2007 Accomplishments
City of Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Accomplishments
January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2007
Fire Station 2: Throughout the year, construction of Fire Station 2 progressed as scheduled. During construction, Council and City staff worked closely with Cole + Russell Architects and Trident Construction personnel, often taking tours of the facility. After receiving the Certificate of Occupancy in October, the Fire Department cleared the temporary Fire Station site at The Citadel Beach House and restored the site to its original condition. The City held a Ribbon Cutting Celebration at the new station on at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 14, 2007.
Short-Term Rental Ordinances: In January, Council considered multiple recommendations from the Planning Commission regarding short-term rentals, including affected zoning districts, definitions, parking and vehicle numbers, trash consideration, noise violations, requirements to post written notices, a 24-hour hotline, notification to neighbors, proof of tax payments, penalties and occupancy. That same month the City held a public hearing to receive citizen comments on short-term rentals. In March, Council held second reading and ratification of multiple Ordinances to address issues related to short-term rentals.
Response to Charleston Nine Tragedy: On Monday, June 18, 2007, the City of Charleston lost nine firefighters in the line of duty, while fighting a devastating fire at a furniture store. The City of Isle of Palms fire department responded with assistance. On the day of the tragedy, Fire Chief Ann M. Graham responded to the scene with coolers, ice and gas for generators. She also assisted in getting the apparatus back in service. Over the course of the next week, Isle of Palms firefighters assisted wherever needed, including providing supplies, delivering meals to each fire station, staffing equipment, providing transportation, covering shifts, answering phones and fundraising.
Creation of Livability Court: In January, Council unanimously passed a motion authorizing the establishment of a Livability Court through the hiring of a municipal judge and patrol officer. In February, Michael A. Molony was appointed by Council as the Judge for the City’s new Livability Municipal Court. The first court date was in April, and the Court hears cases related to noise violations, underage possession of alcohol, parties, roll-out cart violations, improper parking at rental houses and business license violations. In June, the Police Chief reported that the second round of interviews had been completed. Shortly after, Livability Sergeant Bill O’Donnell accepted the post. The City also established a 24-hour hotline for livability issues and created refrigerator magnets to communicate the hotline to residents.
Local Beach Management Plan: In March, Council passed Ordinances designed to further the City’s Local Comprehensive Beach Management Plan. The City worked with Coastal Engineer, Chris Jones, to develop an extensive document to address all issues related to local beach management. This plan was submitted for consideration to the Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management on April 20, 2007. OCRM is currently still reviewing the plan, and City staff has worked with them over the course of eight months in furtherance of this goal by communicating with them on a regular basis, attending meetings and responding to their requests for revision and additional information. We are optimistic that the plan will be approved in 2008.
Long-Term Beach Management Plan: As a separate component of the City’s effort to properly manage the island’s beach, the City worked with Coastal Engineer Chris Jones to develop a Long-Term Beach Management Plan. This document, distinct from the Local Beach Management Plan, addresses issues that may impact the island’s beach over the next fifty years. In the development of this plan, Coastal Engineer Jones identified a select panel of experts who were asked to participate. City staff participated in a series of meetings over the course of several months in which all major issues that may impact the Isle of Palms beach were discussed. The resultant document was presented to Council at a special meeting on November 19.
Erosion Crisis: The erosion crisis that occurred on the island as a result of an attaching shoal and multiple severe weather events required a significant response from staff. In April, Council passed an Ordinance in response to the erosion emergency to allow fifty (50) gallon sand bags to be erected, designed and installed on the beach in accordance with the Zoning Administrator’s approval. The affected area of the island has been constantly monitored by public safety personnel. For example, the Fire Department made regular on-site visits to assess the erosion, reported any changes, monitored the structures for damage, documented any findings and stayed in contact with the weather channel. Throughout the year, staff picked up sand bags that had become beach debris. Personnel also flew over the island in a small plane and photographed the sandbars. At the November 19 special meeting, Council took action to commit $200,000 toward the acquisition of a permit for beach renourishment. Within the month, the City had filed a permit application with the appropriate federal and state agencies. The permitting review process is currently underway, and City staff continues to be in close contact with the many representatives of federal and state agencies who will impact the permitting process. As a direct result of the City’s lobbying work, Representative Ben Hagood and Senator Chip Campsen introduced legislation for consideration at the January 2008 state legislative session. The legislation was designed to allow partial beach access credit and to clarify the pledging of revenues for a beach renourishment bond related to the erosion crisis on a small area of beach adjacent to the Wild Dunes development.
