City Council - Regular Meeting

All right. Good evening. Thank you all for being here in the city of North Charleston Council Chambers. We're going to begin our January 22nd, 2026, 700 PM city council meeting. And uh we need you all to rise for the pledge of allegiance and invocation will be uh said by me. Invocation first. Father, we come to you today with our minds open and our hearts asking you to favor us so we can do your will as leaders. Father, bless each and everyone here tonight. Those who have issues and those who may not have, Father, you know their hearts and you know their minds. Bless them all. And father, please continue to bless and keep the city of North Charleston in the region, in the state, in this nation and our world. All these blessing we ask in Christ Jesus 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. All right. Before we begin, I I like to say this is uh going to my third year being the mayor. This is my 36th year working for the city of North Charleston and I could not have done anything better than being working for the city. Uh every day when I worked as a cop wasn't an easy day. Even working as a mayor wasn't easy, but it was worth it. I would, and I'm telling you all this, my wife sitting here for you or in front of you, when I work as a cop for 34 years, I would die for you. And being a mayor, I would die for you. I don't worry about what happens on this earth. I'm trying to get to heaven, people. And the only way you can get to heaven, you have to serve. You all can believe whatever you want to believe. I've been in this world for 60 years, seeing a lot of my my family die and friends. But I've never seen the righteous forsaken. Never. So all I'm saying to you all is just keep believing in us. We are a team now. And this team needs you all to back it up. So before I begin the video, I want to thank the folks who've made my career here, especially as a mayor, a whole lot easy. is Councilwoman Ron Don, District 2. [applause] You know, she's the OG on the on the whole thing. She's a double triple OG. Let me tell you, she's been here a long time. Um, uh, Councilman Michael Brown Jr., where you at, Mike? Right there. Yes. [applause]

Councilwoman, uh, Dr. Charmaine Palmer Roberts, where you at, doc? Okay. [applause] Thanks. She's District 4. Councilman Chrisa MD, he's District Five. [applause] And Councilman Councilwoman Nefit Brown. We just talked to her. She's on her way. She's on the way. Give her clap it up. [applause] Dr. Ganoway Paisley, she's District 3. [applause] Councilman Brandon Hudson. I call my little brother. [laughter] He's District 8. [applause] I thought he was going to preach at the MLK uh thing the other day, but Councilman Kenny Skipper, who's another double OG, [applause] and the real double OG and a half, Councilman Mike Brown. Just [applause] All right, Tony, kick it.

Oh. Oh, no. No, no, no. Hold up, hold up, hold up, hold it, hold it, hold it. Our department heads, where department heads, can you stand up? Department heads. [applause] They make they make your city go around. They do. And thank God for them. [applause] And my wife, I'll never forget you, sweetheart.

You reminded me. Thank you. [applause] All right. Oh, no. I did call Brown. Yeah, I call Mike Brown. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Greg, stand up, man. [laughter] The new the new one, Greg, Perry. Yeah. [applause] Yeah. Hey, man. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. The wife is trying to tell me. Thank you. [laughter] Okay. Go ahead. Go ahead.

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residents of this great city, distinguished [music] members of city council, faith leaders, partners in business, and the dedicated employees who power [music] North Charleston. Good evening. Two years ago, I stood before you, hand on the Bible, taking an oath to serve as your mayor. I stood there not just as a former police chief, not just as a BS Wilson mighty Cobra, and not just as a son of a mother who taught me the value of sacrifice. I stood there as a child of Union Heights and Liberty Hill. I stood there as a living testament to the fact that good things come out of North Charleston. This is a place where a boy can grow up in neglected neighborhoods and against all odds rise to lead the very city that raised him. Tonight we mark the beginning of our third year together in this administration. I am here to tell you that the state of the city is [music] strong, is determined, is resilient, and is moving forward with a clear vision. When I took the office, I promised you that I would be an accessible and determined leader. I promised that public safety would remain paramount. I promised that we would look at our infrastructure as the veins and arteries that keep our community alive. I promise that we would lift up every neighborhood from the south end to the north end and everywhere in between, ensuring that the prosperity of this region does not bypass the people who built it. Tonight, I want to talk to you about the strides we are taking. We are moving from the reassurance that we can do better into the confidence that we are doing better. sharing our pride in who we are and generating the momentum to carry us for years to come. Look around you. Look at the buildings popping up along our transportation

