Island Eye News - April 10, 2015

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Volume 10 Issue 25
April 10, 2015
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Sullivans Island
Isle of Palms
Goat Island Dewees Island
Commemorating an
end to war
Public Works
to stay on IOP
C O U N C I L M O V E S TO
I M M E D I AT E LY A D D R E S S
CURRENT POLLUTION ISSUES
BY JENNIFER TUOHY
ISLAND EYE NEWS EDITOR
he suggestion by councilmember
Jimmy Ward to move the IOP Public
Works facility, which houses the
islands garbage trucks among other
duties, off the island and relocate it in
Mount Pleasant was dismissed by City
Council at its March meeting, failing to
even be considered by a vote of 5 to 3.
The motion proposed by Ward was that
the city look into the consideration of
moving public works off the island to see
if its financially feasible, as part of a long
range plan.
Wards proposal was in part due to his
concern that having such a facility so
close to the marsh could have a negative
effect on the water quality.
A resident who lives behind the facility
has shown me the sheen on the water
coming out from behind that facility,
councilmember Jimmy Carrol said at the
meeting.
Ward also wants to open the
opportunity of beautifying the entrance to
the island. When the facility was placed
in its current location, next to City Hall,
right off the IOP Connector, there was no
IOP Connector, the entrance to the island
was from Sullivans. Since there is now a
new entrance, he feels the sight of garbage
trucks as you come on to the island is not
ideal.
Councilmembers Sandy Ferencz, and
Jimmy Carroll voted with Ward on the
motion.
The thing that attracted me to the
project is that we have a million dollar
piece of land on IOP that has garbage
trucks on it, Ferencz said. That doesnt
seem like a responsible use of that land.
In terms of the value of that land and what
IOP Council continues on page 7
The crowd awaits the arrival of Brigadier General Robert

Anderson for the flag re-raising ceremony, symbolizing the
end of the Civil War. It was exactly 4 years before on April
14, 1861 that then Major Robert Anderson lowered the US
flag at Fort Sumter following his surrender of the fort to
Confederate forces at the very beginning of the war.
F T S U M T E R A N D F T M O U LT R I E
RECALL THEIR ROLE IN THE
FINAL ACT OF THE CIVIL WAR
BY BILL MARTIN
n April 14, 1865, four years to the day

that he was forced to lower the U.S.
flag and evacuate Fort Sumter, Major
General Robert Anderson was brought back to
the fort to re-raise the same flag as a symbolic
end to the hostilities of the Civil War.
The ceremony was planned by President
Lincoln and Secretary of War Stanton, and was
meant to be a momentous occasion, said Fort
Sumter Superintendent Timothy Stone. After
four years of fighting, Lincoln wanted to bind
up the nations wounds, and this event was
the beginning of that process.
Two beams will become one over Fort Sumter to
symbolize the re-union of the country.
INSIDE THE ISLAND EYE NEWS
A BEAUTIFUL
BUNCH
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FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS
TENNIS
ANYONE
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Sumter continues on page 4
SPECIAL
CANDIDATE
SECTION
PG 18
OPINION-EDITORIAL
April 10, 2015
State Senator representing IOP, Sullivans

opposes offshore drilling
BY STATE SENATOR CHIP CAMPSEN
FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS
he
Senate
District
I
represent is a long coastal
district covering more than
80 miles of South Carolinas
coast. It runs from Bulls Bay
in Charleston County, to Port
Royal Sound in Beaufort County.
Having extensively navigated the
Atlantic coast from Oregon Inlet,
North Carolina to Dry Tortugas,
Florida, I can attest it is the most
historic, unique and beautiful
stretch of the Atlantic coast from
North Carolina to Florida.
My service in the South
Carolina Senate is part-time. In
the private sector I am an attorney,
own a passenger vessel company,
and hold a US Coast Guard 100
Ton Captains License. Several
of my passenger vessels were
constructed in Louisiana and the
Panhandle of Florida. I delivered
these vessels to Charleston by
transiting the Gulf of Mexico.
I do not support drilling for
oil and gas off South Carolinas
coast. I share the concern most
often raised, namely the risk of
damage to the environment and
our vibrant tourism industry in
the event of a spill. However, I wish

to offer an additional perspective
as well. This perspective is rarely
raised and is not contingent upon
an improbable catastrophic event
such as an oil spill to impact our
coast. If we embrace offshore
drilling in South Carolina this
factor will impact our coast
definitively and continuously. Let
me explain.
In the process of building and
delivering my above referenced
vessels from the Gulf of Mexico I
have observed first-hand the landbased infrastructure necessary
to support offshore drilling. It is
not a pretty sight. It is extensive,
dirty, and highly industrial.
There simply is no place on South
Carolinas coast appropriate for
this kind of industrialization. Our
coast is dominated by residential
and resort development, wildlife
refuges and extensive protected
ecosystems such as the ACE
Basin and Santee Delta. Offshore
oils land-based infrastructure
would not mix well with current
coastal land uses.
I suspect much of the support
for offshore oil would fade away

if citizens were confronted
with the realities of the coastal
industrialization necessary to
support offshore oil.
Which portions of South
Carolinas
coast
would
we
industrialize? Little River in the
tourism mecca of Myrtle Beach;
Murrells Inlet; pristine Winyah Bay
surrounded by tens of thousands
of acres of protected wildlife
refuges; McClellanville next to
Cape Romain National Wildlife
Refuge; Daniel Island or James
Island in Charleston Harbor; the
North or South Edisto Rivers
near Seabrook Island or Edisto
Beach; St. Helena Sound and the
protected ACE Basin ecosystem;
Factory Creek in Beaufort lined
by beautiful homes; the Ports
Authority property in Port Royal
that is finally on the path to
redevelopment; Calibogue Sound
on the shores of Hilton Head and
Daufuskie Island?
I am confident there would
be
outrage
and
intensive
opposition
to
locating
the
platform construction yards,
www.islandeyenews.com
refineries, drilling operations,

staging yards, boat yards and
other infrastructure necessary to
support offshore oil in these and
other locations along our coast.
Because of the nature of my
business I have cause to keep
close tabs on oil prices and the
oil industry. The industry has
undergone a transformation in
recent years. Oil shale, oil sands
and hydraulic fracking have
precipitated a revolution and
contributed to the unprecedented
supply of oil and low prices we
are now experiencing. Jeff Currie,
Head of Commodities Research
at Goldman Sachs, recently
described it as a paradigm shift.
He calls it the New Oil Order.
Since 2011 these new sources
of oil have transformed North
American production from a
capital expenditure intensive
endeavor to a variable cost
intensive endeavor. He draws
an analogy to a manufacturing
process that can be quickly
Op-ed continues on page 3
CIVIC
April 10, 2015
Carmen R. Bunch Park gets wild

RARE AND BEAUTIFUL WILDFLOWERS MARK THE LAND NAMED IN
H O N O R O F T H E C I T Y S F O R M E R M AY O R
Lucky Dog Publishing

o f SC, LL C
Publisher of the
The Island Eye News
and The Island Connection
BY KATHRYN CASEY
ISLAND EYE NEWS STAFF WRITER
armen R. Bunch, Isle of

Palms first female mayor,
became
nationally
known for her controversial
decision after Hugo hit
the island to not allow
residents to return to their
homes for several days
due to the unsafe nature
of the island. She stood by
her decision and served as
mayor until she retired in
2002. In 2014, Mayor Bunch
passed away. In order to preserve
some green space on the island
and commemorate the mayor,
the City acquired a lot in 2013
and named the soon-to-be-park
after Mayor Bunch. The park,
located at 1801 Palm Blvd, has
seen many improvements during
2014 and more are to come.
When the land was first cleared
last spring, IOP resident Beverly
Ballow noticed that many of the
beautiful flowers that were once
surrounding the park had been
Op-ed continues from page 2
dialed up and down depending
on supply and demand factors.
This New Oil Order will likely
keep downward pressure on
prices since supply is now easily
ramped up in response to any
price spikes.
Quite frankly I fail to see how
new offshore oil production, being
very expensive and saddled with
high fixed costs, is economically
viable for the foreseeable future
in light of the New Oil Order. Less
capital intensive, lower and more
variable cost oil under North
removed.
In an effort to bring back these
flowers, Ballow enlisted the
help of her friend Mary Pringle,
who grows wildflowers on her
property. Pringle collected seeds
from her collection and planted
them on the side of Carmen R.
Bunch Park closest to Palm Blvd.
Subsequently, a horticulturist
has identified the rare vegetation
for preservation. The wildflowers
American soil makes new offshore
production appear to be more of
a theoretical point to debate than
a viable economic endeavor.
As an opponent to drilling
offshore of South Carolina,
there is no reason for me to
support the seismic testing that
is the precursor to drilling. This
is particularly true since data
gathered would be proprietary
to the companies gathering it.
The public and elected officials
desiring to weigh-in on if and
how the entire endeavor would be
conducted would not have access
to testing results their decisions
should be predicated upon.
include coreopsis, gaillardia and

horse mint.
The wildflower plants that
were removed from the park
before the initial clearing
are now being nurtured by
local horticulturists with
the intent of re-planting
these native species. The
new wildflowers on the
property
are
currently
being protected with stakes.
The City is planning on
taking action to further protect
this new plant life.
The City is endeavoring to
protect them to make sure they
do not accidentally get cut, Linda
Tucker, City Administrator, said.
The next task is the placement
of a sign on the property denoting
the name of Mayor Carmen R.
Bunch Park and crediting the
Greenbelt funding which enabled
the Citys preservation of the
property.
Edisto Beach, Hilton Head,
Port Royal, the City of Beaufort,
Isle of Palms, Sullivans Island,
James Island, Johns Island
Public Service District, and
the City of Charleston have all
adopted resolutions in opposition
to drilling off their shores. The 80
miles of beautiful South Carolina
coastline I represent encompasses
most of these local governments.
I agree, and urge the Bureau of
Ocean Energy Management to not
permit seismic testing or drilling
for oil off South Carolinas coast.
Lynn Pierotti
publisher
lynn@luckydognews.com
Jennifer Tuohy
managing editor
jennifer@luckydognews.com
Swan Richards
graphic designer
Lori McGee 614.0901
advertising executive
Christian LeBlanc
social media
christian@luckydognews.com
Steve Rosamilia
photographer
Contributors:
Bill Martin
Marilyn Markel
Kathryn Casey
Dimi Matouchev
Arielle Alpino
Bob Hooper
Marci Shore
Senator Chip Campsen
Sarah Reynolds
Published by:
Lucky Dog Publishing
of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivans Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS
Submit your letters to the editor to:
info@luckydognews.com
FUTURE DEADLINE: APRIL 15
for our APRIL 24 issue
Civic Calendar
Recycle - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 - Recycle

Isle of Palms
886.6428
www.iop.net
Sullivan's Island
883.3198
www.sullivansisland-sc.com
Tuesday, April 21
Ways and Means Committee
5:45 p.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard
Tuesday, April 14*

