2006 Accomplishments
City of Isle of Palms, South Carolina
Accomplishments
January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006
Fire Station 2 Design-Build: Completed demolition of Fire Station 2. Prepared, advertised, selected via April interview process and awarded contract for the City’s first ever Design-Build Team for the construction of Fire Station 2.
Fire Station 2 Design-Build: Held groundbreaking ceremony for Fire Station # 2. Mobilized Station 2 personnel to the Citadel site for the temporary Fire Station 2 during construction. Replaced trailers with modular units moving the department temporarily to the Recreation Center and City Hall until more permanent facilities were established.
Fire Station 2: Prepared for and successfully entered into General Obligation Bond for the construction of Fire Station 2.
Fire Station 1: In February, received results of Comprehensive Analysis contracted for in prior calendar year (2005). Later, expanded the scope in the evaluation of site alternatives for Fire Station 1, Police Department, Building Department, General Government, Public Works and Public Safety outpost for the Comprehensive Analysis of City Facilities. Received results in August, then initiated written request to the United States Postal Service and dialogue with the owner of the property adjacent to the Post Office with regards to acquisition for possible Public Safety Facility location.
Ordinance Improvements: Implemented Ordinance Amendments to strengthen City Codes on municipal uses, commercial vehicles in residential neighborhoods, animal control and prevention of animal abuse, lot coverages and setbacks, acted on recommendations from the Planning Commission to create a maximum building line towards the beach on Ocean Boulevard with the creation of a preservation overlay district. Acted on recommendation from the Planning Commission to create new zoning criteria that will allow the future maintenance and improvement of the Isle of Palms Water and Sewer Commission’s wastewater treatment system, while minimizing the impact on surrounding properties. Clarified additions to non-conforming structures related to setbacks.
Beach Management, erosion and long range planning for shore management: Monitored erosion happening at the Wild Dunes end of the island. Amended the ordinances dealing with erosion control. Procured the services of a coastal engineer to develop a plan for long-term shore management. Contracted with coastal engineer to revise the City’s draft Beach Management Plan to be in position for adoption and approval in 2007.
Commercial District: The Planning Commission monitored the work of Seamon Whitesides and Arnette Muldrow contracted to study the entire commercial district to make recommendations for continued business viability and diversity.
Marina Bulkhead: Contracted for the engineering design, secured permit and selected materials selections for the Marina Bulkhead replacement.
Property Procurement: Was proactive in an attempt to procure property via appraisals and offers; both for municipal use and for preservation of open space. Successfully procured #8 and #10 Thirteenth Avenues.
Disaster Preparedness: Made several improvements to disaster preparedness to include generator maintenance, clarification of debris removal contracts, contracting for and completing video documentation of City assets, implementing a new City identification system and partnering with the Municipal Association of South Carolina as the first City in the state to launch a new data recovery system for off site back up of the City operating computer data and system. Closed out Gaston and FEMA reimbursements. Partnered with the Town of Sullivan’s Island for a joint Disaster Preparedness event at the beginning of hurricane season.
No Wake Zone: Successfully lobbied for expansion of the “no wake” zone in the vicinity of the Isle of Palms Marina.
Consolidated Radio Communications: Participated in initial dialogue concerning County-wide consolidation of communications and made financial commitment to pay for a portion of the expense for a consultant to evaluate the feasibility of such a system.
Short Term Rentals: Per the 2005 request, the Planning Commission examined short term rentals and developed ordinance amendment recommendations to assist in the management of short term rentals. The Commission held two drop in meetings and a public forum to gather information and supply information relative to this assignment.
Livability Court: Began exploration of Livability Court as a possible mechanism to assist in the enforcement of City Codes related to quality of life issues.
Public Verses Private Roads: Completed final clarification regarding roads in question.
Procedures: Implemented new procedure of providing a memorandum of explanation to City Council prior to the introduction of new ordinances for first reading.
Events in Homes in Residential areas: Requested the Planning Commission review this issue and clarified enforcement procedures.
Awards: Front Beach Enhancement Project competed for a PACE award. The City received an International Aurora Award in the Historic Documentary Category for the 50th Anniversary video. Maintained a Class 7 rating with the FEMA Community Rating System (CRS), entitling the citizens to a 20% reduction in flood insurance. Received the right to fly the Blue Wave Flag from the Clean Beaches Council. Once again, the Isle of Palms is the only beach in South Carolina to successfully achieve this designation.
