[{"_1":2,"_120":-5,"_121":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,84,96,108],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6500589,"mediaKeyId","5617283-6e4bc51d73ac9da81edc8c066da53f3c","parentId",5617283,"title","Votes at a glance: James Island Town Council, Aug. 21, 2025","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",1071000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5617283-6e4bc51d73ac9da81edc8c066da53f3c&start=1071&end=1071","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5617283-6e4bc51d73ac9da81edc8c066da53f3c/thumbnail_1071000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6500589/James-Island/Charleston-County/South-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-James-Island-Town-Council-Aug-21-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500589-c695851064b53bdcd79976f1d813388b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770409176&Signature=WM9cDfWbWhz4nH8ZcXleG7jZb~T1pUPMT9-FdQniAiLvy5nIWbxgD3qFH4fRHj2KsK5lRIQS38EUZ60JcYWd~r~OOJNMRTwVs~xfQmhgQ089hyl1juB3MOt2vKAOCw00Q94xHhQjoXQCakK4A~F6xge~Wi~PqIiKItu54eCNpxeHGR3bE7eTg29UGcXW3UQikWhqAmLz2p-ixUuXpvfHdej-azdKeoyTv7OU3xvnOznonbFu3vDX8klfDAkX1-pG90qn7TFNrLaGMTil-eRW65hDgTFQE99AgaBqvfGUPpxRqTyHRkJnSHSeoUnYkJPpqkuzql4x4C~IWE14ZnK~ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","James Island","date","2025-08-21T00:00:00Z","article","This is a concise list of formal votes taken at the Town of James Island council meeting on Aug. 21, 2025. Vote tallies reflect roll call statements recorded in the public meeting.

1) Consent agenda — Approval of minutes from July 17, 2025.
Outcome: Approved unanimously. (Recorded as \"Motion carries unanimously\")

2) Allow VFW Post 445 to maintain Folly Road flagpole site.
Outcome: Approved unanimously (roll call recorded as unanimous).

3) Use of Pinckney Park Pavilion and Town Hall — multiple facility use requests (James Island Learning Co‑op, kids art classes, Girl Scout Troop 851, Cub Scouts Pack 50, and others).
Outcome: Approved unanimously.

4) Appointment of George Pemple to Neighborhood Council.
Outcome: Approved unanimously.

5) Appointment of Julia Crumlin to the Business Development Committee.
Outcome: Approved unanimously.

6) Appointment of Victor Crouch to the James Island Arts Council.
Outcome: Approved unanimously.

7) Resolution 2025‑10 (veterans affairs) — amended to appoint Councilman Troy Mullinax as town liaison to veterans groups.
Outcome: Approved unanimously (motion to amend and final amended resolution passed by roll call).

8) Ordinance second reading (item not specified publicly) — motion to table second reading at owner’s request (termite damage and rebuild timeline cited).
Outcome: Tabled by unanimous vote.

9) Motion to enter executive session under S.C. Code §30‑4‑70(a)(2) to discuss contract negotiations and receive legal advice (KT Properties LLC v. Town of James Island litigation referenced).
Outcome: Approved unanimously.

10) Authorize the mayor to finalize and execute the design‑build contract for the art and community center (contractor name discussed in executive session and not read into open session).
Outcome: Approved unanimously.

