island eye news - april 10, 2015

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    S u l l i v a n ’ s I s l a n d • I s l e o f P a l m s • G o a t I s l a n d • D e w e e s I s l a n d

    Since May 2005

    April 10, 2015Volume 10 Issue 25 FREE

    P RE

    S ORT

    S T A

    NDA RD

    U S P

    O S T A

    GE P A I D

    C HA RL E

    S T O N , S C

    P E RMI T

    N O 4 3 7

    P O S T A L P A T R

    O N

    INSIDE THE ISLAND EYE NEWS

    TENNISANYONEPG 6

    A BEAUTIFULBUNCHPG 3

    IOP Council continues on page 7 Sumter continues on page 4

    Public Workso stay on IOP

    CO U N CIL M O V ES TO

    IM M ED I ATELY A D D RES S

    RREN T P O LLU TIO N IS S U ES

    BY JENNIFER TUOHY

    ISLAND EYE NEWS EDITOR

    T he suggestion by councilmember Jimmy Ward to move the IOP PublicWorks facility, which houses thed’s garbage trucks among others, off the island and relocate it innt Pleasant was dismissed by Citycil at its March meeting, failing tobe considered by a vote of 5 to 3.e motion proposed by Ward was thatity look into the consideration ofng public works off the island to seenancially feasible, as part of a longplan.

    ard’s proposal was in part due to hisrn that having such a facility soto the marsh could have a negativeon the water quality.

    A resident who lives behind the facilityhown me the sheen on the waterng out from behind that facility,”cilmember Jimmy Carrol said at theng.ard also wants to open thertunity of beautifying the entrance toland. When the facility was placedcurrent location, next to City Hall,

    off the IOP Connector, there was noConnector, the entrance to the islandrom Sullivan’s. Since there is now antrance, he feels the sight of garbages as you come on to the island is not

    uncilmembers Sandy Ferencz, andy Carroll voted with Ward on the

    on.he thing that attracted me to thect is that we have a million dollar

    of land on IOP that has garbages on it,” Ferencz said. “That doesn’tlike a responsible use of that land.

    ms of the value of that land and what

    O n April 14, 1865, four years to the daythat he was forced to lower the U.S.ag and evacuate Fort Sumter, MajorGeneral Robert Anderson was brought back tothe fort to re-raise the same ag as a symbolicend to the hostilities of the Civil War.

    “The ceremony was planned by PresidentLincoln and Secretary of War Stanton, and wasmeant to be a momentous occasion,” said FortSumter Superintendent Timothy Stone. “Afterfour years of ghting, Lincoln wanted to ‘bindup the nation’s wounds,’ and this event wasthe beginning of that process.”

    Two beams will become one over Fort Sumter tosymbolize the re-union of the country.

    Commemorating anend to war

    F T S U M T E R A N D F T M O U LT R I E

    R E C A L L T H E I R R O L E I N T H E

    F I N A L A C T O F T H E C I V I L WA R

    BY BILL MARTINFOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

    SPECIALCANDIDATE

    SECTIONPG 18

    The crowd awaits the arrival of Brigadier General Robert Anderson for the ag re- raising ceremony, symbolizing theend of the Civil War. It was exactly 4 years before on April14, 1861 that then Major Robert Anderson lowered the USag at Fort Sumter following his surrender of the fort toConfederate forces at the very beginning of the war.

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    April 10, 2015

    Op-ed continues on page 3

    www.islandeyenews.com

    T he Senate District Irepresent is a long coastal

    district covering more thanmiles of South Carolina’sIt runs from Bulls Bay

    harleston County, to PortSound in Beaufort County.

    ng extensively navigated thetic coast from Oregon Inlet,

    Carolina to Dry Tortugas,da, I can attest it is the mostic, unique and beautifulh of the Atlantic coast fromCarolina to Florida.

    y service in the Southina Senate is part-time. Invate sector I am an attorney,passenger vessel company,

    old a US Coast Guard 100Captain’s License. Severaly passenger vessels were

    ructed in Louisiana and theandle of Florida. I delivered

    vessels to Charleston byting the Gulf of Mexico.do not support drilling fornd gas off South Carolina’s

    I share the concern mostraised, namely the risk of

    ge to the environment andibrant tourism industry in

    the event of a spill. However, I wishto offer an additional perspective

    as well. This perspective is rarelyraised and is not contingent uponan improbable catastrophic eventsuch as an oil spill to impact ourcoast. If we embrace offshoredrilling in South Carolina thisfactor will impact our coastdefnitively and continuously. Letme explain.

    In the process of building anddelivering my above referencedvessels from the Gulf of Mexico Ihave observed frst-hand the land-based infrastructure necessaryto support offshore drilling. It isnot a pretty sight. It is extensive,

    dirty, and highly industrial. There simply is no place on SouthCarolina’s coast appropriate forthis kind of industrialization. Ourcoast is dominated by residentialand resort development, wildliferefuges and extensive protectedecosystems such as the ACEBasin and Santee Delta. Offshoreoil’s land-based infrastructurewould not mix well with currentcoastal land uses.

    I suspect much of the support

    for offshore oil would fade awayif citizens were confronted

    with the realities of the coastalindustrialization necessary tosupport offshore oil.

    Which portions of SouthCarolina’s coast would weindustrialize? Little River in thetourism mecca of Myrtle Beach;Murrells Inlet; pristine Winyah Baysurrounded by tens of thousandsof acres of protected wildliferefuges; McClellanville next toCape Romain National WildlifeRefuge; Daniel Island or JamesIsland in Charleston Harbor; theNorth or South Edisto Riversnear Seabrook Island or Edisto

    Beach; St. Helena Sound and theprotected ACE Basin ecosystem;Factory Creek in Beaufort linedby beautiful homes; the PortsAuthority property in Port Royalthat is fnally on the path toredevelopment; Calibogue Soundon the shores of Hilton Head andDaufuskie Island?

    I am confdent there wouldbe outrage and intensiveopposition to locating theplatform construction yards,

    refneries, drilling operations,staging yards, boat yards and

    other infrastructure necessary tosupport offshore oil in these andother locations along our coast.

    Because of the nature of mybusiness I have cause to keepclose tabs on oil prices and theoil industry. The industry hasundergone a transformation inrecent years. Oil shale, oil sandsand hydraulic fracking haveprecipitated a revolution andcontributed to the unprecedentedsupply of oil and low prices weare now experiencing. Jeff Currie,Head of Commodities Researchat Goldman Sachs, recently

    described it as a paradigm shift.He calls it the New Oil Order.Since 2011 these new sourcesof oil have transformed NorthAmerican production from acapital expenditure intensiveendeavor to a variable costintensive endeavor. He drawsan analogy to a manufacturingprocess that can be quickly

    OPINION-EDITORIAL

    State Senator representing IOP, Sullivan’sopposes offshore drilling

    BY STATE SENATOR CHIP CAMPSENFOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

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    10, 2015 3CIVIC

    ed continues from page 2

    Lynn Pierottipublisher

    [email protected]

    Jennifer Tuohymanaging editor

    [email protected]

    Swan Richardsgraphic designer

    Lori McGee 614.0901

    advertising executiveChristian LeBlanc

    social [email protected]

    Steve Rosamiliaphotographer

    •Contributors:

    Bill MartinMarilyn MarkelKathryn Casey

    Dimi Matouchev Arielle Alpino

    Bob Hooper

    Marci ShoreSenator Chip CampsenSarah Reynolds

    •Published by:

    Lucky Dog Publishingof South Carolina, LLC

    P.O. Box 837Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482

    843-886-NEWSSubmit your letters to the editor to:

    [email protected]

    FUTURE DEADLINE: APRIL 15for our APRIL 24 issue

    L U C K Y D O G P U B L I S H I N G O F SC, LLC

    Publisher of theThe Island Eye News

    and The Island Connection

    The Island Eye News, a wholly owned subsidiaryof Lucky Dog Publishing of SC LLC, is a free,independent newspaper published every twoweeks and is for and about the Isle of Palms,

    Sullivan’s Island, Goat Island and Dewees Island.Copies are mailed free of charge to every activemailbox in our coverage area and are also avail-

    able at area businesses. Contributions of informa-tion, pictures and articles are welcomed and areused according to space limitations and news

    value and cannot be returned except by specialrequest. Op-ed articles and letters to the editor donot necessarily re ect the opinion of Lucky Dog

    News, or its writers.

    All advertising rates are listed at:WWW .ISLANDEYENEWS .COM under “advertising”.

    Bench Trials will be at a temporary Town Hall facility located behind the Fire Station, next to thePark (2050 Middle Street). Contact SI Clerk of Court directly at 883-5734 (Maria LoRusso) forents or questions.

    of Palms .6428 w.iop.net

    esday, April 21ys and Means Committee5 p.m.7 Palm Boulevard

    dnesday, April 22nicipal Courtm.

    7 Palm Boulevard

    ursday, April 23ability Courtm.7 Palm Boulevard

    Sullivan's Island 883.3198 www.sullivansisland-sc.com

    Tuesday, April 14*Municipal Court5:30 p.m.2050-B Middle Street

    Wednesday, April 15Coffee with the Chief!Stop by for a chat about SI with PoliceChief Howard at his weekly coffee"klatsch" with Island residents.8:30 a.m.Cafe Medley, 2213 Middle Street

    DRB Meeting

    6 p.m.2050-B Middle Street

    Tuesday, April 21Regular Council Meeting6 p.m.2050-B Middle Street

    Wednesday, April 22Coffee with the Chief!See Wednesday, April 15.

    Civic Calendar Recycle - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 - Recycle

    d up and down dependingupply and demand factors.

