Sympathy, but no support for Council member’s request to hire independent counsel

A worthwhile confrontation in our opinion

City Council meets only once a month over the summer period. It normally meets twice a month and in the past, the reduction of the frequency has been offset by the length of meetings. We can remember in past years where some meetings in summer have extended to about 10 pm. This is long haul for a meeting beginning with Ways Means at 4.30 pm. Whether its the weaker economy and a diminution in commercial and housing projects needing approval, or just an aberration, yesterdays meeting was no longer than normal. There were no speakers during Public Participation which promoted the Mayor to joke that the public was mindful of the desire to get home to view a major sport event. Indeed, excluding those who turned up to participate in the award ceremonies, the public attendance was probably less than 10.

Continue reading "City Council, July 15"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:24 PM

Chief Thomas says farewell

Preservation Plan, Long Savannah and CARTA budget

Chief Rusty Thomas received a standing ovation last night. He and four other long standing members of the City administration, who were retiring, were honored at the City Council meeting. The Mayor spoke eloquently and passionately about the service rendered by the staff members. But predictably, his comments relating to the Fire Chief were the most passionate.

Continue reading "City Council, June 17"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 01:47 PM | Comments (0)

City Council Lackeys Revolt – another Riley charade!

Last Tuesday evening’s May 27th meeting of Charleston City Council was more entertaining than most Spoleto events. From all accounts, it was better scripted and rehearsed than many competing festival performances and provided “world-class” entertainment for all in attendance. It coincidently provided orchestrated fodder for the lapdog Palter and Chatter that Charlestonians suffer as a local daily newspaper. As in other recent local tragedies, Mayor J. Pericles Riley stole the show with his superb acting skills. In recognition of such well-honed talent, Pericles is hereby awarded the first ever “Rusty (Ruthless, Unscrupulous, Subversive, Tyrannical Yeasayer) Award” for his outstanding performance as a world-class, self-righteous demagogue.

Continue reading "Shrimp 'n Grits"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 10:17 AM | Comments (0)

Council wants to be involved in selection of the new Fire Chief

A strong rebuff to the Mayor

It was not the Mayor’s night! Reflecting pressure from constituents, Council members successfully persuaded the City to drop some proposed amendments to its parking regulations. But the big upset came at the end of the meeting when Council defied the Mayor and voted its inclusion in the process of choosing the City’s new Fire Department Chief.

Continue reading "City Council, May 27"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:51 AM | Comments (0)

Viewers can download Routley Report

The most definitive report on the tragic Sofa Super Store fire was released yesterday. All the news media have reported extensively on it. The authors are very damning of both the City Fire Department and the owners of the Sofa Super Store.

We thought viewers may like to see the Routley Report in its entirety. It is 2.5MB so it may a minute to download. The report is well written, detailed and well researched. It has many illustrations which help to explain the factors behind the deadly blaze.

press here

Posted by Warwick Jones at 08:23 PM | Comments (0)

Withholding the Routley report “was not the best”

An emotionally charged meeting

Everybody knows that Mayor Riley changed his mind about the release of the Routley report. Last Friday, the Mayor announced that the release of the report would be delayed indefinitely. By yesterday, he had changed his mind and announced that it would be released on May 15. For us, the surprise was not that he changed his mind. The surprise was the first decision, to delay issuing the report. Commissioned by the City, the report was expected to be the most definitive on last year’s tragic fire at the Sofa Super store. The Mayor surely was aware of the indignation a delay would stir among the citizenry, and particularly firefighters and the families of the fallen. The stream of citizens appearing before Council over the last few months seeking the release of the report can hardly have escaped his notice.

Continue reading "City Council, May 6"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:26 PM | Comments (0)

Council wobbles a bit over sofa store site purchase

Some proposed parking changes generate ire?

At one stage in last night's meeting, we thought it was unlikely the Council would approve the purchase of the Super Sofa Store site on Savannah Highway. The Mayor was “taken aback” by the criticism or lack of enthusiasm for the purchase and made an impassioned speech in its support. He reminded Council that it had unanimously approved the purchase at a meeting last year. He also declared that the City's reputation was at stake if it failed to move ahead with the purchase. The City needed the memorial for the fallen firefighters, and it would be a travesty if a car dealership or hamburger vendor were allowed to occupy the site.

Continue reading "City Council, April 22"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:12 PM | Comments (0)

Debate over penalties for infringement of "smoking in work-place" ordinance

Village Green joins Long Savannah. What about traffic a citizen asks?

There were only two items of note on last night’s agenda – an amendment to the City’s smoke- free work place ordinance, and an amendment that effectively makes the Village Green Development part of the Long Savannah Project. Both amendments were passed by Council though the first had some dissenters.

Continue reading "City Council, April 8"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:00 PM | Comments (1)

Citizens losing patience over release of Sofa Store fire report

HUD grants for 2008/9 - Elpis slated to receive $150,000

The tragic sofa store fire was not on yesterday's Council meeting agenda. But it got attention. Two members of the public, one of whom lost a brother in the fire asked when the Routley Commission report would be available. The Commission is charged to provide a full report on the fire and the response by the City Fire department.

