The good-ole-boy government system continues to have a decent foot hold on Folly Beach. No one is more aware of this than former mayor Bob Linville.

For years now, Mr. Linville has enjoyed disregarding the public right-of-way midblock easement at his 510 East Ashley Ave. property. This is a strip of land in the public trust, allowing for pedestrian access through the middle of a city block. In our case it is so that beach-goers can park on back streets and walk, without obstructing the road to the beach.

At mid 5^th block East there is a very nice dune walkover that directs you from the beach to the midblock right-of-way between East Arctic and East Ashley. However, at this point a pedestrian is stranded along the busy traffic of East Ashley due to a fence built across the right-of-way at 510 East Ashley.

The Planning Commission recently recommended to City Council that this and other right-of-ways be cleared for access. This Resolution 16-12 died on the council chamber floor because neither council member nor mayor would second the motion. The comments by Mr. Linville from the gallery reeked of self-interest: “Why are you picking on these easements?”

Well, Mr. Linville, in your case it’s because you continue to break the law. Your stance clearly reveals your attitude that the rules don’t apply to you and apparently Mayor Goodwin feels the same way since no code enforcement has been issued for this case.

What was that comment Mayor Goodwin made about everyone playing by the same rules? It’s time for our mayor to use the words of Ronald Reagan and say ”Mr. Linville, tear that wall down!”

Sincerely,

Jim Crow

520 East Huron Ave.

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Introduction: The Club provides a forum for the candidates to present their positions to voters and respond to brief written questions. The location is the Community Center and commences at 7 P.M. Tuesday, February 21^st. The Club invites as many of the voters/residents to attend as can fit safely in the room.

Process

The Vice President will give a brief welcome.

The moderator will read the biography and the candidate has no more than 4 minutes to speak. There will be a time keeper

After the speeches there will be a refreshment interval. Snacks and soft drinks will be provided.

On reconvening the moderator will read out a question for the candidate. The candidates have one timed minute to reply.

This process will be repeated until either it is time for the meeting to end or the questions become exhausted.

Rules for Questions:

THERE ARE FIVE (5) CANDIDATES SO TIME WILL BE SHORT. QUESTIONS MUST BE SHORT AND CAPABLE OF SHORT ANSWERS.

• must be LEGIBLE and Signed;
• must be a question not a statement;
• must not be defamatory;
• to be used, the author of a question must be present;

Production of Questions

Email questions received before the meeting and questions deposited in a question box at the library ( 12^th March onwards) or handed in at the door will be reviewed for use. Note cards and pencils will be provided. The question cards will be collected and sorted by Club Volunteers. The same Three (?) questions considered of prime importance to the community, created by the Civic Club, will be asked in random order of each candidate. This will allow voters to compare candidates’ answers to the same question.

THERE WILL BE MORE QUESTIONS SUBMITTED THAN THERE WILL BE TIME TO ANSWER SO PLEASE REALIZE YOUR QUESTION MAY NOT GET ASKED.

Library requirements

The room has to be returned for library use so the audience will be asked to allow the club members to restack the chairs and set out the tables for the next day by 10 P.M

DJ Rich

DJ Rich

Dear Friends and Neighbors-

It has been an honor to serve you on Folly Beach City Council, and I look forward to our bright future together. As your representative, I am constantly working with not only other members of our Council, but elected officials statewide, to ensure Folly Beach has the best present and future possible, while learning lessons from our past. You can’t know where you are going without knowing where you have been, and keeping our rich history and heritage should be a top priority.

We have met many of our goals, and our island is in a great place right now. We are very healthy financially, have a thriving business district, new-look police department, more green space and parks. We updated building codes to lower flood insurance, strengthened our Beach Management Patrol, and brought police dispatch back to Folly Beach. Overall, our City has improved significantly over the past 2 years (please visit VOTETEAMDJ.com for more info), and I look forward to new challenges in the future.

As we work towards these goals, we need input from you. This is your island and your future as well, and we need to hear from you on making our island a better place to live. Please feel free to contact me anytime with questions or concerns (djforfolly@yahoo.com). Your vote for me on April 3^rd will ensure that we keep a cohesive Council, working together without mediation, while keeping Folly’s history alive. Thank you for your time and support. 