    New Oil Order will likelydownward pressure ons since supply is now easilyed up in response to anyspikes.

    uite frankly I fail to see howoffshore oil production, beingexpensive and saddled withxed costs, is economically

    e for the foreseeable futureht of the New Oil Order. Lessal intensive, lower and moreble cost oil under North

    American soil makes new offshoreproduction appear to be more ofa theoretical point to debate thana viable economic endeavor.

    As an opponent to drillingoffshore of South Carolina,there is no reason for me tosupport the seismic testing thatis the precursor to drilling. Thisis particularly true since datagathered would be proprietaryto the companies gathering it.

    The public and elected of cialsdesiring to weigh-in on if andhow the entire endeavor would beconducted would not have accessto testing results their decisionsshould be predicated upon.

    Edisto Beach, Hilton Head,Port Royal, the City of Beaufort,Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island,

    James Island, Johns IslandPublic Service District, andthe City of Charleston have alladopted resolutions in oppositionto drilling off their shores. The 80miles of beautiful South Carolinacoastline I represent encompassesmost of these local governments.I agree, and urge the Bureau ofOcean Energy Management to notpermit seismic testing or drillingfor oil off South Carolina’s coast.

    C armen R. Bunch, Isle ofPalms rst female mayor,became nationallywn for her controversialion after Hugo hitisland to not allowents to return to theires for several dayso the unsafe nature

    e island. She stood byecision and served as

    or until she retired in. In 2014, Mayor Bunchd away. In order to preservegreen space on the island

    commemorate the mayor,City acquired a lot in 2013named the soon-to-be-parkMayor Bunch. The park,

    ed at 1801 Palm Blvd, hasmany improvements duringand more are to come.hen the land was rst clearedpring, IOP resident Beverly

    ow noticed that many of thetiful owers that were onceunding the park had been

    removed.

    In an effort to bring back theseowers, Ballow enlisted thehelp of her friend Mary Pringle,who grows wild owers on herproperty. Pringle collected seedsfrom her collection and plantedthem on the side of Carmen R.Bunch Park closest to Palm Blvd.Subsequently, a horticulturisthas identi ed the rare vegetationfor preservation. The wild owers

    include coreopsis, gaillardia andhorse mint. The wild ower plants thatwere removed from the park

    before the initial clearingare now being nurtured bylocal horticulturists withthe intent of re-plantingthese native species. Thenew wild owers on the

    property are currentlybeing protected with stakes. The City is planning on

    taking action to further protectthis new plant life.

    “The City is endeavoring toprotect them to make sure theydo not accidentally get cut,” Linda

    Tucker, City Administrator, said.“The next task is the placementof a sign on the property denotingthe name of Mayor Carmen R.Bunch Park and crediting theGreenbelt funding which enabledthe City’s preservation of theproperty.”

    Carmen R. Bunch Park gets wildA R E A N D B E A U T I F U L W I L D F L O W E R S M A R K T H E L A N D N A M E D I N

    H O N O R O F T H E C I T Y ’ S F O R M E R M AY O R

    BY KATHRYN CASEYISLAND EYE NEWS STAFF WRITER

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    WWW . ISLANDEYENEWS . COM

    At approximately 11:20 a.m.the morning of Friday,March 27, Sullivan’snd Fire & Rescue and Policeartment were dispatched togeneral area of Station 26et on the beach followingrts of a person in the water.and Rescue recovered the

    y of a white female.harleston County Coroner’s

    e later identi ed the body asof Joanna Joly, 25, of Mountsant. The Coroner’s Of cermined the cause of deathdrowning, but the manner of

    death was identi ed as pending.On Thursday April 2, Joly’s car

    was found downtown Charlestonnear the Market, parked on thecorner of Laurens and East BayStreet. The vehicle was towedback to the Charleston CountySheriff’s Of ce, where it will beexamined.

    Based on the Sheriff’s Of cepreliminary investigation, whichincluded interviews and thecollection of physical evidence,there was no immediate evidenceof foul play.

    ody of 25 year old womanound in surf on Sullivan’s

    BY JENNIFER TUOHYISLAND EYE NEWS EDITOR

    an’s Island Fire and Rescue and Police departments on scene of a body recoveryy, March 27. PHOTO BY JENNIFER TUOHY

    Fort Sumter National Monument will host four days of events tocommemorate the 150th anniversary of the re-raising of the UnitedStates ag over Fort Sumter. Civil War reenactors will be stationed atFort Sumter from April 11-14, and the 8th Georgia band will performperiod music at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan’s Island at 2 p.m. April 11.Special evening excursions to Fort Sumter will be offered from April10-12. Fort Sumter will also be illuminated during this period, andtwo spotlights at the fort symbolizing the division of the nation willcome together as one.

    Additionally, a specialexhibit entitled “Re-Union:

    The Re-Raising of theUnited States Flag OverFort Sumter” is on display,free of charge at the FortSumter Visitor EducationCenter in Liberty Square,Charleston.

    “We’re very excited tohave secured artifacts onloan from other culturalinstitutions,” Kate Everitt,the park’s MuseumCurator, said. “We will beexhibiting objects from

    Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site and the Abraham LincolnPresidential Library and Museum, among others. These artifactsmake the connection between the event that happened at Fort Sumter

    on April 14, 1865 and the assassination of President Lincoln, whichoccurred the same day.” The exhibit, which will remain throughOctober, includes a bloodstained piece of linen scavenged from thePetersen House, where Lincoln was taken after being shot.

    The death of Lincoln on the same day as this planned, symbolic endto the Civil War largely overshadowed the important role Charlestonand Fort Sumter played in the end of the war. Discover more aboutthis historical event during this weekend’s extensive schedule ofactivities.

    Visit www.nps.gov/fosu for more details, including rates andschedule for daytime boats to Fort Sumter and the special eveningexcursions may be found on the Fort Sumter Tours website: www.

    fortsumtertours.com. Fort Moultrie is located at 1214 Middle Street,Sullivan’s Island. Liberty Square is located at 340 Concord Street,Charleston.

    Sumter continues from cover

    Events Commemorating Symbolic End of Civil War• “Re-Union: Re-Raising the United States Flag Over Fort

    Sumter,” a special exhibition at the Fort Sumter VisitorEducation Center at Liberty Square runs through 19 October,2015. The exhibit features artifacts on loan from Ford’s

    Theatre National Historic Site, Morristown National HistoricalPark, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, andthe Massachusetts Historical Society.

    • Fort Sumter Trust Civil War Symposium, “A Just & LastingPeace Among Ourselves”? Lessons on the 150th Anniversaryof the End of the American Civil War, a series of free lectureson the war’s end and impact will be held April 18 at 10 a.m.and again at 1:30 p.m. at the Dock Street Theatre.

    • A public memorial service honoring Civil War dead will be heldat 3 p.m. April 19 in Hampton Park. A free public concertfeaturing School of the Arts and Burke High bands will be heldat 7 p.m. at White Point Garden.

    • Temporary exhibit featuring 3D images of Civil War-eraphotographs of the Fort Sumter ag re-raising ceremony atLiberty Square and Fort Moultrie.

    • Flag re-raising themed dinner cruises and evening excursionsto Fort Sumter will be offered via Fort Sumter Tours from 10-12 April 2015.

    • Re-enactors will be at Fort Sumter from 11-14 April 2015• Re-enactors giving rst person dramatic readings will be at

    Fort Sumter on 14 April.• 8th Regimental Band will be performing at Fort Moultrie at

    2 p.m. on 11 April. Civil War era music will be played andinterpreted by band members in period dress.

    • Dramatic lighting of Fort Sumter may be seen from anywherearound the harbor from 13-19 April 2014.

    • Flag re-raising themed kids’ programs available at Fort Sumter10-14 April.

    • Special Ranger talks on the ag re-raising and the assassinationof President Lincoln will be given throughout the day at FortSumter and Fort Moultrie.

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    ay, February 8or Law Violationf cer on patrol encountered a subject

    was staggering in the roadway carryingtic cup. Further investigation revealed

    he subject was drinking alcoholicages while walking on the state road.ubject was charged accordingly.

    ay, February 9cy Assist, 24th Avenue f cer patrolling the area observed act that matched the description ofnile missing from Mount Pleasant.

    uvenile was positively identi ed asissing subject, the information wasmed in NCIC and the juvenile wasned to her parents.

    r Vehicle Theft, Morgan Place Drive tim reported that unknown person(s)a golf cart from the storage area. The

    m was able to provide a serial numbere cart and it was entered into NCIC.case has been assigned to CID forer investigation.

    ay, February 10c Intoxication, lOP Connector f cer responded to a report of a subject

    was lying down in the roadway onOP Connector. The Of cer located the

    ct, who was intoxicated and indicatede had no place to stay, no money ande he could call. It was determined thatbject was unable to care for himself,rrested, transported and lodged in theeston County Detention Center.

    y, February 13e Possession of Marijuana, 3700 Blockrtnett Boulevard rs responded to a report of acious vehicle parked in a wooded lot.rs made contact with a male subject sleeping inside the vehicle. Furthertigation revealed an open liquor, beer bottles, drug paraphernalia,

    and marijuana. The subject was arrested,transported and lodged in the CharlestonCounty Detention Center.

    Saturday, February 14Trespass, 5700 Block Palm Boulevard

    The victim reported that two subjects whowere told to leave the gated communityrefused to comply. The subjects went intoa parking lot close by in an attempt to gainaccess into the gated community. An Of cermade contact with the two subjects, placingthem on trespass notice, providing themwith written notice.

    Sunday, February 15Drug Violations, Palm Blvd/Breach Inlet Bridge An Of cer stopped a vehicle for speeding.Further investigation revealed that theoccupants were in possession of marijuana,drug paraphernalia, and several other typesof narcotics. Two of the occupants were

    juveniles and released to their parents,while two other occupants were arrested,transported and lodged in the CharlestonCounty Detention Center.

