proclaims April 12th through 18th, 2026 as Public Safety Telecommunicator Week in Charleston County. Charleston County Council, Joseph A. Boy weekend chairman on behalf of our telecommunicators. Thank you to council for the resolution but also your support, your unwavering support. Uh right now they're working behind the scenes to protect the public and as you saw we had them here earlier but it was somewhat shift change so they had to leave but again thank you very much.

Thank you very much. All right. Item four, third reading of ordinances 4. A an ordinance finding that Charleston County Park and Recreation District may issue not exceeding $70 million general obligation bonds in one or more series to authorize Charleston County Park and Recreation District to issue such bonds and to provide for the publication of the notice of the said findings and authorization. Mr. Darby. I absent Mr. Kabowski. Hi. Mr. Middleton. Hi. Mr. Moody. Hi. Mr. Prior. Hi, Mr. Sass. Hi, Mr. Wman. Hi, Mr. Boyin. I

The ordinance passes third reading with eight eyes and one absent. Item 4B, an ordinance authorizing the execution and delivery of a fee agreement by and between Charleston County, South Carolina, and AVM Group LLC, a company also known as Project Clean, providing for a payment of a fee in lie of taxes and other matters relating there too. Mr. Darby. Hi, Mr. Mr. Kabowski. No, Mr. Middleton. Hi. Mr. Moody. Hi. Mr. Prior. Hi. Mr. Sass. Hi. Mr. Wman. Hi. Mr. Boyin. Hi.

The ordinance passes third reading with seven eyes's, one nay, one absent. Uh item 4 C, an ordinance authorizing the execution and delivery of a fee in le of tax agreement by and between Charleston County and center capital partners DBA TL Charleston South Rail SPV LLC. the company including any related or affiliated entities and any sponsor affiliates whereby Charleston County will enter into a fee in l of taxes arrangement with the company providing for payment by the company of certain fees in le of advalorum taxes and other matters relating there to Mr. Darby Hi Mr. Kabowski nay Mr. Middleton hi Mr. Moody hi Mr. Prior Hi Mr. Sass

I Mr. Wman I Mr. Boyin I the ordinance passes third reading with seven I's one nay and one absent. Uh second reading of ordinances 5 A an ordinance authorizing the execution and delivery of a special source revenue credit agreement between Charleston County and a company known as Project Bark providing for the allocation of special source revenue credits to express the intent of Charleston County to maintain the project property in a multi-county park and to provide other matters relating there too. Mr. Darby. Hi. Mr. Kabowski. Nay. Mr. Middleton. Hi. Mr. Moody. Hi. Mr. Prior. Hi. Mr. Sass. Hi. Mr. Worman. I. Mr. Boyin.

I. The ordinance passes second reading with seven eyes, one nay, and one absent. Item 5B, an ordinance amending those portions of the Charleston County Code section 2-137 dealing with fees in the building inspections department. Mr. Darby, I Mr. Kabowski. Hi, Mr. Middleton. Hi, Mr. Moody. Hi, Mr. Prior. Hi, Mr. Sass. Hi, Mr. Worman. Hi, Mr. Boyin. I the ordinance passes second reading with eight I's and one absent. Item 5 C,

an ordinance amending the Charleston County zoning and land development regulations ordinance number 1202 as amended to add notice requirements for the issuance of short-term rental property annual renewal and limited home renewal LHR short-term rental property zoning permits at the following document locations. Chapter 3, development review procedures and chapter six, use regulations. Mr. Darby, I Mr. Kabowski. Hi, Mr. Middleton. Hi, Mr. Moody. Hi, Mr. Prior. Hi, Mr. Sass. Hi, Mr. Worman. I, Mr. Boyin. I. The ordinance passes, second reading with eight eyes and one absent.

Uh, committee recommendations. First reading of ordinances item 6A request to approve. Move for committee recommendation. Do we have a second? Second. Okay. Uh any discussion? Um Mr. Chairman. Yes, sir.