Continue reading "City Council, March 25"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:19 AM | Comments (0)

Elpis - where has all the money gone?

Parking contract awarded but with conditions

One wonders about our City Council. Elpis Inc, a non profit group, has received about $1 million from the City to support social programs and help restore the Josiah C. Tennent House on East Bay Street. The group has also received over $3 million in private donations and from bank loans. It has now defaulted on a bank loan and the City has agreed to buy the building for $1.415 million, the amount owed to Wachovia. The City will borrow the funds from Charleston LDC in a 20 year term loan, bearing interest not more than 4.5%.

Continue reading "City Council, March 4"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:41 PM | Comments (0)

Lackluster meeting

Management of Magnolia Project criticized

For a time, it seemed that the representation of the public at last night’s Council meeting would be only 3 persons. And from looking at the agenda, there seemed little of interest that would draw out citizens on a cold and rainy evening. A few more citizens straggled in as the meeting progressed. But if the low attendance numbers reflected anticipation of a dull evening, the public got it right.

Continue reading "City Council, February 26"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 10:27 AM | Comments (0)

A kiss for Councilmember Shirley

Where’s the report on the Sofa Store fire?

Yesterday’s Council meeting was short and lackluster. Indeed the highlight was the kiss planted on Council member Shirley’s forehead by a citizen when the Mayor announced that it was the Council member’s birthday. This expression of “bonhomie” did not persist into Citizen Participation when she accused the City of not caring in the treatment its citizens. She is the owner of Tellis Pharmacy on King Street. It has been robbed a number of times and the police seem unable to ever apprehend the thieves.

Continue reading "City Council, February 12"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 10:35 AM | Comments (0)

Grimball Farms development approved

A pier to link Brittlebank Park to Bristol Marina

The agenda suggested it would be a short meeting. We were wrong. We forgot that the Mayor’s State of the City Address was scheduled, and failed to anticipate the discussion over the Grimball Farm development project. So our anticipated short meeting lasted for 4 hours.

Continue reading "City Council, January 22"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:46 AM | Comments (0)

Ordinance relating to election campaigning pulled

Gadsden Green residents plead for a reprieve

Continue reading "City Council, December 18"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 07:46 AM | Comments (0)

Charleston to have its own “thought police”

Committee to be appointed by the Mayor (Viewers, this is not a joke!)

Warwick Jones

We couldn’t believe it when we first saw the notice in the City Council meeting agenda. But then we got a copy of the proposed ordinance. Yep, it seems the Mayor wants the City to have it own “thought police”. Orwell’s vision is about to materialize in Charleston.

Continue reading "City Council"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:45 AM | Comments (2)

City wraps up 2008 budget. What was the cost of the Super Store fire?

Citizen takes issue with Council member Gallant

So what was the cost of the Super Sofa Store? Council member Fishburne both posed and tried to answer this question during budget discussions at City Council last night. His estimate, made after discussion with CFO Bedard of the City was about $5.9 million. This included accumulated spending by the City to date of $2.8 million, and another $2.4 million budgeted in 2008, and other items such as air pack purchases. The Council member also argued that much of the spending represent under-funding of the Fire Department in previous years. The City was now just attempting to catch up.

Continue reading "City Council, December 6"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 10:11 AM | Comments (1)

A summary of the 2008 City Budget

Warwick Jones and Marc Knapp

Viewers can see a summary of the City’s 2008 budget prepared by Charlstonwatch. The summary is broken down into 4 components:

General Fund Revenue Download file
General Fund Expenses Download file
The Enterprise Fund – Revenue and Expenses Download file
Charitable Contributions a.k.a as Assistance Program Download file

Continue reading "City Council"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 02:14 PM | Comments (0)

Long Savannah annexation approved with minimal discussion

City formulates policy on its Urban Growth Boundary

It was described as a big annexation, second only to that of Daniel Island. But it got less discussion on City Council last night than a zoning issue over a property worth some $2 million or so. Only 2 Council members made substantial comments over the City’s proposed annexation of the properties that comprise the Long Savannah development. These members, along with one other, were those opposed to the development. It will now go to the Planning Commission for approval and then back to Council.

Continue reading "City Council, November 27"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:19 PM | Comments (0)

Millage and Parking Fees to rise in 2008

Fire Department costs a heavier burden

It was hardly a surprise. The Mayor when questioned during the election campaign said he could not rule out a tax increase for fiscal 2008. During a campaign, what politician is going to “fess” up to a tax increase? The absence of a denial was really an admission. So we now have the prospect in the City of a 4.3% increase in property taxes. In very broad terms – with City now accounting for roughly half of residents’ property taxes - overall taxes for most property owners will rise around 2-3% - hardly a disaster.

Continue reading "City Council, November 20"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)

Updated figures of spending on Mayoral race

What of the future?