    Monday, February 16Collision, Palm Boulevard I 4th Avenue Of cers responded to a report of a singlemotor vehicle collision. Investigationrevealed that the driver had veered off the

    roadway and struck a palm tree. The driverhad to be extricated from the vehicle andwas transported to a local hospital.

    Saturday, February 21Aggravated Assault, 100 Block of Ocean Blvd Of cers responded to a report of subjectscreaming at a residence. Of cers arrivedand could hear the subject yelling threatsand profanity. Further investigation founda male subject, naked, who as Of cersidenti ed themselves and began to approachhim, took off running towards the beach.

    The Of cers gave verbal commands for thesubject to stop, and when he did, he turned,taking a ghting stance. The subject charged

    the Of cers, striking one in the nose andthen began attacking the other. Of cersdeployed Tasers, causing full neuromuscularincapacitation and were able to secure thesubject, who was transported and lodgedin the Charleston County Detention Centerafter being released from a local hospital.

    Petit Larceny, Forest Trail An Of cer on patrol observed a vehicledrive by him with several occupants and astreet sign. Upon further investigation, itwas determined that the subjects, who were

    juveniles, had taken the street sign fromthe intersection of 34th Avenue and PalmBoulevard. The Of cer released the subjectsto a parent and had the sign dropped off atlOP Public Works.

    Friday, February 27Public Intoxication, JC Long Boulevard An Of cer responded to a report of anintoxicated person having dif culty walkingdown the street. The subject was located,determined to be intoxicated and was placedunder arrest. The subject was transportedand lodged in the Charleston CountyDetention Center.

    Saturday, February 28Underage Possession of Alcohol, 100 Block ofOcean Boulevard

    Of cers located two illegally parked vehiclesin the area and attempted to locate theowners of the vehicles. The Of cers knockedon the door and observed several subjectsinside, who began to run around trying tohide. Of cers were also able to see beercans lying around on the porch oor. Afterseveral attempts to get someone to cometo the door, Of cers made contact with thehomeowner, who responded and let theOf cers inside. The Of cers located thirteen(13) subjects who were all under the age of21 and multiple bottles of beer and liquor.All subjects were charged accordingly.

    IOP POLICE REPORT

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    April 10, 2015

    WWW . ISLANDEYENEWS . COM

    Anyone for 14 years of tennis?IO P RES I D EN T TO M O LTO RIK E IS A LO N G S TA N D IN G V O LU N TEE R AT TH E FA M ILY CIRCLE CU P

    BY JENNIFER TUOHYISLAND EYE NEWS EDITOR

    2 015 represented the 13th year Isleof Palms resident Tom Oltorikevolunteered at the Family CircleCup, the largest women’s only tennistournament in the world, and he’s back foranother go this year. Oltorike is part of anelite list of volunteers who have been withthe tournament almost every year since itrelocated to Daniel Island from Hilton Headin 2001 (he missed just one).

    “It’s a lot of fun, seeing the same peopleevery year, meeting new ones and helpingout with something that’s very important toour city,” he said.

    Oltorike and his wife Diane initiallydecided to volunteer because “She reallylikes to watch and I like to hit the ballevery now and then,” he said. While Diane“retired” a few years ago, Tom is still here,

    helping people fnd their seats and makingsure they follow the rules and don’t disturbthe players during the match.

    The tournament, which runs throughthis week, fnishing Sunday, April 12,features many of the top names in women’stennis, including Eugenie Bouchard, Jelena

    Jankovic, Sam Stosur and Sloane Stephens,as well as last year’s champion, AndreaPetkovic.

    Each year, more than 350 adults volunteertheir time at the Family Circle Cup, working 6 or more 4 to 5 hourshifts throughout the week for the love of the game, as well as thechance to watch some top class tennis.

    As well as volunteering, the Oltroikes have hosted players at their

    home, “young up-and-comers who didn’t have a lot of money andneeded a room,” Oltorike said. “Most of them were European, fromGermany, Italy, it was very interesting and great fun to get to knowthem.”

    Oltorike’s own heritage is Russian, from where a number of topwomen’s tennis players have originated. “My father came here fromBelaurus in the 1890s,” said Oltorike, who is 79. Tom and Dianeretired to Isle of Palms from Rochester, NY 16 years ago and havelived by the ocean ever since.

    If you are interested in volunteering at the Family Circle Cup in 2016visit www.familycirclecup.com/volunteer/adult/ or call 843.849.5309and leave a message. There’s still time to catch some live, professionaltennis this year, the tournament runs through Sunday, April 12 at theFamily Circle Cup tennis center on Daniel Island.

    PHOTOS BY JENNIFER TUOHYltorike points out his name on the Volunteer Wall of Fame last year.

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    WWW . ISLANDEYENEWS . COM

    Council continues from cover

    uld be sold for and what thence to the island could beyears or 5 years. Let’s don’tsh it, let’s look at what thebilities are.”ayor Cronin was resolutelyst the proposal.m saying no. There’s no value

    ” Cronin said.ty staff had prepared a costate that showed the costslocating the facility would

    well over a million dollarspared to under $300,000ing the current site up to

    pliance.he time has come we

    passing the buck,”cilmember Barb Bergwerf

    “It’s an ill-thought outIt’s going to cost more forehicles, the employees, it’s

    g to decrease services, andoing to put real pressure on

    nie (Pitts). He’ll have to be inplaces at one time.”art of the problem is we need

    mprove the site we have,”in said. “We can spendey to block the viewing ofucks, but we need to get onimproving that site, makingmittable under NPDES.”e NPDES issue is a very real

    pressing one. In May 2014,Public Works Committee

    essed the concern that thewas out of compliance with

    the National Pollution DischargeElimination System (NPDES),which governs stormwater runoffinto the country’s waterways,oceans and creeks. On Isle ofPalms when the garbage trucksare washed off after collectingthe city’s trash, untreated runoffspills into the drainage system andinto Hamlin Creek. After the Citywas frst alerted to the issue theyquickly changed the detergentused to a more environmentally-

    friendly detergent, but, based onNPDES regulations, the runoffshould not be going directly intothe creek, it should be treated orfltered in some way frst.

    The consequences of beingout of compliance are not fullyknown, only that the EPA coulddo a site-visit tomorrow and fnethe City on a daily basis until itcomplies.

    At the following public safetymeeting, June 2014, CouncilmanWard brought up the idea ofmoving the Public Works facility,saying he had been consideringrelocating the functions off-island since he served oncouncil between 1988 and 1991.Before investing thousands ofdollars making the site NPDEScompliant, he wanted the Cityto investigate the possibility ofmoving this function off-island inthe future.

    While the $263,000 cost to bringthe location into compliance with

    NPDES was put into the 2014/15budget, no action had been takenin the ensuing 12 months, largelybecause of this potential idea ofmoving the facility. This meansthe City has been knowingly outof compliance with NPDES forover a year now.

    Of the $263,000 cost to improvethe facility, the City is responsiblefor $73,000, an NPDES grant willcover $190,000.

    Following the fnal quashing

    of Ward’s motion to move PublicWorks at the March 2015Council meeting, councilmemberBergwerf moved immediately

    “that the City proceed withawarding the necessary contractand making improvements atthe Public Works site as outlinedin the FY15 budget to bring thesite into compliance with NPDESrequirements.”

    The motion was promptlyseconded by Jimmy Ward, “Idon’t see any reason to delay—mybattle’s lost—if there’s a concernabout pollution we need to fx it,”he said.

    The motion passedunanimously.

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    9

    Easter hopsonto the islandE gg hunters turned out in full forceSaturday, April 4 for the IOP EasterEgg Hunt. A visit from the EaserBunny and jump castles made for a funday for all.

    PHOTOSBYSTEVE ROSAMILIAeft to right)unders takesn the slide atster egg hunt.rqurean withbasket. Oliver

    gets his faceah White withbunny. Lanadano posesster basket.

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    C elebrate the arrival of warmer weather with some dancingat Shaggin’ on the Cooper. Local bands perform live atthe end of the Mount Pleasant Pier throughout the season(see schedule below), and the dance oor is open for all ages.

    Bring a date or meet friends, let loose, breathe in the oceanair and dance the night away. Beverages will be available forpurchase, and food will be available for sale within the MountPleasant Pier’s River Watch Café. Food and beverages are notincluded in ticket prices.

    Gates open at 7 p.m. for all Shaggin’ on the Cooper events,and tickets are $10 per person ($8 in advance for CharlestonCounty residents). Space is limited, so advance purchase isrecommended. Or, dance all summer long with the “All AccessDance Card,” a season pass to all of the Shaggin’ on the Cooperevents in 2015 for a discounted rate.

    The popular Moonlight Mixer series, the Folly Beach versionof Shaggin’ on the Cooper, will return to the Folly Beach FishingPier in May. People interested in attending events at bothlocations can purchase an “All Access Dance Card” that coversShaggin’ on the Cooper and Moonlight Mixers.

    To purchase advance tickets or the All Access cards, or for moreinformation on Shaggin’ on the Cooper, call 843.795.4386 or visitwww.CharlestonCountyParks.com. Shaggin’ on the Cooper isbrought to you by Coca-Cola, Southern Eagle Distributing, andyour Charleston County Parks.

    Get ready for summer, Shaggin’ on the Cooper is back. This popular live beach musicand shag dance event series returns to the Mount Pleasant Pier on Saturday, April 25.

    Shaggin’ at sunsetBY SARAH REYNOLDS

    FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

    2015 Shaggin’ on the Cooper Schedule:

    • April 25 – Royal Scotsmen Band• May 16 – The Sugarbees• June 13 – Shem Creek Boogie Band• July 4 - Uncle Sam Jam event with Permanent Vacation• July 18 – The Sneakers• August 15 – Vinyl Daze• September 12 – Ocean Drive Party Band

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    BY JENNIFER TUOHY

    Isle of Palms councilmembers cutthe ribbon at the annual IslandGras festival last month, markingthe ceremonial opening of new lights

    on Front Beach. Installed to enhancesecurity and the appearance of the city’smain commercial district, the lights werethe brainchild of councilmember JimmyWard.