Sandy Hickman

Sandy Hickman

I am Sandy Hickman, and I am asking you for your support on April 3rd in my bid for city council. I was born and raised on East Erie, where I currently reside with my husband, Ken. Both my parents, Marcia and Angus Smith, were involved in the Folly community. My father was a Volunteer Fireman and Civic Club member. My mother is known by many as the “Bread Lady” for the Sandbar Restaurant. My daughter, Veronica Bolus, was also born and raised here on Folly and is active in the surfing community. I am a Board Member of the Folly Exchange Club where my, brother, Angus, is also currently the President. I am in the process of retiring so I can devote more time to Folly.

I have seen many changes take place here on Folly Beach. The present Council and Mayor are taking Folly in the right direction. Folly Beach has always been a laid back town and I believe it should remain that way for years to come. In order for this to occur, we all must be respectful and considerate of each other in our community as well as visitors. The stress of the day melts away as I approach Folly. “There’s no place like HOME”! I am available to speak to any and all of my fellow Folly Beachers. I can be reached at 437-0340 or sandi4council@yahoo.com.

Tom Scruggs

Tom Scruggs

My links to Folly Beach are broad and deep. I operated the “Twister” at the old amusement park, and helped run Folly Bingo (later the Islanders Shag Club and now Taco Boy). When I wasn’t working, I was either surfing or listening to awesome bands on the old pier. After graduating from James Island High School, I earned a business degree from the University of South Carolina and served in the U.S. Air Force.

In 2000 my wife Sandy and I became permanent residents of Folly Beach. I retired last March from my career as a human resources and risk management specialist (managing compensation, benefits and training programs, workers compensation and safety, and finding personnel for key positions all over the country). I’ve been working part-time on our Beach Management Patrol, helping to keep our beach and streets litter-free and serving as an “ambassador” for our city.

Our son Matt and his wife live on James Island and our daughter Carla lives in North Carolina with her husband and child. My sister Sandra Boyd lives on Folly Beach and my twin brother Tim lives in Hanahan.

I’m a member of the Folly Beach Civic Club, member/past president of the Islanders Shag Club, an Elder for James Island Presbyterian Church. Sandy and I continue to help with the FB Halloween Carnival and “Save the Light” (Morris Island Lighthouse Preservation).

If you elect me, I’ll put my personnel, finance, and planning experience to good use for Folly Beach.

Sincerely, Tom Scruggs

Eddie Ellis

Eddie Ellis

Hi! I’m Eddie Ellis. Thank-you for electing me two terms. In 2004, I promised to vote no to a property tax increase, and an increase in zoning density. In 2008, again I pledged those promises, and “to work to keep Folly a laid back residential community”. I kept my promises! If re-elected, I promise the same. Therefore, I’m asking for your vote on April 3. Please vote for me!

Serving entails more than simply voting no. I have provided fiscal responsibility and looked out for the taxpayer. In 2007, I reduced the property tax increase by $114,000. I improved the sewer finances by eliminating the $60,000 yearly PILOT, which was draining our sewer reserves. Moving forward, I want to work to establish a utilities capital improvement plan, and an infrastructure reserve. I know the city finances, and I’m confident I can serve to provide fiscal integrity, and work against property tax increases.

Legislation I introduced and passed PROHIBITS any further CONDO DEVELOPMENT, and reduces development density. Other legislation prohibits any further increase in beachfront commercialism, and limits transient vendors in our business district. I REFUSE to let Folly be a CASH COW!

Effectiveness takes working with others. I opposed County Consolidated Dispatch, and worked to overturn it. It took perseverance and cooperation from others to return our dispatchers. I’m experienced, effective, and as a graduate of MASC Elected Official’s Institute, I’m educated. Most important, I can work with mayor, council, and staff. That’s what it takes – and your vote – so please do! Contact : 588-9595 or eddie.ellis@comcast.net.


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Narrowing down the entries to the top three was a tough job for our three judges, but they did their best. We wish we could publish them all.

If you sent the Folly Current physical copies of your photos, they’ll be available to pick up from Marlene Estridge at City Hall on March 19. The winners will be contacted with their prizes — gift certificates to the Brick House Kitchen and to Cinebarre.

Thanks again to everyone who entered, and look out for the 2013 contest coming next December.

