City Council - Regular Meeting

[laughter] Did y'all have fun at the closing event? Yes. Well, we we went through for a few seconds and then had to go straight to the airport. I got to the airport at :30 in the morning. Then the agents didn't need to come in until 4:30. [laughter] Yeah.

Let's roll. Good evening. Welcome to the city of North Charleston city council meeting. uh which is November 25th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. May we all rise. We have the invocation that will be said by Mike Brown. And also we have the pledge of allegiance afterwards. Lord, we thank you for this day. We thank you for this time. We pray that you interfere our hearts and our minds with your spirit and that you control this room. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen.

To the flag of the United States of America. to the Repsible for all.

Will a representative from the Wasama Saw tribe come forward? Okay, we'll move to our next proclamation for or principal if you want to you a member you can okay all right thank

yes it's from VA town sir

whereas As the Wasima tribe of Varnertown Indians, a state recognized sovereign nation, has preserved the history, culture, and unique heritage of South Carolina's Native American people, the tribe continues to play an essential role in maintaining their ancestral traditions and enriching the cultural landscape of our city. And whereas the Wasimo tribe whose ancestors include Edestto, Etwan, Kataba, and Cherokee people established a settlement community near K's crossroads and the Wasam swamp in the late 1700s after being removed from their ancestral lands and have resided in Berkeley, Dorchester, and Charleston counties ever since, contributing significantly to the history and development velment of this county. And whereas historic Native American Indian missions and schools including the Pine View Indian School at 10M Hill North Charleston, Barl's Mission, St. Barnabas Mission, Groomsville School, and Varner Indian School were established to serve native communities, playing a crucial role in educating and supporting native peoples in the region. The Wasama tribe was historically known as the Somerville Indians and formerly acknowledged as such by the Bureau of Indian Affairs in 1977, is among the Native American communities whose descendants still reside in North Charleston and across South Carolina today, preserving their legacy and traditions. And whereas the Wasam tribe has a longstanding engagement with the city of North Charleston, actively participating in discussions on land and cultural preservation and community development to ensure their needs and perspectives are incorporated into local governance. And whereas notable individuals from the

Barner Town Indian community include Geneva Varnner Clark, who boldly proclaimed her Native heritage during the Great Depression and is the only known low country Indian documented in the Library of Congress. Henry Clark, first Native American to register a business in South Carolina. And William and Mary Varnner, who generously donated land for schools, businesses, and a church. And now therefore, be it resolved, I, Regginal L. Burgess, mayor of North Charleston, do hereby proclaim November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month. Thank [applause] you. Being a member of that tribe, Yes, sir.

I know you'd like to educate us a little bit on it. That's the first that I've heard that you were, but it's glad good to hear that. I'll be very succinct. It's on my mother's side along the Vonner lines. uh it's called Vonner uh near Somerville and uh last year we were recognized by the state of South Carolina by the means of uh Governor um excuse me, McMasters. So, um I'll make sure that our chief and vice chief get this. Um I don't see them here at any time, but I'll make sure that they get a copy of this. And thank you so very much, mayor. Thank you so very much. Council sir very [applause] much. Okay, sir.

Miss Mary H. Study, will you come forward, please? Dr. Love.

Yeah. Family, you can come forward also. Come up,

Mayor Burgger, city council, and everybody in the audience. I want to introduce Miss Stud Maker, Studyer, sorry. Um, last week we were fortunate, first lady and I and the mayor and uh, our staff was able to see for the first time in many, many years that North Charleston received recognition of the state because of the outstanding work that she does at North Charleston High School for the children in our community. Mr. Darby nominated her and she went through a vigorous process to get here and she became number one in the state. and I want to introduce her for all the wealth that she's done for our schools. Thank you. [applause] Whereas Charleston County School District proudly recognizes exemplary educators whose leadership, dedication, and vision elevate the academic success and personal growth of all students. And whereas Mary H. Studyer, assistant principal at North Charleston High School, has been named the South Carolina secondary assistant principal of the year, an honored that reflects her outstanding commitment to instructional excellence and student centered leadership. And whereas Miss Studier has distinguished herself through her passion for rigorous data-driven and relationship center educational practices that have resulted in measurable gains in student performance, strengthening support systems for multilingual learners and a revitalized schoolwide cultural grounded in high expectations and academic excellence. And whereas throughout her six years of service as an assistant principal, Miss Studyer has advanced personalized learning, built strong multi-ter systems