corridors. Look at the families moving into Westcot and Ferndale neighborhoods. Look at the businesses opening their doors on Rivers Avenue and Remont Road. North Charleston has become the place people want to be. We are the magnetic center of the little country. Families want to be here. Businesses want to be here. The numbers prove it. The permits prove it. And the traffic, Lord knows the traffic proves it. But let me be clear. Growth is not a trophy to put on the shelf. Growth is a responsibility. It is weight. We must carry with grace and intention. If we grow in numbers but lose our soul, we have failed. If we build tall buildings but leave our neighborhoods behind, we have failed. When we walked into city hall, we pivoted from viewing growth as a burden to viewing it [music] as a tool to strengthen our quality of life. And we did not make that pivot in a vacuum. We did it by listening. We deployed our arms budsman and staff to every neighborhood meeting. Not to talk at you, but to listen to you. We operate on a simple truth. People don't care about how much you know. until you show them how much you care. Because a government that sits behind a desk is a government that's blind to the realities of the community. Because we listen, we are working to ensure the city reflects you. The heart of the plan is simple. Livability growth must strengthen, not strain, our neighborhoods. We are building the places where memories are made and where our children learned the values of teamwork, discipline and character. For years, the residents of the South End asked for access to water activities. I am proud to say that we are delivering. The new Gethsemane

community center will [music] open in the coming months and after it opens, the construction of the first public pool in the south end of the city will begin. That is equity in action. That is a promise kept. And Dorchester Terrace, we heard you. The old Janine Batten facility served the community in its time, but our families deserve a modern community center. That is why we broke ground on the new Wandland Community Center. This will be a hub for civic engagement, a place where seniors can gather and youth can learn. right in the heart of the neighborhood. When the Navy base closed and redevelopment began, we lost Ster Hall. The gym was a landmark and a home for athletes. We promised to replaced it and through our partnership with the South Carolina Port Authority, the North Charleston Community Wellness Center on the former Tank Farm site [music] on Connor Avenue will soon be open. Replacing Starret Hall is restoring a piece of our community's heart.

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We have partnered with the Carol Ripken Senior Foundation to transform the open space at the former Chakor [music] tank farm into one that focuses on mentorship and character building. We are using sports to build better citizens for our neighbors in Highland Terrace, Liberty Park, and Russell. We are moving past the talking phase. We are currently designing a new community center and pocket [music] parks that these historical neighborhoods deserve. In district 1, we are building a public park at [music] the Thomas Evans Community Center with input from the community to ensure that the amenities meet the community need. We are ensuring that every part of this city has a space together. But we aren't stopping there. We are investing in our youth and innovative and exciting ways. At the corner of North and East Monagu, we are building a worldclass skate park. We are giving our young people who may not participate in traditional sports a place to be active, to be creative, and to be safe. We are also expanding access to the mind. We have opened two more community centers for afterchool programs and we are partnered with Charleston County School District to put certified teachers in each of our summer camps. We will not let the summer slide take away the progress our students make during the school year. When they are with us, they are learning. The old Shakoy Elementary School, a building that holds memories for so many, is being reborn. Through our partnership with Melaninoya, it is transforming into Crystal Ray High School. This school will be a beacon. It will offer a corporate work study program that gives students real world experience while they get a college prep education. It is becoming a new community anchored

for prosperity. But facilities alone don't build character, systems do. This is why we have reestablished the youth court. This is critical. This is an intervention program that looks a young person in the eye and offers them a second chance. [music] It keeps our young people out of the traditional justice system and allows them to learn accountability from their peers. It changes [music] the trajectory of a life. And when we look at the present, the world is watching us. Our coliseum performing arts center, our convention center welcomes 725,000 attendees this year alone, generating a staggering 157 million in economic impact. I know that as we build new things, there's a fear that will lose old things. I hear you. Protecting neighborhood character is sacred to me. That is why we are taking on generational work of rewriting the rule book on how our city grows. We are creating a modern unified development ordinance. But let's be clear about what that really is. This is not just paperwork or technical exercise. It is a shield for your neighborhood. It is a practical effort to make sure growth strengthens our quality of life instead of straining it. And we are doing it with the most extensive public engagement effort this city has ever undertaken. These decisions will be shaped by residents and stakeholders, by the people who live with the outcomes every day, so we can build a North Charleston that is prepared for growth while creating a stronger, more inclusive future. We are using national best practices with local context as our blueprints. We are rewriting the rules to allow for diverse housing options that fit into neighborhoods without

demolishing them. We are promoting density where [music] it makes sense along transit corridors and protecting the character of our established neighborhoods. We have hired a dedicated housing coordinator. Someone who will wake up every day with a singular mission to connect the dots between local, state, and federal partners, ensuring that North Charleston secures every resource available to bring quality housing to [music] our citizens. The resourcefulness starts right here at home. Our relationship with the North Charleston Housing Authority is stronger and more collaborative than it has ever been. By aligning our city's vision with the authorities's mission, we are unlocking their full potential to build and manage [music] the housing of our residents so desperately needed. We are strengthening our partnership with Charleston County. We are aligning our efforts on tax incentives, ensuring that when developers come to the table, they build units that our teachers, our police officers, and our service workers can afford. Furthermore, we are proud supporters of the Low Country Housing Alliance Fund and the Charleston Workforce Housing Fund. We are championing their efforts to finance affordability across the region, ensuring that North Charleston remains a place where anyone who works here can afford to live here. And for those who served us, we must now serve them. Currently under development, the Tunnels to Towers [music] project will provide housing for homeless veterans. That is our duty. Housing opportunities also means reinvesting [music] in the places that have been overlooked. While the grant impact in the former 218 gateway is currently stalled, our belief in this project has not wavered. We remain committed to developing this area to