ABOUT THE JUDGES

Hunter McRae is a professional photographer based in Charleston, specializing in  weddings. She worked for seven years as a photojournalist in Boulder, Colorado Springs, and the Savannah Morning News before moving home to Charleston. Her work can be seen at www.huntermcrae.com

Justin Morris photographs to explore his creative side. “Photography is a never ending road and there is always something new to learn or shoot, which I really love,” he says. His work can be seen at www.follyhood.blogspot.com

Lindsey Graham works as a wildlife photographer specializing in birds. “I am always striving to capture subjects in motion,” she says. “Those split seconds highlight fascinating detail and movement you wouldn’t normally be able to see with the naked eye.” Her work can be seen at www.facebook.com/FlyWayPhotos

BEST SHOT BY A FOLLY BEACH RESIDENT

FIRST PLACE

St. Hilda’s Abbey, Whitby, England

John Appleby

The judges felt that overall, this photograph told a story, between the sky, the castle, and the pond. “You can see the wind. There’s a lot of depth,” says Lindsey. “There’s color popping off of everything,” says Justin. Hunter appreciated how the viewer’s eyes are led in a flow around the photograph.

SECOND PLACE

Dog and Kayaks

Jim Crow

“This gave me an emotion. It’s a simple, nice idea,” says Hunter. Justin liked the simplicity of the two kayaks, and liked that the boats were solid colors without writing — “that would have taken away from the composition.” It made Lindsey yearn for summertime.

THIRD PLACE

Sailor’s Delight

Diana Joan Vincent

“This is a tough picture to get,” says Lindsey. “The boat is exposed nicely and the background isn’t blown out.”

HONORABLE MENTION

Prayers in the Wind, Japan

Diana Joan Vincent

The judges found this photo striking and intriguing, partially due to the mystery of what they were seeing.

BEST PICTURE TAKEN AT FOLLY BEACH

FIRST PLACE

Beach Crossover

Raphael Koenig

The dramatic color of this picture led the judges to believe it was an HDR photograph. Justin admired the vivid, sea-warped lines in the wood. “Your lines lead you to the guy at the end,” says Hunter. “Your eyes know right where to go.”

SECOND PLACE

Sunrise on the Pier

Bill Noel

“Simultaneously dramatic and peaceful and a beautiful image all around of Folly Beach,” says Hunter, pointing out that the photographer took a cliché image and creatively gave it life.” Justin was impressed with the timing capturing the angle of the sun, and the ability to capture the right exposure.

THIRD PLACE

Magical Kayaking

Jan Buffington

The judges were immediately moved by the proximity of the photographer to the dolphin, giving them a feeling that they were in the water with the animal. “It’s hard to capture that split second when they emerge, and to get it while the sun is setting is impressive,” says Lindsey.

HONORABLE MENTION

Tide Pool

Raphael Koenig

“You can tell the photographer was trying to be creative with viewpoints, layering the image,” says Hunter. Koenig, a German exchange student who vacationed on Folly Beach with his host family, took the image before sunset on the beach.

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City Council: August 24

Good Neighbor Award

Daniel Culpepper, James Dowdy, Sonny Miles, and Jack Thomas received the “Good Neighbor Award” for their prompt action in helping to put out a fire at the Sandbar Apartments.

Appointments

City Council reappointed John Kachmarsky as Municipal Court Judge, Been Peeples as City Attorney, and Mary Cunningham as Municipal Clerk. Mayor Tim Goodwin reappointed Marlene Estridge as City Clerk/Treasurer. An ordinance bringing the duties and terms of office into compliance with state law was also passed.

Mayor Pro Tem election

To no one’s surprise, Laura Beck was re-elected Mayor Pro Tempore. Every election cycle, which means every two years, Council selects one of its members to act as Mayor during an absence. In the event of a vacancy occurring, the Mayor Pro Tem would act as Mayor until an election could be held.

Red Bays revisited

After all the brouhaha at the last City Council meeting, Pennell Clamp’s ordinance revoking the previous Red Bay Laurel legislation was introduced and received unanimous approval. Now only those Red Bays that pose a threat to life or property will be removed. Not only will the City not pay to remove trees from private property, it will also fine owners who fail to remove hazardous trees. The price for failure to comply is steep – up to $500 and no less than $100. “There’s been lots of studies and work done that show it’s useless to try to fight this doggone little beetle that’s destroying these trees,” Clamp said. “I hate to admit defeat, but it’s fruitless to spend money where we’re not getting any return.”