More than a week has passed since the City elections. The news media have made their analysis, with little depth. But the there was probably nothing much to find by digging deeper. Joseph P Riley Jr retained his mayoral position, as expected, with 63.9% of the vote. And with one notable exception, the incumbent Council members retained their positions, as expected. The surprise was the unseating of Council member Bleeker by Timothy Mallard who won convincingly despite some large public relation bloopers. The milder surprise was the convincing win by Gary White who overwhelmed his Peninsula domiciled opponent in the District 1 fight with solid support from Daniel Island where he resides.

Continue reading "City Elections"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 10:23 AM | Comments (0)

Why I won’t vote for Joe Riley!,

Corrosion by power

There are number of reasons why I will not vote for Joe Riley in the City election next week. But perhaps the major reason is his already long tenure as City Mayor. Another term will take the tenure to 36 years. It is not the actual time that he has spent in office that is an issue. It is the concomitant corrosion of the political and administrative processes, and the too often subordination of the will of citizens to the interests of developers. Over his 32 years in office, Mayor Riley has built a network, largely in the business, development and professional fields that allow him to harvest hundreds of thousands of dollar for his political campaigns. We don’t know what the final figure will be for this year’s campaign but that 4 years ago, was approaching $1 million. This is a multiple of what any opponent can raise.

Continue reading "City Elections"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 09:31 PM | Comments (0)

Disappointing League Forum

“No shows” by candidates Waring and Mallard

Arguably, those held by the League of Women Voters are the most important of all forums relating to City Council elections. Considering their prominence, last night’s forum, for contenders in the District 7 and District 11 races, was particularly disappointing. Council member Waring (District 7) and contender Tim Mallard (District 11) were absent. Their absence begs the question as to whether the forum was a waste of time. We hope the poor weather and not disinterest on the part of citizens, was the cause of the small audience, which numbered about 10.

Continue reading "City Council Elections"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:53 AM | Comments (0)

Traffic issues for Harleston Village, and for Broad and Meeting Streets

City gets an unusual $1m gift from Spaulding-Paolozzi Foundation

There were two controversial items on yesterday’s City Council agenda. The first was to change traffic on Rutledge and Ashley Avenues between Broad and Calhoun Streets from one to two-way. The second was to allow carriage tours along Broad and Meeting Streets between the hours of 4 pm and 6 pm. Presently, tours are prohibited in this peak traffic time. Council approved the first ordinance but rejected the second proposal.

Continue reading "City Council, October 23"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:17 PM | Comments (0)

Forum for Mayoral Candidates

Lots of heat for his administration but no response by Mayor

The League of Women Voters was probably taken aback by the ferocity of last night’s election forum. The four candidates for mayor of the City faced off against each other at a forum arranged by the League at the County Library on Calhoun Street. If past debates were an indication, the verbal assaults of contenders would have been strokes with the soft end of a feather duster. But not last night!.

Continue reading "City Elections"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 03:40 PM | Comments (0)

League of Women Voters Forum

Candidates for City Council define the issues

Continue reading "City Council"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 02:07 PM | Comments (1)

County to consolidate emergency dispatch services

Concern that City of Charleston will not sign on

Meeting as the Finance Committee, Council last night agreed to move forward to consolidate dispatch services in the County. The feasibility study of the plan, to integrate the dispatch of EMS, fire and police response to emergency calls was completed earlier this year. Council last night agreed to fund the consolidation and pay total running costs after 2014.

Continue reading "County Council, October 12"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:01 AM | Comments (2)

Annual Police Department Report- too many words dilute the substance!

Council member Morinelli gets feisty

Judging from the TV cameras, the presentation by Police Chief Mullen was to be the highlight of the evening. He was to give the first of the planned Annual Police Department reports. Despite the standing ovation from many of the attendees, we were disappointed. The chief spoke well. But there were too many words, and they diluted the substance. He spoke of broad plans and objectives but mostly in conceptual form rather than in facts. There was the expected hype and praise. The words “world class” crept also into the presentation suggesting the Mayor or his speech writer had a hand in the preparation. .

Continue reading "City Council, October 9, 2007"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 03:24 PM | Comments (0)

Mayor Riley’s money machine

See list of contributors

Warwick Jones

It is the nature of modern politics. A political family gains allies – retainers, supporters, hangers-on, admirers, associates, in-house Machiavellis. The bigger the government, the more ways allies can be awarded, which binds them more closely. Your destiny is theirs. Members of the Court recruit others. Money lines spread person to person, company to company, board to board, mover to mover.

The most important part is the money lines. Peggy Noonan WSJ October 8 2007

Continue reading "City Elections"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 09:48 AM | Comments (0)

Unusual gift to the City

Mayor out of contact with constituents over fate of Chief?

Not surprisingly, matters relating to the Sofa Store fire consistently come up at Council meetings. Last night, Council applauded City businessman Gene Reed for his $228,000 contribution to buy new uniforms for the City Fire Department (CFD). Mr. Reed expressed sympathy for the victims of the fire and great praise for the CFD, Chief "Rusty" Thomas and Mayor Riley. He said the members of the CFD should be “more rewarded than they are”.