    Island Gras was a big success this year, the weather was cool but the skiesremained clear, giving residents andvisitors plenty of time to enjoy “Frozen”karaoke, jump castles, live music anddelicious food from local restaurants.

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    I t took 8 years of research andthought for Chris Bible, aka The Peanut Dude, to publishhis book, “How the Peanut DudeFound Gratitude.”

    A moment that made it allworthwhile came when a middleschool student came up tohis Boiled Peanut food truck,regularly situated on ColemanBoulevard in Mount Pleasant,and told Bible that the book hadchanged his attitude.

    “Hold the peanuts,” Bible,recalled enthusiastically.

    “It turned me around. I said,‘Are you trying to get some freepeanuts?’ I asked him. “The kiddosaid he had started focusing onwhat he had instead of all thethings he didn’t have.”

    “I came out and started highving him and his friends,”recalled Bible, 36, on the vergeof tears.

    Bible’s mother and father wereboth military, and the familymoved to Charleston from Hawaiiwhen he was a toddler. Boiledpeanuts conjure up many happy

    childhood memories for him.He recalls family road trips toOrlando to make them with hisGrandmother Bible. Through the

    years, he’d always made them forhimself and for friends.

    He’d worked in a varietyof elds in his life, includingfood and beverage and a verysuccessful stint in real estateduring the boom in early 2000s.He and his “business partner,” a

    yellow Labrador named Hudsen,were at broke and nearlyhomeless in 2007. Dejected, yetinspired, he grounded himselfin joyful memories of boiledpeanuts, and sold his rst bag ofboiled peanuts in 2007.

    What Bible preaches in his‘How the Peanut Dude FoundGratitude,’ book, he practices.

    His enthusiasm is contagious,and he passes it along to hiscustomers at the peanut stand,and elsewhere. He was pro ledon ABC News for helping

    ‘Miss Shirley’ Purnell, whowas stranded on a sidewalk inCharleston, with the batteriesdead in her motorized wheelchair.

    “When I picked her up thatday, she thought I was helpingher. She was helping me, baby.”

    “When she passed away andher family couldn’t pay to haveher released to a funeral home,it wasn’t a matter of ‘if’ we weregoing to do this. It was just‘how,’” he said. Through newsand social media he made peopleaware of his mission and raisedthe money in two days at hisstand, selling his peanuts andbook.

    Bible has another book idea inmind, and a brand new formulathat allows him to ship his boiledpeanuts worldwide. Frozen ina brine solution, someone inConnecticut can place an orderand days later, bring their potto a boil and have a house thatsmells that boiled peanuts. Hewants to present his ideas to thepanel of the television show, TheShark Tank, as well.

    He said his book has been ahit with not only children, butalso with adults. “I think adultscan relate to the simple messageand exercise in the book, of goingdown the letters of alphabet towrite things they’re grateful for.You just can’t be unhappy andgrateful at the same time.”

    An avid kitesurfer and residentof Isle of Palms, Bible said heis just “riding the wave of life,”trying to have fun wherever ittakes him, and help those hecan, all the while trying to stayingrooted in his own message.

    “I got up this morning, and myhot water heater wasn’t working.

    The water was cold, but youknow I was thankful that I hadwater. Most sadness comes fromnot having the right perspective.Gratitude, just gratitude and bethankful, baby.”

    For more visit thepeanutdude.com.

    Chris Bible is the self-styled “Peanut Dude”

    Peanuts, gratitude anda dog named Hudsen

    I O P R E S I D E N T P U B L I S H E S B O O K

    C E L E B R A T I N G B E I N G T H A N K F U L

    BY MARCI SHOREFOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

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    PHOTOS BY STEVE ROSAMILIA

    Another hugely successfulfundraiser on Goat Islandonce again helped anothervery worthy children’s charity.One hundred percent of ticketsales and silent auction itemssold at the March 21 event wentto the "Give Me Shelter" initiativeat the Callen-Lacey Center forChildren who have been abused,abandoned or neglected.

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    April 10, 2015

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    COMPUTER CORNER

    you have been limping alongwith that printer in the cornerhat been sitting there fors now is the time to considerading. Printer prices havee down especially when youk prices online at places likezon as most local shops will

    e match.you have an Apple iPhone/

    iPad or even the iPod Touch youcan print directly to many of thenew printers including Canon,Epson, Brother and HP printers.If the printer says its "Airprintready" then as long as the printerand your iPhone/iPad are on thesame wireless network that's all

    you need. No other drivers areneed, no laptop or Macbook,

    no Desktop, just the printer, awireless router and your phone/pad.

    I recently purchased a Canonprinter MX 922 from an onlineseller for basically half off at $99for a high quality photo printer.

    There was a slightly cheaperCanon model for around $60.Epson and Brother Airprintready printers have severalmodels under $100, some under$80. These printers all use aboutthe same amount of ink and aregenerally similar in printing,reliability. I do buy moreCanons but price does drive mypurchases most of the time.

    If your printer is older than5-7 years the price of ink alonecould be costing you, as ink fornewer printers cost less. If you

    print rarely and have bought alarge supply of ink for you olderprinter then your best bet maybe to nish it all before looking atsomething new. Newer printerscan be simple to set up but aswith all consumer electronicsnowadays "simple" can turn intoa nightmare; if that happens I or

    your IT guy is but a call away!One other note about printing,

    if printing quite a few photos youmight nd it cheaper to send it tosomewhere like Wal-Mart or CVS.

    The cost per print is cheaper thanthe cost of ink and photo paperfor your in-home printer.

    As with all of my columns ifyou want help or have questionsdon't hesitate to call Rent A Bobat 843.822.7794 or email [email protected].

    Printer prices plummetBY BOB HOOPER

    FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

    “IF THE PRINTER SAYS ITS "AIRPRINT READY" THEN AS LONG

    AS THE PRINTER AND YOUR IPHONE/IPAD ARE ON THE SAME

    WIRELESS NETWORK THAT'S ALL YOU NEED.”

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    Plunging at TheWindjammer

    PHOTOS BY STEVE ROSAMILIA

    M ichael Langley, Allison Thomas, Thomas Carroll, and BrittanyBriggane, pictured bottom from left to right, were part of an elitegroup of Plungers who braved the icy Atlantic on Feb. 28 in supportof the Special Olympics. The event was put on by The Windjammer on Isle ofPalms’ Front Beach and was followed by a plunge party for all participants.

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    R esidents of Sullivan’s Island will go to the polls Tuesday, May 5 to vote for 3 open seats on the Town Council. The council is comprised of 6cilmembers and the mayor. Two incumbentcilmembers are running for re-election, MaryWatson and Jerry Kaynard. Hartley Cooper ising down.ue to the passing of Mayor Perkis last year andubsequent election of incumbent councilman’Neil as Mayor, there is also a 2 year seat on

    cil open ( lling the remaining time in O’Neil’s. The election to ll that that seat is also beingon May 5.and Eye News posed the following questions toe candidates running for Town Council. Theirnses are below, divided into those seeking onee three, 4 year seats and those seeking thee, 2 year seat.What is your position on the proposition of aged, paid parking plan on the island?Do you agree with the current Town Councily that an island-wide 100ft transition zone beished in the accreted land/Maritime Forest?, how do you think it should be managed?Do you believe the coyotes on the island pose acant threat to people? What do you think theshould be doing to manage the population?The Town has been dealing with signi cant

    capital improvement projects in last year (TownHall / Sewer System/new Fire Truck). What otherimprovement projects, if any, would you like to seethe Town embark on in the coming 4 years?

    5. What is your position on the management ofthe Town’s commercial center? Do you believe itshould be allowed to expand in anyway?

    In the next edition of Island Eye News candidateswill answer questions on lawsuits, Planning andZoning and communication.

    CANDIDATES FOR 4 YEAR TERMMark Howard

    1) Parking: I believe the current paid parkingprogram being studied is heading in the wrongdirection. Simply stated: Paid parking iscommercialization. To implement this plan willput a commercial value on every parking space onthe entire Island and overlooks our fundamentaltenet: we are a single family residential community.I support a simpler plan that re ects a friendlierattitude for everyone. My proposal is: ParkingIsland-wide on one side of the street only. With thisplan our major concerns are met in its design. Itlimits density and increases safety in an easy to

    Bachman Smith IV

    Dave SpurginSarah Church

    Mark Howard Jerry Kaynard

    Rita Langley

    Mary Jane Watson

    S ullivan’s council candidatesaddress issues

    O Y O T E S , PA R K I N G , A C C R E T E D L A N D A N D D E V E L O P M E N T D I S C U S S E D

    BY JENNIFER TUOHYISLAND EYE NEWS EDITOR

    Know Your Candidates

    CANDIDATES FOR 4 YEAR TERM-VOTERS WILL CHOOSE 3

    CANDIDATES FOR 2 YEAR TERM -VOTERS WILL CHOOSE 1

    Candidates continues on page 18

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    April 10, 2015

    ment format. I understand that theOT has the nal approval on this matter.e we can convince department of cialsOne Side Only” has many bene ts forties.

    ere are many concerns that need to bessed. As an example, I believe paidng is proper within the commercialct, as well as in the municipal parkingMany explanations and re nements areo come with time. This plan—“One Side—preserves the residential nature of our

    s while it continues free parking for ourng neighbors; a friendly and welcomingy towards all.Accreted Land: I do not agree with thisze ts all approach to the transition zonently being proposed by Town Council. Its down the initial good faith work theUse and Natural Resources Committeeent years developing. The accreted landlaced in sections so that a plan couldveloped to adjust practices dependente stage of natural development withinzone. This plan was developed utilizingi c and management practices to

    both natural development and landr everyone. This was simply a land grabpublic’s property. We have a duty as

    y to the Lowcountry Open Land Trustactice better land use methods. Ourgement plan should be principled,d by the experts, and re ect all concernsconservation based foundation.Coyotes: It would be foolish to say

    es are not a possible threat to anyonegiven time. One should always be alerthat a coyote population has appearede Island. Coyotes are everywhere inountry and successful in adaptation,

    uch so that are afforded no protection

    by any Federal or State organizations. Theywill not receive any on Sullivan’s Islandeither. That being said, I believe the Islandhas done a good job in its initial responseto the problem. The coyote population isbeing closely monitored and recorded by thepolice. Cameras are available for use to thepublic to con rm any suspicions of activityin residential areas. The public is encouragedto hire professional trappers in private yards.