Municipal Court
5:30 p.m.
2050-B Middle Street
Wednesday, April 22
Municipal Court
9 a.m.
1207 Palm Boulevard
Wednesday, April 15
Coffee with the Chief!
Stop by for a chat about SI with Police
Chief Howard at his weekly coffee
"klatsch" with Island residents.
8:30 a.m.
Cafe Medley, 2213 Middle Street
6 p.m.
Tuesday, April 21
Regular Council Meeting
6 p.m.
Wednesday, April 22
Coffee with the Chief!
See Wednesday, April 15.
Thursday, April 23
Livability Court
5 p.m.
DRB Meeting
1207 Palm Boulevard
* Bench Trials will be at a temporary Town Hall facility located behind the Fire Station, next to the
Stith Park (2050 Middle Street). Contact SI Clerk of Court directly at 883-5734 (Maria LoRusso) for
payments or questions.
The Island Eye News, a wholly owned subsidiary

of Lucky Dog Publishing of SC LLC, is a free,
independent newspaper published every two
weeks and is for and about the Isle of Palms,
Sullivans Island, Goat Island and Dewees Island.
Copies are mailed free of charge to every active
mailbox in our coverage area and are also available at area businesses. Contributions of information, pictures and articles are welcomed and are
used according to space limitations and news
value and cannot be returned except by special
request. Op-ed articles and letters to the editor do
not necessarily reflect the opinion of Lucky Dog
News, or its writers.
All advertising rates are listed at:
www.islandeyenews.com under advertising.
Body of 25 year old woman

found in surf on Sullivans
BY JENNIFER TUOHY
Sullivans Island Fire and Rescue and Police departments on scene of a body recovery
PHOTO BY JENNIFER TUOHY
Friday, March 27.
t approximately 11:20 a.m.

the morning of Friday,
March
27,
Sullivans
Island Fire & Rescue and Police
Department were dispatched to
the general area of Station 26
Street on the beach following
reports of a person in the water.
Fire and Rescue recovered the
body of a white female.
Charleston County Coroners
office later identified the body as
that of Joanna Joly, 25, of Mount
Pleasant. The Coroners Office
determined the cause of death
was drowning, but the manner of
death was identified as pending.

On Thursday April 2, Jolys car
was found downtown Charleston
near the Market, parked on the
corner of Laurens and East Bay
Street. The vehicle was towed
back to the Charleston County
Sheriffs Office, where it will be
examined.
Based on the Sheriffs Office
preliminary investigation, which
included interviews and the
collection of physical evidence,
there was no immediate evidence
of foul play.
April 10, 2015

Sumter continues from cover
Fort Sumter National Monument will host four days of events to
commemorate the 150th anniversary of the re-raising of the United
States flag over Fort Sumter. Civil War reenactors will be stationed at
Fort Sumter from April 11-14, and the 8th Georgia band will perform
period music at Fort Moultrie on Sullivans Island at 2 p.m. April 11.
Special evening excursions to Fort Sumter will be offered from April
10-12. Fort Sumter will also be illuminated during this period, and
two spotlights at the fort symbolizing the division of the nation will
come together as one.
Additionally, a special
exhibit entitled Re-Union:
The Re-Raising of the
United States Flag Over
Fort Sumter is on display,
free of charge at the Fort
Sumter Visitor Education
Center in Liberty Square,
Charleston.
Were very excited to
have secured artifacts on
loan from other cultural
institutions, Kate Everitt,
the
parks
Museum
Curator, said. We will be
exhibiting objects from
Fords Theatre National Historic Site and the Abraham Lincoln
Presidential Library and Museum, among others. These artifacts
make the connection between the event that happened at Fort Sumter
on April 14, 1865 and the assassination of President Lincoln, which
occurred the same day. The exhibit, which will remain through
October, includes a bloodstained piece of linen scavenged from the
Petersen House, where Lincoln was taken after being shot.
The death of Lincoln on the same day as this planned, symbolic end
to the Civil War largely overshadowed the important role Charleston
and Fort Sumter played in the end of the war. Discover more about
this historical event during this weekends extensive schedule of
activities.
Events Commemorating Symbolic End of Civil War
Re-Union: Re-Raising the United States Flag Over Fort
Sumter, a special exhibition at the Fort Sumter Visitor
Education Center at Liberty Square runs through 19 October,
2015. The exhibit features artifacts on loan from Fords
Theatre National Historic Site, Morristown National Historical
Park, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and
the Massachusetts Historical Society.
Fort Sumter Trust Civil War Symposium, A Just & Lasting
Peace Among Ourselves? Lessons on the 150th Anniversary
of the End of the American Civil War, a series of free lectures
on the wars end and impact will be held April 18 at 10 a.m.
and again at 1:30 p.m. at the Dock Street Theatre.
A public memorial service honoring Civil War dead will be held
at 3 p.m. April 19 in Hampton Park. A free public concert
featuring School of the Arts and Burke High bands will be held
at 7 p.m. at White Point Garden.
Temporary exhibit featuring 3D images of Civil War-era
photographs of the Fort Sumter flag re-raising ceremony at
Liberty Square and Fort Moultrie.
Flag re-raising themed dinner cruises and evening excursions
to Fort Sumter will be offered via Fort Sumter Tours from 1012 April 2015.
Re-enactors will be at Fort Sumter from 11-14 April 2015
Re-enactors giving first person dramatic readings will be at
Fort Sumter on 14 April.
8th Regimental Band will be performing at Fort Moultrie at
2 p.m. on 11 April. Civil War era music will be played and
interpreted by band members in period dress.
Dramatic lighting of Fort Sumter may be seen from anywhere
around the harbor from 13-19 April 2014.
Flag re-raising themed kids programs available at Fort Sumter
10-14 April.
Special Ranger talks on the flag re-raising and the assassination
of President Lincoln will be given throughout the day at Fort
Sumter and Fort Moultrie.
Visit www.nps.gov/fosu for more details, including rates and

schedule for daytime boats to Fort Sumter and the special evening
excursions may be found on the Fort Sumter Tours website: www.
fortsumtertours.com. Fort Moultrie is located at 1214 Middle Street,
Sullivans Island. Liberty Square is located at 340 Concord Street,
Charleston.
IOP POLICE REPORT
Sunday, February 8
Liquor Law Violation
An Officer on patrol encountered a subject
that was staggering in the roadway carrying
a plastic cup. Further investigation revealed
that the subject was drinking alcoholic
beverages while walking on the state road.
The subject was charged accordingly.
Monday, February 9
Agency Assist, 24th Avenue
An Officer patrolling the area observed a
subject that matched the description of
a juvenile missing from Mount Pleasant.
The juvenile was positively identified as
the missing subject, the information was
confirmed in NCIC and the juvenile was
returned to her parents.
Motor Vehicle Theft, Morgan Place Drive
A victim reported that unknown person(s)
stole a golf cart from the storage area. The
victim was able to provide a serial number
for the cart and it was entered into NCIC.
This case has been assigned to CID for
further investigation.
Tuesday, February 10
Public Intoxication, lOP Connector
An Officer responded to a report of a subject
that was lying down in the roadway on
the lOP Connector. The Officer located the
subject, who was intoxicated and indicated
that he had no place to stay, no money and
no one he could call. It was determined that
the subject was unable to care for himself,
was arrested, transported and lodged in the
Charleston County Detention Center.
Friday, February 13
Simple Possession of Marijuana, 3700 Block
of Hartnett Boulevard
Officers responded to a report of a
suspicious vehicle parked in a wooded lot.
Officers made contact with a male subject
found sleeping inside the vehicle. Further
investigation revealed an open liquor
bottle, beer bottles, drug paraphernalia,
and marijuana. The subject was arrested,

transported and lodged in the Charleston
County Detention Center.
Saturday, February 14
Trespass, 5700 Block Palm Boulevard
The victim reported that two subjects who
were told to leave the gated community
refused to comply. The subjects went into
a parking lot close by in an attempt to gain
access into the gated community. An Officer
made contact with the two subjects, placing
them on trespass notice, providing them
with written notice.
Sunday, February 15
Drug Violations, Palm Blvd/Breach Inlet Bridge
An Officer stopped a vehicle for speeding.
Further investigation revealed that the
occupants were in possession of marijuana,
drug paraphernalia, and several other types
of narcotics. Two of the occupants were
juveniles and released to their parents,
while two other occupants were arrested,
transported and lodged in the Charleston
County Detention Center.
Monday, February 16
Collision, Palm Boulevard I 4th Avenue
Officers responded to a report of a single
motor vehicle collision. Investigation
revealed that the driver had veered off the
roadway and struck a palm tree. The driver
had to be extricated from the vehicle and
was transported to a local hospital.
Aggravated Assault, 100 Block of Ocean Blvd
Officers responded to a report of subject
screaming at a residence. Officers arrived
and could hear the subject yelling threats
and profanity. Further investigation found
a male subject, naked, who as Officers
identified themselves and began to approach
him, took off running towards the beach.
The Officers gave verbal commands for the
subject to stop, and when he did, he turned,
taking a fighting stance. The subject charged
the Officers, striking one in the nose and

then began attacking the other. Officers
deployed Tasers, causing full neuromuscular
incapacitation and were able to secure the
subject, who was transported and lodged
in the Charleston County Detention Center
after being released from a local hospital.
Petit Larceny, Forest Trail
An Officer on patrol observed a vehicle
drive by him with several occupants and a
street sign. Upon further investigation, it
was determined that the subjects, who were
juveniles, had taken the street sign from
the intersection of 34th Avenue and Palm
Boulevard. The Officer released the subjects
to a parent and had the sign dropped off at
lOP Public Works.
Friday, February 27
Public Intoxication, JC Long Boulevard
An Officer responded to a report of an
intoxicated person having difficulty walking
down the street. The subject was located,
determined to be intoxicated and was placed
under arrest. The subject was transported
and lodged in the Charleston County
Detention Center.
Underage Possession of Alcohol, 100 Block of
Ocean Boulevard
Officers located two illegally parked vehicles
in the area and attempted to locate the
owners of the vehicles. The Officers knocked
on the door and observed several subjects
inside, who began to run around trying to
hide. Officers were also able to see beer
cans lying around on the porch floor. After
several attempts to get someone to come
to the door, Officers made contact with the
homeowner, who responded and let the
Officers inside. The Officers located thirteen
(13) subjects who were all under the age of
21 and multiple bottles of beer and liquor.
All subjects were charged accordingly.
Anyone for 14 years of tennis?
April 10, 2015
I O P R E S I D E N T TO M O LTO R I K E I S A L O N G S TA N D I N G V O L U N T E E R AT T H E FA M I LY C I R C L E C U P
BY JENNIFER TUOHY
Tom Oltorike points out his name on the Volunteer Wall of Fame last year.
015 represented the 13th year Isle

of Palms resident Tom Oltorike
volunteered at the Family Circle
Cup, the largest womens only tennis
tournament in the world, and hes back for
another go this year. Oltorike is part of an
elite list of volunteers who have been with
the tournament almost every year since it
relocated to Daniel Island from Hilton Head
in 2001 (he missed just one).
Its a lot of fun, seeing the same people
every year, meeting new ones and helping
out with something thats very important to
our city, he said.
Oltorike and his wife Diane initially
decided to volunteer because She really
likes to watch and I like to hit the ball
every now and then, he said. While Diane
retired a few years ago, Tom is still here,
helping people find their seats and making
sure they follow the rules and dont disturb
the players during the match.
The tournament, which runs through
this week, finishing Sunday, April 12,
features many of the top names in womens
tennis, including Eugenie Bouchard, Jelena
Jankovic, Sam Stosur and Sloane Stephens,
as well as last years champion, Andrea
PHOTOS BY JENNIFER TUOHY
Petkovic.
Each year, more than 350 adults volunteer
their time at the Family Circle Cup, working 6 or more 4 to 5 hour
shifts throughout the week for the love of the game, as well as the
chance to watch some top class tennis.
As well as volunteering, the Oltroikes have hosted players at their
home, young up-and-comers who didnt have a lot of money and
needed a room, Oltorike said. Most of them were European, from
Germany, Italy, it was very interesting and great fun to get to know
them.
Oltorikes own heritage is Russian, from where a number of top
womens tennis players have originated. My father came here from
Belaurus in the 1890s, said Oltorike, who is 79. Tom and Diane
retired to Isle of Palms from Rochester, NY 16 years ago and have
lived by the ocean ever since.
If you are interested in volunteering at the Family Circle Cup in 2016
visit www.familycirclecup.com/volunteer/adult/ or call 843.849.5309
and leave a message. Theres still time to catch some live, professional
tennis this year, the tournament runs through Sunday, April 12 at the
Family Circle Cup tennis center on Daniel Island.
April 10, 2015