Notes: Where a roll call vote was read as \"Aye\" from each member and the chair announced \"Motion carries unanimously,\" tallies above use a five‑member unanimous count to reflect the recorded outcome. If a specific mover or second was not read into the transcript, the entry is listed as \"not specified.\"","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","James Island - Town Council","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of formal motions and roll‑call outcomes from the Town Council meeting of Aug. 21, 2025.","taxTitle","James Island, Charleston County, South Carolina","taxId",70277,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":42,"_43":77,"_45":77,"_46":78,"_48":79,"_50":80,"_52":81,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":82,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":83,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6500593,"Council authorizes mayor to finalize design‑build contract for new art and community center",4381000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5617283-6e4bc51d73ac9da81edc8c066da53f3c&start=4381&end=4381","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5617283-6e4bc51d73ac9da81edc8c066da53f3c/thumbnail_4381000.jpg","/articles/6500593/James-Island/Charleston-County/South-Carolina/Council-authorizes-mayor-to-finalize-designbuild-contract-for-new-art-and-community-center","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500593-c1a5beba0043d691e938c40fdb7b7c09/orig.mp4?Expires=1770409176&Signature=EnV7VVvLXCAjpbEp6L2MAFXFcbpEr50CQeJrScKNZtI-5TdV60IXmiKbC4IF80z04ldCaod~FLIC4fUALrAVAQwDW03AiBN1qryjsKmA4tNw6-CG1zu4DV~W352TmhkKoDUfFqiIrN2CKdUENnF0w1jVUDMzQfSAGLRg2qviUwCuM22-0WlvT3Y~ekbD-OSIv4SIiceqVdRIya44ZeMRWCiU4EXQIvOw52ExLEEVhGZrk-ZGZvBlnmNxjYJwa9zjZyho0se2wiK1xUZt5PJbXh9-UZ0-3BIF6-c6QY2EDKo2DKlSCOvt36nD4ftK6zSwhVg9JrqgEFmd1LKklXCY9g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town Council voted unanimously to authorize Mayor Brooke Lyon to finalize and execute a design‑build contract for the town’s new art and community center.

The action followed an executive session held under Code of Laws of South Carolina section 30‑4‑70(a)(2) to discuss contract negotiations and receive legal advice on pending litigation. When the council returned to open session, a motion was made and carried to authorize the mayor to execute the contract \"as presented in executive session.\" The contractor name was discussed during executive session and was not read into the open‑session record; the motion and vote authorized the mayor to finalize and sign the agreement with the selected design‑build team.

Why it matters: The authorization clears a major procurement step for a long‑planned community facility that council members said will benefit town residents. Council members praised staff and the evaluation process and expressed excitement that the project can now move forward to design and build phases.

Next steps: The mayor was authorized to execute the contract; staff will proceed with the contract finalization and return to council with any material contract changes or required appropriations. The matter originated from the town’s request for proposals (RFP) process and the council’s evaluation of design‑build submissions.","After an executive session under South Carolina law, the Town Council unanimously authorized the mayor to finalize and sign a design‑build contract for the town's planned art and community center; the contractor name was presented in executive session and not read into the public record.",{"_33":85,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":86,"_41":87,"_43":88,"_45":89,"_46":90,"_48":91,"_50":92,"_52":93,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":94,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":95,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6500598,"VFW Post 445 to maintain Folly Road flagpole; council appoints liaison to veteran groups",522,2658000,3180000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5617283-6e4bc51d73ac9da81edc8c066da53f3c&start=2658&end=3180","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5617283-6e4bc51d73ac9da81edc8c066da53f3c/thumbnail_2658000.jpg","/articles/6500598/James-Island/Charleston-County/South-Carolina/VFW-Post-445-to-maintain-Folly-Road-flagpole-council-appoints-liaison-to-veteran-groups","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500598-3e6a8bc112292945d3ee85ae1c758a7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770409176&Signature=NKMCuymMVhTSa-wdJNJ8tTAWo6pI58cochAQbH5uYO~eUgXUWQ3dXYv8KvDkyhIw7wCSv7ezykywXqEmY7bZDN8XfnKVsLIN~y79djCiEJt30~jYw-RQ8zFwFWZsuf2ETGbNQxrpbEQmVqjWRn5AiuQEALKpI6l0QgzljMCOcvXNDOOCyogxyvzMvYvHCGbHu4AMoB-BO9oC61XsSil6Tqt~xtXu0Ii-2GX9axapYVdLu1lH60~2SnfSkF38FX3MBBeFP9WYx3Dt918C6PlFABZ4s6RyzcdeRua9zQkvNjSXap2MYz23WL-0hyZJd4IMGmJrewHjNx0DrEQZSppVig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town Council voted unanimously to permit Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 445 to assume maintenance of the flagpole site on Folly Road and to keep the flags and grounds in good order.

