A meeting of Charleston County Council’s Finance Committee was … · 2019-08-21 · WHEREAS, the Gullah-Geechee culture has had a powerful impact on the Low Country of South Carolina,

July 25, 2019 Charleston, SC

A meeting of Charleston County Council’s Finance Committee was held on July 25, 2019, in the Beverly T. Craven Council Chambers, Second Floor of the Lonnie Hamilton, III Public Services Building, located at 4045 Bridge View Drive, North Charleston, South Carolina. The following committee members were present: J. Elliott Summey, Chairman, who presided; Henry E. Darby, Jenny Costa Honeycutt, Anna B. Johnson, Brantley Moody, Teddie Pryor, A. Victor Rawl, Herb Sass, and Dickie Schweers. County Administrator Jennifer Miller and County Attorney Joe Dawson were also present. Mr. Pryor moved for approval of the finance minutes of June 13, 2019 and June 25, 2019, seconded by Mr. Moody, and carried. The Chairman announced the next item on the agenda was the Gullah-Geechie Nation Appreciation Week Resolution. Mr. Pryor moved for approval of the resolution, seconded by Ms. Johnson, and carried. The resolution is as follows:

A RESOLUTION OF CHARLESTON COUNTY COUNCIL

Proclaiming the Week of July 27 – August 4, 2019 as Gullah-Geechee Nation Appreciation Week

WHEREAS, Charleston County is one of the oldest counties in South Carolina, and in the 18th century, Charleston County and the South Carolina coast became the locale of some of the richest rice plantations in the South, which were linked to specific West African ethnic groups who became known as Gullah-Geechee; and, WHEREAS, the Gullah-Geechee civilization, originated in West Africa, its people coming to the United States as slaves to work on rice plantations, specifically in the coastal regions, including South Carolina; and with their African fare, original language, and craftsmanship, the Gullah-Geechee people left their mark on southeastern South Carolina, and, WHEREAS, the Gullah-Geechee culture has had a powerful impact on the Low Country of South Carolina, including Charleston County, and these Gullah-Geechee influences have helped to define our southern lifestyle and culture; and, WHEREAS, the preservation and celebration of the Gullah-Geechee culture has gained momentum due to the Gullah-Geechee Cultural Heritage Act, created by United States Representative James Clyburn, as well as the efforts of others such as Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah-Geechee Nation, and Kwame Sha, co-founders of the International Gullah-Geechee Nation Celebration and the annual Gullah-Geechee Nation Music & Movement Festival; and,

Gullah-Geechie

Nation

Appreciation

Week

Request to

Approve

-2- July 25, 2019 Finance Committee

WHEREAS, it is appropriate to recognize the importance of bringing awareness and appreciation for this rich culture and history in order to increase understanding of all the contributions the Gullah-Geechee have given to our area. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that CHARLESTON COUNTY COUNCIL does hereby proclaim the week of July 27-August 4, 2019 as

GULLAH-GEECHEE NATION APPRECIATION WEEK

in Charleston County and encourages its citizens to participate in educational activities aimed at increasing both knowledge and appreciation of this rich culture.

CHARLESTON COUNTY COUNCIL

Elliott Summey, Chairman

July 30, 2019 The Chairman announced the next item on the agenda was the Consent Agenda. Mr. Pryor moved to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Mr. Moody, and carried. The Consent Agenda items are as follows: ITEM A: County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of DOADAS Chanda Funcell provided

a report in regards to accepting an award for the Medication-Assisted Treatment Sub

Award Amendment 1. It was stated that South Carolina Department of Health and

Human Services (SC DHHS), through South Carolina Legislature’s Proviso 33.30(H) of

the 2017-2018 Appropriation Act, has awarded a grant to MUSC in support of a pilot

program to expand medication-assisted treatment (MAT) services.

Charleston Center was granted permission to accept the original cost reimbursement in the amount up to $222,120 from MUSC’s MAT ACCESS ED (emergency department) program via a grant awarded to MUSC from the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SC DHHS) by Charleston County Council on February 13, 2018. The MUSC MAT ACCESS program is as an ongoing collaborative agreement and effort involving MUSC and Charleston Center, where Charleston Center provides personnel and administrative support in the delivery of screening, brief interventions, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) for patients with Opioid Use Disorder in MUSC’s ED. To continue this collaboration, MUSC has issued Amendment No.1 in order to:

Update the notice of award

Authorized (additional) funding to Charleston Center in the amount of $178,099

Update the budget dates and period of performance. o This amendment’s effective date will be from November 15, 2018 through

November 14, 2019. Charleston Center collaborative efforts remain unchanged from the original award and include:

Working with MUSC research team to achieve specific aims of study.

Training and supervising selected personnel in the delivery of screening, brief interventions, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) for patients with Opioid Use

Medication-

Assisted

Treatment Sub

Award

Amendment

Accept Award


Disorder in the Medical University of South Carolina Emergency Department (MUSC ED).

Working with the MUSC research team to meet the goals of the study.

Maintaining relations with the research team to address any organizational issues related to the study.

Department Head recommended that Council Accept cost reimbursement funding up to the total amount of $178,099 with the understanding that:

Once the funds have been accepted, management of funds and reporting become the responsibility of the Charleston Center.

No match required.

No new positions requested.

Award period is from 11/15/2018 through 11/14/2019. ITEM B:

County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of DAODAS Chanda Funcell provided

a report in regards to accepting an award for the US Department of Health/Human

Services Opioid Response Grant. It was stated that Charleston Center has been award

a subgrant through the State Opioid Response (SOR) Grant, federally funded by the

U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration- US Department of

Health and Human Services.

