March 5, 2015 Minutes

John’s Island Council
Post Office Box 208
John’s Island, SC 29457

Minutes of the March 5, 2015 Meeting

Members attending: Sam Brownlee, Rich Jenkins, Monica Smith, Rich Thomas, Steve Rapchick, James Owens, Chris Cannon, Catherine Poag

Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the minutes of the February 5, 2015 meeting were approved.

Chairman’s Report:
Chairman Chris Cannon reported that a request for removal of 2 grand oaks on a property on Bohicket to accommodate an addition to the home was approved. The approval for the microbrewery with a tasting room was approved. Southwick 2nd phase asked for permission to remove 5 trees. Chris checked into this and feels it is OK to remove the trees. Rich Jenkins pointed that if a property is zoned agricultural, it can be clear cut without any approval. The County is not as strict about tree removal as the City. There has been a request for a permit for a small building next to the Tomato Shed to be used as a bar. The Burden Creek project will not start until next winter. The Hoopstick Bridge project will probably be put out for bids in the next few months.

Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer Sam Brownlee reported that the account balance is $717.06 for the month of February. Berkeley Electric wants $100 deposit each month for use of its meeting room. The Scholars Fund is $383,686.36.

CHATS
Sam Brownlee reported that his term is over but he would like to rejoin the group and is working on that. Sam will send a letter inviting CHATS to hold one of its meetings at a location on John’s Island. The meetings are often rotated to various locations in Charleston area. Sam moved that we approve issuing the invitation and Rich Jenkins seconded. The motion was approved.

John’s Island Scholars Foundation
Rich Thomas reported that the application for tax exempt status was sent in. Serving on the Foundation is open to any members of John’s Island Council and Rich asked all of those present who were interested to talk with him after the meeting so a time could be set to meet and go over By Laws for the Foundation and elect executive officers.
Rich will let JIC know once the approval of the 501c3 is received.

Wadmalaw Island
Monica Smith reported that the last meeting had not been held due to lack of power in the building. The Wadmalaw Council meets the second Tuesday of every month. She reported that an effort is under way to stop violence among young people and to stop domestic violence. There is a large neighborhood group which has formed to work on this. There was a recent meeting where the police spoke about domestic violence and how it can be anonymously reported. There will be another meeting on March 21st.

Old Business
Chris noted that the annual meeting will be in May. Karen Simmons and Tim Squire have attended meetings and have expressed an interest in joining the Johns Island Council. Following the By-Laws, they will be nominated in April and voted on in May.

New Business
It was reported that the GOP will be meeting at Berkeley Electric this coming Saturday to consider precinct reorganization.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Catherine Poag, Secretary