Tree Preservation Requirements: In July, the City Council amended the City Code to give additional protection to trees located in and around construction activities with the adoption of Ordinance 2007-12. The amendments require that an arborist develop a tree preservation plan to protect trees in situations where construction will occur within close proximity to protected trees.
Conservation District: In March, the City ratified Ordinance 2007-8 to clarify the geographical description of the area included within the conservation district.
Ways and Means Committee
Dee Taylor, Chair
Members of City Council
Budget: The City developed a budget, inclusive of new debt service expense to build the Public Safety Complex. A total millage increase of 3.9 mills was ratified by Council. Three (3) mills of which were to fund the Public Safety Complex, with the remaining .9 for the allowed Consumer Price Index adjustment and a state-calculated component for growth. Other key components of the budget include increased reserves in the amounts of $150,000 for Marina bulkhead replacement; $80,000 for 54th – 57th Avenue drainage; $200,000 for the Public Safety Complex and $50,000 for island-wide drainage. Additionally $223,000 was earmarked for beach renourishment in the FY08 budget. The City held annual budget workshops in May to review the FY08 proposed budget. A special meeting was held in June to ratify the Ordinance adopting the budget.
Bond Rating: City Staff prepared Standard & Poor’s surveillance review regarding City’s financial status. Staff also held multiple conference calls to communicate with S & P. The City currently maintains an exceptional bond rating of A+.
Grants: The City applied for and received a Community Development Block Grant from Charleston County in the amount of $20,000 to assist in the improvement of the 21st Avenue walkover making it more accessible to the elderly and handicapped.
Favorable Year-End Position: At the regular Council meeting in October, Larry Finney of Green, Finney and Horton, LLC, the City’s Certified Accounting Firm, presented the results of their annual audit, which showed the City finishing the financial year in excellent position. The City ended the FY07 year with a surplus of half a million dollars.
Emergency Call Boxes: Purchased three (3) emergency call boxes for the Front Beach Area.
Recodification and Digitizing of Code: The contract for the work of recodification and digitizing of the municipal code was awarded to MuniCode. The review of the code was conducted over the course of the year and is expected to be completed in the first part of 2008.
Public Safety Committee
John Marino, Chair
Mike Sottile
Ryan Buckhannon
Establishment of New Temporary Fire Station: All equipment, the trailer and the big blue tent were taken from The Citadel Beach Club to the new temporary location at J.C. Long Boulevard and Ocean Boulevard. The Fire Station 1 crew quarters were relocated from the construction zone to the new temporary site in anticipation of 2008 construction.
Public Safety Complex: The Committee went through careful and thorough considerations of location options for the Public Safety Complex. Potential site locations included the surplus property at the Post Office, the current Building Department site and the current Fire Station 1 site. A special meeting of the Public Safety Committee was held in May to address issues related to the proposed complex and the FY08 budget. At this meeting, Council made the decision to approve the location of the Public Safety complex on the site currently occupied by Fire Station 1. Council passed a reimbursement resolution to allow the City to reimburse itself for expenses incurred regarding the Public Safety Complex before the bond has been issued. Council also approved the design to approach this project as a design/bid/build. As part of the planning, the Committee recommended to City Council that the GC-1 Zoning District be amended to establish a zero lot line setback. In November, Council approved second reading and ratification of Ordinance 2007-21, which authorizes the General Obligation Bond necessary to raise funds for the Public Safety Complex.
Water Rescue Missions: Fire Department personnel executed several successful water rescue missions throughout the year, maximizing utilization of water resources.
Purchased All-Terrain Vehicles: Due to increased call volume on beaches, the City purchased two (2) new ATVs and one (1) inflatable boat for the Fire Department fleet to allow better response in crowded conditions.