IOP Council continues from cover
it could be sold for and what the
entrance to the island could be
in 2 years or 5 years. Lets dont
squash it, lets look at what the
possibilities are.
Mayor Cronin was resolutely
against the proposal.
Im saying no. Theres no value
in it, Cronin said.
City staff had prepared a cost
estimate that showed the costs
of relocating the facility would
be well over a million dollars
compared to under $300,000
to bring the current site up to
compliance.
The time has come we
are
passing
the
buck,
councilmember Barb Bergwerf
said. Its an ill-thought out
idea. Its going to cost more for
the vehicles, the employees, its
going to decrease services, and
its going to put real pressure on
Donnie (Pitts). Hell have to be in
two places at one time.
Part of the problem is we need
to improve the site we have,
Cronin said. We can spend
money to block the viewing of
the trucks, but we need to get on
with improving that site, making
it permittable under NPDES.
The NPDES issue is a very real
and pressing one. In May 2014,
the Public Works Committee
addressed the concern that the
City was out of compliance with
7
the National Pollution Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES),
which governs stormwater runoff
into the countrys waterways,
oceans and creeks. On Isle of
Palms when the garbage trucks
are washed off after collecting
the citys trash, untreated runoff
spills into the drainage system and
into Hamlin Creek. After the City
was first alerted to the issue they
quickly changed the detergent
used to a more environmentallyfriendly detergent, but, based on
NPDES regulations, the runoff
should not be going directly into
the creek, it should be treated or
filtered in some way first.
The consequences of being
out of compliance are not fully
known, only that the EPA could
do a site-visit tomorrow and fine
the City on a daily basis until it
complies.
At the following public safety
meeting, June 2014, Councilman
Ward brought up the idea of
moving the Public Works facility,
saying he had been considering
relocating the functions offisland since he served on
council between 1988 and 1991.
Before investing thousands of
dollars making the site NPDES
compliant, he wanted the City
to investigate the possibility of
moving this function off-island in
the future.
While the $263,000 cost to bring
the location into compliance with
NPDES was put into the 2014/15

budget, no action had been taken
in the ensuing 12 months, largely
because of this potential idea of
moving the facility. This means
the City has been knowingly out
of compliance with NPDES for
over a year now.
Of the $263,000 cost to improve
the facility, the City is responsible
for $73,000, an NPDES grant will
cover $190,000.
Following the final quashing
of Wards motion to move Public
Works at the March 2015
Council meeting, councilmember
Bergwerf moved immediately
that the City proceed with

awarding the necessary contract
and making improvements at
the Public Works site as outlined
in the FY15 budget to bring the
site into compliance with NPDES
requirements.
The motion was promptly
seconded by Jimmy Ward, I
dont see any reason to delaymy
battles lostif theres a concern
about pollution we need to fix it,
he said.
The
motion
passed
unanimously.
Easter hops
onto the island
gg hunters turned out in full force

Saturday, April 4 for the IOP Easter
Egg Hunt. A visit from the Easer
Bunny and jump castles made for a fun
day for all.
(pictured left to right)

Brooks Pounders takes
a ride down the slide at
the IOP Easter egg hunt.
Pilar Fourqurean with
her Easter basket. Oliver
Hankinson gets his face
painted. Noah White with
the Easter bunny. Lana
Ferrel Sudano poses
with her Easter basket.
PHOTOS BY STEVE ROSAMILIA
Shaggin at sunset
BY SARAH REYNOLDS
FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS
Get ready for summer, Shaggin on the Cooper is back. This popular live beach music
and shag dance event series returns to the Mount Pleasant Pier on Saturday, April 25.
elebrate the arrival of warmer weather with some dancing

at Shaggin on the Cooper. Local bands perform live at
the end of the Mount Pleasant Pier throughout the season
(see schedule below), and the dance floor is open for all ages.
Bring a date or meet friends, let loose, breathe in the ocean
air and dance the night away. Beverages will be available for
purchase, and food will be available for sale within the Mount
Pleasant Piers River Watch Caf. Food and beverages are not
included in ticket prices.
Gates open at 7 p.m. for all Shaggin on the Cooper events,
and tickets are $10 per person ($8 in advance for Charleston
County residents). Space is limited, so advance purchase is
recommended. Or, dance all summer long with the All Access
Dance Card, a season pass to all of the Shaggin on the Cooper
events in 2015 for a discounted rate.
The popular Moonlight Mixer series, the Folly Beach version
of Shaggin on the Cooper, will return to the Folly Beach Fishing
Pier in May. People interested in attending events at both
locations can purchase an All Access Dance Card that covers
Shaggin on the Cooper and Moonlight Mixers.
To purchase advance tickets or the All Access cards, or for more
information on Shaggin on the Cooper, call 843.795.4386 or visit
www.CharlestonCountyParks.com. Shaggin on the Cooper is
brought to you by Coca-Cola, Southern Eagle Distributing, and
your Charleston County Parks.
2015 Shaggin on the Cooper Schedule:

April 25 Royal Scotsmen Band
May 16 The Sugarbees
June 13 Shem Creek Boogie Band
July 4 - Uncle Sam Jam event with Permanent Vacation
July 18 The Sneakers
August 15 Vinyl Daze
September 12 Ocean Drive Party Band
April 10, 2015
11
PHOTOS BY JENNIFER TUOHY
sle of Palms councilmembers cut

the ribbon at the annual Island
Gras festival last month, marking
the ceremonial opening of new lights
on Front Beach. Installed to enhance
security and the appearance of the citys
main commercial district, the lights were
the brainchild of councilmember Jimmy
Ward.
Island Gras was a big success this
year, the weather was cool but the skies
remained clear, giving residents and
visitors plenty of time to enjoy Frozen
karaoke, jump castles, live music and
delicious food from local restaurants.
Peanuts, gratitude and

a dog named Hudsen
IOP RESIDENT PUBLISHES BOOK
C E L E B R AT I N G B E I N G T H A N K F U L
BY MARCI SHORE
FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS
Chris Bible is the self-styled Peanut Dude
t took 8 years of research and

thought for Chris Bible, aka
The Peanut Dude, to publish
his book, How the Peanut Dude
Found Gratitude.
A moment that made it all
worthwhile came when a middle
school student came up to
his Boiled Peanut food truck,
regularly situated on Coleman
Boulevard in Mount Pleasant,
and told Bible that the book had
changed his attitude.
Hold the peanuts, Bible,
recalled enthusiastically.
It turned me around. I said,
Are you trying to get some free
peanuts? I asked him. The kiddo
said he had started focusing on
what he had instead of all the
things he didnt have.
I came out and started high
fiving him and his friends,
recalled Bible, 36, on the verge
of tears.
Bibles mother and father were
both military, and the family
moved to Charleston from Hawaii
when he was a toddler. Boiled
peanuts conjure up many happy
childhood memories for him.
He recalls family road trips to
Orlando to make them with his
Grandmother Bible. Through the
years, hed always made them for
himself and for friends.
Hed worked in a variety
of fields in his life, including
food and beverage and a very
successful stint in real estate
during the boom in early 2000s.
He and his business partner, a
yellow Labrador named Hudsen,
were flat broke and nearly
homeless in 2007. Dejected, yet
inspired, he grounded himself
in joyful memories of boiled
peanuts, and sold his first bag of
boiled peanuts in 2007.
What Bible preaches in his
How the Peanut Dude Found
Gratitude, book, he practices.
His enthusiasm is contagious,
and he passes it along to his
customers at the peanut stand,
and elsewhere. He was profiled
on ABC News for helping
Miss Shirley Purnell, who

was stranded on a sidewalk in
Charleston, with the batteries
dead in her motorized wheelchair.
When I picked her up that
day, she thought I was helping
her. She was helping me, baby.
When she passed away and
her family couldnt pay to have
her released to a funeral home,
it wasnt a matter of if we were
going to do this. It was just
how, he said. Through news
and social media he made people
aware of his mission and raised
the money in two days at his
stand, selling his peanuts and
book.
Bible has another book idea in
mind, and a brand new formula
that allows him to ship his boiled
peanuts worldwide. Frozen in
a brine solution, someone in
Connecticut can place an order
and days later, bring their pot
to a boil and have a house that
smells that boiled peanuts. He
wants to present his ideas to the
panel of the television show, The
Shark Tank, as well.
He said his book has been a
hit with not only children, but
also with adults. I think adults
can relate to the simple message
and exercise in the book, of going
down the letters of alphabet to
write things theyre grateful for.
You just cant be unhappy and
grateful at the same time.
An avid kitesurfer and resident
of Isle of Palms, Bible said he
is just riding the wave of life,
trying to have fun wherever it
takes him, and help those he
can, all the while trying to staying
rooted in his own message.
I got up this morning, and my
hot water heater wasnt working.
The water was cold, but you
know I was thankful that I had
water. Most sadness comes from
not having the right perspective.
Gratitude, just gratitude and be
thankful, baby.
For more visit thepeanutdude.
com.
nother hugely successful

fundraiser on Goat Island
once again helped another
very worthy childrens charity.
One hundred percent of ticket
sales and silent auction items
sold at the March 21 event went
to the "Give Me Shelter" initiative
at the Callen-Lacey Center for
Children who have been abused,
abandoned or neglected.
14
COMPUTER CORNER
April 10, 2015
Printer prices plummet

BY BOB HOOPER
f you have been limping along

with that printer in the corner
that been sitting there for
years now is the time to consider
upgrading. Printer prices have
come down especially when you
check prices online at places like
Amazon as most local shops will
price match.
If you have an Apple iPhone/
FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS
iPad or even the iPod Touch you

can print directly to many of the
new printers including Canon,
Epson, Brother and HP printers.
If the printer says its "Airprint
ready" then as long as the printer
and your iPhone/iPad are on the
same wireless network that's all
you need. No other drivers are
need, no laptop or Macbook,
IF THE PRINTER SAYS ITS "AIRPRINT READY" THEN AS LONG