This subgrant award is in the amount of $50,000.00 to support of one full Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) position and one-half Nurse Practitioner (NP) position at Charleston Center. These positions would support efforts of the State Opioid Response by providing additional support to patients with Opioid Use Disorders at Charleston Center.

Department Head recommended that Council authorize the acceptance of funds in the amount of $50,000 from the State Opioid Response Grant with the understanding that:

Once the funds have been accepted, the budget management and monthly reporting become the responsibility of The Charleston Center.

Authorize one new FTE grant-funded Certified Medical Assistant position. This position may be continued after the grant ends if revenues are sufficient to support it within Charleston Center.

Authorize one new 0.5 grant-funded Nurse Practitioner position.

No match is required. The award period is from May 1, 2019 through September 30, 2019.

Mr. Sass asked if the $50,000 grant award covers the cost of the new FTE and half of the Nurse Practitioner position. Ms. Funcell stated yes, it covers the cost of both.

ITEM C: County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of Emergency Management Jason

Patno provided a report in regards to applying and accepted, if awarded, the FY19 Local

Emergency management Performance Grant. It stated that the Charleston County

Emergency Management Department is requesting authorization to apply for, and

accept if awarded, grant funding in the amount of $90,719 through the Federal

US Dept of

Health/Human

Services Opioid

Response Grant

Accept Award

FY19 Local

Emergency

Management

Performance

Grant

Request to

Approve


Emergency Management Agency’s Local Emergency Management Performance Grant

Program. If awarded, grant funding would be utilized to accomplish the following:

1. Offset the cost of department personnel. 2. Fund various emergency management projects that include but are not limited to;

Emergency Operations Center improvements, disaster preparedness outreach, emergency management program enhancement and personnel training.

3. Fund the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) and Teen Community Emergency Response Team (TeenCERT) programs.

ITEM COST

Personnel $46,719

Emergency Management Special Project $35,000

Community Emergency Response Team Program $9,000

Total $90,719

An in-kind or “soft” match on behalf of the department would be required. Salaries of department personnel associated with the completion of projects identified in the grant scope of work would be used to satisfy the match requirement. There are no FTE’s or vehicles associated with the above referenced grant program. Department Head recommended that Council approve the Emergency Management Department’s request to apply for, and accept if awarded, grant funding in the amount of $90,719 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Local Emergency Management Performance Grant Program to fund various emergency management projects along with CERT/TeenCERT Programs with the understanding that:

A required in-kind or “soft” match on behalf of the Emergency Management Department is to be satisfied by department personnel salaries associated with the completion of the identified projects.

There are no FTE’s or vehicles associated with the above referenced grant program.

The grant performance period is July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020.

ITEM D: County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of Contracts and Procurement Barrett Tolbert provided a report in regards to awarding a contract for the TST Victory Lane paving. It was stated that the Charleston County Transportation Development Department’s Victory Lane Paving project, located in the City of North Charleston, will consist of paving approximately 1,315 LF with pervious asphalt pavement. The work will include, but is not limited to, site excavation, asphalt paving, pavement striping, pipe installation, erosion and sediment control, and traffic control. The project will be constructed utilizing the items listed on the bid form in the solicitation. Bids were received in accordance with the terms and conditions of Invitation for Bid No.

5368-19C. The mandatory Small Business Enterprise (SBE) requirement for this

solicitation is 12.2% and the Minority Women Disadvantaged Business Enterprise

(MWDBE) goal is 25%.

TST Victory

Lane Paving

Award of

Contract


Bidder

Total Bid

Price

SBE

Percentage

MWDBE

Percentage

Truluck Construction, Inc. Charleston, South Carolina 29407 Principal: Charles E. Truluck Jr.

$249,807.00

13.0%

13.0%

Eadie’s Diva D Enterprises, LLC Ridgeville, South Carolina 29472 Principal: Dawn Eadie

$315,258.15

100%

100%

Truluck Roadway Services, LLC Charleston, South Carolina 29416 Principal: Chris Truluck

$345,429.50

100%

100%

Department Head recommended that Council authorize award of contract for the TST Victory Lane Paving project to Truluck Construction, LLC, the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, in the amount of $249,807.00 with the understanding that funds are available in the Transportation Sales Tax fund. ITEM E: County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of Contracts and Procurement Barrett

Tolbert provided a report regarding awarding a contract for TST Morrison Court Drainage

Improvement Project. It was stated that the Charleston County Transportation

Development Department’s Morrison Court Drainage Improvement project is located in

the Town of McClellanville and involves the replacement of an undersized 36” corrugated

metal pipe culvert with a new 6’x4’ box culvert at Morrison Court. The work will include,

but not be limited to, culvert removal, box culvert and headwall installation, channel

improvements and riprap stabilization, asphalt milling and replacement, grading, and

sediment and erosion control. The project will be constructed utilizing the items listed on

the bid form in the solicitation.

Bids were received in accordance with the terms and conditions of Invitation for Bid No. 5383-19C. The mandatory Small Business Enterprise (SBE) requirement for this solicitation is 12.2% and the Minority Women Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (MWDBE) goal is 25%.

Bidder

Total Bid

Price

SBE

Percentage

MWDBE

Percentage

Truluck Construction Inc. Charleston, South Carolina 29407 Principal: Charles E. Truluck, Jr.

$174,985.00 12.9% 12.9%

Landscape Pavers, LLC Charleston, South Carolina 29417 Principal: Joyce Schirmer

$230,965.00 100% 100%

*SJ Hamill Construction Company, LLC Charleston, South Carolina 29405 Principal: William Spielvogel

$255,141.00 0% 12.7%

TST Morrison

Court Drainage

Improvement

Project

Award of

Contract


*IPW Construction Group, LLC Charleston, South Carolina 29423 Principal: Cyrus Sinor

$258,888.00 0% 100%

*Greener Habitats Cayce, South Carolina 29033 Principal: Chad Hoffman

$375,739.94 0% 27.9%

Lowcountry Sitework, LLC Charleston, South Carolina 29492 Principal: John Mazzarella

$599,599.00 100% 8.3%

*Vendors deemed non-responsive for not meeting the SBE requirement.

