I. Introduction Meeting was called to order, and attendees were welcomed. A group of visitors from Ukraine were acknowledged and welcomed.
II. Special Recognitions and Presentations Ukrainian Delegation Introduction of Serj, a chaplain and business owner from Charlotte, North Carolina, and his Ukrainian friends, including Ola Ole, Victoria, and Andrew. The Ukrainian delegation had spent the day meeting with local officials, including the mayor of North Charleston and Charleston. Andrew and his wife Victoria are from the Ravine region Administration and military. The delegation presented the council with a Ukrainian flag, Declaration of Independence, and a symbolic shell from the war, expressing gratitude for support against Russia. They emphasized the importance of freedom and independence, sharing that they are fighting against Russia on the front lines. St. Matthew Baptist Church 125th Anniversary A resolution was presented celebrating the 125th anniversary of St. Matthew Baptist Church. The resolution highlighted the church's history, including its role as a meeting place for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and its community programs. The church served as a memorial place for federal judge J.W. Wearing. The church's legacy of community service and its ongoing commitment to faith and love was emphasized. Council members spoke about the church's history and its important role in the community and the civil rights movement. Judge J. Waties Waring, a white ally, was mentioned and his contributions to desegregation were noted. Reverend Brantley and others from the church expressed thanks. Charleston County Council Coins The Ukrainian delegation received Charleston County Council coins as they departed.
III. Public Hearings and Comments Public Hearing on St. Paul's Fire District Bonds A public hearing was held to consider the authorization of bonds for the St. Paul's Fire District. A single person, Anthony G. Bryant, signed up to speak on the matter. Public Comments A total of 11 people signed up to speak. Danny Infinger spoke about the need for development impact fees, citing other counties and providing information from the Municipal Association of South Carolina. Anthony G. Bryant questioned a development project and the Trump administration's stance on Israel. Phillip Lowry criticized the council for supporting Elbit Systems and for not speaking out against atrocities, quoting Howard Zinn. Seth Lowry spoke against Elbit Systems and its weapons manufacturing, arguing that tax money should not be used for it. Elizabeth Roth discussed a report on corporate tax breaks and criticized the lack of transparency in agreements with companies like Elbit Systems. Brandon Fish from the Charleston Jewish Federation, shared concerns about anti-semitic rhetoric and behavior, including online comments and conspiracy theories involving Israel. Ivy Jutson clarified that Boeing in Charleston does not manufacture weapons and reiterated concerns about Elbit Systems. Jace Pinsky spoke in support of Elbit and against the notion that being pro-Palestine is anti-Semitic. Na'vi Lewis spoke on behalf of the pro-Palestine movement, and clarified that being pro-Palestine does not mean being anti-semitic, and spoke against the use of tax dollars for Elbit Systems. Jamal Wright and Melody DOA expressed support for the Courtland and D pavement project in the Red Top community. The council thanked those who provided public comments.
IV. Prayer and Pledge Chaplain Roy Guild led the council in prayer. Phil Sabatino led the Pledge of Allegiance.
V. Council Business Freedom of Information Act Compliance Notice of the meeting was confirmed to be in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Approval of Minutes Minutes from previous meetings were approved. Adoption of Items 3A and 3B Items 3A and 3B were adopted by the council.
Black History Month Resolution
A Black History Month resolution was mentioned, to be presented by Mr. Prior.
St. Paul's Fire District Bonds Ordinance
An ordinance authorizing bonds for the St. Paul's Fire District passed its third reading.
County Code of Ordinances Amendments
An ordinance amending sections of the county code passed its second reading.
Tri-County Biological Center Easement
An ordinance regarding a utility easement transfer to Dominion Energy passed second reading.
Committee Recommendations
Committee recommendations A through F were approved.
Consent Agenda
Several ordinances regarding conveyance of real property were read.
An ordinance to amend the 2024-2025 budget was read.
The consent agenda, items A through C, was approved.
Items A and B were approved.
VI. Council Comments Mr. Darby Expressed concern about being associated with groups that harm children and emphasized the need to defend the council against accusations related to Elbit. Stated that all people are created equal including Palestinians and Jews, and that the council does not support the killing of anyone. Noted that the Elbit situation predated the current council. Mr. Worman Agreed with Mr. Darby's sentiments and acknowledged concerns from the community while noting the complexity of the situation. Expressed condolences to Mr. Prior. Mr. Boyin Requested staff to collaborate with legal to prepare a presentation regarding the feasibility of implementing impact fees. Expressed condolences to Mr. Prior. Mr. Moody Thanked Mr. Darby for speaking about the situation with lies and misstatements and said a statement should be made rebutting them. Expressed support for Mr. Prior and his family. Commended the economic development efforts in 2024 and the hiring of Merl Johnson. Ms. Honeycut Expressed condolences to Mr. Prior and confirmed that a request for an RFQ for a TST program would be ready by next Thursday. Mr. Prior Thanked everyone for their support and shared a personal reflection on his loss. Asked for follow up on the surplus numbers, and then requested the information be presented at the next committee meeting. Requested a quarterly update on projects from previous sales tax referendums. Supported impact fees, and acknowledged that developers should pay for what they get. Mr. Kabowski Expressed condolences to Mr. Prior and supported the presentation on impact fees. Shared his opinion about the conflict in Israel, stating that it's racist to say Israel does not have a right to defend itself, and discussed the area in Ukraine that the visitors were from being heavily Jewish. Called for a resolution opposing a development near the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge. Requested a running list of projects from previous sales tax referendums to ensure transparency. Madame Attorney Extended her condolences to Mr. Prior and his family. Mr. Administrator Offered condolences to Mr. Prior. Complimented Ms. Honeycut on her hair. Mr. Middleton Expressed condolences for the loss of Mr. Prior's sister and spoke about her legacy, as well as the close relationship between the Middleton and Prior families. Mentioned upcoming meetings related to development and infrastructure, specifically for 9993 and 9995 Morrison Drive on February 25th. Also mentioned the Joint Board Review Committee on March 25th. Stated that a letter had been sent to the Animal Society. Mentioned meetings with the mayors and the need to discuss personnel matters and contracts at the next Human Resources committee meeting. Wished everyone a happy Valentine's Day.
VII. Adjournment * The meeting was adjourned after council comments.
*meeting auto-transcribed, please excuse any typos & misspellings
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