    The Island goal here is not the protection ofcoyotes, but the concern that we do not hurteach other in any unwise actions taken byindividuals.

    4) Improvement Projects: After the currentcapital expenses that have been taken onby the Town, my initial response wouldbe to stand down and take account of ourcurrent situation. As an Island, our growthand future income has limitations. I feel weare in a safe nancial situation currently,but moving forward only with caution onexpenses is the proper response right now.

    The infrastructure is our present concern. The sewer plant is a major concern. We arecurrently making an application for a Federalgrant and if that comes through additionalfunds will be required. There are manythings I would have on the wish list for theIsland. I would like to see some advances inaccess to the marsh side of the Island, and

    landscape beauti cation work at the Island'sentrance and signage. However, at this time,infrastructure is our main concern.

    5) Commercial District: Expansion of the Town’s commercial center should be doneonly to ful ll a proven Island need. I believea review of the Commercial Overlay Districtis in order. Parking, height, and squarefootage requirements need improvements.Future construction must address thesemajor concerns. More historic considerationand protection should be given to this area.Some new development on certain lots, e.g.

    the post of ce, are sure to arise in the futureand advanced planning is now required withmore input from the public.

    Jerry Kaynard 1) Parking: I do not want to charge people

    to park at the beach. I’d rather see a planthat reduces the number of cars that cometo the beach. We are a popular destinationand the number of visitors will increase overtime. State law requires public access beguaranteed by local government. The town’sprimary obligation is to protect our residentsand guests when crowds seriously threatenhealth and safety. Explosive growth nearbyhas increased car traf c causing congestionand more accidents. Crowds impede our re,police and rst responder’s access for life-saving medical, re, and safety services.

    We should continue to explore alternativesfor a regional approach to reduce the numberof cars coming to our beach. I have suggestedparking cars in Mt. Pleasant with a trolleyshuttle express to our beach. Once IOP adoptsa paid, parking plan, we will be overwhelmedwith cars from IOP if we are not prepared tomanage the increased traf c. I am suggestinga regional solution, with county participation.We also need to hire a consultant to preparea traf c study and parking plan so we canapply to the SC Department of Transportation

    for approval. If a paid managed parking planis part of the solution, then I will vote toimplement it.

    2) Accreted Land: The Town has not yetadopted a complete management plan, whilethe size of the accreted land has increasedsubstantially with unmanaged growth since1991. Town Council has agreed to remove15 invasive species, create two educationalwalking paths, conduct periodic “clean-up”walkabouts, clear emergency paths and allowadjacent landowners to clear their beachfootpaths.

    andidates continues from page 17

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    1910, 2015

    APRILSPECIALS

    ouncil has also agreed to create aition buffer zone between the accreted

    and adjacent landowners andve myrtles which are overgrown and

    whelming all other species. I agree withTransition Zone plan to meet the needsconcerns of the adjacent landowners,constitute a neighborhood with speci cems and needs. I am for protectingity trees, including Grande Trees and allettos in the transition zone.

    here is a precedent for transition zones inommunity. Residential lots have front,and side setbacks, a form of transitionor buffer. When we designed the new

    van’s Island Elementary School, weded a buffer zone on the east and westdaries of 100 feet or more.ouncil should be good neighbors and bensive to neighborhood special needs.about 200 acres of accreted land, we canct every kind of environment, rangingmature maritime forest to dune elds

    ird nesting and wild owers.Coyotes: I have advocated for a more

    essive action policy by Town Councilthis problem developed over a year ago.tes are no longer seen occasionally, butported by residents as roaming throughdaily with increasing boldness. My dog,

    o, has been attacked twice by coyotes.

    umber of coyotes has increased and theykilled pets, rabbits and other wildlife onland. Twenty people, including joggers,been bitten by coyotes in the Denver

    I recommend that we adopt policies thatworked in other communities including:Education of residents to stop feedingcoyotes, intentionally or unintentionally;Place warning signs where coyotes havebeen seen; andReduce the coyote population by usingbest practices that were tested and work

    in other communities.Coyotes are wild animals. They are

    dangerous predators and will kill for food atany time. They are territorial and will attackto defend their dens. Coyotes represent adeadly threat to our beloved turtles—they eatthe turtle eggs.

    Our children and pets cannot playfreely and safely in their own backyards.Government has an obligation to act whenits residents, their pets and our guests areat risk. We must provide a safe environment.

    4) Improvement Projects: The Sullivan’sIsland Park Foundation has proposedsubstantial improvements to the J. MarshallStith Park. I favor improved maintenancefor the Park and adoption of the projects asrecommended by the Park Foundation. Theseinclude a terrace and improvements to themound, upgrading the road to the mound,removing invasive plants to improve views atthe top of the mound, install new hardscapeand plantings through the park, installirrigation in the gazebo area, add benchesand sitting areas, add a passive walkway atthe top of the mound with historical markersand add tness stations in the park.

    I have advocated for improvements to theIsland Club, so that its use for children,seniors and all residents can be expanded.It needs new bathrooms, new wiring and

    xtures, and windows on both walls to allownatural light. Suggestions include openingthe ceiling to expose beams and adding anexterior deck. Landscaping is needed toimprove a worn, aging exterior together withpainting. The Island Club can be a rst classcommunity center that we all enjoy and areproud of.

    I would add to the capital improvementprojects more upgrading and extensions ofour boardwalks to the beach. I would addsidewalks, where we have heavy pedestrian

    traf c.5) Commercial District: I support a small,

    appropriate commercial district that servesthe needs of our residents. It is now asuf cient size and I oppose any expansion ofthe commercial district.

    I have invested in our community’scommercial district and I’m very proud thatthe businesses that lease from me provideservice that residents’ value—a creative andcommunity-minded architectural rm, afriendly gas station, a tness center that is agreat place to work out. None has ever beencontroversial. We need a commercial districtto be more than a bedroom community butwe need to be sure it stays small and isregulated for the bene t of our residents.

    Traf c and congestion continues to be achallenge in the commercial district. Parkingon Middle Street is usually available withintwo blocks. With the current regulationsin place, new businesses should notsubstantially increase the traf c in thecommercial three-block district. We all enjoythe services provided. Increased use of bikesand golf carts to get to the business districtmay reduce some of the traf c congestion,while still permitting easy access.

    Rita Langley 1) Parking: As we all know, the population

    in the tri-county area is growing rapidly.For 2013, Mt. Pleasant alone was the ninthfastest growing city in the United States. Thisgrowth is increasing congestion and traf con our Island and other neighboring islands.Adding to this situation is IOP’s intention tohave paid parking. If IOP has paid parking,I believe more people will come to our islandbecause our parking is free. This would addmore congestion, parking woes, tax our

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    infrastructure and our quality oflife. A parking plan is needed butbefore we make any decisions,considerable public input andthoughtful dialogue is needed.One size does not t all.

    2) Accreted Land: TownCouncil adopted a set of basicprinciples to guide developmentof an improved Accreted LandManagement Plan. Theseprinciples included a transitionzone as a good neighbor policy

    that would minimize re hazard,provide a buffer from unwantedwildlife and enhance breezes andsight lines. Town consultantsemphasized that the AccretedLand varies substantially indepth (from 100 ft. to over 800ft.) and in vegetation (from forestto shrub and grassland) andmanagement strategies shouldalso differ from area to area. TheLand Use and Natural Resources(LUNR) Committee adopted thisstrategy in planning transitionzones that vary for differentbeachfront areas. The shorelineis not a straight line and it makessense for the transition zones toemulate this changing shoreline.I cannot agree with this one-size-ts-all, 100 feet transition zonefor the entire beachfront.

    3) Coyotes: I attended thePlanning Committee meetingwhere the wildlife biologist fromDNR was invited to speak. Heexplained in detail the biologyand behavior of coyotes livingin urban/ suburban areas.He assured us that coyotes donot pose a serious risk to usand that the town’s currentmanagement plan is effective incontrolling the population. Thebiologist also explained that ourarea will always be an attractivehabitat for coyotes. The biologiststressed and I agree that we needto continue educating citizens onliving with coyotes and continueto study and collect data onoccurrences and populationtrends.

    I agree with the town’s currentplan to deal with coyotes. Trapshave been set and cameras aremonitoring speci c coyote areas.

    The town will hire appropriateprofessionals to trap coyotes on

    Town property if necessary. Also,

    individual residents can contractwith a professional to trap coyoteson their property if necessary.

    4) Improvement Projects: Wehave spent considerable time andmoney on much needed capitalimprovements in the last few

    years. Sewage/water is in needof additional improvements. Iunderstand these improvementswill be paid for by a grant and the

    Town has allocated the remainderof the funds. The focus shouldnow be on effective oversight ofthese major projects—new townhall and upgrades to the watertreatment facility—to make surethat they come in on time andon budget. I would like to seeimprovements in communicationstarting with live streaming oftown council meetings. This isoverdue. As a member of councilI would be committed to spendingresidents' money wisely.