AS THE PRINTER AND YOUR IPHONE/IPAD ARE ON THE SAME
WIRELESS NETWORK THAT'S ALL YOU NEED.
no Desktop, just the printer, a
wireless router and your phone/
pad.
I recently purchased a Canon
printer MX 922 from an online
seller for basically half off at $99
for a high quality photo printer.
There was a slightly cheaper
Canon model for around $60.
Epson and Brother Airprint
ready printers have several
models under $100, some under
$80. These printers all use about
the same amount of ink and are
generally similar in printing,
reliability.
I do buy more
Canons but price does drive my
purchases most of the time.
If your printer is older than
5-7 years the price of ink alone
could be costing you, as ink for
newer printers cost less. If you
print rarely and have bought a

large supply of ink for you older
printer then your best bet may
be to finish it all before looking at
something new. Newer printers
can be simple to set up but as
with all consumer electronics
nowadays "simple" can turn into
a nightmare; if that happens I or
your IT guy is but a call away!
One other note about printing,
if printing quite a few photos you
might find it cheaper to send it to
somewhere like Wal-Mart or CVS.
The cost per print is cheaper than
the cost of ink and photo paper
for your in-home printer.
As with all of my columns if
you want help or have questions
don't hesitate to call Rent A Bob
at 843.822.7794 or email at
rentabob@live.com.
April 10, 2015
Embrace your inner athlete
E A S T C O A S T PA D D L E S P O R T S & O U T D O O R F E S T I VA L C O M E S
T O J A M E S I S L A N D C O U N T Y PA R K , A P R I L 1 7 1 9
BY SARAH REYNOLDS
FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS
his year, the Charleston County

Park and Recreation Commission
celebrates a quarter century of
its festival honoring the paddlesports
and outdoor recreation community.
The popular East Coast Paddlesports
and Outdoor Festival returns with
something outdoorsy for every age and
interest on April 17 to 19 at James
Island County Park.
The East Coast Paddlesports and
Outdoor Festival features one of
the countrys premier showcases of
canoeing, kayaking and stand up
paddleboarding (SUP). In 2013, the
festival expanded to include a multitude
of popular outdoor recreation activities
in addition to paddling, such as
mountain biking, slack lining, archery,
climbing, and disc golf.
The East Coast Paddlesports and
Outdoor festival brings together
enthusiasts of all ages and experience
levels with world-renowned instructors
and sports equipment manufacturers.
Attendees can try out equipment,
compete in races and other hands-on
activities on site, and learn everything
from the basics to expert skills in each
sport.
This years festival will be bigger

and better Kick off the weekend with a
special springtime edition of the Reggae
Nights Concert Series, live in the park
on Friday, April 17 from 8:30 11 p.m.
The concert is open to the public for
$10, or free for festival registrants. On
Saturday, April 18, compete or watch
amazing climbing action at the Walls
annual Palmetto Pump Climbing
Competition.
Other festival highlights at James
Island County Park that weekend
include Reel Paddling Film Festival,
the BIC One Design SUP Challenge,
slackline demos, the kids cardboard
canoe race, a disc golf tournament, a
mountain bike race, a tag team paddle
adventure, and an archery contest.
Many programs are also available for
registration, ranging from beginner to
expert level skill classes, to sessions
on topics like birding by boat, yoga
SUP, backcountry cooking, fly fishing,
and kayak rolling.
Anyone who enjoys being active in
the great outdoors will find something
exciting at the East Coast Paddlesports
and Outdoor Festival, beginning Friday,
April 17 through Sunday, April 19

at James Island County Park. Park
admission starts at $1 per person. To
try out activities, get the Try It pass
for $10. Or, register for a full-day or
weekend pass to experience classes,
demos, competitions and much more.
For a full event schedule and to
register, visit CharlestonCountyParks.
com or call 843.795.4386.
15
16
Plunging at The
Windjammer
April 10, 2015
ichael Langley, Allison Thomas, Thomas Carroll, and Brittany

Briggane, pictured bottom from left to right, were part of an elite
group of Plungers who braved the icy Atlantic on Feb. 28 in support
of the Special Olympics. The event was put on by The Windjammer on Isle of
Palms Front Beach and was followed by a plunge party for all participants.
Know Your Candidates
Sullivans council candidates
CANDIDATES FOR 4 YEAR TERMVOTERS WILL CHOOSE 3
address issues
C O Y O T E S , PA R K I N G , A C C R E T E D L A N D A N D D E V E L O P M E N T D I S C U S S E D
BY JENNIFER TUOHY
esidents of Sullivans Island will go to the polls

Tuesday, May 5 to vote for 3 open seats on the
Town Council. The council is comprised of 6
councilmembers and the mayor. Two incumbent
councilmembers are running for re-election, Mary
Jane Watson and Jerry Kaynard. Hartley Cooper is
stepping down.
Due to the passing of Mayor Perkis last year and
the subsequent election of incumbent councilman
Pat ONeil as Mayor, there is also a 2 year seat on
council open (filling the remaining time in ONeils
term). The election to fill that that seat is also being
held on May 5.
Island Eye News posed the following questions to
all the candidates running for Town Council. Their
responses are below, divided into those seeking one
of the three, 4 year seats and those seeking the
single, 2 year seat.
1. What is your position on the proposition of a
managed, paid parking plan on the island?
2. Do you agree with the current Town Council
policy that an island-wide 100ft transition zone be
established in the accreted land/Maritime Forest?
If not, how do you think it should be managed?
3. Do you believe the coyotes on the island pose a
significant threat to people? What do you think the
Town should be doing to manage the population?
4. The Town has been dealing with significant
capital improvement projects in last year (Town

Hall / Sewer System/new Fire Truck). What other
improvement projects, if any, would you like to see
the Town embark on in the coming 4 years?
5. What is your position on the management of
the Towns commercial center? Do you believe it
should be allowed to expand in anyway?
In the next edition of Island Eye News candidates
will answer questions on lawsuits, Planning and
Zoning and communication.
CANDIDATES FOR 4 YEAR TERM
Mark Howard
1) Parking: I believe the current paid parking
program being studied is heading in the wrong
direction. Simply stated: Paid parking is
commercialization. To implement this plan will
put a commercial value on every parking space on
the entire Island and overlooks our fundamental
tenet: we are a single family residential community.
I support a simpler plan that reflects a friendlier
attitude for everyone. My proposal is: Parking
Island-wide on one side of the street only. With this
plan our major concerns are met in its design. It
limits density and increases safety in an easy to
Candidates continues on page 18
Mark Howard
Jerry Kaynard
Rita Langley
Bachman Smith IV
Mary Jane Watson
CANDIDATES FOR 2 YEAR TERM VOTERS WILL CHOOSE 1
Sarah Church
Dave Spurgin
18
Candidates continues from page 17
implement format. I understand that the
SCDOT has the final approval on this matter.
I hope we can convince department officials
that One Side Only has many benefits for
all parties.
There are many concerns that need to be
addressed. As an example, I believe paid
parking is proper within the commercial
district, as well as in the municipal parking
lots. Many explanations and refinements are
sure to come with time. This planOne Side
Onlypreserves the residential nature of our
streets while it continues free parking for our
visiting neighbors; a friendly and welcoming
policy towards all.
2) Accreted Land: I do not agree with this
one size fits all approach to the transition zone
currently being proposed by Town Council. It
breaks down the initial good faith work the
Land Use and Natural Resources Committee
has spent years developing. The accreted land
was placed in sections so that a plan could
be developed to adjust practices dependent
on the stage of natural development within
each zone. This plan was developed utilizing
scientific and management practices to
benefit both natural development and land
use for everyone. This was simply a land grab
of the publics property. We have a duty as
a party to the Lowcountry Open Land Trust
to practice better land use methods. Our
management plan should be principled,
guided by the experts, and reflect all concerns
with a conservation based foundation.
3) Coyotes: It would be foolish to say
coyotes are not a possible threat to anyone
at any given time. One should always be alert
now that a coyote population has appeared
on the Island. Coyotes are everywhere in
this country and successful in adaptation,
so much so that are afforded no protection
by any Federal or State organizations. They

will not receive any on Sullivans Island
either. That being said, I believe the Island
has done a good job in its initial response
to the problem. The coyote population is
being closely monitored and recorded by the
police. Cameras are available for use to the
public to confirm any suspicions of activity
in residential areas. The public is encouraged
to hire professional trappers in private yards.
The Island goal here is not the protection of
coyotes, but the concern that we do not hurt
each other in any unwise actions taken by
individuals.
4) Improvement Projects: After the current
capital expenses that have been taken on
by the Town, my initial response would
be to stand down and take account of our
current situation. As an Island, our growth
and future income has limitations. I feel we
are in a safe financial situation currently,
but moving forward only with caution on
expenses is the proper response right now.
The infrastructure is our present concern.
The sewer plant is a major concern. We are
currently making an application for a Federal
grant and if that comes through additional
funds will be required. There are many
things I would have on the wish list for the
Island. I would like to see some advances in
access to the marsh side of the Island, and
landscape beautification work at the Island's
entrance and signage. However, at this time,
infrastructure is our main concern.
5) Commercial District: Expansion of the
Towns commercial center should be done
only to fulfill a proven Island need. I believe
a review of the Commercial Overlay District
is in order. Parking, height, and square
footage requirements need improvements.
Future construction must address these
major concerns. More historic consideration
and protection should be given to this area.
Some new development on certain lots, e.g.
April 10, 2015

the post office, are sure to arise in the future
and advanced planning is now required with
more input from the public.
Jerry Kaynard
1) Parking: I do not want to charge people
to park at the beach. Id rather see a plan
that reduces the number of cars that come
to the beach. We are a popular destination
and the number of visitors will increase over
time. State law requires public access be
guaranteed by local government. The towns
primary obligation is to protect our residents
and guests when crowds seriously threaten
health and safety. Explosive growth nearby
has increased car traffic causing congestion
and more accidents. Crowds impede our fire,
police and first responders access for lifesaving medical, fire, and safety services.
We should continue to explore alternatives
for a regional approach to reduce the number
of cars coming to our beach. I have suggested
parking cars in Mt. Pleasant with a trolley
shuttle express to our beach. Once IOP adopts
a paid, parking plan, we will be overwhelmed
with cars from IOP if we are not prepared to
manage the increased traffic. I am suggesting
a regional solution, with county participation.
We also need to hire a consultant to prepare
a traffic study and parking plan so we can
apply to the SC Department of Transportation
for approval. If a paid managed parking plan
is part of the solution, then I will vote to
implement it.
2) Accreted Land: The Town has not yet
adopted a complete management plan, while
the size of the accreted land has increased
substantially with unmanaged growth since
1991. Town Council has agreed to remove
15 invasive species, create two educational
walking paths, conduct periodic clean-up
walkabouts, clear emergency paths and allow
adjacent landowners to clear their beach
footpaths.
April 10, 2015

