IOP City Council Highlights - May

Standing Committees

• Council approved a proposal from The College of Charleston's Riley Center for Livable Communities in the amount of $15,000 to assist the City in developing a Strategic Plan. This is the first time Strategic Plan for the City and will be a working document that will establish and guide the direction of the City by assessing where we are and where the City is going.
• City Council approved an upgrade for the Fire Department's mobile radios which provides greater functionality, including the ability to perform over the air updating and GPS location.
• City Council approved a proposal from the Police Department to seek grant funds to acquire a drone. The drone will be used in strict adherence to the department's newly developed drone usage policy. The drone would assist officers enforce social distancing on the beach, find missing children and swimmers in need of assistance, and assist in emergency response and assessments. Council also approved a not to exceed amount of $4,500 to purchase the drone in the event that the grant is not awarded.
• Council approved a $5,000 matching grant for City businesses to participate in MUSC's "Back to Business Program." The grant is available to brick and mortar businesses within the City limits and will cover 50% of the cost to participate in the program, with a maximum of $500 per business. This program will assist businesses by providing customized COVID-19 response plans and individualized policies for safely re-opening.
• City Council canceled this year's 4th of July fireworks show, citing concerns about overcrowding on the beach during the pandemic. The funds originally budgeted for the fireworks show will be directed towards a one-time hazard pay disbursement for City employees who were working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ordinances

First Reading

• City Council approved first reading of the budget ordinance for FY21. The City is expected to ratify the budget at the City Council meeting scheduled for June 23, 2020. The new budget includes revenue reductions due to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as offsetting reductions to expenditures. The proposed budget includes funds to complete the Public Safety Building Rehabilitation project, the Phase III Drainage project and the rehabilitation of the IOP Marina docks.

Second Reading

• City Council approved second reading on an ordinance that makes it unlawful to flee from a public safety officer under certain conditions [Ordinance 2020-01]. This ordinance brings the City into alignment with other nearby municipalities.

Resolutions

• City Council approved a resolution strongly encouraging residents and visitors to wear facemasks to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Facial coverings are especially useful for preventing the spread of respiratory diseases when in enclosed spaces such as retail stores, offices, and other public buildings.