Island-Wide Parking Study: Developed an RFP for an island-wide parking study. Although no vendor was located with satisfactory qualifications to complete the study, staff put considerable effort into the logistics of this work.
Consolidated Dispatch Agreement with Charleston County: After extensive meetings and study, Council decided to enter into an agreement with Charleston County for a Consolidated Dispatch Center, which will open in 2012 at the earliest.
Front Beach Security System: Staff installed an air conditioning unit for maintenance of the security system in the Front Beach monitoring/control room.
Painted Trash Cans: The Fire Department assisted the Garden Club with painting beach access trash cans with the iconic palm trees.
Donated Equipment: The Fire Department donated five-inch supply hose that had been taken out of service to Sullivan’s Island for training purposes. Also, five-inch supply hose and PASS devices that had been taken out of service were donated to the Fire Academy for training purposes. A compressor that had been taken out of service was donated to the Charleston County Rescue Squad.
Fourth of July Fireworks and Celebration: The City held another successful fireworks display at Front Beach.
Assistance at Special Events: The Fire, Police, Recreation and Public Works provided safety and security assistance at all events that occurred on the island during the year, both sponsored by the City and sponsored by other organizations with the City’s approval. Annual Triathlon, ALS Run on Front Beach, 7th Annual Island Giant Kayak Race, Annual Ecothon Challenge, Thanksgiving Parade in Wild Dunes, Fourth of July Parades, Taste of the Islands.
Animal Rescues: Staff assisted in the rescue of several shore birds and one whale in 2007.
Provided Training: Fire department personnel provided CPR training for many City employees and fire extinguisher training to personnel in Wild Dunes.
Improved Communications: Began the process City-wide of replacing radios to ensure compatible communication with Charleston County. The Public Safety Committee recommended the purchase of new digital radios.
City Wireless Net: City staff continued discussions on the feasibility of a wireless net for the City.
Commercial Vehicle Parking Ordinance: The Committee held extensive discussions about the issue of the parking of commercial vehicles such as buses. Ordinance 2007-11 was recommended to Council and passed in June.
Carolina Children’s Charity: As in years past, Fire Department personnel collected funds for and donated to the Carolina Children’s Charity.
Fire Prevention: Installed and checked smoke detectors throughout the year for island residents.
Fire Prevention Event: In October, the Fire Department successfully staged its 4th annual Fire Prevention Parade with the new Fire Station 2 as its origination point and Sullivan’s Island Fire Station as the ending point. Fire trucks and personnel came from Sullivan’s Island, Mount Pleasant, City of Charleston, North Charleston, Summerville, Whitesville, Caromi, Old Fort, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, Meducare, Department of Natural Resources, Charleston County Rescue, IOP Police Department, IOP Fire Department, Navy Weapons Station, Johns Island, James Island and Goose Creek and were given tours of the new facility. The event was featured in the e-newsletter, and community members received important instructions about fire prevention.
Police Activities/Investigations: Investigators of the Criminal Investigations Division were assigned one-hundred ninety-four (194) cases. There were thirty-two (32) burglaries, two (2) criminal sexual conduct with a minor, two (2) rapes, two (2) indecent exposures, two (2) robberies, two (2) aggravated assaults, sixty-four (64) narcotics cases, four (4) suicides actual or attempted, one-hundred twenty-five (125) larcenies, of which twenty-eight (28) were grand larceny, eighty-six (86) petit larceny, and eleven (11) breach of trust. There were also forty-seven (47) domestic disputes reported as well. Of the almost $280,000 in property stolen, over $205,000 in property was recovered. A total of one-hundred forty-nine (149) arrest warrants were served and seven (7) search warrants executed. For the year 2007, there were a total of nine-hundred sixty-six (966) arrests made for all combined violations of the law. In 2007, six-hundred seventy-eight (678) victims were identified and contacted either in person or by letter, which is a substantial increase from four hundred twenty-eight (428) in 2006.