Council has also agreed to create a
transition buffer zone between the accreted
land
and
adjacent
landowners
and
remove myrtles which are overgrown and
overwhelming all other species. I agree with
the Transition Zone plan to meet the needs
and concerns of the adjacent landowners,
who constitute a neighborhood with specific
problems and needs. I am for protecting
priority trees, including Grande Trees and all
palmettos in the transition zone.
There is a precedent for transition zones in
our community. Residential lots have front,
back and side setbacks, a form of transition
zone or buffer. When we designed the new
Sullivans Island Elementary School, we
provided a buffer zone on the east and west
boundaries of 100 feet or more.
Council should be good neighbors and be
responsive to neighborhood special needs.
With about 200 acres of accreted land, we can
protect every kind of environment, ranging
from mature maritime forest to dune fields
for bird nesting and wildflowers.
3) Coyotes: I have advocated for a more
aggressive action policy by Town Council
since this problem developed over a year ago.
Coyotes are no longer seen occasionally, but
are reported by residents as roaming through
yards daily with increasing boldness. My dog,
Banjo, has been attacked twice by coyotes.
The number of coyotes has increased and they
have killed pets, rabbits and other wildlife on
the island. Twenty people, including joggers,
have been bitten by coyotes in the Denver
area. I recommend that we adopt policies that
have worked in other communities including:
Education of residents to stop feeding
coyotes, intentionally or unintentionally;
Place warning signs where coyotes have
been seen; and
Reduce the coyote population by using
best practices that were tested and work
19
in other communities.
Coyotes are wild animals. They are
dangerous predators and will kill for food at
any time. They are territorial and will attack
to defend their dens. Coyotes represent a
deadly threat to our beloved turtlesthey eat
the turtle eggs.
Our children and pets cannot play
freely and safely in their own backyards.
Government has an obligation to act when
its residents, their pets and our guests are
at risk. We must provide a safe environment.
4) Improvement Projects: The Sullivans
Island Park Foundation has proposed
substantial improvements to the J. Marshall
Stith Park. I favor improved maintenance
for the Park and adoption of the projects as
recommended by the Park Foundation. These
include a terrace and improvements to the
mound, upgrading the road to the mound,
removing invasive plants to improve views at
the top of the mound, install new hardscape
and plantings through the park, install
irrigation in the gazebo area, add benches
and sitting areas, add a passive walkway at
the top of the mound with historical markers
and add fitness stations in the park.
I have advocated for improvements to the
Island Club, so that its use for children,
seniors and all residents can be expanded.
It needs new bathrooms, new wiring and
fixtures, and windows on both walls to allow
natural light. Suggestions include opening
the ceiling to expose beams and adding an
exterior deck. Landscaping is needed to
improve a worn, aging exterior together with
painting. The Island Club can be a first class
community center that we all enjoy and are
proud of.
I would add to the capital improvement
projects more upgrading and extensions of
our boardwalks to the beach. I would add
sidewalks, where we have heavy pedestrian
traffic.
5) Commercial District: I support a small,
appropriate commercial district that serves
the needs of our residents. It is now a
sufficient size and I oppose any expansion of
the commercial district.
I have invested in our communitys
commercial district and Im very proud that
the businesses that lease from me provide
service that residents valuea creative and
community-minded architectural firm, a
friendly gas station, a fitness center that is a
great place to work out. None has ever been
controversial. We need a commercial district
to be more than a bedroom community but
we need to be sure it stays small and is
regulated for the benefit of our residents.
Traffic and congestion continues to be a
challenge in the commercial district. Parking
on Middle Street is usually available within
two blocks. With the current regulations
in place, new businesses should not
substantially increase the traffic in the
commercial three-block district. We all enjoy
the services provided. Increased use of bikes
and golf carts to get to the business district
may reduce some of the traffic congestion,
while still permitting easy access.
Rita Langley
1) Parking: As we all know, the population
in the tri-county area is growing rapidly.
For 2013, Mt. Pleasant alone was the ninth
fastest growing city in the United States. This
growth is increasing congestion and traffic
on our Island and other neighboring islands.
Adding to this situation is IOPs intention to
have paid parking. If IOP has paid parking,
I believe more people will come to our island
because our parking is free. This would add
more congestion, parking woes, tax our
Candidates continues on page 20
APRIL
SPECIALS

infrastructure and our quality of
life. A parking plan is needed but
before we make any decisions,
considerable public input and
thoughtful dialogue is needed.
One size does not fit all.
2)
Accreted
Land:
Town
Council adopted a set of basic
principles to guide development
of an improved Accreted Land
Management
Plan.
These
principles included a transition
zone as a good neighbor policy
that would minimize fire hazard,
provide a buffer from unwanted
wildlife and enhance breezes and
sight lines. Town consultants
emphasized that the Accreted
Land varies substantially in
depth (from 100 ft. to over 800
ft.) and in vegetation (from forest
to shrub and grassland) and
management strategies should
also differ from area to area. The
Land Use and Natural Resources
(LUNR) Committee adopted this
strategy in planning transition
zones that vary for different
beachfront areas. The shoreline
is not a straight line and it makes
sense for the transition zones to
emulate this changing shoreline.
I cannot agree with this one-sizefits-all, 100 feet transition zone
for the entire beachfront.
3) Coyotes: I attended the
Planning Committee meeting
where the wildlife biologist from
DNR was invited to speak. He
explained in detail the biology
and behavior of coyotes living
in urban/ suburban areas.
He assured us that coyotes do
not pose a serious risk to us
and that the towns current
management plan is effective in
controlling the population. The
biologist also explained that our
area will always be an attractive
habitat for coyotes. The biologist
stressed and I agree that we need
to continue educating citizens on
living with coyotes and continue
to study and collect data on
occurrences
and
population
trends.
I agree with the towns current
plan to deal with coyotes. Traps
have been set and cameras are
monitoring specific coyote areas.
The town will hire appropriate
professionals to trap coyotes on
Town property if necessary. Also,
individual residents can contract
with a professional to trap coyotes
on their property if necessary.
4) Improvement Projects: We
have spent considerable time and
money on much needed capital
improvements in the last few
years. Sewage/water is in need
of additional improvements. I
understand these improvements
will be paid for by a grant and the
Town has allocated the remainder
of the funds. The focus should
now be on effective oversight of
these major projectsnew town
hall and upgrades to the water
treatment facilityto make sure
that they come in on time and
on budget. I would like to see
improvements in communication
starting with live streaming of
town council meetings. This is
overdue. As a member of council
I would be committed to spending
residents' money wisely.
4) Commercial District: I
support
our
quaint
island
atmosphere which includes our

limited commercial district. I
believe Sullivans Island has more
than an adequate commercial
district for its size. We should
continue to evaluate a long term
vision for the commercial district
and make sure our ordinances
reflect this vision for the Island.
For example, last year the town
council passed an ordinance
banning chain restaurants. Also,
after considerable public input
and discussion we passed an
ordinance that allows for a limited
number of coffee shops. I applaud
this effort as a demonstration
of the towns commitment to
fostering a commercial district
that considers the needs of locals
as well as tourist.
5) Commercial District: I
support
our
quaint
island
atmosphere which includes our
limited commercial district. I
believe Sullivans Island has more
than an adequate commercial
district for its size. We should
continue to evaluate a long term
vision for the commercial district
and make sure our ordinances
reflect this vision for the Island.
For example, last year the town
council passed an ordinance
banning chain restaurants. Also,
after considerable public input
and discussion we passed an
ordinance that allows for a limited
number of coffee shops. I applaud
this effort as a demonstration
of the towns commitment to
fostering a commercial district
that considers the needs of locals
as well as tourist.
Bachman Smith IV
1) Parking: Paid parking is an
excellent idea that could be a
source of revenue for the town
as well as a solution to safety
concerns regarding accessibility
for emergency vehicles and Island
residents as well as alleviating
traffic. While implementation
in the immediate future may
be desired there are concerns
regarding cost, available parking,
re-vamped parking ordinances
upon
which
enforcement
is based, and right-of-way
encroachments, among others
that need further vetting and/
or leg-work. We should not be
concerned with beating the Isle of
Palms to the punch by rolling out
a plan before them. We should be
a good neighbor and work with
the Isle of Palms for reasons of
economy through cost savings
and for ease of implementation/
transition with our visitors
knowing paid parking is a reality
on both islands.
2) Accreted Land: No, I do not
agree with the current Town
Council policy that an islandwide 100 foot transition zone
be established in the accreted
land. I believe the 100 foot
transition zone is arbitrary,
not supported by scientifically
based recommendations, and
in contradiction to the working
plan to address the accreted land
through the use of different units
that have been identified and are
still being refined. The accreted
land at one Station is vastly
different than that which has
accreted at another Station in
both size (depth) and vegetative
make-up.
April 10, 2015

The
working
Proposed
Management Plan includes a
range of recommended transition
zones for each unit with two of the
four units having an upper end of
100ft and the other two maxing
out at 40ft. Further, the working
proposal specifically calls out the
need to consider erosion when
setting the transition zones. I find
it difficult to understand how a
Town policy can be so completely
unsupported by the very plan
upon which it is supposed to be
based. It is even more troubling
to me that a policy establishing
the 100ft transition zone, if
implemented to its fullest with
the more aggressive management
allowed therein could prove
harmful to the property owners
abutting these areas when
erosion inevitably occurs.
Simply put, this is not a
one size fits all issue and the
establishment of transition zones
should be guided by the working
proposal as currently written.
The management of all coastal
property should be treated as
the coast behaves or evolves and
that is dynamically rather than
rigidly.
3) Coyotes: I do not believe
coyotes pose a significant threat
to people. I also believe ones
concerns that coyotes are a
threat should not be dismissed
as unfounded. This is a difficult
question to answer considering,
from a legal stand point, coyotes
cannot be poisoned or relocated.
From a practical position they
cannot be shot or otherwise
killed via trap in their current
island habitat. (I am thinking
of my youth during which I
covered every square inch of the
island and shudder to think of
what harm could inadvertently
befall some young adventurous
souls making their own paths
throughout the island.)
Fortunately, while we are
unique we are not the only small
town in America to have to deal
with coyotes. In fact, we do not
have to reinvent the wheel when
it comes to problem solving
across the board. While I do not
have the solution, I do believe this
issue should be addressed with
the larger picture in mind. We
should consider that, according
to historical data, more than
1,000 people per day must seek
medical attention to treat a
domestic dog bite. Framing the
coyote discussion with this data
gives me pause and demands we
be careful of the path we choose
when addressing coyotes and
management thereof.
4)
Improvement
Projects:
We should explore burying
power lines throughout the
island to include the causeway.
Understanding that water is more
of a threat to power lines than
wind this would be a difficult and
likely expensive undertaking but
this should not deter us from at
least exploring the possibility.
5) Commercial District: The
commercial district should not be
expanded from its geographical
confines, and the businesses
therein should not be treated
as second class citizens. It is
important to keep in mind these
businesses are an important
21
part of our tax base. It is also
important that the businesses
keep in mind their success, in
large part, is due to their location
on the Island. We should work
with the business owners to
identify and address concerns
before they become issues that
require reactionary measures.
As it is all but certain that a
paid parking plan will be put in
place we must keep in mind that
allowing expanded use within
the commercial district does
not necessarily translate into
greater traffic. The Town has
done a very good job of managing
the commercial district and
keeping it confined. Eliminating
weekly rentals stopped the issue
of nuisance (more commonly
associated with the commercial
district) from spilling into the
residential areas. Maintaining a
geographical boundary for the
commercial district not only helps
preserve the Island residents
quality of life, it increases the
value and quality of those few
establishments we are lucky
enough to have on our Island.
Mary Jane Watson
1) Parking: With the continued
growth of the East Cooper area,
parking for year-round beach
visitors becomes a challenge for
the Town. In addition to added
burden of expenses to the Town
General Fund to provide for those
visitors, it is critical that the Town
manage how and where vehicles
are parked in order to facilitate
ingress/egress as well as the
movement of first responder
equipment around the Island.
2) Accreted Land: The Town
has been working for a number of
years to develop a management
plan that will protect the natural
maritime environment while at
the same time provide access
and view corridors to residents
and visitors. The transition
zone was a result of many
years of work by several Town
Councils. Council voted for the
concept of a 100ft transition
earlier this year. Vegetation to
be cleared from the transition
zone has yet to be determined.
A recently commissioned tree
survey will allow Council to
complete a more detailed study
of the transition zone and
analyze what is appropriate for
removal. Additionally, findings
may indicate that the transition
zone is either adequate or that
adjustments are necessary.
3) Coyotes: Unlike many
other suburban areas, coyotes
are relatively new to the Island.
Over the last two or three
years sightings have increased.
However, science tells us that
eradication is unlikely and
understanding co-existence is
essential. Staff has crafted a
plan to manage the population
and if necessary eliminate
problem
animals.
South
Carolina DNR and the Humane
Society guidance is incorporated
into the management plan.
Safety of Island residents is the
fundamental theme in the plan.
4) Improvement Projects:
Although the town does not
own the roads, we will need to
work closely with the DOT to
improve stormwater drainage