The bids were reviewed in detail by the project manager, and the lowest bid is consistent with the engineer’s opinion of probable cost and is within the current project budget.

Department Head recommended that Council authorize award of contract for the TST Morrison Court Drainage Improvement project to Truluck Construction Inc., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, in the amount of $174,985.00 with the understanding that funds are available in the Transportation Sales Tax fund. ITEM F: County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of Facilities Timothy Przybylowski

provided a report in regards to a request to lease 3947 Whipper Barony Lane. It was

stated that the Community Resource Center has requested to lease 3947 Whipper

Barony Lane for a five (5) year term. The Community Resource Center is a non-profit

organization that provides food, clothing, diapers and hygiene essentials to members of

the community. See enclosed letter describing the Center’s mission and activities.

This item will go to Public Hearing and County Council for final action on August 20, 2019. Department Head recommended that Council authorize Chairman of Council to execute

a $1 per year lease agreement with the Community Resource Center for a five-year

term. The Community Resource Center will accept the building in as-is condition and

will be responsible for all operating and maintenance expenses. Both parties shall have

the right to terminate the lease with a 30-day notice. The Legal Department will review

all documents prior to execution.

Mr. Schweers asked what was in the building that is being leased. Mr. Przybylowski

stated it is vacant. DSS was in there, but have recently moved out. Mr. Schweers asked

if DSS was paying rent. Mr. Przybylowski stated they are part of the state mandate so

they were not paying rent.

The Chairman announced the next item on the agenda was Boards and Commissions. ITEM A: Clerk of Council Kristen Salisbury provided a report in regards to the need to make an appointment to the Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals. It was stated that an announcement of two vacancies for the Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals was previously made.

Lease of 3947

Whipper Barony

Lane

Request to

Approve

Construction

Board of

Adjustment &

Appeals

Appointment

(1)


An application for appointment was received from William “Bret” Godwin for the Civil Engineer seat. Following this appointment, there will still be one vacancy on this board. The Charleston County Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals shall consist of eleven members appointed by Charleston County Council for a term of four years each. No member of the Board may hold an elected public office. The eleven-member board shall consist of the following: 2 registered architects, 1 registered structural engineer, 1 registered mechanical engineer, 2 registered civil engineers, 1 licensed general contractor, 1 mechanical contractor, 1 licensed electrical contractor, 1 licensed plumbing contractor, and 1 licensed residential home builder. Mr. Pryor moved to appoint William “Bret” Godwin to the Construction Board of

Adjustment and Appeals for the Civil Engineer seat for a term to expire July 2023. Ms.

Johnson seconded the motion, and carried.

ITEM B: Clerk of Council Kristen Salisbury provided a report in regards to the need to make

appointments to the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission. It was stated

that an announcement of four vacancies for the Charleston County Park and Recreation

Commission was previously made.

Applications for reappointment were received from Dale Aren, Eduardo Curry, and Mattese Lecque. Applications for appointment were received from Jacob Axman, Amy Carter, Kenneth Marolda, Jason Mikell, Bradley Taggart, and Jeremy Willitts. The Charleston County Park and Recreation Commission is a seven member Board. The Commission is a policy making board and has specific areas of responsibility outlined in legislation. The Staff administers the policies of the Commission under the direction of the Executive Director. The mission of the Commission is to improve the quality of life in Charleston County by offering a diverse system of park facilities, programs, and services without duplicating services provided by other agencies. The Commission generally schedules three Committee meetings and one Commission meeting each month. Special and additional meetings are held as needed. The Commission is appointed by the Governor, on the recommendation of County Council for two (2) year terms. Mr. Pryor nominated Ms. Aren, Mr. Curry, Ms. Lecque, and Mr. Taggart. Mr. Sass nominated Mr. Willitts. Mr. Rawl nominated Mr. Mikell. The Chairman called for a vote. The roll was called and votes were recorded as follows: Darby - Aren, Curry, Lecque, Taggart Honeycutt - Aren, Curry, Mikell, Taggart Johnson - Aren, Curry, Lecque, Taggart Moody - Aren, Curry, Lecque, Taggart Pryor - Aren, Curry, Lecque, Taggart Rawl - Aren, Curry, Lecque, Mikell Sass - Aren, Curry, Mikell, Willitts Schweers - Aren, Curry, Lecque, Willitts Summey - Aren, Curry, Lecque, Taggart

Charleston

County Parks &

Recreation

Appointments

(4)


The vote being nine (9) votes for Aren, nine (9) for Curry, seven (7) for Lecque, and six (6) for Taggart the Chairman declared Dale Aren, Eduardo Curry, Mattese Lecque, and Bradley Taggart as the Finance Committee’s recommendations to the Governor to appoint to the Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission for a term to expire June 2021. ITEM C: Clerk of Council Kristen Salisbury provided a report in regards to the need to make an appointment to the St. Andrew’s Parks and Playground Commission. It was stated that an announcement of one vacancy for the St. Andrew’s Parks and Playground Commission was previously made. Application for reappointment was received from John Johnston, III. An application for appointment was received from Kenneth Marolda. The St. Andrews Parks and Playground Commission is a Public Service District formed by the state legislature and is composed of five volunteer citizens that live within the Public Service District. The Commission is appointed by the Governor, upon recommendation of Charleston County Council for a term of three years. The duties of the Commission include preparing an annual budget to be approved by Charleston County Council and making and maintaining policy for the Agency. The staff of St. Andrews Parks and Playground report to the Executive Director who in turn reports directly to the Commission. Mr. Pryor nominated Mr. Johnston and moved for nominations to be closed. Mr. Sass seconded the motion, and carried. Being no further nominees, the Chairman closed nominations, declaring Mr. Johnston as the Finance Committee’s recommendation to the Governor to be appointed to the St. Andrew’s Parks and Playground Commission for a term to expire July 2022. The Chairman announced the next item on the agenda was the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee Qualifications. Clerk of Council Kristen Salisbury provided a report in regards to amending the

Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee Qualifications. It was stated that the

Charleston County Council established an Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee on

November 27, 2018 in order to meet requirements of state statute.