Ways and Means Dee Taylor
members of City Council
Budget: Developed a budget, inclusive of new debt service expense to build fire station 2, with only a millage increase of the allowable Consumer Price Index amount. Continued to budget reserves to the marina bulkhead replacement, Fire Stations replacement, 800 radio replacement and the drainage reserve fund.
Bond Rating: Received a re-rating with Moody’s Investors services improving the City’s Bond rating from an A-2 to an A-1.
Business License Audits: In order to facilitate better reconciliation of revenues kicked off activities outlined in agreement with Charleston County for Business License Audits.
Grants: In March of ’06, received $250,000 as part of County Transportation Committee funding for the 54th – 57th Avenue Drainage. Requested an additional $200,000 that is still pending. Received a commitment of $227,000 towards bike path improvements and additional commitment for a traffic study for the intersection of 13th and 14th and Palm Boulevard and 41st Avenue and Palm.
City Hall Building: Executed contract to paint trim and replace damaged wood at City Hall.
Wireless: Began initial dialogues concerning a demonstration project to develop a wireless network both for City use as well as for residential and visitor use.
RoVR: Implemented improved automated system to retrieve owner information from the Department of Motor Vehicles in order to send notices and collect payment on accumulated unpaid parking violations. It is expected that this will significantly improve efficiency and revenue from overdue parking fines.
Favorable Year End Financial position: ear end results allowed for the transfer of $250,000 from the General Fund to the Disaster Recovery Reserve Fund increasing that fund to a total of approximately $1.3 million and a transfer of $790,000 from the General Fund to the Capital Projects Fund.
Rec Center Bond: Completed Recreation Center expansion under budget with approximately $94,000 of bond funds remaining. Surplus was used towards servicing the General Obligation Bond debt.
Check Scanning: Implemented new check scanning technology to increase efficiency in processing deposits and maximize interest income.
Public Safety John Marino
Mike Sottile
Dee Taylor
Public Safety event staffing: The City provided public safety (police and fire) personnel for annual events, Triathlon, 4th of July Fireworks Display, Connector Run, Blues Bash, Easter Egg Hunt and Christmas Tree Lighting. The Connector Run had record participation.
Police Activities/Investigations: Investigators of the Criminal Investigations Division were assigned 221 cases. There were 30 Burglaries, 1 Criminal Sexual Conduct w/Minor, 1 Rape, 4 Indecent Exposure, 54 Narcotic Cases, 4 Suicides Actual or Attempted, 2 Suspicious Deaths, and 129 Larcenies of which 32 were Grand Larceny. Of the $283, 276 in property stolen, over $120,000 in property was recovered. A total of 152 Arrest Warrants were served and 8 Search Warrants executed. For the year 2006, 654 arrests were made. The Isle of Palms Police Department continued their zero tolerance for underage possession of alcohol, by charging 82 persons.
Of the 54 Narcotic cases made, there was a noted increase in more potent drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and controlled substance pills. The possession of methamphetamine, crack cocaine and illegal pills has increased, which coincides with the national trend for drug popularity.
There was a slight decrease from 15 to 11 eleven cases of identity theft investigations, but a significant increase in illegal credit cards transactions made after their theft was noted.
In 2006, 428 victims were identified and contacted by letter or in person, which is up significantly over the previous year total of 277.
After several construction site thefts in September and October, the parties involved were identified and Investigators executed a Search Warrant at a residence and storage warehouse in Summerville, where over $30,000 of stolen property was recovered. Investigators from Summerville, Mount Pleasant, and Charleston Police accompanied our officers to assist. As a result, two victims of large thefts on the Isle of Palms had almost all of their property recovered and returned.
In December, the City had an Armed Robbery of a local convenience store. The four suspects responsible were chased from the island by police, which resulted in the vehicle wrecking into a downtown Charleston residence. All suspects were arrested and all charged with Armed Robbery and a Weapons charge. The Investigation is still ongoing and will result in other arrests for other robberies in the Charleston area.
Personnel: The Police Department received funding for two additional officers on July 1, 2006 and received approval for a re-structuring of the Department.
In September, the police department transitioned from 9mm weapons to .40 caliber.
The Datamaster machine was upgraded to digital format, everything is now online, meaning video tapes no longer have to be dubbed.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety awarded 8 additional video cameras to replace the City’s aging inventory, which will enhance DUIs and document traffic stops.