Waiver of permit fees for lighthouse

Council then addressed the issue of building permit fees for work on the Morris Island Lighthouse that had been waived by then Mayor Carl Beckmann. City Administrator Toni Connor-Rooks said Beckmann’s decision to waive permit fees for work on the Morris Island Lighthouse had never been blessed by City Council, which was necessary in order to make the waiver legal, and that the City lost approximately $16,000 in permit fees due to this waiver. But, “in an effort to show support for this national monument” Council voted to “together as one voice waive all fees” for the ongoing work on the light house that had already been permitted. The waiver of permit fees will not apply to future work on the light house.

In another maverick move, the former Mayor had appointed a bridge committee – which, in and of itself, was a good thing – but, again, he had neglected to get the required blessing of his council, so Council moved to make the committee official.

New equipment for Public Safety

Two new Council members double teamed Chief Boatwright while the third new member tried in vain to defend him. D.J. Rich and Pennell Clamp went straight for the jugular questioning the Chief’s request for radar and camera equipment for two squad cars that had not yet been purchased. “Isn’t that putting the cart before the horse?” Rich asked. The Chief said the money for both the cars and the equipment had already been funded and he was just there to ask permission to swap out some of the equipment since he had determined that his actual needs were somewhat different from Council’s best guess when they itemized expenditures in the FY10-11 budget. The badgering continued to the point that a dismayed Chief Boatwright eventually responded “I have no idea how to answer that question.”

“The Chief is just asking you to take money that’s already been approved and shift it around so he can get the equipment he needs,” said Mayor Goodwin. Laura Beck reinforced the Mayor. “We told the Chief this was how much money he would get and this was what we thought he would need,” she said. “We’re just shifting things around to meet his needs. It’s not impacting the tax payers any more than what has already been allocated.”

Still the Chief was forced to defend his request for two in-car cameras and three radar units instead of the three cameras that had been allocated. “Some of our radars are dying on us, others can only pick up on-coming traffic,” he said. “Equipment that only works part of the time is no good. I asked for six radar units . I need six units. I’m here asking you for three units.” The harassment continued regarding the advisability of purchasing cameras and radar before the Chief had the three new squad cars Council allotted him. “I’m not here asking to buy the equipment today,” Boatwright said, “The money is there. Trust me to use the money as I see fit.”

Paul Hume finally brought some closure. “Everybody is right,” he said, “but this is a process, not an event. We shouldn’t hold up the process. He’s trying to make better use of the money we’ve already given him. He doesn’t want to be waiting for equipment after the cars come in. There are no smoke and mirrors here.”

After unanimous approval of the Chief’s request, Charlie McCarty told a story about two men talking about what they did for a living. “I buy pieces of submarines,” said one of the men. “Pieces of submarines?” said the other. “Why are you buying pieces of submarines?” “Because they’d never give me enough money to buy a whole submarine at one time.” So it goes.

Hobie Cat illegally removed from beach

With Boatwright finally off the hook, the little matter of the Hobie Cat that was damaged when it was removed from the beachfront on October 30, 2009 took center stage. The owner asked the City for $800 to repair the boat and $70 for the permit he had bought to store the boat on the beach since, apparently, that had been money down the drain. Council got all hot and bothered over whether the boat had a current registration since the picture of the boat showed a Michigan registration that expired in 2006 right next to the City of Folly Beach permit, which was issued on July 18, 2009. In the end, they voted unanimously to force the owner to provide proof of ownership and to give them an actual bill for the repairs, and went so far as to suggest that the owner find somebody who would repair the boat for less than $800.

According to records, Public Safety told the woman who complained about the Hobie Cat that the boat was properly permitted and could be stored on the beach, and she threatened to call the mayor. Later that day, Public Works employees were instructed to remove the boat. “Why was the boat removed?” asked Clamp. “There is no one here tonight who can answer that question,” responded Mayor Goodwin, and that was the end of discussion regarding the possible involvement of former mayor Carl Beckmann in the removal of the boat.