reconnect a community once divided by the interstate infrastructure. In the meantime, we are supporting action on the ground with the sustainability institute efforts to directly repair and improve 50 homes in Union Heights. We are not waiting, we're working. Our grants team successfully secured a disaster assistant grant from the South Carolina housing trust fund, turning financial aid into physical results for our residents. With these funds, we completed essential repairs to owner occupied homes that has suffered weather related flooding damage, ensuring that our neighbors had the housing stability they deserve. We also push for and achieve the passage of the militarybased tiff legislation signed by Governor McMasters. This legislation is a key to unlocking the future of the former Navy base through a dynamic public private partnership. It will support the funding of workforce housing on the base. And over the coming decade, we hope to see the largest investment in workforce housing in our city's history. We aren't just building roofs over our heads. We are building communities where neighbors know each other. And a true community doesn't just survive, it thrives. A liable city is also a city that celebrates together. From neighborhoods gathering for Hispanic Heritage Month, MLK Junior events, and the harvest festival to the massive crowds at High Water and the Fourth of July at Riverfront Park. Tens of thousands of people have come out to join the [music] spirit of community, but true celebration includes everyone. I am incredibly proud of our therapeutic division and expansion of our adapted sports [music] programs. At the golf club at West Plantation, we are leading the nation with the stand up and play

initiative. We are providing pair of mobile devices that allow our veterans and residents with amatory disabilities to literally stand up and play the game of golf. This is the spirit of North Charleston. No one belongs on the sidelines here. Of course, none of this quality of life matters if you don't [music] feel safe. I served 34 years with a badge. I know that public safety is the baseline. [music] And I am here to report that because of our intelligenceled policing and our deep authentic engagement with our community, violent crime and all crime is down across the board. But we are not resting. We are working [music] and we are walking. Our recap walks and our violent interrupterss are out there every week building relationships and interrupting the cycle of violence before it starts. We are not just arresting, [music] we are preventing. And we're proud to report that the police department has achieved full staffing. The fire inspection and community risk reduction division not only achieved full staffing, but also earned the fire safe South Carolina designation for the seventh consecutive year. To keep you safe, we must keep our first responders equipped. Five new fire trucks, engines, and ladders are now serving you at stations one, two, and five. We are also constructing a specialized shipboard firefighting training facility to prepare for every hazard. A resilient city plans ahead. Resiliency is more than safety from water. A resilient city will survive any threat, adapt, and grow in the face of shocks and stress. And when challenges arise, a resilient city will transition and bounce back stronger. We were proud participants in the regional reality check 2.0 summit to face the hard truth

about our growth in the low country. And the reality is this. The data tells us that by 2045, our region will need to accommodate 102,000 new households and 140,000 new jobs. We are adhering to the consensus [music] reached around that table. We must focus growth where infrastructure already exists. Preserving our character while connecting [music] our citizens to opportunity and efforts like the extension of the Charleston County transportation sales tax program is likely the only funding source to strengthen and prepare our infrastructure for this growth. This is going to take moving some dirt, but we are also helping to heal the land itself, preserving vast tracks [music] of land through the green belt program. We are proudly collaborating with Charleston County and Charleston County Parks and Recreation on the future of the Baker Hospital site. That land, which has sat as a blight, will be reborn. We are standing with our partners to turn liabilities into assets. We are committed to maintaining those assets at the highest level. That is why our public works department is currently pursuing national accreditation. This is a rigorous process [music] that benchmarks our operations against the best practices in North America. It ensures that the services you rely on from drainage to sidewalks are delivered with the efficiency you deserve. Keeping our streets clean has [music] been a major issue in the past, but now we are addressing it head on. Our public works litter team is out there every day fighting the battle against debris to keep our corridors clean because how our city looks reflects how our city is perceived. Our compost program is turning waste into resources. And Keep North Charleston Beautiful is mobilizing

volunteers to ensure that our city reflects the pride we feel in our hearts. [music] In fact, Keep North Charleston Beautiful removed 31,000 lbs of litter and planted over 1,500 trees, continuing their impact over the program's 25 year history. Resiliency [music] is also financial. We know that flood insurance rates are a burden on our families. [music] That is why our flood plan manager and supporting staff work to improve our community rating system [music] score from a seven to a five. That means a 25% savings on flood insurance premiums [music] for our residents. That is real money. That is real money back in your pocket. That is a win for [music] your household budget. And that is how we win every day. This year we decreased our outstanding bond debt by over 19 million. Because of this discipline, we [music] maintain a strong bond rating. Our finance department was awarded the certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting for the 36th consecutive year. North Charleston is where businesses thrive and grow. Our business license revenue has seen significant growth directly reflecting the commercial vitality and expansion of our business community. When businesses thrive, our city thrives. North Charleston is arguably the economic engine driving [music] the state. Opportunity must be accessible to every residents in every neighborhood. Our office of business opportunity is doing the ground work, engaging hundreds of disadvantaged businesses. We are connecting them to large contractors, developers, and corporations. [music] We want to make sure that when a building goes up, a local has an opportunity to earn a contract. We're increasing the visibility and elevating our small business and entrepreneur ecosystem.