Continue reading "City Council, September 26"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:51 AM | Comments (0)

Nothing new except the spin

At last night’s much-heralded press conference, Mayor Riley tried to put a new spin on the same old information. It was not very convincing and the same questions are being asked. The Fire Department had a major melt down on the eventful evening of June 18. Nothing that the Mayor said last night exonerates the City from blame, or excuses the fire-site poor management. To say that this tragedy came about through mishandling by a bunch of “keystone cops” would be an understatement, in my opinion.

Continue reading "Mayor’s Press conference on Sofa Store fire"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:00 PM | Comments (4)

Fire Department to change practices. More changes likely

BlueCross/Blue Shield to administer health services. Decision on BZA ruling deferred

The Mayor announced some major changes relating to the City Fire Department on Tuesday night. The list of changes distributed to Council members ran to 7 pages and dealt with personnel, training, command, safety, communications and water supply. The Mayor stated that the changes had been implemented in the wake of the enquiries still underway. In response to a question from a Council member he noted that more changes were likely as the final reports of the investigations were completed.

Continue reading "City Council, September 11"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 02:32 PM | Comments (0)

P&C criticizes County but not the City on distributions to charities out of tax payer funds

What is it about the Post & Courier? It seems there is nothing that will provoke its Editorial staff to criticize the City, even if it amounts to hypocrisy. Take the editorial in last Friday’s edition. It dealt with the hand-outs given by Charleston County to charities from tax payer funds.

Continue reading "Why the hypocrisy?"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 07:50 PM | Comments (1)

Council defers discussion on Fire Department deficiencies

Approves rezoning for hotel and Dock Street Theatre contract amendment

The rezoning of a proposed hotel site on King Street and the management of City’s Fire Department were the two most important issues discussed on Tuesday night. Some Council members were also unhappy about the cost of renovating the Dock Street Theatre and the low participation of minorities in the sub contracting.

Continue reading "City Council, August 21"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 01:13 PM

But how to do it?

The market area needs to change, but how to do it? The City-organized charrette held on Friday evening allowed citizens and vendors to comment on what they would like to see at the City market area along Market Street.

Continue reading "The Market area needs to change"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 04:12 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack (0)

The Sofa Store site, Ansonborough Field and down-zoning on Johns Island

Too much for one evening!

Summer meetings are a test of endurance. Last night's was no exception. It lasted 5 hours. In summer, there's only one meeting per month instead of the normal two. Not surprisingly, the seats get uncomfortably hard and concentration impossible. It is not helped by some Council members raising trivial issues at the end of the meeting, seemingly designed to garner attention than to address real issues.

Continue reading "City Council July 17, 2007"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 06:12 PM | Comments (3)

Questions over need for a re-zoning to aid hotel project on King Street

DockStreet theatre renovation well over budget. Where is the minority participation?

The grievous loss of nine City firemen cast a shadow over yesterday’s Council meeting. The Mayor and Council members extended sympathy to the victims’ families and acknowledged the supreme sacrifice made by these men in the service of the community. Mayor Riley said that the tragedy had caused him to consider canceling the Council meeting. Much has already been said and written about the loss and we will add no more except our sympathy to the families and note our sorrow.

Continue reading "City Council, June 19"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 01:04 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Amendments to Cell Tower and Tree Clearing Ordinances

More details relating to Magnolia development

Yesterday’s meeting was to be the first in the newly renovated City Hall. But work still remains to be done and the first meeting has been rescheduled for mid June. Whether it was the confusion over the meeting place, Spoleto or simply spring lethargy, there were few attending yesterday’s meeting, held again at the Greenberg Municipal Building on Lockwood Drive. Ignoring City employees, only a few citizens were present and not a soul spoke in Citizens Participation. And indeed, there was little meat on matters before the Council.

Continue reading "City Council, May 29"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 07:22 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Persistence pays off

Greenberg to get a plaque. Some efficiency measures to be implemented

Marc Knapp

Over the last few months, Mr. Ed Jones has asked Council at just about every meeting what it was doing for the youth of the East Side community. Like many others who have spoken during Citizens Participation in recent months, he pointed to the lack of sporting facilities and opportunities for the youth of the community.

Continue reading "City Council, May 1"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 09:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Holocaust speech provokes reaction

City to form a “Green Committee” Is it really necessary?

Every year, members of the City’s Jewish community speak before Council as part of the Days of Remembrance of the Holocaust commemoration. Candles are lit and short speeches made about the horror of the Holocaust and the need to guard against a repetition. The ceremony usually passes without incident. But this year, one speech raised the ire of at least one citizen, and understandably so.