The Committee is composed of seven (7) members who must be residents of Charleston County. The membership of this committee shall be as follows:

1. A representative of the lodging industry whose business is located in unincorporated Charleston County

2. A representative of the lodging industry whose business is located in unincorporated Charleston County

3. A representative of the hospitality industry whose business is located in unincorporated Charleston County

St. Andrew’s

Parks &

Playground

Commission

Appointment

(1)

Accommodations

Tax Advisory

Committee

Qualifications

Request to

Amend


4. Representative of cultural organizations located in unincorporated Charleston County

5. Representative who resides in unincorporated Charleston County West of the Ashley (to include unincorporated areas West Ashley, James Island, Johns Island, Wadmalaw Island, Hollywood, Ravenel, St. Paul’s areas, Edisto Island)

6. Representative who resides in unincorporated Charleston County East of the Cooper (to include unincorporated areas in Mt. Pleasant, Awendaw, McClellanville, South Santee)

7. Member at large who resides in any area of unincorporated Charleston County

Members are appointed by County Council and will initially be appointed for staggered terms of two or three years and for terms of three years following the initial appointment. Due to the requirement that the committee members must reside in unincorporated Charleston County, only four (4) seats have been filled and the committee is unable to have a quorum. Based on input from the State TERC and other Counties in South Carolina, staff and legal recommend allowing people in Charleston County living in municipalities apply to the committee.

Clerk of Council recommends that Council amend the requirement of the

Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee to allow residents in Charleston County living

in municipalities apply to the committee.

Mr. Rawl moved for the Clerk’s recommendations, seconded by Mr. Pryor, and carried. The Chairman announced the next item on the agenda was CDC 9-1-1 Next Generation Telephony System. County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of Contracts and Procurement Barrett Tolbert provided a report regarding the the need to award a contract for the Consolidated Dispatch Center’s 9-1-1 Next Generation Telephony System. It was stated that on May 7, 2019, County Council authorized County staff to finalize negotiations with Central Square Technologies, and award a contract to purchase a 9-1-1 Center Next Generation 9-1-1 Telephony System. The following vendors submitted proposals in response to Request for Proposal (RFP) No. 5340-19L.

CentralSquare Technologies

West Safety Solutions Corporation

Solacom Technologies, Inc.

Motorola Solutions, Inc.

Carbyne, Inc. The capabilities, qualifications, and costs of each vendor were evaluated. Based on the committee’s review, the proposal submitted by CentralSquare Technologies was determined the most advantageous to the County. However, staff has ceased negotiations and rescinded the Notice of Award. Negotiations failed due to the inability

CDC 9-1-1 Next

Generation

Telephony

System

Award of

Contract


to agree on certain contract language and the failure to meet the industry standards for mission critical response times required by the County for the telephony system. Staff requests permission to enter into negotiations with West Safety Solutions Corporation, the next ranked firm. Department Head recommended that Council authorize staff to enter into negotiations

with West Safety Solutions Corporation, and if successful, enter into a contract for the 9-

1-1 Center Next Generation 9-1-1 Telephony System with the understanding that

funding is available in the Consolidated Dispatch budget.

Mr. Pryor moved for Department Head recommendations, seconded by Mr. Sass, and

carried.

The Chairman announced the next item on the agenda was the FY20 CARTA Budget.

County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of Budget Mack Gile provided a report in regards to CARTA’s FY2020 Budget. It was stated that the State Regional Transportation Authority Law requires the Charleston Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) Board of Directors to adopt an annual budget that has been approved by jurisdictions representing 50 percent of the population in its service area. At their June 19, 2019 meeting, the CARTA board approved the CARTA Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Budget and submitted it to each member jurisdiction for approval.

The total requested FY2020 budget is $31,518,304. This is a $9,712,481 decrease from their FY2019 adjusted budget. This decrease reflects the completion of construction on the Intermodal Center and reduced purchases of buses (rolling stock). CARTA’s FY2020 budget includes $12,439,250 in Transportation Sales Tax funding which was previously approved by County Council as part of the County’s FY2020 budget.

Please refer to the following attachments:

CARTA FY 2020 Annual Budget showing the FY2020 Requested budget and the FY2019 Adjusted budget.

Department Head recommended that Council approve the Fiscal Year 2020 Charleston

Area Regional Transportation Authority Operating and Capital budget totaling

$31,518,304 in both revenues and expenses.

Mr. Pryor moved for Department Head recommendations, seconded by Ms. Johnson.

Mr. Schweers asked Mr. Gile asked if the County was still using the same strategy for

CARTA funding. Mr. Gile stated yes. The first sales tax is on the twenty-five year plan

and the second half cent sales tax increases about 3% a year.

Mr. Sass stated he noticed there was nothing budgeted for the HOP Parking Lot. He

asked if the program was still moving forward and where they were going to have that

parking lot. Director of CARTA Ron Mitchum stated the program was still operating, but

they had purchased property on Mt. Pleasant Street that would now house those spots.

FY20 CARTA

Budget

Request to

Approve


The Chairman called for a vote and the motion carried.