[music] In the last year, we saw 3.1 billion in permit valuation totals. This isn't just big numbers for the sake of numbers. Commercial development means commercial tax base. It means businesses are paying the taxes so that the homeowners don't have to shoulder the entire burden [music] funding our police, our fire, and our parks. We are the home of giants. Boeing's north expansion is [music] a $1 billion project to boost worldwide 787 Dreamliners [music] production, adding the second 1.2 2 million square foot final assembly building while creating over 1,000 jobs. We want to ensure our support results in [music] the training pipeline to ensure that our kids growing up in the way or the northwards are the ones building, engineering, and [music] designing the jets of tomorrow. The next great aerospace engineer should be homegrown. And look at Roper St. Francis Healthcare. They have chosen North Charleston for their new main campus. It means worldclass medical care will be right here in the geographic center of the Low Country. It means thousands of jobs, not just for doctors, but for technicians, for administrators, for support staff. Improving access to worldclass health care will also save lives. But a resilient city cannot stand on giants alone. While these major industries anchor our economy, our small businesses remain the true backbone of our community. We are proud to stand alongside partners like Low Country Local First to Champion the local entrepreneurs who give North Charleston its unique character. Whether it is a new storefront on Montigue or a multi-generational family [music] business in the south end, these are the people driving our daily vitality. You

cannot prosper if you cannot move. Mobility is essential to opportunity. We are preparing for the low country rapid transit. The design is 100% complete. [music] This will transform the Rivers Avenue corridor. We are working alongside BCD [music] carve to ensure that the development that happens around these stages benefits us. We want dense, walkable, affordable communities where you can hop on a rapid bus and get to work or the doctor without sitting in traffic. But the bus wouldn't fix everything. We are working on the roads now. We are working to create [music] and implement comprehensive safety action plan aiming for zero deaths and serious [music] injuries on roads through a safe system approach. We are studying the feasibility of a new Isaiah trail and a new safer community level Liberty Hill Streetcape is currently in design. We want a city where you can ride a bike from Riverfront Park to West Ashley and Reynolds Avenue to Charleston [music] Southern safely. Bridges are being built. The Pomemetto Commerce interchange is open. The [music] new Cosgrove overpass is open. These projects are leaving the pressure valves [music] on our neighborhoods, taking through traffic off of our local streets. And once again, looking ahead, [music] we are working alongside Charleston County and our neighboring municipalities on extension of the transportation sales tax. This program is vital. It funds our improved roadways. It funds public transit and it preserves our precious green space. It is the single most important investment [music] we can make to mitigate the impacts of growth we are experiencing. My friends, the state of our city is not just growing, it is maturing. We are moving from reassurance to confidence. Every day, businesses knock on our door

to be a part [music] of the North Charleston story. Every day, families choose this city as a place to plant their roots. They want to be here because they see what we see. They see a city that listens. They see a city that innovates. They see a city that takes care of its own. I thank the incredible staff of the city of North Charleston. They are the ones who answer the calls and work every single day with a goal of improving our [music] lives. They are the backbone of this progress. And I want to thank you, the citizens. You are the soul of this city. We have much work to do. We will continue to grow together. There will be challenges and there will be storms, but we are built for this. We are [music] North Charleston, defined by our heart and our spirit. Together, we are building a city, the place people want to be. Walk with me. Work with me. Let's win every day. God bless you and God bless the city of North Charleston. [applause and music] [applause] [music] [music] [applause]

[clears throat] She said she's The first item on our agenda is a request to approve the minutes from the January 8th, 2026 city council meeting. Move for approval. Second.

We have a motion and second. Any changes or corrections? Hearing none, madam clerk, please call the role. Mr. Perry, I Mr. Rome, hi. Dr. Ganway Paisley, I Dr. Palmer Roberts, hi. Mr. MD, I Miss Brown, I. Mr. Brown, I Mr. Hudson. Hi, Mr. Skipper. Hi, Mr. Brown. Hi, Mayor Burgess. I

we have the final reading of an ordinance adopting a bill to be entitled an annexation ordinance of the city of North Charleston annex in an area of Charleston County known as 55U TMS number 41105 parcel 102 and 41105 parcel 103 and make it part of present city council district 6 as shown on a map prepared by the GIS department for purposes of this annexation dated December 23rd, 2025, bearing the title area proposed for annexation by the city of North Charleston, section 55U in council district 6. Any motions? Move for approval. Second.