Continue reading "City Council, April 24"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:02 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Animal welfare ordinance faces no hurdles

Strange explanation of Foundation's investment with Al Parish

It's been more years than we can count in the making. And the Committee that was responsible for the Carriage Horse Welfare ordinance before Council yesterday was not the first to make an effort. Council was not inclined to dispute, or even discuss any issues relating to the ordinance. It was passed with only three Council members opposing because, in their view, the ordinance was not necessary.

Continue reading "City Council, April 10"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 10:31 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

The Urban Growth Boundary – a line in the sand or political smoke and mirrors?

Lee Walton

Since late 2005, Long Savannah Plantation, the largest in a recent gaggle of proposed planned unit developments (PUD’s) in the area bounded by the Ashley and Stono Rivers, has promised to be the first serious challenge to the integrity of Charleston County’s Urban Growth Boundary (UGB). This 3,050-acre, 4,800 home Mega-PUD, when first unveiled, was to be one of the largest ever proposed in the Lowcountry, second only to Kiawah Island in Charleston County and approximately the same size as Berkeley County’s Daniel Island. However, a vexing problem confronting its developers is that only 230 acres, or less than 8% of its total area, is located within the County’s higher density urban side of the UGB; most of the remainder has rural agricultural zoning which limits development densities to as low as only one dwelling for every ten acres.

Continue reading "Shrimp 'n Grits"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 08:54 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Seeks funds for Greenbelts

Hopes to move the UGB and to annex Long Savannah Plantation development

There were a lot of items on yesterday’s City Council Agenda which we thought were worthy of some discussion. And as happens too frequently, there was little or no discussion. In particular there was the $1.96 million distribution of CDBG and Home grants from HUD, an ordinance relating to the Neck Development and the applications to the County for Greenbelt Funds.

Continue reading "City Council, March 27"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Hardly worth the long wait

Main items were Bike Path contract and new City Gym

Regular attendees of Council meetings were probably confused. Council meetings usually are held every 2 weeks and begin with a meeting of the Way and Means Committee at 4.30 pm. Yesterday’s meeting follows only a week after the last, and began at 5.30 pm. The meeting was brought forward a week to allow Council members to travel to Washington for conferences with House and Senate members. This pilgrimage occurs every year and this year’s is scheduled for next week. The delay in beginning yesterday’s meeting reflected the overlap with the Mayor’s “night in”, when he meets with citizens to hear their requests or complaints.

Continue reading "City Council, March 6"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 10:44 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Council member seeks wider discussion over BAR

Fort Pemberton rezoning approved

Two items consumed nearly all of the discussion at last night’s City Council meeting, The items were creation of “alternate” membership for the Board of Architectural Review (BAR) and the approval of a rezoning of the 7.4 acres that surround Fort Pemberton on James Island. Both were approved, but the discussion on BAR members stretched beyond the specific agenda item.

Continue reading "City Council, January 27"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:56 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

George Washington’s Rules of Civility –

Timeless wisdom for Charleston’s elected officials

As we celebrate the birthday of our Republic’s First President, it is appropriate to ponder which of the 110 precepts that guided Washington in war and peace would be applicable today to Charleston’s Mayor and members of City Council. These seemingly simple notions like courtesy, honesty, humility and respect contributed far more to the legislative process 220 years ago than those practiced today. Those who now occupy positions of public trust in Charleston’s City Council Chambers rely upon cleverness, guile, stubbornness, coercion, and raw, often ruthless political power to govern the citizens of Charleston. With a little imagination and knowledge of their idiosyncrasies, it’s really quite easy to select an appropriate Rule or two for each:

Continue reading "Shrimp 'n Grits"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 08:52 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

New procurement Policy – should we be concerned?

“Palm rose peddler” ordinance amended and passed

Marc Knapp

The City attorney told us we had no reason for concern. The “checks and balances” which we felt necessary were there. She was referring to our concerns expressed in Citizens Participation over the changes in the proposed amendments to the City Procurement Policy. The changes were approved unanimously by the Ways and Means Committee, and what is now becoming common, without any discussion.

Continue reading "City Council, February 13, 2007"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:42 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

State of the City, the Smoking Ban, and Palm Rose peddlers

Our views

There were three stories arising out of yesterday’s City Council meeting. The Post & Courier reported on them and we won’t attempt to duplicate its effort. But, not surprisingly we hope, we have our own views.

Continue reading "City Council, January 23"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 01:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Charleston to become a "smoke free" City

An ordinance to stop citizens from using the "n" word

Marc Knapp

Continue reading "City Council January 9, 2006"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 01:41 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

No second thoughts on salary increases

Council members to receive equivalent of "about $30,000 a year"

There didn't seem to be any second thoughts. Council members Fishburne and Wilson said the increases were too much. But Council went ahead and voted a sizable increase in members’ remuneration beginning January 2008. As we noted in our report on the Council meeting a week ago, Council agreed to raise salaries of members from $11,100 to $15,000 a year. The salary of the Mayor is to rise from $125,200 to $149,000 a year beginning January, 2008 and rise thereafter at 3% a year.

Continue reading "City Council, December 19"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:31 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Mayor and Council get pay boost

More funds for Aquarium; the Budget; and Longborough.