I don't know the distinguished gentleman name, but he definitely brought home some points as well as Mr. Kowski. This is a $1.1 billion dollar organization and I understand the need for a tenable housing because each of each of us fight for it arously and uh know 11% is better than nothing at all. But for a company that has over a billion dollars and that his taxpayers basically in not too strong of a term subsidized over 400 million plus I I just I mean I want both of this but is there a possibility that sometime we could come up with a study of sorts and see whether those are really helping or hurting us in the long term because again when we build these a lot of these companies come from out of town to here I can't explain it all but not that I'm just rambling but I mean for a billion dollar organization I I just can't support that s Mr. Don, I'd be more than happy to set up a agenda item to have staff come and go into the nuances of, you know, you know, cost versus uh reward.

Well, if there's an objective analysis, again, I'm not against the law, not at all. I voted for them for a number of years, but at this type of cost, I mean, I I just don't and then it's based upon real estate. Am I correct about that? I mean, I I just don't see that. But thank you, sir. Okay. All right. I think Eric may have some question some answers. Mr. Davis, do you have anything you want to I didn't hear questions?

Would you be fine to give us a presentation of of how the the numbers work and to show the costbenefit analysis to so Mr. Darby can have a better all of us have a better understanding. specifically this is only a most kilos are under right here. This is more up for affordable housing. Second time we've ever done it. So right that wouldn't do. He's not going to have much of a history for Mr. Darby. Yes. I I really don't I'm just wondering I'm just Yes. on the whole scheme of things and not tomorrow but in sometime in the future.

Sir. Sure. Mr. Weberman. Well, you know, I won't get too off topic here, but I think it's a good point, and that's kind of what I was alluding to earlier is we've got a number of different things that we're trying to do for affordable housing. This is one that we're trying to do. And and you know, I I do think for the purposes of transparency, one of the we need to be transparent. One of the things I look at a lot when we talk about our trust fund is what is the subsidy per unit? And I think what we're finding and again it's it's an emerging program. Um this is the second time we've done it. Uh but what we're finding is the subsidy per unit if you calculate it on these projects is going to be higher for these affordable units. And so you know it's a different type of project. How do you evaluate it? You know part of the evaluation is that in all of these cases it's also generating tax revenue. I would maybe float out the idea that that maybe the benefit to housing overall uh looks a lot better if some of that tax revenue is also dedicated to to affordable housing efforts and stuff. So that you know the subsidy bring in might be higher but you've also creating new tax revenue some of that might go into um you know trust fund maybe something else but but one of the other programs we've got. So I think it's a worthy discussion to see you know overall how do we want this to fit into our our sort of housing our future plan and the broader efforts. Um so you know that that was just a thought I had from listening to Mr. Darby who I think you know does raise a good point here. Um I I did want to clarify that you know on the point of of the size of the company and whatnot. I mean, it is it is literally our staff's job to make sure that this project, particularly the affordable component at the very least, would not go forward if uh if these subsidies weren't offered. So, it's it's

not a scenario where there's another way um at least through this program to to get these affordable units. But again, it goes back to your question of are there other programs we have that can create affordable units? And so, you know, I think I think that broader discussion is something that would be well warranted. You know, maybe we let it run for a few a few more projects and get a little more data, but but I'm certainly hoping to have any further

Mr. I said my piece in the committee, but I want to echo what Councilman Darby said, reminding people today is April 14th, tomorrow is April 15th, and thousands and thousands of taxpayers are going to be paying their taxes tomorrow and struggle to make it, especially those of us who operate small businesses who struggle each and every day, have a pit in our stomach trying to make our taxes and make our payrolls. And I just I think the the goal is laudable to have more people be able to live in houses they can afford. But the subsidized um an out of town corporation who has assets over a billion dollars for I think it was 10 or 11 or 18 homes is something that um most people were fighting hard to digest and not understand. But thank you.