Officers and civilian personnel completed 3,874 hours of training during 2006. Some of the most significant are: Basic Law Enforcement Certification, Basic Instructor Certification, Advanced DUI Detection, Category 3 Anti-terrorism Training, Criminal Domestic Violence, Datamaster Certification, Field Training Officer, Firearms Qualification, First Line Supervision, ICS-100 LE and ICS-700, NCIC Certification, Prescription Drug Investigation, SCMIRF Law Enforcement Legal & Liability Challenge, Chief & Lieutenant. Spanglish for Law Enforcement and Accident Re-construction. The aforementioned law enforcement figures are statistics available to date, December 14, 2006.
Traffic Count Reports: Modified presentation of data to a summary format.
Charitable work: The Fire Department collected $1,710.48 for the Carolina Children’s Charity.
Holiday Lights: The Fire Department successfully put lights on all the Palmetto Trees at the Front Beach. Decorated trees.
Public Relations: the Fire Department partnered with Public Works and the Garden Club to paint palm trees on replacement trash cans.
Shore Bird Rescues: The Fire Department assisted with several bird rescues throughout the year.
Public Safety Education: Due to an increase in responses for sand bar rescues, the Fire Department made and installed “Caution keep off sandbars” placing them at the beach access paths throughout the island. The Department had numerous successful calls to pull people out of the ocean due to sandbars and rip currents.
Equipment replacement: Replaced pump for Jaws of Life and replaced 20-year-old motor on boat 3.
Fire Prevention: Installed and checked smoke detectors throughout the year for island residents. Held another successful Fire Prevention Parade.
Fire Department Training: Personnel completed NIMS 100/200 - 700/800 federal training requirements.
Monitored and documented beach erosion and sandbar changes. In addition flew over twice in a small plane and photographed the sandbars.
Safety Audit: Assembled documentation to receive a successful Safety Audit.
July 4th: Held successful Fireworks display.
Bridges: Worked with neighboring island regarding planning for future rehabilitation of the Ben Sawyer Bridge.
Public Works Marty Bettelli, Chairman
Dick Cronin
Leola Hanbury
Landscaping: Procured services to improve landscaping at key sites throughout the island. Issued a Request for Proposals for island-wide landscape maintenance. Proposal expected to be evaluated in early 2007.
Drainage Maintenance: Completed Phase 2 of the City’s 5 year drainage maintenance plan. Repaired drainage problem at 21st Avenue by videotaping and contouring open ditch. Improved roadway contour along Waterway Boulevard alleviating some flooding of yards in that area.
54th-57th Avenue Drainage: Developed and received concurrence on agreements among three parties. Developed plat for section along the beach accesses between 53rd and 57th Avenues. Received fully executed agreement and agreed to pay Community Association for City’s part of engineering and construction of the infrastructure improvement along Racquet Club Road. Received approval for sole source utilization of Dave Stevens of Civil Site Environmental for City’s engineering associated with this project.
Surplus Equipment: Successfully implemented and utilized a new Internet based method to auction surplus property for disposal of the Caterpillar as well as the 1988 Ford F800.
Stormwater Management Plan: The Planning Commission made recommendations regarding the adoption of the Stormwater Management Plan.
Sidewalk Repairs: Facilitated repairs made by Charleston County Public Works and South Carolina Department of Transportation to the sidewalk at 5th Avenue to 10th Avenue on Ocean and at the 41st Avenue curve.
City Fuel Dispensing: Procured and installed new veeder root fuel system allowing 24 hour fuel service as well as a continuous gasoline leak detection system as required by SC Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Front Beach Beach Access signage: Improved signage for beach access at the front beach.
Underground Wiring for Utilities: Utilized funds from the Non Standard Service Clause of the SCE&G Franchise agreement to accomplish undergrounding of some overhead utilities.
Palm Tree Trimming: Committed to the City’s first ever endeavor to trim Palm trees along Palm Boulevard in the winter season.
Beach Vitex: Passed Resolution encouraging the mitigation and eradication of this invasive species.
Encroachment Permits: Implemented new City encroachment permitting process and forms to be used when entities request use of City roads/rights-of-way.
41st Avenue ditch: Worked with SC DOT to maintain ditch by installation of riprap along eroding ditch contours.
Pavilion Drive: Pavilion Drive was re-surfaced from J.C. Long to Ocean Boulevard.
Street Sweeping: Developed request for bid, advertised, opened bids and selected new contractor for this service.
Container Service: Developed request for bid, advertised, opened bids and selected new contractor for this service at a lower cost per cubic yard than the City’s previous contractor.
Dumping on right-of-way of vacant property: Solved some citizen complaints regarding this illegal disposal activity.