It may not have been the most important item on last night's agenda, but it was probably of the most interest. Council voted a large increase in the salary of the Mayor, and an even larger percentage increase for themselves. Beginning January 1, 2008, the Mayor's salary will be $149,000 a year, up 19% from its present level of $125,200. The increase for Council members will be much larger in percentage terms, up 36% to $15,000 from $11,000 presently.

Continue reading "City Council, December 12"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 06:04 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Tax burden shifting from property owners to businesses and consumers

Generous handouts to "charities"

A draft of the 2007 City budget was presented to Council at its last meeting. It was a long document and short of explanation though the Mayor noted the highlights in an accompanying speech. Most of the City's spending and costs are contained within the General Fund, and Enterprise Fund. Summaries of both are shown at the end of the report. Council plans to discuss the budget at its meeting on Tuesday, December 12.

Continue reading "A closer look at the City Budget"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 03:56 PM

No millage increase for 2007

Drainage, affordable housing, and lack of sporting facilities

Council members got their first glimpse of the 20007 budget last night. Glimpse is the right word. Members had before them only a Power Point print-out. The full document was given out only after the Mayor had completed his speech. And despite the fact that the Mayor asked that questions be delayed until the next Council meeting, questions were asked. So much for the half hour allocated for the budget's introduction

Continue reading "City Council November 28"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 11:45 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

City Gym sold and new one planned

No discussion on hiring consultant for Preservation plan

If it were not for the item relating to the sale of the City Gym to The Citadel Trust Inc, discussion of matters on the Ways and Means agenda would have been minimal. As it was, there was no discussion of the contract with Page and Turnbull, a consultant hired to make recommendations for changes to the City Preservation plan.

Continue reading "City Council Meeting, November 14."

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:26 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)

Unjustified racial allegations again

Memminger Auditorium to be renovated, Major re-zonings around Bridge exits

The quality of debate at City Council has never been very high in our opinion. And it was not at an elevated level last night, at least not in the discussion of a development in West Ashley. The development was approved but with the opposition of Council member Wilson. But what galled us was the accusation leveled by Council member Gilliard that opposition to the development had "racial overtones". It also seemed to us that support for the development reflected consideration of the standing in the community of the applicants rather than the merits of the project. The owners were descendents of a prominent civil rights activist, and held the property for many years.

Continue reading " City Council meeting, October 24"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 06:05 PM | Comments (0)

CPAD doing well but jobs needed for Eastside youth

City follows in Disneyworld's steps

It was not on the agenda. But the Eastside citizen patrols drew more discussion than any other issue at last night's Council meeting. County Council members Darby and Pryor rose to speak during Citizens Participation time. They noted the success of the patrols (CPAD), the support from the residents and from the City. But their main purpose last night was to draw attention to the other phases of the strategy, in particular to find jobs for the youth of the Eastside caught up in drug dealing. Council member Darby referred to his previous call for the creation of 300 jobs and asked the City to make some effort in creating or finding these positions. The final part of the strategy was to move CPAD to other parts of Charleston where drug dealing was a problem. Already he had been asked by Mayor Summey for CPAD to help clean up North Charleston.

Continue reading "City Council Meeting October 17"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 05:20 PM | Comments (0)

More on Crime

Compromise of sorts on height limit for commercial buildings

The days may now be getting shorter but City Council meetings are not. Including that of the Ways and Means, last night's meeting took the best part of 4 ½ hours. Certainly there were matters of importance to discuss but the time was swollen by the Mayor's televised speech on crime, a 15 minute break to allow him to attend to other business, and then the innumerable presentations and awards that accompany every Council meeting, many of which seem trivial or unnecessary. The real business of Council took probably only half the session.

Continue reading "City Council Meeting September 26"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 06:57 PM | Comments (0)

A need for perspective

Fight against crime gathers momentum

Unbelievable! That is one word we would use to describe last night's meeting of City Council. Your usual correspondent, Marc Knapp would've used a word much harsher! Probably some 2 hours were spent addressing a very minor parking issue on Tradd Street. After the first hour, some Council members wondered out loud why they were spending so much time on the issue. The Mayor said the same thing and then spent another 10 or so minutes discussing it. Council member Shirley, trying unsuccessfully to wrap up the discussion, referred to the well-known philosopher Marc Knapp and loosely quoted him as saying that you don't need to be a "brain surgeon" to deal with this issue. (Actually Marc's words were "rocket scientist" but the correct sentiment was conveyed).

Continue reading "City Council Meeting September 12"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 05:02 PM | Comments (0)

Major step to curb drug dealing

Some questions of principle in relation to re-zonings

As Councilmember Fishburne sensed as he perused the long agenda early in the evening, it was going to be a long one. It was! Yours truly and another were the only members of the public that stuck it to the end - at 9 pm.. The meeting would have ended earlier but for the persistence of Council member Bleecker. She tried to make a point about procedure. Her argument had merit but with the lateness of the hour and the accompanying weariness, Council was in no mood for detailed discussion. She yielded before the daggers in the eyes of other Council members ceased being metaphoric.