    4) Commercial District: Isupport our quaint island

    atmosphere which includes ourlimited commercial district. Ibelieve Sullivan’s Island has morethan an adequate commercialdistrict for its size. We shouldcontinue to evaluate a long termvision for the commercial districtand make sure our ordinancesre ect this vision for the Island.For example, last year the towncouncil passed an ordinancebanning chain restaurants. Also,after considerable public inputand discussion we passed anordinance that allows for a limitednumber of coffee shops. I applaudthis effort as a demonstrationof the town’s commitment tofostering a commercial districtthat considers the needs of localsas well as tourist.

    5) Commercial District: Isupport our quaint islandatmosphere which includes ourlimited commercial district. Ibelieve Sullivan’s Island has morethan an adequate commercialdistrict for its size. We shouldcontinue to evaluate a long termvision for the commercial districtand make sure our ordinancesre ect this vision for the Island.

    For example, last year the towncouncil passed an ordinancebanning chain restaurants. Also,after considerable public inputand discussion we passed anordinance that allows for a limitednumber of coffee shops. I applaudthis effort as a demonstrationof the town’s commitment tofostering a commercial districtthat considers the needs of localsas well as tourist.

    Bachman Smith IV

    1) Parking: Paid parking is anexcellent idea that could be asource of revenue for the town

    as well as a solution to safetyconcerns regarding accessibilityfor emergency vehicles and Islandresidents as well as alleviatingtraf c. While implementationin the immediate future maybe desired there are concernsregarding cost, available parking,re-vamped parking ordinancesupon which enforcementis based, and right-of-wayencroachments, among othersthat need further vetting and/or leg-work. We should not beconcerned with beating the Isle ofPalms to the punch by rolling outa plan before them. We should bea good neighbor and work withthe Isle of Palms for reasons ofeconomy through cost savingsand for ease of implementation/transition with our visitorsknowing paid parking is a realityon both islands.

    2) Accreted Land: No, I do notagree with the current TownCouncil policy that an island-wide 100 foot transition zonebe established in the accretedland. I believe the 100 foottransition zone is arbitrary,not supported by scienti callybased recommendations, and

    in contradiction to the workingplan to address the accreted landthrough the use of different unitsthat have been identi ed and arestill being re ned. The accretedland at one Station is vastlydifferent than that which hasaccreted at another Station inboth size (depth) and vegetativemake-up.

    Candidates continues from page 19

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    2110, 2015he working Proposedagement Plan includes ae of recommended transitions for each unit with two of theunits having an upper end oft and the other two maxingt 40ft. Further, the workingosal speci cally calls out the

    to consider erosion whenng the transition zones. I ndf cult to understand how an policy can be so completelypported by the very planwhich it is supposed to be

    d. It is even more troublinge that a policy establishing100ft transition zone, if

    emented to its fullest withmore aggressive managementwed therein could prove

    ful to the property ownersing these areas whenon inevitably occurs.mply put, this is not asize ts all issue and thelishment of transition zonesld be guided by the workingosal as currently written.management of all coastalerty should be treated asoast behaves or evolves and

    is dynamically rather thanly.Coyotes: I do not believe

    tes pose a signi cant threateople. I also believe one’serns that coyotes are at should not be dismissed

    nfounded. This is a dif culttion to answer considering,a legal stand point, coyotes

    ot be poisoned or relocated.m a practical position they

    ot be shot or otherwised via trap in their currentd habitat. (I am thinkingmy youth during which Ired every square inch of thed and shudder to think of

    harm could inadvertentlyl some young adventurous

    making their own pathsughout the island.)ortunately, while we areue we are not the only small

    in America to have to dealcoyotes. In fact, we do notto reinvent the wheel whenomes to problem solvings the board. While I do notthe solution, I do believe thisshould be addressed with

    arger picture in mind. Weld consider that, according

    istorical data, more than0 people per day must seekcal attention to treat aestic dog bite. Framing thete discussion with this datame pause and demands we

    areful of the path we choosen addressing coyotes andagement thereof.

    Improvement Projects:should explore burying

    er lines throughout thed to include the causeway.erstanding that water is more

    threat to power lines thanthis would be a dif cult and

    y expensive undertaking butshould not deter us from atexploring the possibility.

    Commercial District: Themercial district should not bended from its geographical

    nes, and the businessesin should not be treatedecond class citizens. It isrtant to keep in mind these

    nesses are an important

    part of our tax base. It is alsoimportant that the businesseskeep in mind their success, inlarge part, is due to their locationon the Island. We should workwith the business owners toidentify and address concernsbefore they become issues thatrequire reactionary measures.As it is all but certain that apaid parking plan will be put inplace we must keep in mind thatallowing expanded use withinthe commercial district does

    not necessarily translate intogreater traf c. The Town hasdone a very good job of managingthe commercial district andkeeping it con ned. Eliminatingweekly rentals stopped the issueof nuisance (more commonlyassociated with the commercialdistrict) from spilling into theresidential areas. Maintaining ageographical boundary for thecommercial district not only helpspreserve the Island residents’quality of life, it increases thevalue and quality of those fewestablishments we are luckyenough to have on our Island.

    Mary Jane Watson 1) Parking: With the continued

    growth of the East Cooper area,parking for year-round beachvisitors becomes a challenge forthe Town. In addition to addedburden of expenses to the TownGeneral Fund to provide for thosevisitors, it is critical that the Townmanage how and where vehiclesare parked in order to facilitateingress/egress as well as themovement of rst responderequipment around the Island.

    2) Accreted Land: The Townhas been working for a number of

    years to develop a managementplan that will protect the naturalmaritime environment while atthe same time provide accessand view corridors to residentsand visitors. The transitionzone was a result of many

    years of work by several TownCouncils. Council voted for theconcept of a 100ft transitionearlier this year. Vegetation tobe cleared from the transitionzone has yet to be determined.A recently commissioned treesurvey will allow Council tocomplete a more detailed study

    of the transition zone andanalyze what is appropriate forremoval. Additionally, ndingsmay indicate that the transitionzone is either adequate or thatadjustments are necessary.

    3) Coyotes: Unlike manyother suburban areas, coyotesare relatively new to the Island.Over the last two or three

    years sightings have increased.However, science tells us thateradication is unlikely andunderstanding co-existence isessential. Staff has crafted aplan to manage the populationand if necessary eliminateproblem animals. SouthCarolina DNR and the HumaneSociety guidance is incorporatedinto the management plan.Safety of Island residents is thefundamental theme in the plan.

    4) Improvement Projects:Although the town does notown the roads, we will need towork closely with the DOT to

    improve stormwater drainageand maintenance of the roads.

    5) Commercial District: The physical boundary of thecommercial district has notchanged in 60 years. There isno discussion to expand thedistrict and zoning ordinancesare very restrictive with regardto increasing the size of existingcommercial buildings. The towncontinues to defend the zoningordinance with regard to thephysical expansion of buildings.

    CANDIDATES FOR 2 YEAR TERM

    Sarah Church 1) Parking I support a paid

    parking plan only if the followingcriteria are met:

    Public Input: The residents ofSullivan’s Island have had ampletime to voice their individualconcerns prior to implementation.

    The concerns of residents livingnear beach access paths or nearthe commercial district will bedifferent than those living onthe quieter, marsh side of SI. Weneed to ensure all residents havehad a chance for their concerns

    to not only be heard, but alsoconsidered. As a resident, Isupport a paid parking plan. Asa member of council, I will needto hear from the residents beforemaking any commitment.

    No Hardship: We must nd aplan that will not place hardshipon our residents. The purpose ofthe managed parking plan is torelieve burden, not create it. It isimperative that we nd ways toaccommodate parking for guests

    of residents, church goers, andother special situations.

    2) Accreted Land: I support thethree years of progress that wasmade by the Land Use and NaturalResources Committee (LUNR) indeveloping a management plan,which includes a transition zonethat varies in depth, dependenton the depth and vegetation ofthe particular stretch of land,as determined by experts. Whilea 100-foot transition zone maybe appropriate where there is an

    800 foot stretch of thick forest, itis not appropriate for a sectionthat would be nearly, or entirely,encompassed by that 100 feet.

    I am con dent we cancomplete a management planthat protects and enhancesthis valuable public resource,and also includes compromisesfor the front row homeownersthat will have low impact to thenatural environment. This planshould be developed throughthe LUNR committee with opendiscussion, scienti c input, andcareful consideration.

    3) Coyotes: If a particular

    coyote exhibits aggression orbecomes overly comfortablein close proximity to people, itshould de nitely be removed. Butaccording to experts, randomlykilling non-aggressive coyotescould cause substantially moreharm than good. Removal ofan alpha-coyote can cause apopulation explosion becausethe remaining male coyotes start

    Candidates continues on page 24

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    May 30Is land Eye Calendaril 10ting Circleday at 10:30 a.m.e and share your

    CPL Poe Branch21 I’on Avenue.

    wosday at 10:30 a.m. Joinor stories, songs andggested ages 24-36e Branch Library, 1921e. 883.3914.

    t your trivialeach Tuesday at Home.

    ggedp.m., Tuesdays andHeld ocean-side on

    guided yoga sessionslive acoustic music.

    participants of alloga experience levelsPart icipants shouldand towel. $10/

    sidents of Charlestonll 843.795.4386.

    sy Wine Tastingnesdays, 6-8

    13 with cheeseMiddle St. Middleivan’s Island. Call55.

    Barn Jam6 – 10 p.m. The Awendaw GreenBarn every Wednesday, 6-10 p.m.$5 at the door, all ages welcome.Enjoy a night of diverse musicfrom around the globe on theuniquely bohemian ground of theSewee Outpost. Wood red pizzaand fresh grilled oysters (while inseason) will be available as wellas libations. www.facebook.com/awendawgreen.