and maintenance of the roads.
5)
Commercial
District:
The physical boundary of the
commercial district has not
changed in 60 years. There is
no discussion to expand the
district and zoning ordinances
are very restrictive with regard
to increasing the size of existing
commercial buildings. The town
continues to defend the zoning
ordinance with regard to the
physical expansion of buildings.
of residents, church goers, and

other special situations.
2) Accreted Land: I support the
three years of progress that was
made by the Land Use and Natural
Resources Committee (LUNR) in
developing a management plan,
which includes a transition zone
that varies in depth, dependent
on the depth and vegetation of
the particular stretch of land,
as determined by experts. While
a 100-foot transition zone may
be appropriate where there is an
800 foot stretch of thick forest, it
is not appropriate for a section
that would be nearly, or entirely,
encompassed by that 100 feet.
I am confident we can
complete a management plan
that protects and enhances
this valuable public resource,
and also includes compromises
for the front row homeowners
that will have low impact to the
natural environment. This plan
should be developed through
the LUNR committee with open
discussion, scientific input, and
careful consideration.
3) Coyotes: If a particular
coyote exhibits aggression or
becomes
overly
comfortable
in close proximity to people, it
should definitely be removed. But
according to experts, randomly
killing non-aggressive coyotes
could cause substantially more
harm than good. Removal of
an alpha-coyote can cause a
population explosion because
the remaining male coyotes start
CANDIDATES FOR 2 YEAR TERM

Sarah Church
1) Parking I support a paid
parking plan only if the following
criteria are met:
Public Input: The residents of
Sullivans Island have had ample
time to voice their individual
concerns prior to implementation.
The concerns of residents living
near beach access paths or near
the commercial district will be
different than those living on
the quieter, marsh side of SI. We
need to ensure all residents have
had a chance for their concerns
to not only be heard, but also
considered. As a resident, I
support a paid parking plan. As
a member of council, I will need
to hear from the residents before
making any commitment.
No Hardship: We must find a
plan that will not place hardship
on our residents. The purpose of
the managed parking plan is to
relieve burden, not create it. It is
imperative that we find ways to
accommodate parking for guests Candidates continues on page 24
Is l a nd E y e C a l e nda r
April 10
ONGOING
Mondays
Memoir Writing Circle
Every Monday at 10:30 a.m.
Come, write and share your
stories. CCPL Poe Branch
Library, 1921 Ion Avenue.
883.3914.
Tuesdays
Time for Twos
Every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Join
Mrs. Mac for stories, songs and
crafts. Suggested ages 24-36
months. Poe Branch Library, 1921
Ion Avenue. 883.3914.
Team Trivia
8 p.m. Test your trivial
knowledge each Tuesday at Home
Team BBQ.
Yoga Unplugged
5:45 - 6:45 p.m., Tuesdays and
Thursdays. Held ocean-side on
IOP, these guided yoga sessions
also feature live acoustic music.
Interested participants of all
fitness and yoga experience levels
are invited. Participants should
bring a mat and towel. $10/
class, $8/residents of Charleston
County. Call 843.795.4386.
Wednesdays
Cafe Medley Wine Tasting
Every Wednesdays, 6-8
p.m., $5, $13 with cheese
plate. 2213 Middle St. Middle
Street, Sullivans Island. Call
843.793.4055.
Barn Jam
6 10 p.m. The Awendaw Green
Barn every Wednesday, 6-10 p.m.
$5 at the door, all ages welcome.
Enjoy a night of diverse music
from around the globe on the
uniquely bohemian ground of the
Sewee Outpost. Wood fired pizza
and fresh grilled oysters (while in
season) will be available as well
as libations. www.facebook.com/
awendawgreen.
Thursdays
Mah Jongg Nights (adults)
Poes Library hosts Mah Jongg
Thursdays at 6 p.m. Learn to
play American Mah Jongg. No
experience necessary. 1921 Ion
Avenue, 883.3914.
Fridays
Party at the Point
Charlestons premier happy hour
concert series, Party at the Point,
is back for its 15th season. The
spring/summer concert series is
set to kick-off on Friday, April 24
with Departure, The Ultimate
Journey Tribute Band. The
weekly outdoor concert takes
place every Friday afternoon from
5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. at the
Charleston Harbor Resort and
Marina on Patriots Point and
features a full cash bar, including
draft specials. The 2015 summer
season will run from Friday, April
24 through Friday, June 26.
Saturdays
Play: STAR Therapy Dogs
10:30 a.m. Share books with a
furry friend. CCPL Poe Branch
Library, 1921 Ion Avenue. 843883-3914.
Friday, April 10
IOP Middle School Dance
7 - 9:30 p.m. Any 6th,7th and
8th Grade Students are invitied
to the IOP Middle School Dance,
DJ, and concessions at the IOP
Rec Center. A great place to dance
or just hang out with friends
on a Friday night. For more
information call (843) 886-8294
or email kferrell@iop.net.
Saturday, April 11
Bird Migration Workshop
Take a guided walk through
the Maritime Forest. For more
information and to reserve a
space or spaces for a bird walk,
please email Sarah Diaz at
dargan3484@gmail.com or call
843.478.3322.
Pet Fest
April 11 and April 12. Pets, their
owners, and those in search
of a new pet are invited to join
Charleston County Parks for
a full weekend of exhibits,
demonstrations, experts,
entertainment, and more at the
Lowcountrys premier pet festival,
10 a.m. 4 p.m. each day at
Mount Pleasant Palmetto Islands
County Park.
PLAY: STAR Therapy Dogs
10:30 a.m. Share books with a
furry friend. CCPL Poe Branch
Library, 1921 Ion Avenue,
843.883.3914.
Civil War 150th
Fort Sumter National Monument
will host four days of events
to commemorate the 150th
anniversary of the re-raising of
the United States flag over Fort
Sumter. Civil War re-enactors will
be stationed at Fort Sumter from
April 11-14, and the 8th Georgia
band will perform period music

at Fort Moultrie at 2 p.m. on April
11. Special evening excursions to
Fort Sumter will be offered from
April 10-12. Fort Sumter will
also be illuminated during this
period, and two spotlights at the
Fort symbolizing the division of
the nation will come together as
one. For more details visit www.
fortsumtertrust.org
Nathalie Dupree Culinary
Demonstration
1 - 5 p.m. Southern Season is
pleased to host chef and cookbook
author Nathalie Dupree for an
exclusive cooking demonstration
and cookbook signing at its
Mount Pleasant store. The event
is free and open to the public.
For more information please visit
www.southernseason.com.
Thursday, April 16
Battery Gadsden Cultural
Center meeting
6 p.m. General Membership
meeting, all are welcome. 1917
Ion St., Sullivans Island.
Friday, April 17
Reggae Nights Concert Series
8:30 p.m. The Charleston
County Park and Recreation
Commission kicks off its premiere
concert during the East Coast
Paddlesports & Outdoor Festival.
The first concert of the series on
Friday, April 17 at James Island
County Park. Gates open at 7:30
p.m. and music by Black Lion
begins at 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 18
Round on the Mound
Come out and support the
Sullivans Island Park Foundation
by buying a ticket for the 2nd
Annual Round on the Mound.
Music will be provided by the
Nashville Songwriters. Beer and
wine provided by Bottles and
Palmetto Brewery. For more
information and tickets visit:
SullivansIslandParkFoundation.org
Beachlovers Bookclub
The Edgar Allan Poe Library will
be discussing Hemingways A
Moveable Feast at 10:30 a.m. at
the library.
Tae Kwon Do Tournament
10 a.m. Annual event will include
eliminations and finals in forms
and sparring for all age groups
along with demonstrations and
board breaking, followed by black
belt testing. $45 Tournament
Fee. At the IOP Rec Center.
Play: Fun with Fingerpaints
10:30 a.m. Let your imagination
go wild and create a beautiful
picture on canvas. CCPL Poe
Branch Library, 1921 Ion Avenue.
883.3914.
Local Living: Celebrate
National Poetry Month with
Jim Brueggemann
12 p.m. Learn about haiku,
hiaga and hiabun forms of poetry
with Jim Brueggemann, author
of After the Night Rain, a book of
contemporary haiku. CCPL Poe
Branch Library, 1921 Ion Avenue,
843.883.3914.
Wednesday, April 22
Dodgeball
4 - 5 p.m. At the IOP Rec Center.
Free.
Thursday, April 23
Insider Art: Discover
Contemporary Wildlife Artist
Walton Ford
6 p.m. Explore Walton Fords
satirical wildlife illustrations
featuring six intaglio etchings
from a New York collector. Free
for Fellows, $15 Members, $25
Non Members. Location: Circular
Congregational Church, 150
Meeting Street. Reception to
follow.
Friday, April 24
CRAFTERNOON: Earth Day

Crafts
3 p.m. Celebrate Earth Day
with arts and crafts to celebrate
May 30
nature. CCPL Poe Branch Library,
1921 Ion Avenue, 843.883.3914.
Saturday, April 25
PLAY: Arbor Day Festivities
10:30 a.m. Come one, come all to
celebrate Arbor Day with stories
and help us plant a tree. CCPL
Poe Branch Library, 1921 Ion
Avenue. 843-883-3914.
Run for Adela
8:30 a.m. 6th Annual Run for
Adela 5K Beach Run/Walk & 1
mile Fun Run on the beach at
Sullivans Island, www.facebook.
com/RunForAdela
IOP Yard Sale
8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Spaces are
limited/ maximum 2 spaces per
vendor. Vendors will be selling
used and like items, the sale of
retail items will not be permitted.
$5 resident/non-resident. Call
843.886.8294 for details.
Shaggin On The Cooper
This popular live beach music
and shag dance event series
returns to the Mount Pleasant
Pier. For more information
on Shaggin on the Cooper,
call 843.795.4386 or visit
CharlestonCountyParks.com.
Tuesday, April 28
Dig South
This annual conference
in downtown Charleston
is out to prove you can
#SucceedintheSouth. Whether an
expanding Fortune 500, a fastgrowth Inc 5000 or a homegrown
startup, opportunities to connect
and do business abound in our
region. Dig South features more
than 200 presenters from across
the nation, 750 Conference
participants and 5000 total
Festival attendees. Events range
from panels to workshops to
interactive presentations by
industry experts. http://digsouth.
com for more information.
Saturday, May 2
Night at the Races
4 - 9 p.m. Junior League of
Charleston will host Charlestons
only derby gala at the Daniel
Island Club. The event includes
live Kentucky Derby coverage,
silent and live auction, live music,
derby-inspired food, an open bar,
and of course, high fashion and
hats! To purchase tickets please
visit www.jlcharleston.org.
KEENagers Luncheon
12 1 p.m., Isle of Palms
Recreation Center, #24 28th
Ave, Senior Social Group
meets September May. Karrie
Ferrell 843.886.8294 for more
information.
Saturday, May 9
Music in the Park
1 4 p.m., IOP Recreation
Department #24 28th Avenue.
Bring your lawn chairs and
Blanks and enjoy an afternoon
of Blue Grass music with
Sweet Potato Pie, food will be
available. Contact Andy Sinwald
843.886.8294.
Saturday, May 16
Charleston Beer Garden
12 - 8 p.m. The 4th Annual
Charleston Beer Garden will
take place at its new home, The
Grove at Patriots Point in Mount