of support, and provided hands-on coaching that empowers both teachers and students to excel. And whereas her leadership has contributed to significant growth in algebra 1 and English langu English English language arts performance, the redesign of collaborative learning environments and creation of innovative instructional structures including the multilingual learning pod learner learning pod. And whereas principal Henry Darby has praised Miss Studyer as one of the brightest stars in the galaxy of education, commending her ability to illuminate challenging pathways and craft innovative approaches to drive academic success of students, teachers, and administrators. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, Regginal El Burgess, mayor of North Charleston, do hereby proclaim November 20th, 2025 as Mary Aid Stamar Day.

[applause] [applause] [applause]

Um third I don't know anybody who who saw the news but um last Thursday my team tricked me and um I had no idea that I I was going to win this award. Um, being born and raised in Charleston and being a to give back to my community, um, is something that I never dreamed, um, would happen that I'd be able to represent the state. Um, and I'm ready to go to nationals and represent you all well. But, um, thank you very much for this honor. Um, thank you so much for my amazing team, Mayor Burgess, Miss Rosenberry, one of my instructional coaches, Miss Camryo, who was an instructional coach, is now with the State Department, my mother, um, and Mr. Darby, who I am absolutely so proud to stand by every day at North Charleston. And, um, my husband, he's actually in Germany for work, so they zoomed him in. Um, he's shy. I don't think he wanted to do it again, but he's he's proud as well. Um, but please come visit North Charleston. Um, we are the high school of North Charleston, of the community, and our kids have a lot of great things to show you. Thank you so much. [applause] Thank you so much, student. This is this is welld deserved. See, we're talking about the Hajin Trophy of Education. Every time if you look at the gentleman over there, Mr. Dear, you see John Bo, he he he was not from North Charleston. Next one, Bobby County mayor, he went to North Charleston. The next one, he went to Jakor High. That last one, that character on the right [laughter] side, I went to Bons Wilson High, which we we combined the same year. We are on that board because of people.

We're up there because you what you doing about our children, you giving them everything you can give them. The only way they going to get through life, they have to listen to principles. And I thank you tremendously. Her mother, she's a teacher. Tell them what school you talk 42 years. Nor Charson thing, baby. No Charleston thing. Give it up. Give it up. [applause] Thank you.

If I may, sir, um if all Mr. student is worthy of all the accolades and approvations that she has procured for the past week or so. Um, North Charleston was somewhat in dismal repair and with her assistance, North Charleston has made great gains. As an example, we have gone from $300,000 worth of scholarships to $3.2 million. Uh the graduation rate [applause] has gone from 59 to 76.6%. Dual enrollment has gone from averaging of two students to dual enrollment to over 30 with an 87 passage rate of an A. Our CTE has gone what to 76 or 78%. Um I think it was the highest in the district at one time. So we are very proud and elated and happy for Miss Studyer because without her the gains just enumerated would not be in existence. She has brought many fantastic things in terms of innovation uh to North Charleston High School which has helped us to get where we are. as an example. Uh we were under we were unsatisfactory for a number of years and she came aboard and we were into the next level which is um below average which is an arduous task to get to average and we've gone from 39 to 41 and because of her leadership we now at 47 and we missed the mark of the state by four points and hopefully this coming year we will [clears throat] get to average which is a difficult herculean task. Um, but with her leadership as an assistant principal, we are hoping to get there. And Mayor Burgess, thank you so very much for the accolades and all the city council. Thank you all so very much for everything that you do for city um for the school. And as she said, North Charleston High School is the school of