Continue reading "City Council Meeting. August 15"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 07:02 PM | Comments (0)

City attempts to "tidy up" zoning and height restrictions

Mayor seeks to toughen penalties for violent crime

With 57 public hearings scheduled, the agenda for last night's City Council looked formidable. It was formidable, but not as much as it appeared. Many of the hearings related to annexations and the proposed ordinances were adopted without discussion. However, those relating to changes in the Neck area and West of the Ashley were important and generated much discussion.

Continue reading "City Council July 18"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 07:19 PM | Comments (0)

The City can and should insist on the removal of old utility poles

We have written many times about the rampant development in the City, the generous allowance of variances and exceptions by the Board of Zoning Appeals, the low level of standards applied by the Board of Architectural Review. We'll concede that there are two sides to most and if not all issues, even though the merits for some have been underwhelming in our view. But we wonder what the City administration's and its supporters' reason can possible be for not removing old utility poles. Apart for the cost, which we believe is modest and will be borne by the utilities, we can't think of any.

Continue reading "Needless eye sores!"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 04:55 PM | Comments (1)

Council tries a new way to combat violent crime

We question City's banker role. Discussion on smoking ban

The need to deal with violent crime was the most important issue before Council last night. But the need for a smoke-free environment evoked the longer discussion, even though the issue was not on the agenda. Most items on the agenda were approved by Council with little or no discussion. But one of those items, a loan to Elpis Inc, should have drawn some questions, in our view. It also caused us to reflect on the hypocrisy, perhaps unwitting, of some of the discussion on crime.

Continue reading "City Council June 20"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 05:53 PM | Comments (0)

The Malony Embezzlement - a real pocket book breaker

Mercy! It was hypocritical to hear J. Pericles Riley calling the formation of the Town of James Island a "cruel hoax" which would result in "pocketbook-breaking taxes." He should be saying the same thing about the actions of his close confidant and friend Danny Molony who, under the very noses of the highest officials of the City, was running an in-house scheme to embezzle almost a million dollars from the taxpayers of the City of Charleston? The final tab of this fiasco is yet to be disclosed.

Continue reading "Shrimp 'n Grits"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 01:22 AM | Comments (0)

Rubin's Raiders

A friend of mine, an old ex-Marine Lifer, is president of his homeowner's association in one of Charleston's new subdivisions out past Bees Ferry Road near the new Mega Wal-Mart. His neighborhood was having a terrible time with litter tossed out by construction workers who were building dozens of new homes in their subdivision. The growing piles of curbside litter were coming from the larger homebuilders' crews who were just dumping their lunch trash anywhere they wanted along the neighborhood streets (fast food bags, trash, plastic cups, bottles, drink cans, etc). Several of the neighbors had pleaded with the homebuilders and their subcontractors to clean up behind their workers but only got a shrug or the one finger salute for their efforts.

Continue reading "Shrimp 'n Grits"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 02:29 AM | Comments (3)

Traffic signals to be coordinated - hurrah!

Other purchases, re-zonings, Miss Charleston, and crime

Some of us have been griping for years about the seemingly uncoordinated traffic signals of the City. Our gripes last night were acknowledged when the Council approved a $571,000 contract to implement the Traffic Signal Retiming Project. The contract was awarded to Day Wilburn Associates. The scope of the project will be the development and implementation of new traffic signal timing plans for the City, including about 95 signalized intersections.

Continue reading "City Council, May 23"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 04:55 PM | Comments (0)

Cost of renovating City Hall rises again

Federal funding for more conspicuous street signage

Covering City Council meetings has become more challenging recently. Nothing much has happened, and there is little to write about. We expect it will not remain this way. But the problem remains of generating copy on last night's meeting.

Continue reading "City Council May 2 2006"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 04:59 PM | Comments (0)

Could City recover more from Danny Malony's assets?

To join battle with travel agencies in tax dispute

Two items dominated last night's meeting of City Council. The first related to the recovery of funds from the assets of Mr. Daniel Malony. The second was a possible suit against internet travel agencies for the recovery of taxes that the City claims it is owed. Both items were added to the agenda at the last minute, and there were no documents available for perusal by the public.

Continue reading "City Council April 23"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 05:10 PM | Comments (0)

Differences on annexations

Smoking ban back on agenda

It was a lean meeting for news. It seems the Post & Courier shared our view. Its commentary on last night's City Council meeting was confined to a report on annexations. Annexations have been a common feature of just about every meeting for the last 12 months also. What happened last night would normally pass with little or no comment.

Continue reading "City Council April 11"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 04:46 PM | Comments (0)

Stormwater fees, affordable housing and crime

There was much on last night's agenda. However, most of the discussion was on two items, affordable housing and crime, neither of which were on the agenda. Discussion on the former was precipitated by a major development proposed in West Ashley and that on the latter by citizens' comments.