The Chairman announced the next item on the agenda was the Repetitive Loss Area Analysis. County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of Building Inspections Carl Simmons

provided a report in regards to Charleston County’s repetitive loss area analysis. It was

stated that as a Category C Repetitive Loss Community, FEMA requires Charleston

County to produce a Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (RLAA) worth 140 points towards the

County’s Community Rating System (CRS) rating. Per “Activity 512.b” of the CRS

Coordinator’s Handbook, this RLAA must be submitted to the local governing body for

adoption. Charleston County’s CRS rating will be re-evaluated by FEMA on August 27th

– 28th, 2019.

The Charleston County RLAA summarizes a five-step analysis process that Building Inspection Services followed when assessing repetitive loss properties and developing mitigation options. These five steps are a mandatory component of “Activity 512.b” in the CRS Coordinator’s Handbook (see attached):

1. Advise all the properties in the repetitive loss areas that the analysis will be conducted and request their input on the hazard and recommended actions.

2. Contact agencies or organizations that may have plans or studies that could affect the cause or impacts of the flooding.

3. Visit each building in the repetitive loss area and collect basic data. 4. Review alternative approaches and determine whether any property protection

measures or drainage improvements are feasible. 5. Document the findings. A separate analysis must be conducted for each area.

The RLAA is complete and upon request, Building Inspection Services can provide the full analysis to property owner for review. Department Head recommended that Council adopt a resolution adopting the 2019 Charleston County Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (RLAA). Mr. Pryor moved for Department Head recommendations, seconded by Ms. Johnson, and carried. The Chairman announced the next item on the agenda was the FY20 Annual Allocation Projects. County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of Transportation Steve Thigpen provided a report regarding FY2020 Annual Allocation Projects. It was stated that Staff has reviewed and analyzed existing Transportation Sales Tax allocation projects to determine current funding needs. As discussed at the February 21st program briefing to Council, continuation of work on the existing allocation projects will require all of this year’s available funding without any available funding for new projects. Staff has prepared the attached project funding recommendations for the FY 2020 Annual Allocation program from the Transportation Sales Tax.

Repetitive Loss

Area Analysis

Request to

Adopt

FY20 Annual

Allocation

Projects

Request to

Approve



Department Head recommended that Council:

Approve the project funding recommendations (Attachment 1) for the FY 2020 Transportation Sales Tax Annual Allocation program.

Approve the acceptance of funding from outside sources as committed within each individual application.

Mr. Moody moved to:

Approve the project funding recommendations for the FY 2020 Transportation Sales Tax Annual Allocation program with the exception of West Ashley Bikeway at Highway 61.

Funding for West Ashley Bikeway at Highway 61 be transferred to a project to improve pedestrian and bike paths on Folly Road from Battery Island Road to Grimball Road

Approve the acceptance of funding from outside sources as committed within each individual application.

Mr. Sass seconded the motion. Mr. Pryor stated he spoke with the neighborhood president for Maryville, Ms. Hamilton, and she supports this because she would like to see the area studied and not just put up a HAWK signal. Walking across four lanes of highway is not safe. Mr. Moody agreed the area needed to be studied but the solution was not putting up a HAWK signal because it would create a traffic disaster for citizens who live nearby that need to travel in that area. The Chairman called for a vote, and the motion carried. The Chairman announced the next item on the agenda was Roxbury Park Phase II Rural Greenbelt Project. County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of Greenbelt Cathy Ruff provided a

report regarding reconsideration of funding for the Town of Meggett’s Roxbury Park

Phase II Rural Greenbelt Project. It was stated that earlier this year the Town of Meggett

submitted a Greenbelt application requesting $931,000 in rural funds to purchase 56

acres to expand their Roxbury Park property. The application was recommended for

approval by the Greenbelt Advisory Board. Council’s Finance Committee considered the

project in May but did not approve the project, citing a lack of funds leveraged for the

land purchase.

The Town of Meggett is now seeking SC Conservation Bank funds to be used toward the land purchase, thus reducing the amount of Greenbelt funds to $790,000 (amended application summary attached). The Town requests Council’s Finance Committee reconsider the project as amended. Department Head recommended that Council:

1. Approve funding for the Town of Meggett’s Roxbury Park Phase II rural greenbelt project provided that upon approval, a grant agreement will be executed between the County and the appropriate parties.

Roxbury Park

Greenbelt

Funding

Request to

Approve


2. Authorize the County Administrator to require the execution and delivery of proper agreements and instruments to implement the conditions of the approval of the grants funds, and to effectuate the goals of the Greenbelt Program ordinances and policies.

3. Authorize the use of $790,000 to be funded from the First Sales Tax revenues. Mr. Pryor moved to approve Department Head recommendation, seconded by Mr. Rawl, and carried. The Chairman announced the next item on the agenda was the Capital Reserve Study of Charleston County Building Assets. County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of Contracts and Procurement Barrett

Tolbert provided a report regarding the Capital Reserve Study of Charleston County

Building Assets. It was stated that proposals were received from firms qualified to prepare

a Reserve Study of designated Charleston County Building Assets in accordance with the

terms and conditions of RFP No. 5371-19R. The following vendors submitted proposals.

Association Reserves Charlotte, NC Principal: Ian McGeady, President DMA Reserves, Inc. Richmond, VA Principal: Douglas L. Greene, President Giles Flythe Engineers Raleigh, NC Principal: Robert C. Giles, President

The purpose of the Reserve Study is to aid the County in budgeting for the future repair, replacement and restoration of building components during the economic life of the respective building and to cost effectively preserve the County’s existing building assets. This budgeting tool creates a stable and equitable Funding Plan to offset the anticipated future building expenditures. A committee reviewed the proposals submitted by the above vendors. The capabilities and qualifications of each vendor were evaluated along with the cost. Based on the proposals submitted, the committee determined Association Reserves’ proposal to be the most advantageous to the County.