Mr. Mayor, before you move forward, I will give you a report that we have checked the auditor as well as the assessor's office. um the the records are in in intact and we're able to move forward with this particular reasoning or annexation if the council so chooses. Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussions? Hearing none, madam clerk, please call the role. Mr. Perry, I. Mr. Rome, hi. Dr. Ganway Paisley, I Dr. Palmer Roberts, hi. Mr. M. Hi, Miss Brown. I Mr. Brown, I Mr. Hudson, hi Mr. Skipper. Hi, Mr. Brown. Hi, Mayor Burgess. I

We have the final reading of an ordinance reszoning the property addressed at 7047 Stall Road, Charleston County, TMS number 47813, parcel 16 from B1 Limited Business to B2 general business and council district 2. Move for denial. Second. We have a motion for denial and a second. Any discussions hearing? None. Madam clerk, please call the role. Mr. Perry. Hi, Mr. Jerome. Hi, Dr. Ganway Paisley. Hi, Dr. Palmer Roberts. Hi, Mr. MD. Hi, Miss Brown. [clears throat] Miss Brown. I, Mr. Brown. I, Mr. Hudson.

Hi, Mr. Skipper. Hi, Mr. Brown. Hi, Mayor Burgess. I

we have the final reading of an ordinance um reszoning the property addressed as 1809 Grayson Street, Charleston County, TMS number 46912 parcel 316 from R1 single family residential to R2 multif family residential in council district 10. Move for approval. Second. We have a motion and second. Any discussion? Hearing none. Madam clerk, please call the role. Mr. Perry, I. Mr. Rome, hi. Dr. Ganway Paisley. Hi. Dr. Palmer Roberts. Hi. Mr. MD. Hi. Miss Brown. I. Mr. Brown. I. Mr. Hudson. I Mr. Skipper. Hi. Mr. Brown. Hi.

Mayor Burgess. I. We have an ordinance reszoning the property address as 1912 English street Charleston County TMS number 46916 parcel 122 from R1 single family residential to R2 multif family residential in council district 10. Move for approval. Second have a move. We have a motion second. Any discussions hearing? None. Madam clerk, please call the role. Mr. Perry, I. Mr. J. Hi. Dr. Ganway Paisley. Hi. Dr. Palmer Roberts. Hi. Mr. MD. Hi, Miss Brown. I Mr. Brown, I Mr. Hudson. Hi, Mr. Skipper. Hi, Mr. Brown. I Mayor Burgess,

I. We have the final reading of an ordinance reszoning to property addressed as 4621 Duran Avenue, Charleston County, TMS number 4704, partial 127 from R1 single family residential to neighborhood office in council district 8. Move to approve. Second. We have a motion in a second. Any discussions hearing? None. Madam clerk, please call the role. Mr. Perry, I. Mr. Rome, hi. Dr. Ganway Paisley. Hi. Dr. Palmer Roberts. Hi, Mr. MD. Hi, Miss Brown. I Mr. Brown. Hi, Mr. Hudson. Hi, Mr. Skipper. Hi, Mr. Brown.

Hi, Mayor Burgess. Hi. We have an ordinance reszoning a property address as 5623 Doson Street, Charleston County, TMS number 47313, parter 140 from R1 single family residential to R2 multif family residential in council district 8. Move to approve. Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none. Madam clerk, please call the role. Mr. Perry, I. Mr. J. Hi. Dr. Ganway Paisley. I Dr. Palmer Roberts. Hi, Mr. MD. Hi, Miss Brown. Hi, Mr. Brown. Hi, Mr. Hudson. Hi, Mr. Skipper. Hi, Mr. Brown. Hi,

Mayor Burgess. Hi, what is going on with this thing? We have the final reading of an ordinance reszoning the property addressed as 5228 Dorchester Road, Charleston County. TM 57 57 5728 Dorchester Road, Charleston County TMS number 40803, parcel 4 from B2 general business to M1 Light Industrial. M

um Madame Clerk and and Mr. Mayor, uh we received a message from Michael Gzmon, who is the owner of this parcel, asking to withdraw this item from tonight's agenda. And so we can move on to the next item. Copied it. Madam clerk, we have the final reading of an ordinance amending section 2-36 of the code of ordinances of the city of North Charleston to adjust the times of regular city council meetings. Move for approval. Second.

We have a motion and a second. Any discussions? Madame clerk, please call the role. Mr. Perry, I. Mr. Rome, hi. Dr. Ganway Paisley, hi. Dr. Palmer Roberts, hi. Mr. MD, I Mr. Brown. Miss Brown. I, Mr. Brown. I, Mr. Hudson. Hi. Confusing, Mr. Skipper. Hi, Mr. Brown. Hi, Mayor Burgess. I What time will that be from here on out to the community? 6:30. 6:30. Council meetings from here on out. 6:30 p.m. Mr. Mayor. Yes, sir. Uh, if it's okay, by council, items 10 through 18, can we do those by title only? I think we probably went over those pretty well in committee meetings.