The Isle of Palms continued their enforcement of illegal use of alcohol by charging one-hundred sixty-seven (167) persons for either underage possession of alcohol or open container. There was also a significant increase in Driving Under the Influence arrests, up thirty-five percent (35%) from the previous year. Traffic enforcement was stepped up in certain in areas in an effort to keep up with the thirty percent (30%) increase of one-hundred thirteen (113) traffic accidents investigated.
Of the sixty-four (64) narcotics cases made, which were up by approximately twenty percent (20%) over 2006, there was a continued increase in possession of controlled substance pills. This trend coincides with the national trend.
There were two-hundred ninety-seven (297) livability offenses reported and investigated to conclusion and/or correction.
Personnel: From September 2006 until the present, one sworn police officer was recalled to active duty in the US Army.
New Initiatives: A traffic counter was purchased in April to conduct speed surveys in neighborhoods in response to complaints, such as locations like Back Bay Drive in Wild Dunes, Charleston Boulevard and Cameron Boulevard. As a result of these surveys, the South Carolina Highway Department recognized the problem on Cameron Boulevard and has acknowledged and authorized a speed limit reduction from 30 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour.
A handheld Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Radar gun was also purchased which allows officers to enforce speed while standing away from their vehicles.
Accreditation: CALEA Assessors conducted a departmental review from December 8th -12th. The Assessment Team reviewed four-hundred fifty-nine (459) standards and found the department to be in compliance with three-hundred sixty-three (363) required standards and made the recommendation that the Isle of Palms Police Department become re-accredited. This action will be considered by the CALEA board in March of 2008.
Office of Professional Standards: The Professional Standards officer conducted eleven (11) internal investigations generated by eight (8) external complaints and three (3) internal. Of the eleven (11) complaints, fifty-five percent (55%) were unfounded and forty-five percent (45%) were sustained. There were four (4) citizen complaints resolved that did not require an investigation.
Police Department Training: Officers and civilian personnel completed 3,610 hours of training during 2007. Some of the most significant are: Basic Law Enforcement Certification, Professional Ethics in Law Enforcement, Datamaster Certification, Firearms Qualification, NCIC Reaffirmation, Basic Crime Prevention, ICS-700, Leadership Training, Bias Based Profiling, Firearms Instructor Certification, Category 3 Anti-Terrorism Training, Radar Operator Certification, ICS0100 LE, LE Prevention & Deterrence of Terrorist Acts, Basic 911 Communications, Handling the Mentally Ill, CDV, Fraudulent Document Identification, Dispatch Liability, Vehicle Theft Investigation & Identification, First Line Supervision, CPR Re-certification, Traffic Collision Reconstruction, Technical Traffic Collision Investigation, Cell Phone Investigation and Problem Solving Skills.
Police Department Public Relations: Three officers volunteered to coach a children’s basketball team at the Recreation Department. The Police Department also provided staff assistance at the following community events: Career Fair at Trident Technical College, Bicycle Rodeo, Hurricane Expo, Hurricane Seminar at Wild Dunes, Law Enforcement Day at Citadel Mall and Livability Awareness Seminar at the Exchange Club.
Improvements and Additions to Emergency Beach Access Paths: Improved 5th, 9th, 25th and 53rd Avenue emergency beach access paths by widening them and packing them with sand shell to safely accommodate vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Secured permit from OCRM to create and additional emergency beach access path at 42nd Avenue. Staff issued public notice about the project and cut and packed the path.
Disaster Preparedness Event: On July 26, 2007, the City of Isle of Palms and the Town of Sullivan’s Island jointly held a disaster preparedness event at the Recreation Center from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. At least thirty-five (35) agencies were represented by displays in the Recreation Center gymnasium with information about their services. Also at the event were helicopters, a dive team, a disaster team from Charleston County, the Charleston County climbing wall. Pizza and cookies were available for all who attended. This important safety event represented a joint effort between all City departments, including Recreation, Police, Fire, Building and Zoning, Public Works and General Government.
Annual SCMIT/SCMIRF Safety Audit: Through a year-long effort of preparation, the City received a score of 100% on the annual SCMIT/SCMIRF safety audit for insurance purposes, saving the City $7,500 in insurance premiums.