the city of North Charleston. Thank you so very [applause] much. Mary, is it okay if I dress Mr. Darby? Yes. Yes, sir. Mr. Darby, I know you going to get me for some other stuff. I am. I am. Good for not coming by. [laughter] I am

one, two, three. Oh, she came to see me. Yes, sir. Dr. Palmer, are you there to see me? These are my former students. Go ahead, Mr. Brown. Go meet him, [laughter] sir. I I want to first say I know Mr. Darby is now the principal of North Charleston, but class of I I can speak for 2012 through 2016. We consider him the principal of Fort Dorchester High School when we were there. and he saved I can I can only imagine thousands of students graduating only because you took them out of a tense situation and told them to come sit in your office and scan some books. [laughter] So, thank you Mr. Dobby. Yes, sir. Thank you very much, Council Brown. [applause] Our first item on the agenda is a request to approve the minutes from the November 13, 2025 city council meeting.

Move for approval. Second. We have a motion and a second. Kirk, please call the role. Mr. Rome. Hi, Dr. Ganway Paisley. I Dr. Palmer Roberts. Hi, Mr. MD. Hi, Miss Brown. I Mr. Brown. Hi, Mr. Hudson. Hi, Mr. Skipper. Hi, Mr. Brown. Hi, Mayor Burgess. I may Burgess. Yes, sir. Uh, items two through five. Can we uh do those by t only, sir?

Yes, sir. We will hear items uh two through five by tithe only. We have the final reading of an ordinance reszoning the properties addressed at 6414 and 6688 Dorchester Road, Charleston County TMS number 406, parcel 4 and parcel 354 from B1 general business to R2 multif family residential and council district 1. We have the final reading of an ordinance reszoning the property addressed at 1629 Sumar Avenue, Charleston County, TMS number 471 01, parcel 8 from R1 single family residential to R2 multif family residential and council district 8. We have the final reading of an ordinance reszoning the properties addressed at 1628 and 1634 Sumar Avenue, Charleston County TMS number 47314 parcel 99 and parcel 100 from R1 single family residential to R2 multif family residential and council district 8. And we have the final reading of an ordinance reszoning the properties addressed as 5523 and 5525 Addawway Street, Charleston County, TMS numbers 47314, parcel 81 and parcel 80 from R2 multif family residential to B1 limited business in council district 8.

Motion. Move for approval. Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussions? Hearing none. Madam clerk, please call the role. Mr. room. 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. Hi, Mayor Burgess. Hi. We have the final reading of an ordinance reszoning the properties addressed as 2156 Milan Park Road, Charleston County, TMS number 47816, parcel 64 from O neighborhood office to B1 Limited business in council district 2. Move for denial. Second. Second.

We have a motion to deny. Any discussions hearing? None. Madam clerk, please call the role. Mr. Rome, I Dr. Ganway Paisley. Hi. 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, Mayor. Yes, sir. Can we do 7 through 10 by title only?

We will hear 7 through 10 by title only. We have the fir final reading of an ordinance reszoning the property is addressed as 1161 1165 and 1181 right street Charleston County TMS numbers 471 0343 parcel 38 and parcel 37 from N1 light industrial to R2 multif family residential and council district 10. We have the first reading of an ordinance authorizing the mayor or his designate to execute a slope agreement with Charleston County on the Collins Park property for the airport connector road project in district 6. We have an ordinance amending the business license ordinance of the city of North Charleston to update the class schedule as required by act 176 of 2020. And we have the an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute a purchase and sales agreement and any and all documents necessary and appropriate to purchase 1.1 acre portion of property identified as TMS number 404 partial 13 from the Doorchester and Welling Baptist Church for the appraised value of $440,000.

We have a motion. Move to approve. Second. Any discussions? Hearing none. Madame clerk, please call the role. Mr. Rome, I. Dr. Gandway Pasley, [clears throat] I. 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. Mr. Mayor. Yes, sir. Uh, without objection, can we do items 11 through 17 by title only?