Municipal Parking Lots: Purchased parking stops to be installed in 2007 in an effort to better delineate parking spaces maximizing available space and revenues in the lots.
Beach Sweep: Participated in another successful Beach Sweep/River Sweep.
Recreation Committee Carol Rice, Chair
Ryan Buckhannon
Leola Hanbury
Personnel: Restructured by adding two (2) new employees to the Recreation Department and increased the hours of operation from 52 hours per week to 83 hours per week or a 38 percent increase per week.
Gym: Refurbished gymnasium walls with high impact sheet rock and painted colors
to match expansion
Equipment: Purchased new pick up truck to replace eight (8) year old truck
Playground: With assistance of PARD Grant, added and installed two (2) new playground features.
Programs and Procedures: Updated registration procedures for participants and added new programs, to include; fencing, belly dancing (youth & adults), line dancing, ballroom dancing, Core strength, additional Yoga, ballet, jazz, mah jongg, knitting, book swap, restructured morning aerobics to Total Body Challenge.
Rabies Clinic: Provided Bark Park for rabies clinic and purchase of City Dog Licenses.
Middle School Dance: Re-implemented the Dance Pass system, added inflatables and offer line dance lessons at Middle School Dances.
Athletics: Introduced the new sport of Socci, added additional 3 on 3 basketball adult league, offered Co-ed Kick Ball
Bicycle Safety Rodeo: Worked with Police and Fire Departments to provide another successful Bike Safety Rodeo.
Events: Offered for the first time, family movie night and Tree Lighting on Front beach, added additional story teller at Ghostly Tide Tales
Rec Center Expansion: Hosted Fire Department during transition period, Friends of Santa, Charleston County Public Hearing regarding Goat Island and Wild Dunes Community Property Owners Association Meeting
Piccolo Spoleto Sand Sculpting: Sand Sculpting participants exceeded all previous years with participation at sixty-two (62) teams.
Website: Worked with VC3 concerning updating Website and possible list serve
Isle of Palms Connector Run for the Child: Continue to serve on IOP Connector Run Board.
Security: Expanded surveillance system used at the front beach to include the Rec Center.
Fee Structure: Evaluated fee structure for non-residents participating in activities at the Rec Center.
Personnel Jane McMackin, Chairman
Marty Bettelli
Ryan Buckhannon
Personnel Handbook: Completed 5-year legal review of City’s Personnel Handbook.
Website Re-design: Conducted competitive procurement and contracted for a re-design of the City’s website. Worked with contractor throughout the year to develop information and content for the site.
Employee Background Checks: Implemented methods for improving employee background checks and acceptable standards for employment.
Wills and Trusts: Provided first ever informational seminar for employees and elected officials regarding Probate court and the nuances of estate planning.
Achievements: The City is represented on the BCD COG Board, the CARTA Board and the MASC Board of Directors by Mayor Sottile. The City Administrator continues to serve on the MASC Legislative Committee and Director of Building, Planning and Zoning achieved the designation certified planner (AICP) by the American Planning Association (APA). Exchange Club Police Officer of the Year was Kim Usry and Exchange Club Fire Fighter of the Year was Eric Stinnett. Chief Buckhannon served as a panelist on computer-based issues at the MASC Annual Meeting in Hilton Head.
EMT Certification: Refined job descriptions in the Fire Department to require EMT certification of Lt. positions and above.
At Will Employment: City Council adopted an ‘at will” employment policy.
Real Property Marty Bettelli
Jane McMackin
Jim Raih
Marina Management: Developed Request for Proposals, accepted bids, evaluated and interviewed candidates then contracted for the Management of the Isle of Palms Marina.
Tidal Wave Watersports Lease assignment: Worked with Marina tenant on the approval of the assignment of a lease.
Bulkhead Replacement Design: Worked with the selected consultant on the details of the design.
Building Repairs: Made improvements to the plumbing and water closets at the Captains’ baths at the marina.
Goat Island: Attended hearing in Columbia to protect the City’s interest regarding a boat launch permit request on Goat Island.
Lighting: Adjusted lights at the site to minimize impact on neighbors across Morgan Creek.
“Maverick” Boats at the marina: Successfully removed and implemented a system for future removal of squatting dock tenants.
Marina Site: Declined to renew a couple of the tenant leases in an effort to improve management of the space at the site as well as improve the aesthetics.
Marina Enhancement Project: Budgeted funds for procuring the services of a consultant to do a Marina Enhancement Project.
Looking forward to a productive 2007!