Demolition of Fire Station 1: Created an RFB for demolition, awarded the contract and oversaw the demolition of Fire Station 1 in December, preparing the site for construction of the Public Safety Complex in 2008.
Public Works Committee
Marty Bettelli, Chair
Dick Cronin
Leola Hanbury
Drainage Collection Boxes on Sparrow Lane: Authorized work to repair all collection boxes on Sparrow Lane.
Landscaping: Opened official sealed bids in January. Awarded the contract for island-wide landscaping to Miracle Green.
Beach Monitoring Results: Partially stimulated by the requirements of the Blue Wave Beach Certification that the City has earned for the past six years, the water quality of the public beaches was monitored during the months of the tourist season. Each report indicated that the ocean water quality was good.
Street Signs: Staff continued with the replacement of street signs from six-inch plates to larger nine-inch plates. This initiative is now a county mandate. Breach inlet to Fourteenth Avenue, Palm Boulevard, and Forty-second Avenue through Fifty-seventh Avenue have been completed. Phase three, Twenty-first Avenue through Forty-first Avenue will complete the Isle of Palms streets.
Resurfaced Crosswalks: Staff resurfaced the five (5) crosswalks on Palm Boulevard.
Stormwater Maintenance Plan: Staff continued to work with Eadies Drain and Vacuum on the stormwater maintenance plan. 2007 constituted completion of the work identified in year three of the 5-year plan.
Managed Commercial Dumpster Service Contract: Staff continued the ongoing process of refining the commercial Dumpster Service contract with Carolina Waste by identifying over-serviced and under-serviced business. The result of this work is a cost saving for the City and the businesses.
Forty-second Avenue Emergency Beach Path: Along with Charleston County Public Works, the City Public Works staff managed the construction of the Forty-second Avenue Emergency Beach Path. In addition, the Public Works staff assisted with beach paths at Fifth Avenue, Ninth Avenue, Twenty-fifth Avenue and Fifty-third Avenue during restructuring.
Renovations of Stormwater Drainage Pipe: Isle of Palms staff managed with Charleston County Public Works the major renovations of the stormwater drainage pipe and collection system at Twenty-seventh Avenue and Hartnett Boulevard. Also, staff repaired the storm system at 3502 Hartnett Boulevard.
Additional Waste Container: Initiated the placement of a waste container for the Northern end of the Island in response to the increased debris and increased beach debris removal operation.
Cardboard Recycling Container: Staff consulted with Charleston County regarding a grant to place a cardboard recycling container on the Island. The container will be placed beside the regular recycle container located at City parking lot by Fire Station 1.
Front Beach Restrooms: Staff accomplished major plumbing repairs to the Front Beach restrooms.
Sun Dial Circle Ditch: City staff identified a potential problem with the construction of the ditch at Sun Dial Circle. Staff took the initiative to meet with the Wild Dunes Community Association and address the issue to solve the problem.
Beach Holes and Debris: In response to a request for consideration from members of the Turtle Team, the Public Works Committee developed drafts of proposed Ordinances to deal with the issues of beach debris and holes.
Extension of Beach Trash Pick-Up Contract: The Public Works Committee recommended to Council that the contract with Schupp Enterprises be extended for five (5) years with no additional cost. Council adopted the Committee’s recommendation.
Fifty-fourth through Fifty-seventh Avenue Drainage: The Committee made an expenditure request from the Drainage Reserve Fund to allow Wild Dunes Community Association to install the appropriate storm water line along Racquet Club Road to accommodate the City’s storm water.
Stormwater Management National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System: Communicated with Charleston County regarding this unfunded federal mandate. On August 28, a Public Hearing was held to receive public comment about the four proposed storm water ordinances: 2007-14, 2007-15, 2007-16, 2007-17. Council passed a motion to enter into an Inter-governmental Agreement with the County of Charleston Regarding Stormwater Management.
Bike Paths on Waterway: The City requested and received a grant for renovation of the bike paths on Waterway Boulevard. This work was completed in 2007.
Beach Sweep: Participated in another successful Beach Sweep/River Sweep.
Street Sweeping Contract: The City issued an RFB for Street Sweeping services, and after considering three proposals, the committee recommended the contract be awarded to Sweeping South. The contract was executed and signed.