Pleasant. The festival will feature
more than 30 craft beers on tap
from breweries across the U.S.
Advance General Admission
tickets include entrance to
the festival, entertainment,
five beer tickets, and a
commemorative festival mug.
CharlestonBeerGarden.com.
Wednesday, May 13
Dodgeball Pick Up Game
at the Rec
4 5 p.m., Isle of Palms
Recreation Center, #24 28th
Ave, call 843.886.8294 for more
information.
Saturday, May 23
Share Our Suzy
5 p.m. Why wear white this
Memorial Day, when you can wear
pink? Come out and support local
breast cancer survivors and their
families at the 11th annual Share
Our Suzy fun-raiser at the
Grove at Patriots Point in Mount
Pleasant. This year the event will
feature live music by Indecision,
Five Way Friday and Archetypes,
local food purveyors and a
healthy dose of hope for breast
cancer survivors and patients.
Tickets are $45 in advance and
$60 the day of. Tickets include
food, beer, wine; cocktails will be
available for purchase.
24
breeding in attempt to become
the next alpha male.
According to our Chief of
Police, coyote sightings have
dramatically
decreased,
just
as they did last spring. This is
the typical cycle for coyotes,
according to the SC DHEC
coyote expert when he spoke to
the Planning Commission on
February 11. There were several
other important aspects to his
presentation:
Impossible
to
eradicate:
According to the wildlife experts,
it is impossible to get rid of
the coyotes. Even if you are
successful in removing one pack,
the void will quickly be filled in
by new coyotes. They can easily
cross over from Mt. Pleasant, so
even living on an island, we will
never be coyote-free.
No threat to humans: The
very rare coyote attacks in the
United States have been by
rabid coyotes. We have not had
a substantial rabies outbreak on
Sullivan's Island.
4) Improvement Projects: I
think we have our hands (and
budget) full with the current
projects! It will be important for
Council to follow the current
projects very closely to be sure
they stay on budget, and include
the promised elements. The
new Town Hall should provide
public restroom access from the
park. Our new meeting space for
Council and Committee meetings
should be outfitted to either livestream or video tape meetings
for residents to access on the
town website. This will give the
public a greater opportunity to
be informed and engaged in our
current issues and projects. Of
course it is impossible to predict
what will come our way in the next
four years, but I don't anticipate
any major new projects.
Commercial
Center
should
not be allowed to expand. Our
commercial district is already
congested
with
traffic
and
parking issues. As a town, we
should mindful of supporting
our current businesses, but our
island has no room for further
growth. It was welcome news
from our Zoning Administrator
that there were no discussions
on expanding the commercial
April 10, 2015

districtnor are there any
new applications for business
licenses. There is very limited
space left in the commercial
center, and I would not support
any expansion of this area.
Dave Spurgin
1) Parking: I strongly believe
that we need to rein in parking
on the island. This can be
accomplished
without
going
through the expense of a paid
parking system. I would support
parking only on one side of the
street, designating resident-only
parking, creating golf cart parking
near beach paths, consider paid
meter parking in the commercial
district,
eliminating
town
parking lots, changing parking
ordinances to read that vehicles
must have all 4 wheels off of the
pavement, increased parking
fines, and encouraging the police
department to strictly enforce
our current parking ordinances.
Implementing some or all of these
strategies would go a long way
towards improving our parking
problem.
2) Accreted Land: The accreted
land is for the benefit of all
island residents. No one group
or property owner should have
more say over how this valuable
resource should be managed.
We have a responsibility to
protect and preserve our natural
environment while making sure
that we are managing it in a way
that attracts wildlife, enhances
property values, and protects its
natural development. Allowing
specific residents or groups to
dictate how this land is managed
is not acceptable when the land
is meant for the benefit of all
residents.
I believe that by allowing
property owners to encroach onto
the accreted land via transition
zones, with no master plan in
place for the area as a whole, is
essentially allowing individual
property rights to supersede
the rights of island residents to
public land. In my opinion, this
goes against the very spirit of why
the land was initially placed into
a trust. There was a real risk that
Charleston County was going to
claim the land for its own use
and we would have lost complete
control over how it would have
been developed. Those on the
front beach benefited from this
action because it stopped any

negative growth from happening
in front of their residences and
conservationists were rewarded
with a maritime forest that could
be enjoyed for generations to
come. I sympathize with the
homeowners who have been
impacted by this action, but feel
that all past land use practices
were trumped once the land
was placed into a trust. The
LUNR committee developed a
comprehensive plan on how to
manage the land, and we should
support their recommendations.
I realize that this is a fiercely
contested issue, and I doubt
that any one plan will satisfy
everyone concerned with it; but
I do know that we must put
this issue behind us in order to
move forward in a positive way.
We have been discussing how
to manage this land for over 20
years now. Attempting to do so
through individual agenda items
is not working. It is time to end
the debate on how to handle this
land through real compromise or
a town referendum.
3) Coyotes: I have done
significant research on this issue
and do not believe coyotes pose
an immediate threat to people on
the island. The few cases in which
coyotes have bitten someone can
be primarily attributed to people
attempting to feed or tame them.
Although that is not always the
case, you have a better chance
of being bitten by a shark than
a coyote. That is not to say, in
any way, that being approached
by a coyote is not a traumatic
experience. You might also
consider that, since their arrival,
we have seen a significant drop
in nuisance animals entering our
attics and crawl spaces.
The protection of our pets is
probably of greater concern for
island residents. There have been
numerous communities who
have tried to control their coyote
problem via trapping or killing. It
has been discovered that neither
approach is an effective approach.
In fact, it usually leads to an even
greater population returning
within short order. Raising
fence height is impractical since
coyote entry points into yards are
usually through an opening or
by the animal digging under an
obstacle.
The best course of action is to
educate yourself on what you can
do to prevent a negative coyote
encounter. Coyotes are not going
away, but we can learn to live
with them in harmony.
4) Improvement Projects: It is
less about what I would like to
see and more about how we are
going to pay for it. Besides the
projects noted above, we still
lack a solution for our crumbling
waste water treatment plant
and infrastructure, the aging
firehouse, numerous historic
fortifications that continue to
deteriorate, and a host of smaller
projects that will need to be
addressed in the future.
We currently have no long
term financial plan as to how
we are going to meet future and
immediate capital needs. As a
business owner, this scares the
heck out of me. As a resident it

scares me even more! I plan for
future expenses that are outside
the scope of my normal operating
budget. Instead of saving money
for future expenses, the current
Town Council thinks issuing
long term bonds is the best
financial solution. The problem
is that we have maxed out our
ability to issue bonds without
a referendum. We still have not
figured out how to pay for the
eight million dollars it will take to
up-fit our waste water treatment
plant. Town Council continues
to spend money on what seem to
be pet projects while not taking
into consideration how we are
going to pay for the repair or
replacement of the infrastructure
we now have. This is a recipe for
disaster. We keep adding future
debt while not being able to solve
our current financial issues. We
need to prioritize what is most
important to island residents and
build a sound plan around what
they find most critical.
I doubt most residents know
that a portion of their water bill
will go to paying for expenses
related to the new Town Hall and
other capital expenditures for
the next 15 years. Town Council
makes decisions that prevent
water rates from ever dropping
which,
in
effect,
actually
resemble a tax increase. A tax
that, based on usage rates, is
applied unevenly to all residents.
This is a decision that residents
should have had significant
input on. It amazes me that the
current Town Council opted to
take a bond out for the new town
hall, which is something we did
not immediately need, in lieu of
replacing a waste water treatment
plant, which is something we
cannot live without.
town could have done a much
better job of managing the
commercial district. The primary
purpose of having this district is
to encourage businesses that will
support the needs of residents. It
seems that our current council
is more interested in meeting the
needs of county residents instead
of the needs of island residents.
We not only have to deal with
parking,
traffic,
lawsuits,
and noise related to current
commercial activities, but we
have to deal with being unable
to enjoy existing services due to
overcrowding.
As a town council member I
would not support any changes
to our ordinances that contribute
to our existing problems. We need
to have a solid mix of businesses
that meet the needs of residents
first without compounding our
traffic and parking issues. As a
business owner, I sympathize
with the existing establishments.
Still, I do not believe adding
more restaurants or multi-use
developments will in anyway
solve our problem. How the
commercial district develops
will have an immediate and long
lasting effect on our quality of life
for years to come.
FINANCIAL
5 April 10, 2015
25
Be prepared for those RMDs

BY DIMI MATOUCHEV
FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS
ou might not think that

70 1/2 represents any
particular milestone. But
when you do reach this age, you
will have to make some decisions
that affect an important aspect
of your lifeyour retirement
income.
Heres the background: Once
you turn 70 1/2, you will need
to start taking withdrawals from
your 401(k) or similar employersponsored retirement plan and
from your traditional IRA (but not
your Roth IRA). Actually, you will
need to begin these withdrawals
known as required minimum
distributions (RMDs) by April 1
of the following year and continue
taking them by December 31
each year after that. These RMDs
are calculated by dividing your
account balance at the end of
the previous year by your life
expectancy, as determined by IRS
mortality tables. If your spouse
is your sole beneficiary and is
more than 10 years younger than
you, youd use a separate table.
Dont worry too much about the
number crunching, though
your financial advisor generally
can do the calculations for you.
What you should concern
yourself with, however, are the first
two words of RMD: required and
minimum. These words mean
what they say. If you don't take
withdrawals, or if you withdraw
less than you should, you could

face a 50 percent penalty tax on
the difference between what you
withdrew and what you should
have
withdrawnand
then
you'll still have to take out the
required amount and pay taxes
on the taxable portions of those
withdrawals. So its a very good
idea to take your withdrawals
on
timeand
without
shortchanging yourself.
Of course, you can certainly take
more than the required minimum
amountbut should you? The
answer depends on whether
you need the money. But even
if you have to take larger-thanminimum withdrawals, you'll
want to be careful not to take out

more than you needbecause if
you over-withdraw year after
year, you run the risk of outliving
your resources. That's why it's so
important, during the early years
of your retirement, to establish
a sustainable withdrawal rate
for your retirement accounts.
Your withdrawal rate will depend
on a variety of factors, such as
your other sources of income
Social Security, earnings from
employment, savings, etc. your
lifestyle choices, your estimated
longevity, and so on. In any
Breac h Inlet Tide Char t