We will hear items 11 through 17 title only. We have a resolution for the interdep departmental budget transfer for additional positions. A resolution authorizing the mayor or his design to execute an agreement with me and Hunt incorporated North Charleston, South Carolina to develop a safe streets and roads for all comprehensive safety action plan in the amount not to exceed $220,75. a resolution authorizing the mayor or his design to execute an agreement with code studio Austin, Texas to assist in the development of a unified development ordinance in the amount not to exceed 1.5 million. A resolution authorizing the city of North Charleston to accept the South Carolina Department of Public Safety fiscal year 2026 highway safety grant. A resolution authorizing the city of North Charleston to accept the SFY 2526 South Carolina Department of Public Safety School Resource Officer Grant. Have a bid award for the City of North Charleston sidewalk package 2B to the low bidder Chambers and Associates Mount Pleasant, South Carolina in the amount of 1.1 million. And we have the approval to purchase a new 2028 Pierce Enforcer aerial 107 foot ladder tandem axle fire apparatus from the Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus Incorporated, Robuck, South Carolina, in the amount of $1.9 million.

Move for approval. Second. We have a motion and a second. Any discussions? Hearing none. Madam clerk, please call the role. Mr. Rome, hi. Dr. Ganway 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. Hi. We have the request to approve the appointment of Miss Jamila Harbor to the zoning board of appeals for in council district 10. Move for approval. Second. We have a motion in the second. Any discussions? Hearing none. Madam clerk, please call the role. Mr. Rome. Hi. Dr. Ganon. Paisley. Hi, 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. We have the request to approve the appointment of Mr. Kevin Mock to the planning commission representing council district 5. Move to approve. Second. We have a motion in a second. Any discussions? Hearing none, madam clerk, please call the role. Mr. Jerome. Hi. Dr. Ganoway Paisley. Hi. Dr. Palmer Roberts. Hi. Mr. MD. Hi, Miss Brown. I Mr. Brown. I Mr. Hudson. Hi, Mr. Skipper. Hi, Mr. Brown. Hi, Mayor Burgess. I We have one speaker tonight, Miss Marietta Kelly.

Maretta Kelly. Okay. Mr. Mayor, if I could have a motion to go into executive session for discussion regarding the development of security pro protocol here at the city. Approval. Okay. Madam clerk, please call a role. Mr. Rome, I. Dr. Ganway Paisley, I. Dr. Palmer Roberts, I, Mr. MD, I, Miss Brown, I, Mr. Brown, I, Mr. Hudson. Hi, Mr. Skipper. Hi, Mr. Brown. Hi, Mayor Burgess. Hi. Excuse me, Mayor. Yes. Um, can I make a statement before we go? Uh, we're going back now. Yes. Yes. We're going back right now.

Well, I'm saying can I address Can I make a a public statement before we do go back? We were going go That's why we going back, right? No, no, no, sir. It's something else I want to say. Okay, cool. Go ahead.

In Salt Lake City, I attended a political conference called the National League of Cities. While networking at the Young Municipal Leaders event, I was invited to another event at the Lake Effect Bar. I was in no way out socializing at a bar. This was an NLC private event. This was an NLC private event. My only intentions on being there were to pitch the course for next year's conference on religion, spirituality, and politics. That is the only reason I was at this event which I did successfully pitch by the way. Not even 10 minutes later I was assaulted. My wife stood there and I did and did not retaliate not within her own strength but through the power of Jesus Christ. Thank you for representing not only me but this city in such a respectful way. Spiritual warfare is at an all-time high. The trauma passed down from generation to generation is affecting the relationships between men and women through all aspects and relationships of life. I was assaulted, but more than physically, I was attacked by a spirit. We have to be able to discern when we're in spiritual warfare. This is a tool that in life we could bring world peace if we can just acknowledge the difference. By extending grace, by not retaliating in moments, you see people are genuinely struggling with their internal demons. I struggled with reporting this issue due to being assaulted by someone I called a friend. But one thing I've learned this year is that the mission of God is way more important than protecting your friends. If you truly love them, you have to expose the things hurting them before they hurt you. The person who assaulted me was not the person I knew. The person who assaulted me was the unhealed version of themselves, which we all face if we don't face our demons. I was physically, emotionally, and spiritually attacked. But no weapon formed against me shall prosper. Especially when I handle things through the lens of