Sure. Sure. Yes, sir. Moody,

I I'm not opposed to Thank you. I'm not opposed to a study either. I I would mention that, you know, we're talking about this $ 1.9 billion company. Brantley doesn't build multif family housing because Brley doesn't have the bankroll to build multif family housing. Um large companies do. And to Mr. Worman's point, it's it's our job to work with those developers uh to incentivize them. One thing I big thing I focus on obviously in the affordable housing is what are we drawing in tax income from the land right now it's 10,000 bucks maybe 35,000 a year and we're going to make um the a average payment uh per year under the five would be 450,000 per year. We're not giving away anything. We're we're gaining $335,000. So people will say, "Well, you could gain 600." No, we couldn't because they wouldn't do the project if if the incentive wasn't there. So that's what I'm going to be looking at. I look forward to the discussion, Mr. Worman, Mr. Darby. I really do. But those are the those are the numbers I look at when people say, "You're giving away this, you're g ain't giving away anything. You're 30 times in your 10 times in your your number that you're getting right now. And you're creating affordable housing stock. That's a big win for me on both counts. Thank you, sir.

Anyone else? Okay. Um, all in favor say I. I. I. I recuse myself. Outside of people. Yes, sir. I've got it. Opposed. We got two. Okay. All right. Hang on one second. Prior. Okay. All right. I have to read the ordinance.

Yes, ma'am. an ordinance authorizing the execution and delivery of a special source credit agreement by and between Charleston County, South Carolina, and North Charleston MFI LLC with respect to certain economic development property known as the Rivers Landing Multif Family Rental Project located in the county whereby such property will receive certain special source credits and other matters related there too. All right. Uh moving on to item seven consent agenda for approval 7 through I. Uh Mr. A to eight if you want to excuse us. Okay. All right. I'll second that. Mr.

Okay. All right. Any discussion? All in favor say I. I. Opposed. Eyes have it. All right. Move for approval. Mr. Vice Chair for item seven. I I'll second that. Mr. Any discussion? Right. Make sure I'm going to announce that I've recused myself on this one as well. Right. Thank you. No discussion. Then all those in favor say I. All those say no. Approval. All right. Second. All right. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. I. All opposed. Eyes have it. Move for approval. A

second. All right. Any discussion? All right. All those in favor say I. I. Opposed. And the nays are Mr. Bowski, Mr. Prior, and Mr. Middleton. Mhm. All right. And with that, we stand adjourned. Oh. Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot the C comments. It wasn't on my list. Sorry. Sorry. That's all right. It's been a day. All right, Mr. Yeah, Mr. Whman, nothing for you, Mr. Prior.

Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, Mr. Tutin, just want to make mention. I know with the recent war over Iran, gas prices is going up. Y'all didn't anticipate this into the budget. So, I appreciate what y'all have done to manage this crisis so far. But you you may have to come back to us in the future, adjust numbers to make this happen. So, thank you for what you're doing so far. When I spoke to Mr. Tut and he says, um, imagine it so far. But if this thing continues to linger, it's going to cost because he might have budgeted for a dollar a gallon. Now, it's two or three $3 a gallon. Where's that extra money going to come from? Council contingency. somewhere I use the you know uh our uh oh Jesus it'll come back to me but our uh account disaster recovery fund.

Yeah. So we we may have to look at doing strategic things to make that happen. But thank you for that. Um u Mr. Watson Director Watson I saw in the news today that y'all got some type of award that might commit to help y'all move along with BMS. Did you see that? uh we so congratulations on that. Thanks for what y'all are doing to you know to save us money too we can get any money we would have to so I appreciate what you're doing and um met the call earlier congratulate you but I got tired out so thank you thank you Mr. Chairman

Mr. Gabrowski just a few things I wanted to thank the again I thought about the public safety award and what they do and let me just say I had a personal experience the past week and I recently had an operation had to sleep in a recliner recliner turned over on me as I told my feet were stay straight up in the air I was like a turtle on its back and we had to call EMS and it means so much when you're there helpless and um we have such you know great staff and everything that come to your house and help you and for everybody that lives in Charleston and it just wants to give a thing how important that is and what that means to you when you're there helpless whoever in Charleston County needs that it's there for and I praise the the efforts to do that and I wanted to um I saw that the town of Mount Pleasant did a wetlands um protection and they're working on that down I wanted ask the staff if they could investigate what they're doing to see if it's appropriate in and would be helpful for us especially in the unincorporated areas in my district and boy districts. We have the eighth basin where he is and why we have Cape Roma Francis Marian National Forest and um some of the most pristine wetlands not only in the state but in the country entire world. I'd like to see if we can somehow um see what they're doing as staff investigate to see if that'd be appropriate and be helpful for us especially in those unappropriated areas.