Air Conditioning: A new air conditioning unit was purchased and installed for the Public Works building.
Recreation Committee
Carol Rice, Chair
Ryan Buckhannon
Leola Hanbury
Gym Ceiling Repairs: The Director worked with contractors to identify appropriate materials and visited other facilities to evaluate options. After receiving specs and engineering information, staff initiated work with City Administrator and City Attorney to develop a Request for Bids. This project is anticipated to include re-wiring and replacement of existing lighting and is anticipated to be completed in Spring 2008.
Equipment: Purchased a new lap top for extended use with the new Rec Trac software and with outdoor activities. Purchased Z-Trac lawn mower. Replaced gymnastics mats and equipment. Purchased new playground equipment and replaced older equipment.
Rec Trac Software: The Recreation Department acquired the industry-standard software, Rec Trac, and implemented its use with training. The software allows the department to register all participants, keep track of demographics of users, percentage of residents versus non-residents, able to print Excel spreadsheets from the Rec Trac, soon able to do mass emailing.
Wellness Program: Recreation staff began development of a Wellness Program for City of Isle of Palms employees. Programs of this nature positively impact SCMIT/SCMIRF evaluations. As part of development, Recreation staff worked with the Municipal Association of South Carolina and other regional organizations. Strong participation in this program will make the City available for grant funding through MASC. Kick-off is scheduled for January 10, 2008, and City employees have been made aware of the benefits and incentives.
Keenagers: Keenagers meet the first Wednesday of every month from September through May. Recreation staff worked with the coordinators to schedule speakers, entertainment, lunch bunch locations and field trips for the membership. Enrollment in this popular group increased in 2007, and staff continue to develop new programs for the group.
Personnel: Nick Bako joined the staff as Parks and Grounds Maintenance Supervisor and Carol Keller came aboard as Community Specialist.
Athletics: In addition to the athletic programs offered each year, two new programs were developed and offered this year: a volleyball clinic for girls and soccer camp for youth. Approximately two-hundred (200) children, ages 5 -15 years old, participated in the week-long Anthony Johnson basketball camps.
Classes: Classes offered by the Recreation Department this year include: Gather N Knit, Mah Jongg, Ballet, Senior Exercise, Beginning Dog Obedience, Tae Kwon Do, Boot Camp, Total Body Challenge, Tiny Tots, Jump Start, Yoga, Gymnastics, Tumbling, Belly Dancing, Fencing, Aromatherapy Workshop, Calligraphy Workshop, Mommy & Me, Line Dancing, Keenagers Monthly Meeting, Salsa Dancing and Ballet/Jazz.
Recreation Center Flooring: In February, staff oversaw a floor patch test by a vendor. Flooring in cardio room was replaced in the fall in accordance with the July budget.
Ballfield Survey: In February, staff met with vendor representatives to discuss design considerations for the ballfields. Staff received quotes and drawing estimates from vendors. After careful considerations, this project was tabled due to financial considerations.
Special Event Permit Process: The Committee discussed the formalization of a special event permit and drafted a permit for consideration by Council.
Website: Facilitated the transition of primary website responsibilities to new General Government staff by providing training and support over a period of months.
Recreation Events
Middle School Dances: Dances were held the last Friday of every school month. Staff sold 600 passes to prevent violation of fire codes. Staff offered concessions, checked arm bands and provided chaperones. An average of three hundred (300) sixth, seventh and eighth graders participate every month. Youth can participate in dance contests, costume contests and other themed activities throughout the school year.
Lowcountry Blues Bash: On the weekend of February 9-10, approximately 600 people attended this two-day bash, featuring performances by jazz and blues artists like Studebaker John and the Hawks, Creole Zydeco Farmers and others. The Isle of Palms Exchange Club members provided refreshments. This event was partially funded by the Accommodations Tax Committee.
Cupid’s Card Shop: Forty (40) children participated in this special workshop where they made Valentine cards for their loved ones.