But it was Charlie McCarty’s question that really got to heart of the matter. “Do we really want to issue permits for unregistered boats to litter our beach?” Where else can someone park a boat for an entire year for $70? Hobie Cats stored on the beach have become airborne and damaged private property. The Cape Verde hurricanes are lining up like little soldiers ready to march across the Atlantic ocean. What would happen to the stored boats if one of those hurricanes hits Folly Beach?

Planning Commission: September 13

The Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, September 13 to give residents an opportunity to weigh in on the new regulations governing weekly vacation rentals. The Public Hearing will be at 7:00 p.m. in Council chambers.

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City Council did not meet on July 13 because that was Election Day. Their next regular meeting will be July 27 at 7:00 p.m. in Council chambers. Agenda items were to include ordinances amending the current rules for dogs on the beach, requiring non-residents to purchase a license tag for pets they bring to the beach, and establishing rules for the use of golf carts within the City of Folly Beach, but Mayor Goodwin has decided to have a workshop on those issues so residents can come forward to express their ideas and opinions. The date of the workshop will be announced soon. On the agenda for the July 27 meeting are the repeal of the Red Bay Laurel Ordinance and discussion of the vacation rental management ordinance. Residents are encouraged to attend and speak their minds. To make a citizen comment, all you have to do is show up and sign in. It is not necessary to be placed on the agenda in advance.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission met on July 12 and the first order of business was to swear in Elton Culpepper, Pennell Clamp’s appointee to the Planning Commission. Then the Planning Commission got down to business.

Zoning Administrator Aaron Pope introduced an ordinance he described as “a regulatory mechanism to manage short-term rentals and the problems associated with them” that will establish requirements for obtaining a business license to rent property on a short-term basis.

One of the issues discussed was limiting the number of occupants and including a list of all occupants on the rental agreement. Sam Robinson said there should be a maximum number of renters based on the number of bedrooms. “It’s a health issue because of the demands on the septic system,” he said, “and a safety issue in the event of a fire.” Kirk Grant thought it would be difficult to enforce occupancy limits, but LaJuan Kennedy said two guests per bedroom plus two additional guests conforms to maximum occupancy guidelines elsewhere and should be enforceable.

Another major issue was how to make sure owners as well as renters were aware of the rules regarding such issues as noise, trash, parking, animals, sea turtles and golf carts. “Some people don’t have a clue,” said Chairman LaJuan Kennedy. “The agents will abide by the rules, but we need to educate the people who don’t have agents.”

There was some squabbling about whether the rules should be included in the actual rental agreements that resulted in a vote of three for and three against with Kennedy recusing herself from the vote since she works for a rental agency. Tie votes fail, so the Planning Commission will recommend to City Council that the rules become part of the rental agreement vacationers must sign. The listing of all renters was scrapped, but Planning did vote to require the number of occupants to be included on the rental agreement.

The rules and regulations must also be posted in a prominent position in the homes. It was agreed that the door would be the best place to post the rules. “Keep it short so they will read and understand it,” said Millard Smith. Culpepper went even further. “It needs to be something a ten-year-old can understand,” he said. Grant suggested that the City provide a bulleted poster.

Carl Hally made the point that under current law, the owner is responsible for violations. “This will make the renters responsible, so they should know what the consequences are.” Culpepper agreed. “The owner is getting rental income, but he is not the one creating the problem.”

“How do we determine what constitutes a violation?” Pope asked. “That’s where we got derailed last time we tried to do this. The City has the right to revoke licenses, but we don’t have any parameters.”

“If we are going to have it this year, we have got to get something to City Council,” said Kennedy. “If we don’t have it in their hands by October, we will have to wait until next year.”

The Planning Commission voted unanimously to have their suggestions incorporated into the ordinance that will receive first reading at the City Council meeting on July 27. Council will hash it over and send it back to Planning for a public hearing. That’s when residents who will be affected by the new laws – and isn’t that just about everyone? – as well as owners of vacation rentals can most effectively contribute to the dialogue. The Planning Commission makes recommendations; City Council makes laws.

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At 7:00 p.m. on July 13 it will all be over. Folly Beach residents will have chosen the City Council member who will represent them for the next two years. Either Susan Breslin or D.J. Rich will take the empty seat once occupied by Tim Goodwin and serve the remaining two years of his term.