Thank you. Okay, Mr. Moody. Um just one thing to follow up our discussion about putting something together for economic development. Um, I was I failed to mention I would like to see also the impact of tax savings for regular homeowners

to the extent you can. So, for example, if we're making $450,000 on this and we were making 10, that's $350,000 in gains. What does that save the average taxpayer? I don't know if we can project that. Maybe we can talk about it online. But but we talk about these these projects like this and all the buckets they check, but they also check the bucket of keeping our owner occupied property taxes down. So I'd like to have that discussion with you to see how we can exhibit that or demonstrate that. Mr. Johnson has actually already um has a study in the works. It's going to be ready probably beginning of June um that does show the economic impact over taxes and that sort of thing. So we will have that for you coming right around the first week of June. Thank you. Right. That's it. Thank you.

Okay. Thank uh Mr. Middleton. Yes. I did hear that Gail Carson is retiring and wanted to celebrate her service and which she has brought to Charleston County government and certainly in the um housing economic well the whole community development director and my mind always Joel Evans is on my perpetual prayer list and my mind was on him as well and so just wanted to call those two names. Mr. Derby.

Uh just to piggyback off Mr. Mr. Moody. Um because there's always, you know, two spectrums of sorts. But in addition to what he's asking for, if it's possible, could there be a type of analysis of how many additional cars would come on the road? Um what's the population increase going to be? Problem with drainage and flood. All the things are inclusive. So I just want to get both fair like both sides of the spectrum if that's because again these tax incentives are going to invite others to come into our county into our state and population is pretty rough as it is and we talk about road damage and crowdedness and things of that nature. I think that should be involved as well.

Okay. If it's possible I know and I know the data is different um than what we asking for. Yes. Okay.

All right Mr. Sass. Thank Thank you, Mr. Boyin. Um uh Mr. Mr. um Moody, I agree with you. Um I think one of the things that we kind of lose track of is when we get when we do have a financial incentive for a company like Project Clean, um which is in Mount Pleasant, that's a corporate headquarters with a laboratory. They're going to hire they're going to hire local some local people to to work there and to be to be in that program. Um, it's highpaying jobs. It's in an office environment. It's not it's not a uh it's not like dump trucks moving dirt around and and things like that. Um, and and it's it's a very clean kind of business. Those are the kind of businesses that that we've always encouraged economic development to get for West Ashley and to get for Mount Pleasant. And this one went to Mount Pleasant. Maybe the next one will go to West Ashley. Um, and I know Mr. Moody's always been real strong on that. The other thing about it, talking about the e economics of it, is those businesses pay the 6% tax. Okay? Every single homeowner in Charleston County that pays a 4% tax gets a tax break. They're getting a tax break. They're not paying the schoolboard taxes. And all these companies like the the company that's going to build the apartments or the company that's going to build Project Clean, they're going to pay the 6% tax. Uh in Charleston County, something like 54% of the properties in Charleston County are taxed at 4%. That means 54% of the properties in Charleston County have residents living in them and they're getting the 4% tax break. Okay? Well, they're paying only 22% of the tax. So, the remaining

properties are paying the balance of the tax, a much higher rate, and that benefits all of us. We get a tax break. I get a tax break because I'm not having to pay the school board tax or the other taxes. And so, we all get that. And I think we I think we lose sight of that. And yeah, um there are more people moving here whether we want them to move here or not. Um, and that's coming and we just have to prepare for it. And uh, but I just thank y'all very much for listening to me. Thank you, Miss Salsbury. No, sir. Okay, Mr. No, sir. Madam Attorney,

well, I just want to say I appreciate the support tonight for Carta. Um, you know, I can't imagine what would happen to that project project um if we had not voted to support them tonight. And um you know just want to thank everyone for working together on that and thank staff for everything they've done. Uh you know our our dispatchers how important they are the lives they save each and every day and and you know um the things they have to deal with personally and u you know where we'd be without them. So congratulations and welld deserved and thank you for your uh professionalism and dedication and with that we are ajourned.