Applicant

Name

Project

NameLocation Acres

Total

Greenbelt

Funds

Acquisition

TypeGAB Recommendation

Town of

Meggett

Roxbury

Park Phase

II

Meggett 55.88 $790,000 Fee Simple Approve as requested

Capital Reserve

Study—County

Building Assets

Award of

Contract


Department Head recommended that Council authorize award of contract for the preparation of a Capital Reserve Study of Charleston County Building Assets for the Facilities Department to Association Reserves in the amount of, $227,000.00. Mr. Sass moved for Department Head recommendations, seconded by Mr. Rawl, and carried. The Chairman announced the next item on the agenda was Closing Fund Grant for Palmetto Railways. County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of Economic Development Steve

Dykes provided a report regarding the financial incentives for Palmetto Railways. It was

stated that at its June 6th meeting, the S.C. Coordinating Council for Economic

Development approved a $15M Governors Closing Fund grant for Charleston County

designed to be passed thru and utilized by Palmetto Railways to assist with

improvements to the Palmetto Railways Navy Base Intermodal Facility.

The Palmetto Railways Navy Base Intermodal Facility will transfer containerized cargo between the new South Carolina Ports Authority ocean terminal now under construction, the short-line Palmetto Rails, and mainline carriers CSX and Norfolk Southern RR. The Economic Development Department administers both Set-Aside and Closing-Fund grants, and will provide reimbursement to Palmetto Railways for pre-approved expense items upon receipt of proper documentation in the normal fashion. Department Head recommended that Council authorize the formal acceptance of a $15M Governors Closing Fund grant from the S.C. Coordinating Council for utilization by Palmetto Railways to assist with railway improvements. The grant will be administered by the Economic Development Department on a reimbursable basis. Mr. Pryor moved to approve Department Head recommendations, seconded by Mr. Rawl, and carried. The Chairman announced the next item on the agenda was Set-Aside Grant for Project Merry. County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of Economic Development Steve

Dykes provided a report regarding the acceptance of set-aside grant funds for utilization

by Project Merry. It was stated that during the first and second quarters of 2019, the

Economic Development Director has worked with Project Merry, a distribution bulk

processing facility in Charleston County, as the company pursued an expansion. Project

Merry will involve an investment of $14.6M and a creation of an additional 22 jobs.

Payroll will be $1M annually (avg. $48,800/year).

At its June 6th meeting, the S.C. Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a $100,000 Set-Aside Grant for Charleston County designed to be passed thru and utilized by Project Merry for building improvements. The Economic Development Department administers Set-Aside grants and will provide reimbursement to Project Merry for pre-approved expense items upon receipt of proper documentation in the normal fashion.

Closing Fund

Grant—Palmetto

Railways

Request to

Accept

Set Aside

Grant—Project

Merry

Request to

Accept


Department Head recommended that Council authorize the formal acceptance of a $100,000 Set-Aside grant from the S.C. Coordinating Council for utilization by Project Merry in offsetting project development costs. The grant will be administered by the Economic Development Department on a reimbursable basis. Mr. Pryor moved for Department Head recommendations, seconded by Ms. Johnson, and carried. The Chairman announced the next item on the agenda was Set-Aside Grant for Project Kirk. County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of Economic Development Steve

Dykes provided a report regarding the acceptance of set-aside grant funds for utilization

by Project Kirk. It was stated that in 2018, the Economic Development Director began

working with the leadership of Project Kirk, a well-known and reputable Midwest-based

automotive company that participates in several facets of the commercial and retail

vehicle industry.

For their Charleston County location, the company will be converting Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans into specialized vehicles for niche markets. Project Kirk plans to invest approximately $1.3 million in real and personal property to retrofit an existing building in North Charleston for their operations. The company will also create 308 new jobs (average annual salary of $36,650) with an added annual payroll of $11.2 million. At its June 6th meeting, the S.C. Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a $100,000 Set-Aside Grant for Charleston County designed to be passed thru and utilized by Project Kirk for building renovations. The Economic Development Department administers Set-Aside grants and will provide reimbursement to Project Kirk for pre-approved expense items upon receipt of proper documentation in the normal fashion. Department Head recommended that that Council authorize the formal acceptance of a $100,000 Set-Aside grant from the S.C. Coordinating Council for utilization by Project Kirk in offsetting project development costs. The grant will be administered by the Economic Development Department on a reimbursable basis. Mr. Pryor moved for Department Head recommendations, seconded by Ms. Johnson, and carried. The Chairman announced the next item on the agenda was Financial Incentives for Project Kirk. County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of Economic Development Steve

Dykes provided a report regarding financial incentives for Project Kirk. It was stated that

company participates in several facets of the commercial and retail vehicle industry. For

their Charleston County location, the company will be converting Mercedes-Benz

Sprinter Vans into specialized vehicles for niche markets.