Both candidates agree that the key to winning will be getting their supporters to the polls. Rich said personal matters kept him from really campaigning hard the first time around, but he still performed well and barely missed the cut-off for the run-off. Since then, he said, he has been focused and working hard to win. For Breslin, it’s her third campaign this year and she hopes the third time’s a charm.

“I think this is a crucial time for Folly Beach, Breslin said. “We have to choose the kind of place we want Folly to be and we’re running out of time to make that choice.”

Breslin’s “Residents First” slogan has at times annoyed Rich. “This town is made up of residents, businesses and vacationers,” he said. “The interests of all of them need to be represented. I’m a resident, too, but we need balance.”

But Breslin is focused on the number of residents, especially the full-time residents who have left Folly Beach. She said four years ago more than 30% of the homes on Folly Beach were owner occupied, but now it’s down to 20%. “So many people I have talked to are thinking about moving because they’re fed up.” She said reasons for resident dissatisfaction include noise and traffic issues, drunks in the street, and the feeling that they are losing control over Folly Beach, that Folly Beach controls them.

Rich says Folly Beach cannot exist without a viable business community to support the city. “We don’t need more growth, but we need to manage what we have,” he said. “We need to make sure we have a thriving business community.”

Breslin agrees with Rich on that point, but she said it should not be at the expense of the residents. She said the downtown area is about more than the shops and food and beverage establishments that line Center Street. “Center Street isn’t owned by a few bars. Center Street belongs to all of us and we are all affected by what happens there,” she said.

A major concern for Rich is that some people see him just as a business owner and think that’s all he cares about, but he said he is concerned about all the issues Folly faces just as any resident would be. “I talk to people seven days a week and, believe me, it’s easy to know what’s going on, to get opinions from people. Between the Planet and the Crab Shack (which he says are heavily frequented by locals) it’s not hard to keep track of the pulse of Folly Beach,” he said.

Both candidates think they could work well with the present Council members. “We need a cohesive Council this time around,” Rich said, adding that he feels he would bring needed balance to the group. According to Breslin, what the city needs most on Council is a middle ground on the issues. “People square off and don’t talk to each other, they don’t say ‘I can live with this, can you live with this?’ It’s really important to cooperate with other Council members.”

It’s the middle of the summer, people are busy with houseguests or have left town because of the weather or the crowds. It may seem like a ho hum election, but that’s not true. The person elected to City Council on Tuesday will be sitting in that chair for two years. And a lot can happen in two years.

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Ordinances

The June 22 City Council meeting began at exactly 7:00 p.m. and the gavel came down at 8:01 p.m. No new ordinances were introduced and no one raised a stink about anything. The new Comprehensive Plan and Official Zoning Map unanimously passed final reading. The State requires that the comprehensive plan be reviewed every five years and the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the plan at its June 7 meeting. There were no objections from residents and after striking the provision regarding construction of a fine arts center, the PC recommended passage of the Comprehensive Plan and sent it to City Council for a final vote. A nuts and bolts ordinance updating Folly Beach building regulations to bring them into compliance with current codes also passed unanimously.

The FY10-11 budget was up for final reading and Mayor Tim Goodwin opened the floor to public comments. There were no questions or concerns raised by residents. Pennell Clamp reiterated his stance that there are some things he doesn’t like about the budget, but what the heck, all in all it’s a good budget with no millage increase so let’s “git ‘er done.” Clamp did propose a change that would require Council’s approval before the City purchases any new vehicles. That made sense to the other members – I’d wager Clamp maintains his vehicles rather than rushing to buy a new one every couple of years – and that provision was added before the final tally, in which only Eddie Ellis cast a dissenting vote.

An ordinance providing for the issuance of a $1 million general obligation bond to pay for the expansion of the Public Safety facility passed second reading with only Ellis voting against it. According to City Administrator Toni Connor-Rooks, the most recent value of all taxable property in Folly Beach is approximately $66 million and the City may borrow up to 8% of this amount without a referendum. Although the cost of the expansion was approximately $1.6 million, keeping the indebtedness at $1 million will keep the annual payment approximately the same as that for the current City Hall, which will be paid off this year. The bond will be repaid in ten annual principle plus interest installments of $122,739 at a fixed interest rate of 3.91%. Not only did the City negotiate a good deal, according to Connor-Rooks, but Folly Beach Building Inspector Eric Lutz will be on the job – monitoring construction work and costs – to make sure the City is getting its money’s worth.