Yes, sir. Without objections, we will hear items 10 through 18 by title only, Mr. Mayor. Yes, ma'am. Did we not not just hear item 10? We No, we have to. Yeah, we have to. Yeah. Yeah. No. Yeah, we one of the items. We'll hear items 10 through 17. What? What? 18. 18. 18. 10 through 18. Madam clerk, do your thing.

Have a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute appropriate documents with the South Carolina Department of Transportation for the transfer of rightaways of segments of North Boulevard and Maris Road into the city system in council district 10. a request authorizing the mayor to execute any and all documents necessary and appropriate to accept the building identified as the Carer Avenue Wellness Center from Ports Authority. Request to approve speed humps on SCOT Road, Spurs Street and Council District 6. Request to approve speed humps on SED dot road on Austin Avenue in council district 2. A request to approve equipment purchase for the police evidence movable shelving in the amount of $480,7916 to the business system of South Carolina. A request to approve the evaluation committee for project NC0126, planning an environmental leakage study of the elimination of the Durant Avenue Railroad crossing. A request to approve the evaluation committee for project NC0226 for the Idiq design bill services. A request to approve the evaluation committee for project NC2325 IDIQ architectural services. And we have the request to reappoint Mr. Renda Doctor and Mr. Greg Gomes to the North Charleston Sewer District Commission, North Charleston Public Service District.

Move for Hold up one second. I'm sorry. Councilwoman George is Mr. George Gomes. Yeah, George Gomes. [laughter] Move for approval. Second. We have a motion in the second. Any discussions? Hearing none. Madam clerk, please call the role. Mr. Perry, I. Mr. Ron, I. Dr. Ganoway Paisley. I. Dr. Farmer Roberts. Hi, Mr. MD. Hi, Miss Brown. I Mr. Brown. Hi, Mr. Hudson. Hi, Mr. Skipper. Hi, Mr. Brown. Hi, Mayor Burgess. Hi.

We have a request to appoint the mayor prom. Mayor, uh, I'd like to nominate Kenny Skipper. Second. Second. I'm sorry. Say it one more time. I didn't hear it. Like to nominate Kenny Skipper. Okay. You got a second? Second. Second. Okay. All right. We have a motion in a second. Any discussions hearing? None. Madame clerk, please call the role. Mr. Perry, I. Mr. Rome, hi. Dr. Ganway Paisley, I. Dr. Palmer Roberts, hi. Mr. MD, here. Miss Brown. Hi, Mr. Brown. Hi, Mr. Hudson. Hi, Mr. Skipper. Hi, Mr. Brown. I, Mayor Burgess,

I congratulations, new mayor prompt. [applause] Thank Thank you, sir. I appreciate it very much. appreciate the support from my colleagues as well. Thank you. We will.

We have five speakers tonight. When I call your name, please come to the front. State your name and address for the record and you'll have three minutes to speak. Our first speaker is Monica Mummy. Good evening. Monica Mummy, 2474 Vestavia Road, North Charleston 29406. Monica Mummy, 2474 Vestavia Road, North Charleston. Um, I came in December and was very grateful to the city for having respected the needs of my community in regards to a shooting on Bordau Court. Um, we were under the impression that the cameras were up and operational. There was a drug bust at the house on the corner that we had repeatedly reported for suspicious activity. Um, we had another shooting on Wednesday the 14th at 4:4 o'clock in the morning, slightly before 4:00 a.m. and a man was shot in the back. Um, he's still pretty critically ill at Trinet Medical Center. Um, this happened at the corner of Green Ridge and Delhigh where the city had placed a camera and we've come to find out that that camera was not yet operational. Um, that's kind of an omission. We were under the impression that those cameras were active. They took away the portable camera. Um, and unfortunately with this new shooting, Mr. Potter is the one whose footage from his home camera was responsible for all of the information that's been gathered by the police so far. Um, I keep hearing safety is so important. Unfortunately, this was really handled kind of poorly. The police arrived at quarter to 4 in the morning and that is the morning of