New Event! Doggie Day at the Rec: Held on March 10, 2007, this was the first-ever event. Vaccinations for dogs were offered as well as an opportunity to purchase City dogs licenses. Dogs competed in different categories, such as Best Tail Wag, Cutest, Most Unusual, and the winners competed for Best in Show. One hundred and eighteen (118) canine contests were entered. All the participants were given bandanas. Agility demonstrations and the Sky Hounds Disc competitions followed on the soccer field.
Bicycle Safety Rodeo: Recreation staff liaised with the Isle of Palms Police department to stage this important safety event. Seventeen (17) riders participated in obstacle courses and safety inspections. Prizes and t-shirts were given. Most importantly, riders registered their bikes with the Police Department to help ensure the safe return of lost or stolen bikes.
Easter Egg Hunt: Held on April 7, 2007, this event invited children to participate in an Easter Egg Hunt, visit with the Easter Bunny, enjoy Easter candy, ice cream, cotton candy prizes and pony rides. Parents had the opportunity to have their children’s photo taken with the Easter Bunny. Approximately 550 children participated. The event involved coordination among the Recreation, Police, Fire and Public Works departments.
Annual Yard Sale: Forty (40) vendors and approximately two hundred (200) bargain hunters came out to find treasures.
Taste of the Islands: The City partnered with Sullivan’s Island School Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) to put on this event on May 5th and 6th at Front Beach. The event had the dual purposes of raising money for the PTA and increasing business activity at the Front Beach.
Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting Contest: The City continued this popular, successful event during Spoleto USA on Saturday, May 26. Approximately two hundred and forty (240) folks entered the contests. This event strengthens the City’s relationships with local business as they donate prizes and serve as judges. This event also represents an important cooperative effort between the City and cultural arts in the Charleston Area.
Piccolo Spoleto Goes to the Beach: Approximately three hundred (300) people attended this free, one-night performance of the Lewis Grizzard Show. Staff helped stage this event in the Recreation Center facilities by advertising, staging all equipment, providing supervision and post-event conclusion activities.
Isle of Palms Beach Run: Held in July, this event attracted approximately three hundred (300) island residents and visitors. City staff secured donation of all water for the event. Staff also formed relationships with area business to secure sponsorships. The Fire and Police Department provided support assistance on the beach.
Half Rubber Tournament: In August, nineteen (19) teams consisting of six (6) people per team participated in a double-elimination tournament. Staff designed and built back stops used for all seven fields. Lunch, t-shirts and winners’ trophies were provided.
Isle of Palms Connector Run for the Child: Held in partnership with the Exchange Club, approximately 1,740 runners and walkers participated in this charity event to raise money for children’s causes on October 6, 2007. Ceremonies were opened with Trampas Hoover playing the national anthem. Recreation department staff coordinated the after-race festivities, including the sponsor tents, entertainment, the finish-line area and traffic control among other duties.
Halloween Carnival: Held on Halloween, the carnival offered Island children a safe venue to celebrate the holiday. The event included costume contests for all ages, jump castles, face painters, balloon artists, Halloween candy and prizes. Approximately five hundred (500) children and parents attended.
New Event! Big Screen Movie on the Beach: In November, Recreation staff hosted the first-ever movie on the beach event. The movie was Open Season. Approximately 80 people were in attendance. Hot chocolate and permitted barrel fires on the beach kept everyone warm. Staff distributed glow-in-the-dark necklaces to the children in attendance.
Holiday Tree Lighting: Held on December 6, 2007, participants were invited to come visit Santa, enjoy horse and carriage rides around the Front Beach and celebrate the festive season. The City lit a spectacular twenty-two (22) foot tree. At the event, the winner of the Holiday Card Drawing contest was announced. This event encouraged off-season patronage of Front Beach businesses.
New Event! Holiday Craft Workshop: Approximately thirty (30) people enjoyed making holiday ornaments and tree ornaments for the season. Staff provided hot chocolate, coffee and cookies.
New Event! Santa’s Cookie Workshop: This popular workshop filled up during pre-registration with seventy-five (75) children plus their parents. Recreation staff made a series of cookies as examples for participants. And, of course, milk was provided!