Other business

A resolution authorizing the City of Folly Beach to withdraw from the Charleston County Consolidated Dispatch Center introduced by Ellis was shot down when he failed to receive a second to the motion. A resolution awarding the bid for the court room sound system for just at $21,000 passed unanimously with Connor-Rooks explaining that the City would receive a grant to cover approximately half of that expense. Connor-Rooks said she had seen a demo of the equipment and was very pleased that it would now allow residents the option of listening to meetings on the radio.

Public Safety

Chief Terry Boatwright talked about his plans to get Folly Beach through the Fourth of July weekend. To many residents, Boatwright is walking on water after the Memorial Day non-event and he aims to keep on walking. Boatwright said the Folly Beach Department of Public Safety is “staffed up and ready for the July 4 weekend.” He said his major problem this summer has been getting traffic off the West side of the island, but as far as front beach behavior is concerned, “small ops” since the Memorial Day weekend have had the intended effect on behavior. From May 1 to June 22 of 2010, 484 citations were written compared to 288 in this same period last year. There has also been a 60% increase in littering citations this year, according to Boatwright. Not more littering, he stressed, but more enforcement. He said he also intends to continue the vehicle check points that have proven very effective.

Council Comments

Laura Beck expressed concern about the new power poles SCE&G wants to put in the Folly River. She said the permit to OCRM failed to specify the height of the new utility poles and she thought it would be wise for Folly Beach to exercise some input before the permits are granted.

Eddie Ellis applauded Chief Boatwright for staying ahead of the curve. He said he was standing in line at the Piggly Wiggly and overheard the day-trippers in front of him talking about how visitors needed to “tone it down or you may get a citation.”

Hume reiterated his stance regarding his low-key approach that makes residents ambassadors of our beach. “We all need to work to keep our beaches clean. Pass out garbage bags, ask people to behave. If we all work at this, we can do it.”

Charlie McCarty reminded us that July 3rd, which will be celebrated at the beach as the 4th of July holiday, is also the birthday of Julius Caesar.

Mayor Tim Goodwin said residents need to remain focused on beaches and walk-overs, but we also needed to look in our own backyards. He encouraged people to purchase regulation garbage containers at City Hall and to refrain from putting trash cans and yard debris on the street days before pick up. “We know what gets picked up on what days,” he said.

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Many residents have expressed interest in offering their services to the city, and volunteering is a great way for residents to actively participate in local government. By volunteering, you can help make the beach a safer, cleaner, and better place to live. If you are interested in participating in any of the programs listed below, please contact the appropriate Department Head:

Building and Zoning is seeking volunteers for Code Enforcement activities. The primary focus will be monitoring the island for violations of trash ordinances and right of way encroachments. Duties will include patrolling the island, documenting violations, and initial notification of property owners. The estimated time per week is 8 hours. For more info or to volunteer, contact Aaron Pope at 588-2447 ext 1839, or email apope@cityoffollybeach.com.

Beach Management Patrol is seeking volunteers to help keep our beach clean and act as ambassadors to our residents and visitors. Duties will include walkover cleaning, beach litter pickup, and monitoring. If you are a citizen who already patrols the beach in your spare time, please contact us so we can coordinate our efforts with those of you who already act as stewards of the beach. The time commitment per week will vary. For more info or to volunteer, contact City Administrator Toni Connor-Rooks at 708-9474, or email tconnor@cityoffollybeach.com.

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Scruggs had previously been among the four person majority who voted against the original “Cadillac” version of the plan which would have also included a remodeling of City Hall to provide more space for staff and would have cost an estimated $1.7 million. Everyone seemed to determined to vote the same way they had previously, prompting those in favor of the plan to predict its failure during the public meeting. It was obvious, though, as the group voted that Scruggs was on the fence. His head was down and took several moments to think when it was his turn before voting yes, ensuring a passing of the plan by a 4-3 margin.