spiritual maturity. We are half spirit, half flesh. Whether you believe in God, Buddha, Allah, or your atheists, we have a soul connected to our bodies. With that being said, we need to listen to our inner voice. The creator is always speaking to us, especially in these times. And when we don't listen to that voice, we end up listening to the other voices connected to the trauma in our lives. In no way am I making an excuse for the person who assaulted me. But I am on a different journey in life than most. I answer to God. And because of that, spiritual warfare has been at an all time in my life for the past year. And I wasn't able to say anything. But it wasn't until I was in this moment where I could deem myself as innocent, where I can show Christ to the world. And that's all this is about. There was great division upon this city. And it's not due to race, gender, or position of power. It is simply spiritual warfare that leads to envy, greed, and manipulation. Until we address these spirits, we will simply be watering dead plants in this city. I follow Jesus and I will leave it in his hands. As for the person who attacked me, I believe they lack the emotional intelligence to represent their constitutes in a healthy way. In lighter news, I will be organizing a youth council board for the city of North Charleston. You can email me at mib brownnorthch.org. The work will continue.

[applause]

And can my family please stand up if you're here? If my family who came to support me, family, friends, thank you all for supporting me in this time. I'm okay. Jesus has the victory. Jesus saves souls. Jesus is the way. Well, thank you very much, Councilman Michael Brown, for that reiteration of your account of the situation. [gasps] I'm not personally coming to attack anybody today, but I do want to say as well when I I I also have a current formal report with the NLC, also with the Salt Lake City Police Department. Also, we do have video surveillance in regards to the incident that happened that night. Um, in regards to an assault, I decline to respond or an assault, but I can let you guys know that I was assaulted. And just like he said, just like Christ, I have marks on my hands from when he digged his nails and cut me with his fingernails. I fought to defend myself in regards to him physically attacking me. I also walked away from his wife and told him I would not disrespect his wife. I did not disrespect his wife. I walked away. They continued to walk behind me. I contacted three security officers and when I contacted to stop them from walking behind me. Also, I restrained myself at the door and they continued to yell obscinities and try to defate my character. I've never said anything to defamate anyone's character, but as we can see, that is what this is. It's a public display and a pos in a attempt of a public crucifixion. So, I do want to say I apologize to the citizens of District 6. I apologize to the citizens of North Charleston as my conduct during this Salt Lake City event, even though I

was able to gain so much. Unfortunately, a negative light has come upon me in regards to this situation. And I apologize to you all that I wasn't able to be more discerning of who I allowed in my space. I was not able to be more discerning of who I allowed in my car. I was not discerning allow to to understand who I invited to the event that I was attending, which I was attending well before 11:00 when they came in. So I do want to ask for respect as I heal, my family heals, and also while we gather things together as a city of North Charleston to allow not only the NLC to complete their internal investigation and document accounts of witnesses, but I also want to say please allow Salt Lake City's Police Department to do the same. And going forward, I will conduct myself differently. I will watch my reactions and I will continue to focus on a positive and embedment of my district and also my city. Thank you. And also the youth council was an idea that I already discussed with the mayor and also legal ahead of tonight. So I also brought on Dr. Paisley on board and also other um representatives. So if if that's something that he wants to take on, I will allow him to take it on and move forward also into another venture. Thank you.

For the record, I never put a name in a report. So I'm not tearing down I don't want to be a part of the agenda of tearing down black politicians. So I never put a name in a report for that exact reason. Okay. All right. We're going to executive session now.