New Event! Senior Ping Pong Tournament: Five (5) seniors participated in a round-robin and a single-elimination tournament. For the first time, staff officiated and supervised this exciting new event. More new athletic competitions are scheduled for seniors in the upcoming year.
Personnel Committee
Jane McMackin, Chair
Marty Bettelli
Dee Taylor
Assistant to the Administrator/Communications and Website Coordinator: In January, City Council formally approved the recommendation that originated with the Personnel Committee for the addition of a new General Government employee in the position of Assistant to the Administrator/Communications and Website Coordinator. Emily Dziuban accepted the position and began work on August 27, 2007.
Website Re-Design: Drafted and edited several versions of the website with the direction and feedback of the Personnel Committee. In April, all departments received training in website maintenance.
E-Newsletter: In September, Council approved the expenses related to an e-newsletter. Staff worked with VC3 to develop templates and complete training for e-newsletter. The first issue was launched first issue on October 1, 2007. Currently, the e-newsletter has upwards of 275 subscribers.
Compensation Study: City staff wrote a request for bids for compensation study and awarded the contract to Archer. City staff gathered extensive salary and job description information across all departments for compensation study. Staff also reviewed the initial work product from Archer and meet with Archer staff to redefine parameters of study. A more complete work product is expected next year.
Achievements: The City is represented on the BCD COG Board and the CARTA Board by Mayor Sottile. City Administrator Tucker was selected to serve on OCRM’s shoreline change committee. Further, she accepted service of the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s Legislative Committee. The Knights of Columbus Officer of the Year was Patrolman First Class Jacob Schwenk. PFC Schwenk also won the South Carolina Department of Public Safety Rookie Award in recognition of his D.U.I. and alcohol-related arrests. Amy Wilkerson was elected as an at-large member of the Board of Directors for the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s Municipal Court Administration Association. Recreation Director Page was invited to serve on the Board of Directors for the Isle of Palms Connector Run and Walk for the Child, Inc.
Real Property Committee
Marty Bettelli, Chair
Jane McMackin
Jim Raih
Fuel Blend Valve: The Committee authorized the installation of a fuel blend valve on the Marina fuel tanks to allow the fuel sales for The Pantry and Marina Joint Ventures to be accounted for separately.
Marina Enhancement: The City awarded a contract and successfully demolished the 80A and 80B buildings on Marina Site. Further, the City awarded contract for landscaping of the Marina. With the assistance of Charleston County, the City also executed the re-paving of Marina Boat Ramp and entrance to the Morgan Creek Grill with the assistance of Charleston County.
Marina Bulkhead Project: City staff continued to monitor and receive feedback on the electrolysis testing and electrical engineering project undertaken by Zande-Jon Guerry Taylor. The City has held numerous discussions related to the bulkhead replacement project and decided to defer actual construction until a future fiscal year.
Demolition of Buildings: Secured all permits regarding lead and asbestos and demolished #8 and #10 Thirteenth Avenue to clear the property for future use.
Carolina Clean Marina: In the beginning of 2007, SCDHEC designated the Isle of Palms Marina as a Carolina Clean Marina, one of only six (6) South Carolina Marinas to qualify for the designation by demonstrating compliance with the guidelines and requirements.
Point of Sale System: Recommended a new point of sale system plus expenses for electrical updates necessary to ensure proper system function from the Marina Fund.
AED/Cardiac Defibrillator: For added safety measures at the Marina, the Real Property Committee approved the acquisition of a AED/Cardiac Defibrillator for the Marina Site. Fire department personnel provided training to marina personnel about the use of this equipment.
New Tenant for the Marina Store: Wrote a request for proposals and, in response, the City received three proposals, all of which were carefully considered by the committee. After an extensive interview process, the Committee recommended to award the contract to Marina Outpost, LLC.
Shallow Well: Staff installed a new shallow well for the City Parking Lot.
New Signage: The South Carolina Department of Transportation installed new signs on the Isle of Palms. The signs included crosswalk signs, speed limit signs and directional signs.
Painted Traffic Lines: The South Carolina Department of Transportation painted new traffic lanes at the intersection of the Connector and Palm.
Looking Forward to a Productive 2008!