our trash pickup and a bloodied black jacket and cell phones were dispensed into a gentleman's trash. None of the police officers that came evaluated the trash cans that were on the roadside. If it wasn't for Alex coming home um and checking his trash can to see if he could pull it up to the house, that evidence would have been destroyed. Um it's such a detrimental thing to our little community. This is a less than a half of a mile square that this has occurred on Delhigh Road, Green Ridge Road, Benville in Bordeaux Court. The first shooting took holes into Mr. Potter's truck and his house. his wife and his four-year-old had just gone inside, so we were lucky we didn't have a death there. The second shooting, there are still bullet holes at 8211 Green Ridge. One of them is within a quarter inch of this gentleman's master bedroom window. You can see it in the window framing. Um, I don't know that those bullets have been removed yet or even if that has been investigated. We were under the impression that safety measures his measures had been put in place. I am profoundly disappointed that I came here in December and really thought that that had been taken care of and we could have lost community members again and there's no city evidence because there's no camera system in place on that corner. The camera's up on the corner of Green Ridge and Delhigh, but it's not functional. These gentlemen came into our neighborhood up Dearwood and either came up Delhigh or came up to Greenidge trying to break into cars going doortodoor, house to house. They were trying to get to Glenford, the road behind Bordeaux, and they couldn't jump over the fences because he had a bullet hole in his buttocks that went through his body. So, at least one of them couldn't get away simply because he had a bullet hole in his back. The fact that any of my community members could have been shot, you can I it makes me tremble to think about it. Mr. Potter has all the footage. We're more than willing to share that with you

all, but we would like to have the big yellow sign that says report suspicious activity put back on the corner. We've held You were there at our meeting? Yes, ma'am. Have you spoke with Chief Kamato yet? Um, I called your office and tried to make an appointment and nobody got back with me. With me? Yes, I called your office and he was a part of the email system. Okay. And his response was, um, Deputy Chief Keys would be our point person. And Deputy Chief Kee has been in the neighborhood. He's made himself readily available. Okay. But nobody has set up a meeting to come back into the community and talk to us. Okay. Silva came to our community meeting. We have 15 people willing to be a part of a neighborhood watch. Yes, ma'am.

We've done all the things. We've filed the reports. We've called the 911s in. Two people on Bordeaux called in the 911 on that young man that was shot. Was that the the week after I came to your meeting? That was the day after. Okay. The day after you came and spoke at our meeting because Mr. I don't know what Mr. Mr. Silva's rank is Yes, ma'am. But Mr. Silva came and spoke at our meeting. We collected all the signatures. We've done all the things we can as a community. Okay. We need the safety stuff put in place before somebody dies. Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Dr. Justin Bufort.

Mr. Wayne Eisenblower. Good evening. Seems like I picked a [laughter] real great day to do this, but here it goes. Uh, can you state your name and address for the record, please?

Oh, I'm sorry. Triple70 Suzanne Drive, North Charleston 29418. Uh, a lot of people recognize the voice. I've talked with many of you, support staff, police department, the ombbudsman, your office, and uh I've had some success, but not enough. What I come here to tonight to talk about is a quality of life issue that affects everybody. You, everybody in this room. There's a state law that says that you cannot modify your exhaust on your vehicle to make it louder or more obnoxious just for the sake of making it louder and more obnoxious. Now, I'll give you an example of that. This is what we live with and where I live.

Suzanne's in Glen Terrace, right? Yeah. Let me turn it up. Okay, let me try this again. Here you go.

Would you like that in your neighborhood? No, sir.

6:30 in the morning, 2:00 in the morning, whatever time this kid decides he wants to do it. This is illegal by state law. You cannot modify your car to make this much racket. And everybody's heard it. You've all lived with it. You've been interrupted when you've tried to take a nap. You've been interrupted when you've got somebody sick you're taking care of like I do. Uh when you put your baby down, whatever. For whatever reason that you're trying to enjoy your home, you have to put up with this. And they're everywhere. They're all over this city and they're all over this state. I've talked to the governor's office. I've talked to lawyers. I've talked to everybody. All I want is the state law and any city ordinance enforced. We need a crackdown. May I suggest uh maybe looking at saturation patrols from time to time in certain neighborhoods. May I suggest on your cameras like this lady was talking about they put a camera up but it's inoperable. When I saw that you were getting cameras, why don't you put up decoy cameras, the same housings, make them wonder if the camera's in there or not. They wouldn't know the difference. It might help. But beyond that, uh, illegal tent, when these cars come through my place, brand new cars, guess what lights don't work? They're tag lights. I had to get night vision to see if I could pull tag numbers. Okay, I I've had it. You know, I I'm 68. I might have 10 years left on the planet if I'm lucky. I don't want to be living in a city or anywhere else that I can't enjoy the peace and quiet in my home.

Yes, sir. Deputy Chief Keys. And I really do believe again, this is not just for me. This is for everybody. I got Is there anybody in here that doesn't like it? because I can't take no more. [applause] Yes, sir. Cap Captain uh Tammy right here. Say it. Yeah. Yes. All right. Hey, I appreciate. No. No. And we want to follow up. She'll get us a follow-up. No problem. Yes, sir. Uh it was a nice meeting at Yes, sir. over there. That's what I meant to you. Hey. Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

You, too. Thank you, sir. Neil Bailey. I My name is Neil Bailey. I live at 6521 Boots Avenue in North Charleston. And the first report is going to read about my suggestions. I have a stitch impairment. So, let's go from there. Thank you.

