Matthew Eugene Garnes

The Council discussed several key items, including a resolution for an intergovernmental agreement regarding law enforcement services with the City of North Myrtle Beach and multiple rezoning requests for various parcels of land in Hampton County to change their designation to Regional Commercial District. Additionally, the Council approved an annexation of land into the town limits, adopted updated FEMA Floodplain Maps, and established new ordinances for park rules and event reservations. Reports were provided on building permits, water and sewer grant projects, and upcoming festival preparations. An executive session was held to discuss personnel matters, with no resulting action taken.

The meeting included a presentation by the Lowcountry Council of Governments regarding potential projects, grants, and community needs. The Council approved the annexation of a property on Poston Drive and authorized the rezoning of a parcel on Pocotaligo Road from Agricultural to General Residential. A resolution was adopted to rank community infrastructure, special projects, and downtown enrichment as priorities for block grant funding. Additionally, the Council discussed a proposed ordinance regarding local preference for purchasing and services, which was tabled for further consideration. The meeting also featured various department reports, including police, administrative, and municipal court updates, and concluded with an executive session regarding personnel matters.

The council held a workshop featuring a presentation by the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) which covered governance topics including forms of government, roles and responsibilities, the Freedom of Information Act, meeting conduct, and ethics. Following the presentation, the council participated in a facilitated goal-setting session to propose and prioritize objectives for the upcoming year.

The council received a presentation from the Southern Carolina Alliance regarding regional economic development and reviewed a mid-fiscal year update on permitting, planning, and code enforcement activities. Several resolutions were adopted, including authorizing the placement of a factory into a multi-county industrial park, amending an intergovernmental agreement regarding juvenile detainee housing, and approving a lease for a police substation building. Additionally, the council updated the municipal fee schedule, specifically adjusting residential trash service rates, and declared April as Fair Housing Month.

The meeting addressed several key agenda items. Under Old Business, the Commission approved a Zoning Map Amendment request to rezone a 5.723-acre parcel from Agricultural (AG) to General Residential (GR) for the Pocotaligo Rd Subdivision. A workshop was held for the Town of Yemassee Zoning Ordinance Codification, focusing on Planned Unit Development (PUD) and administrative articles. New Business included the approval of Phase 1 of the Pocotaligo Preserve Public Project, which involves water management feature restoration. Additionally, approval was granted for the Yemassee Amtrak ADSAP Upgrades Public Project, which includes ADA accessibility upgrades and new elevated platforms.