Scruggs later said that he originally voted “no” late last year because he wanted the City to explore other options before dedicating itself to spending $1.7 million of tax payer money. Dave Stormer had also presented a plan that he believed would provide the extra space necessary and would only cost $600,000. However, after further analysis it was thought the Stormer plan would cost at least $900,000. It was at that point that Scruggs began to move onto Mayor Carl Beckmann’s bandwagon to support the original plan. Everyone agreed that more space was needed and Scruggs did not believe the goal would be achieved any other way.

The plan that was passed on January 19 is a “basic” version that only addresses the Public Safety Building and does not include City Hall. It will create a second floor for sleeping quarters and other offices and will house the police department as well which is currently on the first floor of City Hall. That space will be utilized to give City Staff, still in City Hall, more space. While the plan is estimated to cost anywhere between $1.2 and $1.3 million, it was made public that the actual cost will be more. The City has to comply with County Codes that requires an estimated 73,000 in renovations. Furthermore, there are costs associated with the temporary housing of fire personnel and equipment during the construction that was taken into account. There is also the possibility of water damage in the walls that may have to be addressed but was not researched because Mayor Beckmann did not consider this cost worth discovering until the plan was passed.

Tom Scruggs, Mayor Beckmann, Laura Beck, and Charlie McCarty were the four members of the City Council which voted in favor of the plan. The Council will hold its next regular meeting on January 26 at 7pm at City Hall.

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Good communication on behalf of a government body is essential to addressing the concerns of its citizens. When checking the City of Folly Beach’s web site for information on the  council meetings regarding the reconstruction of City Hall there is nothing; not even on the calendar. But lots of information about the Christmas Parade and a nice letter from the mayor are easy to find. One can argue about which is more important, but when it come to spending millions of the city’s money (potentially), one would hope that these meetings would be important enough to at least mention on the web site or a blurb in the Sandspur or Folly Current. Evidently they are not.

Lately, communicating with residents in regard to special City Council work sessions to which the public is invited to attend and comment has been reduced to a two day notice put up at the post office. On November 10, the City Council scheduled a special meeting on November 19. At that meeting they scheduled another special meeting for December 10. Neither were advertised on the website. Advertising required residents to stop by the post office or City Hall to find out.

Some say, “well the staff is overworked and they don’t have the time.” But again, referring to the web site, if there is time to write up the Christmas Parade and the mayor has time to post his monthly letter, there is time to post something about special City Council meetings that public should be attending. There were at least three weeks in between these last two meetings so there was plenty of time to get the information out about the first meeting and the date for the next publicized. This lack of notification has made me wonder if there is some reason why the public is not being informed about these meetings until the last minute. There was no problem letting people know about the special meeting about the trash issue. What’s happened between then and now?  Special Council work sessions with public comment should also be held at times when more residents can attend. Most of our council is retired or self employed and have the luxury of meeting early in the day. Early meetings leavemany residents who work unable to attend. The December 10 meeting focused on the City Hall and Public Safety expansion was scheduled for 4pm in addition to the lack of public communication.
To say that our city is technologically challenged when it comes to communication is putting it nicely. We are stuck in a time warp. Putting up a notice at the post office is quaint and a nice reminder to look at when we get our mail, but we also need the ability to sign up for email notifications on the City’s web site and the residents must be informed of what is happening on a timely basis. We still don’t have an effective emergency notification system and if there was ever anything we wanted to throw some money at, that should be it. I know council and staff feel overwhelmed, but it is time for a formal Communications Plan to improve the relationships between the Council, Public Services, Administration, staff, business’s, clubs, committees and most importantly, the residents. An effective Communication Plan will enhance the way we work and live and enable our city government to work more efficiently. What is our priority as a City?
Furthermore, the lack of communication leads to an “us versus them” mentality or in this case, more like the Surf Bar versus The Crab Shack.  I’m sure it’s too late for this Council, as it is, to heal the obvious fissures. Using a facilitator to help with these special meetings that address the trash issue and City Hall reconstruction was a good idea and enabled our crippled counsel to move ahead. I have no doubt that the Mayor and every Council member work with the best interests of Folly Beach at heart and I commend them for taking on these, all but, volunteer positions. In the future, the Mayor and Council need to take advantage of every opportunity to reach out and use every resource available to keep each other and the residents informed and involved. Let’s hope the next batch can do that.

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