Financial

Incentives for

Project Kirk

Request to

Accept

Set Aside

Grant—Project

Kirk

Request to

Accept


Project Kirk plans to invest approximately $1.3 million in real and personal property to retrofit an existing building in North Charleston for their operations. The company will create 308 new jobs (average annual salary of $36,650), generating an annual payroll of $11.2 million. Economic impact analysis of the ‘Project Kirk’ project was conducted by the Research Director of the Charleston County Economic Development department utilizing IMPLAN, one of the most widely used economic impact assessment software tools in the nation. The analysis indicates that additional economic stimulus will occur during the initial leasehold improvement (construction) phase, as well as during the annual operation of the distillery. Specifically, some 5 jobs (some part-time and temporary) are anticipated to be created/supported during construction, supporting $302,902 in labor income. During annual operation, the 308 direct jobs being created by ‘Project Kirk’ are anticipated to support an additional 175 jobs through indirect and induced economic activity, supporting an additional $10 million in labor income. Over the next twenty years, annual property tax revenues to the various taxing entities from this expansion should approximate $552,500 with approximately $64,800 of that figure coming due to Charleston County. To support this expansion, the Economic Development Director committed to Multi-County-Industrial-Park (MCIP) designation, and the use of Special-Source-Revenue-Credits (SSRC) equivalent to approximately 7.5% of the twenty-year payment-in-lieu-of-tax revenues. The SSRC, which is being offered to offset some of the initial costs of site preparation, would not exceed $50,000. (NOTE: The identity of the company developing this confidential project will be revealed to Charleston County Council in the weeks ahead prior to public hearing and third reading.) Department Head recommended that Council approve and give first reading to an ordinance authorizing the execution and delivery of Special Source Revenue Credits (SSRC) to offset site costs associated with the $1.3 million, 308-person facility establishment by ‘Project Kirk.’ This project will be subject to standard ad valorem taxation. SSRC terms to include use of 7.5% of the twenty-year payment-in-lieu-of-tax revenue stream, not to exceed $50,000. Charleston County also pledges to include the property in its Charleston-Colleton MCIP by taking further action later in 2019. The Chairman announced the next item on the agenda was the Financial Incentives for Colony Craft Beverage Company. County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of Economic Development Steve

Dykes provided a report regarding financial incentives for Colony Craft Beverage

Company. It was stated that locally-owned Colony Craft Beverage Company, LLC (High

Wire Distilling Co.), the first distillery in downtown Charleston since the Prohibition era,

plans to expand its operations in Charleston County.

High Wire Distilling is dedicated to producing high-quality premium spirits such as gin, whiskey, vodka and small batch fruit brandies using a culinary approach. Located at 311 Huger Street in downtown Charleston, the new facility will help the company grow its

Financial

Incentives for

Colony Craft

Beverage

Company

Request to

Approve


offerings, including a larger tasting room that will be utilized to educate visitors about spirits, local agriculture, and the distilling process. The company is committed to using locally-sourced products, including Certified South Carolina Grown grain and fruit, and partnering with local farms such as the producers of the locally renowned Jimmy Red corn. High Wire Distilling plans to invest approximately $3 million in real and personal property. The company will also create 45 new jobs (average annual salary of $65,500) with an added annual payroll of $2.9 million. Economic impact analysis of the High Wire Distilling project was conducted by Research Director of the Charleston County Economic Development Department utilizing IMPLAN, one of the most widely used economic impact assessment software tools in the nation. The analysis indicates that additional economic stimulus will occur during the initial leasehold improvement (construction) phase, as well as during the annual operation of the distillery. Specifically, some 11 jobs (some part-time and temporary) are anticipated to be created/supported during construction, supporting $736,500 in labor income. During annual operation, the 45 direct jobs being created by High Wire Distilling are anticipated to support an additional 67 jobs through indirect and induced economic activity, supporting an additional $4 million in labor income. Over the next twenty years, annual property tax revenues to the various taxing entities from this expansion should approximate $487,000, with approximately $86,000 of that figure coming due to Charleston County. To support this expansion, the Economic Development Director committed to Fee-In-Lieu-of-Tax (FILOT) and Multi-County-Industrial-Park (MCIP) designation. FILOT terms will include a 6% assessment rate with millage fixed at the 2017 level for tax district 7-2 City of Charleston of 288.6 mills over the twenty-year term. Department Head recommended that Council approve and give first reading to an ordinance authorizing the execution and delivery of Fee-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (FILOT) incentives to Colony Craft Beverage Company, LLC (High Wire Distilling Co.) associated with their $3 million, 45-person expansion. FILOT terms to include a 6% assessment ratio, twenty-year fixed millage of 288.6 ( 2017 millage rate for tax district 7-2 City of Charleston). Mr. Pryor moved for Department Head recommendations, seconded by Mr. Moody, and carried. The Chairman announced the next item on the agenda was Financial Incentives for Palmetto Commerce Charleston, LLC. County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of Economic Development Steve

Dykes provided a report regarding financial incentives for Palmetto Commerce

Charleston, LLC. It was stated that Palmetto Commerce Charleston, LLC (SunCap

Property Group) is a real estate construction and management firm serving the entire

United States, with offices in Charleston, Charlotte, Pittsburgh, and Denver. They have

been active in the Charleston market, constructing industrial buildings across the tri-

Financial

Incentives for

Palmetto

Commerce

Charleston

Request to

Approve


county, including NorthPointe (Hanahan) in Berkeley County and Palmetto Commerce

Park (Charleston County).

SunCap Property Group is currently proposing to invest approximately $11.3 million in a new 160,000 square foot industrial building in Palmetto Commerce Park. NB Handy, a building supply company providing distribution of roofing, HVAC, and machinery products, has become the first tenant at the newly constructed SunCap Property Group building, creating 43 new jobs (average annual salary of $56,800) with an annual payroll of $2.44 million. Over the next twenty years, annual property tax revenues to the various taxing entities from new SunCap Property Group building investment should approximate $3.2 million with approximately $543,000 of that figure coming due to Charleston County. The Charleston County industrial recruitment effort depends heavily on firms like SunCap Property Group continuing to develop speculative industrial space within locales like Palmetto Commerce Park, and since 2015 Charleston County Council has acted on 7 occasions to help leverage a total of 1,793,840 square feet in new industrial space from projects like this which add to our industrial inventory. To encourage this investment by SunCap Property Group, the Economic Development Director committed to utilize Fee-In-Lieu-of-Tax (FILOT) incentives and to offer a Multi-County-Industrial-Park (MCIP) designation. FILOT terms will include a 6% assessment rate with millage fixed at of 300.0 mills (the 2017 level for tax district 4-3 North Charleston) over the twenty-year term.