Date
High Tide
Low Tide
Apr 10
Apr 11
Apr 12
Apr 13
Apr 14
Apr 15
Apr 16
Apr 17
Apr 18
Apr 19
Apr 20
Apr 21
Apr 22
Apr 23
12:08am/12:29pm
1:03am/1:28pm
2:07am/2:34pm
3:16am/3:42pm
4:24am/4:49pm
5:28am/5:51pm
6:27am/6:49pm
7:22am/7:44pm
8:15am/8:36pm
9:07am/9:27pm
9:57am/10:16pm
10:47am/11:05pm
11:38am/11:55pm
12:30pm
6:38am/6:36pm
7:34am/7:37pm
8:35am/8:46pm
9:38am/9:57pm
10:39am/11:04pm
11:37am
12:06am/12:31pm
1:04am/1:23pm
1:59am/2:13pm
2:52am/3:02pm
3:43am/3:50pm
4:33am/4:38pm
5:23am/5:28pm
6:14am/6:19pm
Hurricanes, storms etc., are NOT included in the

predictions. Tidal current direction changes and tide time
predictions can be very different. Tide predictions are
PREDICTIONS; they can be wrong so use common sense.
Source: www.saltwatertides.com
case, once you have arrived

at an appropriate withdrawal
rate, youll need to stick to that
rate unless your circumstances
change.
If you have multiple IRAs,
you'll also face another decision,
because, once you've calculated
your total RMDs for the year,
from all your IRAs, you can
take that amount from one or
more of them. Depending on the
investment mix of these individual
IRAs, you may find it beneficial to
take the money from one account
and leave the others intact, to
potentially grow further. (If you
have multiple 401(k)s, though,
you will likely need to calculate
and withdraw the separate RMDs
for each plan.)
Other issues are also involved
with RMDs, so, when the time
approaches, consult with your
tax and financial advisors.
By studying all your options
before you begin taking these
withdrawals, you should be able
to maximize their benefits.
This article was written by
Edward Jones for use by your
local Edward Jones Financial
Advisor.
Warmer days ahead

herald happier times
for fisherman
BY CAPT. GEOFF BENNETT
FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS
eather remained cooler

than average in March.
The recent cold snap over
the last few days is hopefully the
last one of the year. Looking ahead
we have forecasts of sunny days in
70s and 80s which should really
bring the water temperatures up.
Bait, however, has been showing
up in increasing numbers and
this will improve the bite and get
the fishery moving.
The large schools of redfish
found throughout the winter are
breaking up as these fish become
more active. Anglers should think
about using artificial plastic lures
that mimic these baitfish. One
good choice would be jerk shad
lures that have become very
popular and come in a variety of
colors. Ive been finding that white
has been working best although
Ill occasionally throw a darker
color when water clarity is poor.
These lures work best rigged on a
size 3/0 fluter hook.
Trout have just started to
appear in deeper water. For
now, live bait will be the ticket
when targeting them. Working
docks and shell beds with a mud
minnow on a 1/4oz. jighead can
be very productive. Focus on
getting this bait deep enough
to get in front of the trout and

move the jighead slowly along the
bottom. As trout become more
active, popping corks cast along
grass banks and over oyster beds
will be a good bet paired with live
or artificial shrimp.
Flounder, perhaps our tastiest
fish, are becoming active. Weve
been catching them mostly when
fishing with mud minnows on the
bottom or mud minnows under
popping corks. Youll need to
focus on structure when targeting
flounder. Docks and pilings are
good places to prospect. Flounder
will hug the bottom in hopes of
ambushing their prey, so youll
need to keep that bait down on or
close to the bottom as well. One
of the bonuses of the jerk shad
mentioned above is that flounder
on the flats will strike these
surprisingly often.
See you on the water!
Capt. Geoff Bennett operates
Charleston
Charter
Fishing
providing fly fishing and light
tackle
charters.
For
more
information, call Capt. Bennett at
843.324.3332, visit his website
at www.charlestoncharterfishing.
com or email him at captain@
charlestoncharterfishing.com.
island eats
Ben & Jerrys

Enjoy an array of ice cream flavors,
from Chocolate Therapy to Peach
Cobbler on Isle of Palms Ocean
Boulevard
$
886-6314
www.benandjerrys.com
1009 Ocean Boulevard,
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
Morgan Creek Grill

Relax with a front row seat on
the Intracoastal waterway while
enjoying fresh seafood and southern
hospitality.
$$$
886-8980
www.morgancreekgrill.com
80 41st Avenue
Caf Medley
Start your day or end it with a well
rounded caf, serving breakfast,
lunch, and a glass of wine in the
evening.
$$
793-4055
www.cafemedley.com
2213 Middle Street
Poes Tavern
Famous for their gourmet burgers and
chicken sandwiches, this Poe-inspired
eatery also features great deals on
fresh fish tacos.
$$
883-0083
www.poestavern.com
2210 Middle Street
Sullivans Island, SC
High Thyme Cuisine

A small island bistro with a wide
range of dishes from seafood, tapas on
Tuesdays, and a brunch on Sunday
mornings.
$$$
883-3536
www.highthymecuisine.com
2213 Middle Street
SALT at Station 22
Enjoy a fun atmosphere with fresh
seafood and southern favorites, and a
fresh, local raw bar.
$$$
883-3355
www.saltstation22.com
2205 Middle Street
Home Team BBQ

Not limited to barbeque, this casual
eatery also serves salads, wraps,
tacos, and quesadillas, as well as
Sunday brunch.
$$
883-3131
www.hometeambbq.com
2209 Middle Street
Long Island Cafe
Come in for lunch, dinner, or Sunday
brunch and enjoy all your favorite
seafood plus so much more at this
island favorite.
$$
886-8809
www.longislandcafesc.com
1515-A Palm Boulevard
Luke N Ollie's
Enjoy speciality pizzas, subs, burgers,
wings, salads and a full bar. Delivery
daily after 5 to IOP and Sullivan's.
$$
242-8121
www.lukenollies.com
1101 Ocean Boulevard
SaltWorks Dockside Deli

Located inside the Isle of Palms
Marina Market, come enjoy fresh
breakfast, smoothies, & sandwiches.
Open from 7AM-3PM daily.
$
www.saltworkscc.com
50 41st Avenue
Sullivans
Grab a casual dinner of fried flounder
or crab cakes in a cozy atmosphere,
as well as lunch on the weekends.
$$
883-3222
2019 Middle Street
Taco Mamacita
Enjoy made-from-scratch Tex Mex
soups, salads, tacos, and enchiladas,
and quench your thirst with one of
several specialty margaritas.
$$
789-4107
www.tacomamacita.com
off-island eats
Crave Kitchen & Cocktails
Located just over the bridge from IOP,
Crave's National Award Winning Chef
proudly serves Low Country visitors
and residents a unique casual fine
dining experience!
$$$
(843) 884-1177
www.cravekitchenandcocktails.com
1968 Riviera Drive
Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464
Gilligan's Seafood Restaurant
For Family Friendly Fun- Gilligan's
is the One! Patio and private dining
available as well as daily and happy
hour specials.
$$
(843) 849-2344
www.gilligans.net
1475 Long Grove Dr.
Southerly Restaurant & Patio
Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner,
and weekend brunch, boasts a fresh
seasonal menu highlighting local
ingredients and contemporary cuisine,
all with Southern flair. Our scenic
outdoor patio is a lovely setting to
savor a meal, while our elegant indoor
spaces are perfect for receptions,
parties and meetings.

$$
(843) 416-3965
www.southernseason.com
730 Coleman Blvd,
Sewee Restaurant
See Wee Southern Style local Seafood,
local farm to table veggies, sinful
homemade desserts.
$$
(843) 928-3609
www.seeweerestaurants.com/
4808 N Hwy 17,
Awendaw, SC 29429
Stack's Coastal Kitchen
Come join us for lunch where we offer
fresh soup, salads and sandwiches.
Enjoy dinner in a casual
bistro-style setting with a nice wine
selection, full bar, and outdoor dining.
$$-$$$
(843) 388-6968
www.stackscoastalkitchen.com
1440 Ben Sawyer Blvd #1107
Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
27
April 10, 2015
Seasons Grilled NY Strip Steak

of the
with Garden Salad
South
BY MARILYN MARKEL
ew York strip is one of my favorite cuts of beef. Its easy

and fast to cook and always tastes delicious. A perfect
accompaniment is blue cheese.
FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS
Ingredients
Steak
1 pounds (1-inch thick) New York strip steak
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon coarse salt, plus more to taste
teaspoon freshly-ground black pepper, plus more to taste
3 ounces blue cheese
Salad
1 head red leaf lettuce, washed and dried
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar
teaspoon salt
Black pepper
6-8 tablespoons olive oil
pound tomatoes, washed and sliced
cup red onion, thinly sliced
Directions
Steak
1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
2. Rub the steaks with olive oil. Add salt and pepper.
3. Grill about 5 minutes each side for medium-rare. Top with blue
cheese. Remove from the grill.
4. Let the steaks rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Salad
1. Gently tear lettuce into bite-size pieces.
2. Whisk together vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt and pepper. Slowly
whisk in olive oil. Taste with a lettuce leaf and adjust seasoning
accordingly.
3. Before serving, toss lettuce leaves in dressing. Place on platter
or in bowl and toss tomatoes and red onion with any remaining
dressing. Add tomatoes to lettuce and serve with steak.
WINE PAIRING
Gruet Blanc de Noir: Sparkling wine is a perfect
match with vinaigrette, and a bubbly with this
structure will pair well with the steak. The earlybudding Trepat grape is unique to this part of the world,
southwest of Barcelona. Trepat has the acidity of Pinot Noir
with soft tannins, an ideal grape for the production of a
fuller-bodied Ros.

Island Eye News - April 10, 2015

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Since May 2005

April 10, 2015

Goat Island Dewees Island

ISLAND EYE NEWS EDITOR

The crowd awaits the arrival of Brigadier General Robert

n April 14, 1865, four years to the day

INSIDE THE ISLAND EYE NEWS

FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

Sumter continues on page 4

April 10, 2015

State Senator representing IOP, Sullivans

the event of a spill. However, I wish

for offshore oil would fade away

refineries, drilling operations,

April 10, 2015

Carmen R. Bunch Park gets wild

Lucky Dog Publishing

ISLAND EYE NEWS STAFF WRITER

armen R. Bunch, Isle of

include coreopsis, gaillardia and

Recycle - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 - Recycle

Tuesday, April 14*

The Island Eye News, a wholly owned subsidiary

Body of 25 year old woman

ISLAND EYE NEWS EDITOR

t approximately 11:20 a.m.

death was identified as pending.

April 10, 2015

Visit www.nps.gov/fosu for more details, including rates and

IOP POLICE REPORT

and marijuana. The subject was arrested,

the Officers, striking one in the nose and

Anyone for 14 years of tennis?

April 10, 2015

ISLAND EYE NEWS EDITOR

015 represented the 13th year Isle

April 10, 2015

NPDES was put into the 2014/15

that the City proceed with

gg hunters turned out in full force

(pictured left to right)

PHOTOS BY STEVE ROSAMILIA

FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

elebrate the arrival of warmer weather with some dancing

2015 Shaggin on the Cooper Schedule:

April 10, 2015

PHOTOS BY JENNIFER TUOHY

sle of Palms councilmembers cut

Peanuts, gratitude and

FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

Chris Bible is the self-styled Peanut Dude

t took 8 years of research and

Miss Shirley Purnell, who

nother hugely successful

April 10, 2015

Printer prices plummet

f you have been limping along

FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS

iPad or even the iPod Touch you

IF THE PRINTER SAYS ITS "AIRPRINT READY" THEN AS LONG

print rarely and have bought a

April 10, 2015

Embrace your inner athlete

FOR ISLAND EYE NEWS