Continue reading "City Council, March 28"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 06:47 PM | Comments (0)

Where is the scrutiny?

Questions on Ansonborough Field

Our thoughts turned to Mr. Bob George last night. Mr. George of course was the Council member that was defeated by Ms. Kathleen Wilson in the series of elections that began in November last. The ex-council member was a thorn in the side of the Mayor who went to a great and ultimately successful length to support her election bid. The new Council may be better liking to the Mayor. But it comes up short in other ways.

Continue reading "City Council March 7"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 12:05 AM | Comments (0)

$290 million bond issues by CPW approved

Water and sewage fees to rise annually 4% and 7% respectively

There was not a great deal of discussion about the $290 million revenue bond issues. And indeed, the capital raising is not as big as it seems to be. Of the total $290 million, $110 million is for refinancing outstanding bonds. The redemption of the outstanding bonds and the replacement with the new will save $4 million, Charleston Public Works (CPW) estimates.

Continue reading "City Council February 28"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 04:52 PM | Comments (0)

The Mayor lobbies in Columbia

City Hall renovation cost increases again

With little discussion of items, no speakers in Citizens Participation, it should have been a short meeting. It wasn't because the Mayor chose to tell Council about his trip to Columbia, from which he just returned, to lobby for a change in the property tax process. What the Mayor said was little different to that in his inaugural speech - municipalities should retain the ability to levy property taxes. However, the millage rate should be rolled back to that extent to make the reassessment neutral in terms of property taxes. The only increase allowed in millage would be that to compensate for inflation. He also said that a 1% sales tax should be instigated to allow for school funding. Attempts to modify the property tax legislation had failed in the past and the Mayor feared that it would fail again. He recognized that his proposal was modest compared with that considered in the legislature, but he felt that a modest change was better than none at all. He also said that a 15% cap on reassessments would not work and would be distorting.

Continue reading "City Council Meeting February 14"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 04:37 PM | Comments (0)

He is not a racist

Kwadjo Campbell, who represented District 4 on City Council prior to the elections late last year has written to the media stating that Robert George is not a racist. Herbert Fielding, the retired senator, made the accusation a short time before the run-off election in December. Mr George lost the election to Ms. Kathleen Wilson by a small margin and it is possible that the racist accusation was at least partly responsible for his loss.

Below is an extract from the letter>

Continue reading "Kwadjo Campbell defends Robert George"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 07:56 PM | Comments (0)

State of the City Address - few surprises

Harold Koon award and some zoning issues

Last night the Mayor gave his annual State of the City address. As usual it was long and contained few surprises. The Post & Courier covered it in today's edition and the full text is available on Charleston.net. As could be expected, the Mayor reviewed some of the events of last year and spoke of the problems that confronted the community. He spoke of growth, the need for regional planning, and preservation of the environment. Nothing much has changed over the years, for example, the address in 2000 highlighted the same things. This year there was mention of the benefit that would flow from the half-cent sales tax.

Continue reading "City Council Meeting January 24"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 04:40 PM | Comments (0)

Citizens' comments hold most interest

Who should nominate the Mayor pro tem?

It was a brief meeting. We could be flip and say it was because of the absence of Bob George and his questions over matters before the Council. But in reality, there was little of issue on the agenda that was worthy of questioning. The first meeting of the year opened with the welcoming of new Council members, followed by awards and the usual rezoning matters. And just in case you have not been following, there are two new Council members, Robert Mitchell and Kathleen Wilson. Councilmember Mitchell replaced Kwadjo Campbell who did not run for re-election. Council member Wilson replaced Robert George who she narrowly defeated in the election.

Continue reading "City Council Meeting January 10"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 10:14 AM | Comments (0)

Is Charleston facing an erosion of preservation standards?

The Preservation Society joins the Historic Charleston Foundation in questioning the City's commitment to preservation. In its current edition of Preservation Progress, it asks, " Are we facing an erosion of our preservation standards"? The lead article notes some of the projects that have been approved by the City and some that are in the process of approval. Clearly the Society is concerned about these projects and the impact they will have on the historical integrity of the City. It now joins the Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF), which also has expressed concerns, and plans to hold a public forum early this year to discuss the issue.

Continue reading "Preservation Society sounds the alarm"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 04:34 AM | Comments (1)

Wraps up 2006 Budget, debates an increase in business license fees

Hospitality tax revenue distribution

City Council wrapped up its discussion on the 2006 budget and there were no surprises. The highlights of the budget have already been reported in the Post and Courier and last night's discussion broke little new ground. Suffice to say that Expenditure for the year to December 31, 2006 is projected at $126.3 million, an increase of 8.9% over that projected for 2005. A number of factors contributed to the increase and included Cost of Living increases for wage and salary earners. These amounted to 5.5% for those on low levels and fell to 3.5% for those at higher levels. There were also significant increases in health care costs, and retirement benefits following State mandated changes.

Continue reading "City Council December 13"

Posted by Warwick Jones at 08:17 PM | Comments (0)