Department Head recommended that Council approve and give first reading to an ordinance authorizing the execution and delivery of Fee-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (FILOT) incentives for Palmetto Commerce Charleston, LLC (SunCap Property Group), in association with their $11.3 million industrial building project at Palmetto Commerce Park. FILOT terms to include a 6% assessment ratio, twenty-year fixed millage of 300.0 mills (the 2017 tax level for tax district 4-3 North Charleston). Charleston County also pledges to include the property in its Charleston-Colleton MCIP by taking further action later in 2019. Mr. Pryor moved for Department Head recommendations, seconded by Mr. Moody, and carried. The Chairman announced the next item on the agenda was Financial Incentives for CTC Holdings Office, LLC. County Administrator Jennifer Miller and Director of Economic Development Steve

Dykes provided a report regarding financial incentives for during 2017, the Economic

Development Director began working with the leadership of the Charleston Digital

Corridor (CDC) during planning of a large office project then known as ‘Flagship III.’

Since 2000, the nearly twenty-year old CDC initiative has been at the forefront of nurturing Charleston area technical company start-ups and raising area wages through support of the information technology sector. Historically, that support has included business incubator services, coding camps, and talent attraction efforts. Incubator

Financial

Incentives for

CTC Holdings

Office

Request to

Approve


services were provided at the Flagship and Flagship II. Leased space located in the converted buildings once occupied by WCSC TV at the corner of Easy Bay and Calhoun Streets. In 2017, CDC was made aware that the property would be sold, and planning began for development of ‘Flagship III.’ In late 2018, with financing and plans for the new office building finalized, the CDC relocated its incubator services to temporary space at 385 Meeting St. The CDC is partnering with CTC Office Holdings, LLC (Iron Bridge Capital) to develop the 6-story 92,000 square foot Charleston Tech Center at 997 Morrison Drive. Iron Bridge Capital will invest approximately $54 million to develop this state-of-the-art Class A office property in what is fast-becoming the new ‘tech hub’ of Charleston in the trendy NOMO (North Morrison Dr.) area. The ground-breaking for Charleston Tech Center occurred on July 16, and construction is slated to be complete by December 2020. The CDC has ‘graduated’ approximately 145 start-ups from its incubator programs since 2009, accounting for the creation of over 580 new well-paying jobs. In 2018, the CDC companies had an average salary of $91,105. From 2009 to date, the CDC companies have raised $225 million in new capital for their operations. Based on this 20-year history of operating a business incubator, the CDC forecasts that over a 5-10 year period, star-ups at the Charleston Tech Center will create approximately 400-500 new jobs. The Charleston Tech Center is located in a Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district, and taxing entities, including Charleston County, will receive no revenues from the new capital investment until the TIF sunsets in 2039. Following that event, over the next twenty years, annual property tax revenues to the various taxing entities from this expansion should approximate $771,00 with approximately $100,000 of that figure coming due to Charleston County. A unique aspect of working with tech start-ups is that few can afford to pay market lease rates in a newly constructed building. In recognition of the needs of start-ups and the unique mission of the Charleston Digital Corridor, the Economic Development Director worked with the Legal Department to develop an approach to ‘stabilize’ property tax costs into the future. The result was a commitment to utilize Fee-In-Lieu-of-Tax (FILOT) incentives and to extend a Multi-County-Industrial-Park (MCIP) designation. While providing no dramatic tax relief, Iron Bridge Capital believes that the ability to ‘fix’ the millage at current rates which is offered under FILOT will provide a hedge against future cost creep with lease rates that will be appealing to start-ups. FILOT terms will include a 6% assessment rate with millage fixed at 288.6 (the 2017 level for tax district 7-2 City of Charleston) over the twenty-year term. Under the proposed FILOT agreement, CTC Office Holdings, LLC will have the ability to have their investment reassessed every five years by the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR). Department Head recommended that Council approve and give first reading to an ordinance authorizing the execution and delivery of Fee-in-Lieu-of-Taxes (FILOT) incentives to CTC Office Holdings, LLC (Iron Bridge Capital) associated with the $54 million Charleston Tech Center. FILOT terms to include a 6% assessment ratio, twenty-year fixed millage of 288.6 (the 2017 millage rate for tax district 7-2 City of Charleston), and the ability for the SC Department of Revenue to reassess their property values


every five years. Charleston County also pledges to include the property in its Charleston-Colleton MCIP by taking further action later in 2019. Mr. Pryor moved for Department Head recommendations, seconded by Mr. Moody, and carried. The Chairman announced there was a need to go into Executive Session. Mr. Dawson stated the need for Executive Session was to discuss the potential sale of the former incinerator property with Carver Industries and a personnel matter. Mr. Pryor moved to go into Executive Session, seconded by Mr. Sass, and carried. The Finance Committee entered into Executive Session. At the conclusion of the Executive Session, the Chairman stated that the committee had been in Executive Session and that no action or votes had been taken. Mr. Moody moved to approve the County entering into a lease with the option to purchase the former incinerator site property with the Carver Realty SC, LLC pursuant to the terms and conditions specified in Executive Session and approve and give first reading to an ordinance to purchase the property located at 1801 Shipyard Creek Road, North Charleston, SC. Mr. Sass seconded the motion, and carried. There being no further business to come before the Body, the Chairman declared the meeting to be adjourned.

Kristen L. Salisbury Clerk of Council

Executive

Session

Documents

A meeting of Charleston County Council’s Finance Committee was … · 2019-08-21 · WHEREAS, the Gullah-Geechee culture has had a powerful impact on the Low Country of South Carolina,