    ThursdaysMah Jongg Nights (adults)Poe’s Library hosts Mah Jongg

    Thursdays at 6 p.m. Learn toplay American Mah Jongg. Noexperience necessary. 1921 I’onAvenue, 883.3914.

    FridaysParty at the PointCharleston’s premier happy hourconcert series, Party at the Point,is back for its 15th season. Thespring/summer concert series is

    set to kick-off on Friday, April 24with Departure, “The Ultimate Journey Tribute Band.” Theweekly outdoor concert takesplace every Friday afternoon from5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at theCharleston Harbor Resort andMarina on Patriot’s Point andfeatures a full cash bar, includingdraft specials. The 2015 summerseason will run from Friday, April24 through Friday, June 26.

    SaturdaysPlay: STAR Therapy Dogs10:30 a.m. Share books with afurry friend. CCPL Poe BranchLibrar y, 1921 I’on Avenue. 843-883-3914.

    F RIDAY , A PRIL 10IOP Middle School Dance7 - 9:30 p.m. Any 6th,7th and8th Grade Students are invitiedto the IOP Middle School Dance,DJ, and concessions at the IOPRec Center. A great place to danceor just hang out with friendson a Friday night. For moreinformation call (843) 886-8294or email [email protected].

    SATURDAY , A PRIL 11Bird Migration Workshop

    Take a guided walk throughthe Maritime Forest. For moreinformation and to reserve aspace or spaces for a bird walk,

    please email Sarah Diaz [email protected] or call843.478.3322.

    Pet FestApril 11 and April 12. Pets, theirowners, and those in searchof a new pet are invited to joinCharleston County Parks fora full weekend of exhibits,demonstrations, experts,entertainment, and more at theLowcountry’s premier pet festival,10 a.m. – 4 p.m. each day atMount Pleasant Palmetto IslandsCounty Park.

    PLAY: STAR Therapy Dogs10:30 a.m. Share books with afurry friend. CCPL Poe BranchLibrary, 1921 I’on Avenue,843.883.3914.

    Civil War 150thFort Sumter National Monumentwill host four days of eventsto commemorate the 150thanniversary of the re-raising ofthe United States ag over FortSumter. Civil War re-enactors willbe stationed at Fort Sumter fromApril 11-14, and the 8th Georgia

    band will perform period musicat Fort Moultrie at 2 p.m. on April11. Special evening excursions toFort Sumter will be offered fromApril 10-12. Fort Sumter willalso be illuminated during thisperiod, and two spotlights at theFort symbolizing the division ofthe nation will come together asone. For more details visit ww w.fortsumtertrust.org

    Nathalie Dupree CulinaryDemonstration1 - 5 p.m. Southern Season ispleased to host chef and cookbookauthor Nathalie Dupree for anexclusive cooking demonstrationand cookbook signing at itsMount Pleasant store. The eventis free and open to t he public.For more information please v isitwww.southernseason.com.

    THURSDAY , A PRIL 16Battery Gadsden CulturalCenter meeting

    6 p.m. General Membershipmeeting, all are welcome. 1917I’on St., Sullivan’s Island.

    F RIDAY , A PRIL 17Reggae Nights Concert Series8:30 p.m. The CharlestonCounty Park and RecreationCommission kicks off its premiereconcert during the East CoastPaddlesports & Outdoor Festival.

    The rst concert of the series onFriday, April 17 at James IslandCounty Park. Gates open at 7:30p.m. and music by Black Lionbegins at 8:30 p.m.

    SATURDAY , A PRIL 18Round on the MoundCome out and support theSullivan’s Island Park Foundationby buying a ticket for t he 2ndAnnual Round on the Mound.Music will be provided by theNashville Songwriters. Beer andwine provided by Bottles andPalmetto Brewery. For moreinformation and tickets visit:SullivansIslandParkFoundation.org

    Beachlover’s Bookclub The Edgar Allan Poe Library willbe discussing Hemingway’s AMoveable Feast at 10:30 a.m. atthe library.

    Tae Kwon Do Tournament10 a.m. Annual event will includeeliminations and nals in formsand sparring for all age groupsalong with demonstrations andboard breaking, followed by blackbelt testing. $45 TournamentFee. At the IOP Rec Center.

    Play: Fun with Fingerpaints10:30 a.m. Let your imaginationgo wild and create a beautifulpicture on canvas. CCPL PoeBranch Library, 1921 I’on Avenue.883.3914.

    Local Living: CelebrateNational Poetry Month withJim Brueggemann12 p.m. Lear n about haiku,hiaga and hiabun forms of poetrywith Jim Brueggemann, author

    of After the Night Rain, a book ofcontemporary haiku. CCPL PoeBranch Library, 1921 I’on Avenue,843.883.3914.

    W EDNESDAY , A PRIL 22Dodgeball4 - 5 p.m. At the IOP Rec Center.Free.

    THURSDAY , A PRIL 23Insider Art: DiscoverContemporary Wildlife ArtistWalton Ford6 p.m. Explore Walton Ford’ssatirical wildlife illustrationsfeaturing six intaglio etchingsfrom a New York collector. Freefor Fellows, $15 Members, $25Non Members. Location: CircularCongregational Church, 150Meeting Street. Reception tofollow.

    F RIDAY , A PRIL 24CRAFTERNOON: Earth DayCrafts3 p.m. Celebrate Earth Daywith arts and craf ts to celebrate

    nature. CCPL Poe Branch Library,1921 I’on Avenue, 843.883.3914.

    SATURDAY , A PRIL 25PLAY: A rbor Day Festivities10:30 a.m. Come one, come all tocelebrate Arbor Day with storiesand help us plant a tree. CCPLPoe Branch Library, 1921 I’onAvenue. 843-883-3914.

    Run for Adela8:30 a.m. 6th Annual Run forAdela 5K Beach Run/Walk & 1mile Fun Run on the beach atSullivan’s Island, www.facebook.com/RunForAdela

    IOP Yard Sale8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Spaces arelimited/ maximum 2 spaces pervendor. Vendors will be sellingused and like items, the sale ofretail items will not be permitted.$5 resident/non-resident. Call843.886.8294 for details.

    Shaggin’ On The Cooper This popular live beach musicand shag dance event seriesreturns to the Mount PleasantPier. For more informationon Shaggin’ on the Cooper,call 843.795.4386 or visitCharlestonCountyParks.com.

    TUESDAY , A PRIL 28Dig South

    This annual conferencein downtown Charlestonis out to prove you can#SucceedintheSouth. Whether anexpanding Fortune 500, a fast-growth Inc 5000 or a homegrownstartup, opportunities to connectand do business abound in ourregion. Dig South features morethan 200 presenters from acrossthe nation, 750 Conferenceparticipants and 5000 totalFestival attendees. Events rangefrom panels to workshops tointeractive presentations byindustr y experts. ht tp://digsouth.com for more information.

    SATURDAY , M AY 2Night at the Races4 - 9 p.m. Junior League ofCharleston will host Charleston’sonly derby gala at the DanielIsland Club. Th e event includeslive Kentucky Derby coverage,silent and live auction, live music,derby-inspired food, an open bar,and of course, high fashion andhats! To purchase tickets pleasevisit www.jlcharleston.org.

    KEENagers Luncheon12 – 1 p.m., Isle of PalmsRecreation Center, #24 28thAve, Senior Social Groupmeets September – May. KarrieFerrell 843.886.8294 for moreinformation.

    SATURDAY , M AY 9Music in the Park1 – 4 p.m., IOP RecreationDepartment #24 28th Avenue.Bring your lawn chairs and

    Blanks and enjoy an afternoonof Blue Grass music with“Sweet Potato Pie,” food will beavailable. Contact Andy Sinwald843.886.8294.

    SATURDAY , M AY 16Charleston Beer Garden12 - 8 p.m. The 4th AnnualCharleston Beer Garden willtake place at its new home, The

    Grove at Patriots Point in MountPleasant. The festival will featuremore than 30 craft beers on tapfrom breweries across the U.S.Advance General Admissiontickets include entrance tothe festival, entertainment,ve beer tickets, and acommemorative festival mug.CharlestonBeerGarden.com.

    W EDNESDAY , M AY 13Dodgeball Pick Up Gameat the Rec4 – 5 p.m., Isle of PalmsRecreation Center, #24 28thAve, call 843.886.8294 for moreinformation.

    SATURDAY , M AY 23Share Our Suzy5 p.m. Why wear white thisMemorial Day, when you can wearpink? Come out and support localbreast cancer survivors and theirfamilies at the 11th annual ShareOur Suzy “fun-raiser” at theGrove at Patriots Point in MountPleasant. This year the event willfeature live music by Indecision,Five Way Friday and Archetypes,local food purveyors and ahealthy dose of hope for breastcancer survivors and patients.

    Tickets are $45 in advance and$60 the day of. Tickets includefood, beer, wine; cocktails will beavailable for purchase.

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    ing in attempt to becomeext alpha male.ccording to our Chief ofe, coyote sightings haveatically decreased, justey did last spring. This istypical cycle for coyotes,ding to the SC DHECte expert when he spoke toPlanning Commission on

    uary 11. There were severalimportant aspects to his

    ntation:mpossible to eradicate:rding to the wildlife experts,

    impossible to get rid ofcoyotes. Even if you aressful in removing one pack,oid will quickly be lled in

    ew coyotes. They can easilyover from Mt. Pleasant, soliving on an island, we will be coyote-free.

    o threat to humans: Therare coyote attacks in thed States have been bycoyotes. We have not had

    stantial rabies outbreak onvan's Island.

