Michael Douglas Hemmer

Key discussions focused on Old Business items, including updates on raised medians for Ft. Johnson & Folly Roads and the SCDOT safety audit, noting SCDOT's consideration of restricting left turning traffic but not warranting signalization. The status of the Camp Road Middle School traffic seemed improved for the current year. An update was provided regarding the poor paving job on Greenhill Road, with assurances of a punch list for correction. Under New Business, Devri Detoma provided extensive updates on numerous County construction and infrastructure projects, including recent contract awards, projects under construction (Maybank and Woodland Shores), drainage work (Central Park), traffic light bids (Fort Johnson and Secessionville), and several projects slated for bidding or design in late 2025/2026, such as Folly Road bike/ped improvements and Sol Legare Sidewalk phase. The County also presented on the potential extension of the Transportation Sales Tax (TST) and requested project input. Legislative Updates covered James Island PSD projects like the Harbor View Force Main replacement and Fire Station #4 feasibility study, updates from the City of Charleston on upcoming community meetings (Art and Community Center, traffic light/roundabout), and School District news regarding academic ratings and facility openings. Outreach items included announcements for a winter clothing drive and Thanksgiving Service.

The meeting agenda included opening exercises and presentations from the SC Department of Transportation Program Manager regarding the Folly Road Safety Project, and an update from Senator Ed Sutton on the SCDOT Modernization Bill. The Council addressed requests for consideration concerning a new vehicle for a Town Deputy and meeting space requests from the Palmetto Fiber Arts Guild and Linus Blanket group. Committee reports covered various areas, including appointments to the Neighborhood Council. Proclamations and Resolutions included recognizing Women of Construction Week and honoring Black History Commemorations. An Ordinance was introduced to increase the membership of the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals. Under staff consideration, the Council approved pipe repairs at North Stiles Drive/Schaffer Street, Mayflower Drive, and Julia Street/Chandler. The Council also discussed opposing raised medians along Folly Road and requesting a traffic light at Santee Street. An executive session was held to discuss legal advice regarding litigation concerning KT Properties, LLC vs. Town of James Island.

The meeting included the election of a new Chair and Vice Chair, resulting in Bill Lyon becoming Chair and Michael Corbo becoming Vice Chair. Discussions on Town Market Outreach centered on the upcoming Revolutionary War themed market scheduled for January 9th, with plans for booth setup confirmed. Status updates were provided for several in-process historic marker applications, including the Three Trees marker, Payne RMUE, St. James Episcopal, First Baptist, and James Island Presbyterian. The Commission also discussed proceeding with the Sons of Elijah / 56 Men application, aiming to influence the write-up in the direction of the "56 Men" aspect. A date of March 14th was set for the Mill Point retreat. New business included a discussion on creating a historic marker inventory for the Town website.

The agenda for the meeting included Opening Exercises, the Election of Mayor Pro-Tempore, and a Public Comment period. The Consent Agenda covered the approval of the Minutes from the December 18, 2025, Town Council Regular Meeting. Information Reports included updates from the Mayor, Finance, Island Sheriff's Patrol, Public Works, and Code Enforcement. Staff requested consideration for pipe repair estimates for North Stiles Drive, Mayflower Drive, and Julia Street/Chandler. Council will consider a Resolution opposing medians along Folly Road as part of the SCDOT project and requesting a traffic light at Santee Street and Folly Road. The Council may enter Executive Session to discuss legal advice regarding litigation matters concerning KT Properties, LLC vs. Town of James Island. Other discussions involved facility use requests for several organizations and a motion to approve the replacement of Town Hall shutters and deck with composite material due to deterioration from improper initial installation.

Key discussions during the meeting focused on tree awards, including corrections to a previous Tree Canopy Award presentation and the presentation of a Tree Canopy Award and a posthumous Tree Steward Award. Plans were advanced for presenting a Tree Steward Award to First Baptist Church, including site examination and scheduling. The Council reviewed the newly arrived permanent tree award medallions, which will be affixed to award-winning trees, and agreed that past and present award winners will be listed on the Town's website. Members discussed potential future tree award recipients, species, and a successful recent Tree Giveaway event held in partnership with the Charleston Parks Conservancy. Planning was updated for the upcoming SC Arbor Day Celebration, which includes tree planting and a proclamation at the Town Council meeting. The status of the Island Right of Way Tree Conservation inventory was discussed. The Council agreed to cancel the December meeting due to other scheduled events.