Okay. Here we are again to address another proprietor to open a restaurant or bar. This is the third 45624 Rivers Avenue to attempt to attract folks into an alcohol service serving business under the pretense of operating a restaurant. As of today, there have been one murder and two shootings in less than 18 months at 5624 Rivers Avenue. There are numerous bullet holes in the metal building on the north adjoining side of 5624 Rivers. Any reasonable person can see angle. The angle came directly from 5624 Rivers parcel. The fence between this parcel and the R1 parcels are being held together by mere luck as it was trampled down during one of the shootings with people running from the dangerous situation. On January 19th, a man named Hector showed up at my home, enter into my yard, and began telling me the same story the previous proprietors, owners promised, the city of North Charleston and Singing Pines's neighborhood, and myself. But again, the only thing that happened by allowing the establishment to operate is a murder and two shootings. When will the people in authority in city positions stop this dangerous behavior and allowing the quietness of Singing Pines's neighborhood to be disrupted? There is also a curb cut situation. The curb cut is not in a position to allow parking as well as ingress and egress from the property in a safe manner. This also creates a risk when cars are pulling in and out of Rivers Avenue. The city of North Charleston has allowed this parcel to open under the just of a bar and grill only to meet the zoning abilities. However, it operates as a nightlife business which is not allowed under the zoning or proximity of to R1. There are families with proximity to stray bullets

killing and severely injuring the occupants of the homes within Singing Pines. I have only one question. How many devs are worth allowing 5624 Rivers Avenue to operate? Thank you, Mr. Ne. Thank you. Andrea Herb. Andrea Herb. Hey y'all. Andrea Herb, 2012 Sylvia Street. Um, I didn't have anything super planned. had a busy day. But after your speech, you said that you wanted people to know that the city of North Charleston listens. You do a great job of listening,

but there's no action or accountability behind it. It doesn't matter what department we email or talk to, we get listened to well. [clears throat] You get a thank you, goodbye. We'll reach out, never hear from anybody. You've got a few people who routinely come in here all the time, including me and dad, and talk to you guys and ask for help, beg for help. If you had to listen to us, two people wouldn't have been hurt and one wouldn't be dead today. But we looked like crazy people standing up here saying that what was happening wasn't really happening. But now, the other night, I'm with my kids at the house and I get a knock at the door from another gentleman. So, I do some research on him so I can tell you guys what he's going to do just like last time. And for you're running the city, right?

Yes, ma'am.

Your departments have got to hold business owners accountable whenever they bring business owners in. We need to be doing due diligence. Do we do these people deserve to be doing business in North Charleston? Because not anybody can do business in North Charleston. North Charleston should be somewhere somebody always wants to come. Not everybody gets to come. I've talked to code enforcement about these businesses picking up their own trash. We shouldn't have to pay taxpayers shouldn't be paying for business trash to be picked up. They should take some pride in the city that they're operating in, the city that they're earning money in. Why are we not holding the businesses here accountable? Why aren't we holding the people within the city that work for you accountable to the citizens who are asking the questions, who are bringing the ideas up, who are seeing the things within the community. We see them. You guys can't see it all. I know you can't. You've got lots on your plate, but people are not bringing them to you just to fuss. I got kids playing sports. I got husband working. I got plenty things to do. I got a son that wants to trap coyote and and fox. So, I got to run him up to the up the road two hours there and back. I do not want to be here. This city is great. You know that. I've told you that numerous times. I'm not leaving no matter what anybody does. But within the last six months, I've gotten threatening phone calls that people are going to kill my children because I won't shut up about illegal businesses happening in this city. I don't deserve it, but I won't stop. No matter who does it, North Charleston doesn't deserve it. Please fix it, guys. Please listen.

Thank you, Miss. Mr. Mr. Mayor, if I could have a motion to go into an executive session to discuss the settlement of a legal claim um regarding property disputes as well as personnel matter. Second. All right, we have a motion and a second. Any discussions? Hearing none. Madam clerk, please call the role. Mr. Perry, I. Mr. Rome, I. Dr. Ganoway Paisley. Hi. Dr. Palmer Roberts. Hi. Mr. MD. Hi. Miss Brown. I. Mr. Brown. I Mr. Hudson. Hi,

Mr. Skipper. I Mr. Brown. I Mayor Burgess. I We shall return. We shall return.

Mr. Mayor, it is 8:54. We are back from executive session. No votes were taken or polls cast. Um, if I could, council have a motion to um authorize the settlement of all employment claims um raised by Joyel Tyler in the amount of $10,000. So move second. We have a motion and a second. Any changes or corrections? Any discussions? Hearing now, Madam Clerk, please call the role. Mr. Perry, I. Mr. Rome, hi. Dr. Gan Paisley. Hi. Dr. Mr. Palmer Roberts. Hi, Mr. Indie. I Miss Brown. I Mr. Brown. I Mr. Hudson. No,

Mr. Skipper. I Mr. Brown, I. Mayor Burgess, no.

Okay. Any other business to come before the body? Hearing none. This meeting is adjourned.