    Improvement Projects: Iwe have our hands (andet) full with the currentcts! It will be important forcil to follow the currentcts very closely to be surestay on budget, and includepromised elements. TheTown Hall should providec restroom access from theOur new meeting space forcil and Committee meetingsd be out tted to either live-

    m or video tape meetingsesidents to access on thewebsite. This will give the

    c a greater opportunity toformed and engaged in ournt issues and projects. Ofe it is impossible to predictwill come our way in the nextyears, but I don't anticipate

    major new projects.Commercial District: The

    mercial Center shouldbe allowed to expand. Ourmercial district is alreadyested with traf c andng issues. As a town, wed mindful of supportingurrent businesses, but ourd has no room for furtherth. It was welcome news

    our Zoning Administratorthere were no discussionsexpanding the commercial

    district—nor are there anynew applications for businesslicenses. There is very limitedspace left in the commercialcenter, and I would not supportany expansion of this area.

    Dave Spurgin 1) Parking: I strongly believe

    that we need to rein in parkingon the island. This can beaccomplished without goingthrough the expense of a paidparking system. I would support

    parking only on one side of thestreet, designating resident-onlyparking, creating golf cart parkingnear beach paths, consider paidmeter parking in the commercialdistrict, eliminating townparking lots, changing parkingordinances to read that vehiclesmust have all 4 wheels off of thepavement, increased parkingnes, and encouraging the policedepartment to strictly enforceour current parking ordinances.Implementing some or all of thesestrategies would go a long waytowards improving our parkingproblem.

    2) Accreted Land: The accretedland is for the bene t of allisland residents. No one groupor property owner should havemore say over how this valuableresource should be managed.We have a responsibility toprotect and preserve our naturalenvironment while making surethat we are managing it in a waythat attracts wildlife, enhancesproperty values, and protects itsnatural development. Allowingspeci c residents or groups todictate how this land is managedis not acceptable when the landis meant for the bene t of allresidents.

    I believe that by allowingproperty owners to encroach ontothe accreted land via transitionzones, with no master plan inplace for the area as a whole, isessentially allowing individualproperty rights to supersedethe rights of island residents topublic land. In my opinion, thisgoes against the very spirit of whythe land was initially placed intoa trust. There was a real risk thatCharleston County was going toclaim the land for its own useand we would have lost complete

    control over how it would havebeen developed. Those on thefront beach bene ted from this

    action because it stopped anynegative growth from happeningin front of their residences andconservationists were rewardedwith a maritime forest that couldbe enjoyed for generations tocome. I sympathize with thehomeowners who have beenimpacted by this action, but feelthat all past land use practiceswere trumped once the landwas placed into a trust. TheLUNR committee developed acomprehensive plan on how to

    manage the land, and we shouldsupport their recommendations.I realize that this is a ercely

    contested issue, and I doubtthat any one plan will satisfyeveryone concerned with it; butI do know that we must putthis issue behind us in order tomove forward in a positive way.We have been discussing howto manage this land for over 20

    years now. Attempting to do sothrough individual agenda itemsis not working. It is time to endthe debate on how to handle thisland through real compromise ora town referendum.

    3) Coyotes: I have donesigni cant research on this issueand do not believe coyotes posean immediate threat to people onthe island. The few cases in whichcoyotes have bitten someone canbe primarily attributed to peopleattempting to feed or tame them.Although that is not always thecase, you have a better chanceof being bitten by a shark thana coyote. That is not to say, inany way, that being approachedby a coyote is not a traumaticexperience. You might alsoconsider that, since their arrival,we have seen a signi cant dropin nuisance animals entering ourattics and crawl spaces.

    The protection of our pets isprobably of greater concern forisland residents. There have beennumerous communities whohave tried to control their coyoteproblem via trapping or killing. Ithas been discovered that neitherapproach is an effective approach.In fact, it usually leads to an evengreater population returningwithin short order. Raisingfence height is impractical sincecoyote entry points into yards areusually through an opening or

    by the animal digging under anobstacle. The best course of action is to

    educate yourself on what you cando to prevent a negative coyoteencounter. Coyotes are not goingaway, but we can learn to livewith them in harmony.

    4) Improvement Projects: It isless about what I would like tosee and more about how we aregoing to pay for it. Besides theprojects noted above, we stilllack a solution for our crumblingwaste water treatment plantand infrastructure, the agingrehouse, numerous historicforti cations that continue todeteriorate, and a host of smallerprojects that will need to beaddressed in the future.

    We currently have no longterm nancial plan as to howwe are going to meet future andimmediate capital needs. As abusiness owner, this scares the

    heck out of me. As a resident itscares me even more! I plan forfuture expenses that are outsidethe scope of my normal operatingbudget. Instead of saving moneyfor future expenses, the current

    Town Council thinks issuinglong term bonds is the bestnancial solution. The problemis that we have maxed out ourability to issue bonds withouta referendum. We still have notgured out how to pay for theeight million dollars it will take to

    up- t our waste water treatmentplant. Town Council continuesto spend money on what seem tobe pet projects while not takinginto consideration how we aregoing to pay for the repair orreplacement of the infrastructurewe now have. This is a recipe fordisaster. We keep adding futuredebt while not being able to solveour current nancial issues. Weneed to prioritize what is mostimportant to island residents andbuild a sound plan around whatthey nd most critical.

    I doubt most residents knowthat a portion of their water billwill go to paying for expensesrelated to the new Town Hall andother capital expenditures forthe next 15 years. Town Councilmakes decisions that preventwater rates from ever droppingwhich, in effect, actuallyresemble a tax increase. A taxthat, based on usage rates, isapplied unevenly to all residents.

    This is a decision that residentsshould have had signi cantinput on. It amazes me that thecurrent Town Council opted totake a bond out for the new townhall, which is something we didnot immediately need, in lieu ofreplacing a waste water treatmentplant, which is something wecannot live without.

    5) Commercial District: Thetown could have done a muchbetter job of managing thecommercial district. The primarypurpose of having this district isto encourage businesses that willsupport the needs of residents. Itseems that our current councilis more interested in meeting theneeds of county residents insteadof the needs of island residents.We not only have to deal withparking, traf c, lawsuits,

    and noise related to currentcommercial activities, but wehave to deal with being unableto enjoy existing services due toovercrowding.

    As a town council member Iwould not support any changesto our ordinances that contributeto our existing problems. We needto have a solid mix of businessesthat meet the needs of residentsrst without compounding ourtraf c and parking issues. As abusiness owner, I sympathizewith the existing establishments.Still, I do not believe addingmore restaurants or multi-usedevelopments will in anywaysolve our problem. How thecommercial district developswill have an immediate and longlasting effect on our quality of lifefor years to come.

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    Breach Inle t Tide Char tDate High Tide Low Tide

    Hurricanes, storms etc., are NOT included in thepredictions. Tidal current direction changes and tide timepredictions can be very different. Tide predictions arePREDICTIONS; they can be wrong so use common sense.

    Source: www.saltwatertides.com

    Apr 10

    Apr 11 Apr 12

    Apr 13

    Apr 14 Apr 15 Apr 16

    Apr 17

    Apr 18

    Apr 19 Apr 20

    Apr 21

    Apr 22

    Apr 23

    12:08am/12:29pm

    1:03am/1:28pm2:07am/2:34pm

    3:16am/3:42pm

    4:24am/4:49pm5:28am/5:51pm6:27am/6:49pm

    7:22am/7:44pm

    8:15am/8:36pm

    9:07am/9:27pm9:57am/10:16pm

    10:47am/11:05pm

    11:38am/11:55pm

    12:30pm

    6:38am/6:36pm

    7:34am/7:37pm8:35am/8:46pm

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    10:39am/11:04pm11:37am12:06am/12:31pm

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    4:33am/4:38pm

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    6:14am/6:19pm

    FINANCIAL

    You might not think that70 1/2 represents anyparticular milestone. Butn you do reach this age, you

    have to make some decisionsaffect an important aspectyour life—your retirementme.ere’s the background: Onceurn 70 1/2, you will need

    art taking withdrawals from401(k) or similar employer-sored retirement plan andyour traditional IRA (but notRoth IRA). Actually, you willto begin these withdrawals—

    wn as “required minimumbutions” (RMDs)— by April 1

    e following year and continueg them by December 31year after that. These RMDsalculated by dividing your

    unt balance at the end ofprevious year by your lifectancy, as determined by IRSality tables. If your spouseour sole bene ciary and isthan 10 years younger thanyou’d use a separate table.t worry too much about the

    ber crunching, though— nancial advisor generally

    o the calculations for you.hat you should concernelf with, however, are the rst

    words of RMD: “required” andimum.” These words mean

    they say. If you don't takedrawals, or if you withdraw

    less than you should, you couldface a 50 percent penalty tax onthe difference between what youwithdrew and what you shouldhave withdrawn—and then

    you'll still have to take out therequired amount and pay taxeson the taxable portions of thosewithdrawals. So it’s a very goodidea to take your withdrawalson time—and without“shortchanging” yourself.

    Of course, you can certainly takemore than the required minimumamount—but should you? Theanswer depends on whether

    you need the money. But even

    if you have to take larger-than-minimum withdrawals, you'll

    want to be careful not to take outmore than you need—because if

    you “over-withdraw” year after year, you run the risk of outliving your resources. That's why it's soimportant, during the early yearsof your retirement, to establisha sustainable withdrawal ratefor your retirement accounts.Your withdrawal rate will dependon a variety of factors, such as

    your other sources of income— Social Security, earnings fromemployment, savings, etc.— yourlifestyle choices, your estimatedlongevity, and so on. In any

    case, once you have arrivedat an appropriate withdrawalrate, you’ll need to stick to thatrate unless your circumstances

    change.If you have multiple IRAs, you'll also face another decision,because, once you've calculated

    your total RMDs for the year,from all your IRAs, you cantake that amount from one ormore of them. Depending on theinvestment mix of these individualIRAs, you may nd it bene cial totake the money from one accountand leave the others intact, topotentially grow further. (If youhave multiple 401(k)s, though,

    you will likely need to calculateand withdraw the separate RMDsfor each plan.)

    Other issues ar