Commander Terrence Hoffman of VFW Post 445 told the council “445 is the first post in the state of South Carolina,” described the post’s community work and offered his organization’s assistance with grounds upkeep, flag maintenance, lowering flags as required and future monument or landscaping improvements.

The motion to allow VFW Post 445 to maintain the Folly Road site carried unanimously on roll call.

Separately, Councilman Troy Mullinax introduced Resolution 2025‑10 to create a standing veterans affairs committee. Council members discussed starting with a smaller liaison arrangement and expanding to include citizen members later. The council voted unanimously on an amended resolution to appoint Councilman Mullinax as the town liaison to veterans groups (the American Legion and VFW commanders were identified as initial contacts) and to have Mullinax report back with recommendations for any future committee structure.

Why it matters: The two actions formalize a town partnership with local veterans organizations for maintenance of a civic site and create a formal point of contact intended to coordinate events such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day and other veteran‑focused activities.

Next steps: VFW Post 445 will begin maintaining the Folly Road flagpole site; Councilman Mullinax will meet with veterans‑group commanders and bring recommendations to council for whether and how to expand the liaison into a broader committee.","The Town Council unanimously approved VFW Post 445 to maintain the flagpole site on Folly Road and amended a proposed resolution to appoint Councilman Troy Mullinax as the town liaison to local veterans groups.",{"_33":97,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":98,"_41":99,"_43":100,"_45":101,"_46":102,"_48":103,"_50":104,"_52":105,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":106,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":107,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6500603,"Gullah Swim Academy reports 55 participants in summer lessons held for James Island residents",539,172000,711000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5617283-6e4bc51d73ac9da81edc8c066da53f3c&start=172&end=711","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5617283-6e4bc51d73ac9da81edc8c066da53f3c/thumbnail_172000.jpg","/articles/6500603/James-Island/Charleston-County/South-Carolina/Gullah-Swim-Academy-reports-55-participants-in-summer-lessons-held-for-James-Island-residents","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500603-b1b865d556d4f628713ec78916631f29/orig.mp4?Expires=1770409176&Signature=M75i2i0P6ak8tJOxJkycMpscIaRo1JmwcGJgkkldhsLgTZgzxzgI52rFO84JAsHrowRBbte6uxv07o14P-kiXWV9nLpnDbSZC5b3vf~I16rCUWWGh1iQIrxZhy~pa1Rb1NSIGORY8k4vqSQBDQfZqUzuaE6P3OMD0NbhjzafWwqOBmQzW4AhUQP1WW-17fR5hgtsi4qFJzp6AJj-ISuFzx9qYG1Bv~UOblIIskIlrFLbuKKGVWeLxpIX5dIDoz0gGCLfoRb2dm3eKItVSbGWaTGREij8JHkSj~yIChWtgX-6~9y-oEEISkjFICMkuALC~2SdAk~sv2r1XJuCSLS2kA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Nicole Ashby, owner and operator of Gullah Swim Academy, presented the council with a report on a summer swim‑lesson partnership that served James Island residents.

“Our mission is to help people of all ages to build a safe and nurturing relationship with water,” Ashby said, summarizing the program’s goals and curriculum.

The program registered about 55 swimmers and ran instruction in blocks on Fridays using lanes at the City of Charleston recreation center on Quail Drive. Ashby said the lessons were structured as 45‑minute hourly sessions, delivered over a four‑week schedule that was completed by July 11, 2025; the organizers adjusted for holidays and weather and ultimately grouped students by age and ability.

Program details provided to the council included:
- Registration and logistics: primarily electronic sign‑ups on the academy website; staff noted some families needed in‑person assistance.
- Instruction: three instructors, including Ashby and two family members, taught breath control, floating, kicking, basic stroke mechanics and, for older students, freestyle and backstroke.
- Participants: mostly children ages 4–18, with a few adults also joining; organizers provided goggles and swim caps so families did not incur those costs.

Ashby told the council she hopes to expand the program in future years by securing a second location, offering evening classes for working parents and increasing lesson frequency (6–8 weeks rather than four) to deepen skill development. She invited town staff and community groups — schools, churches, scouts — to partner on outreach and future sessions.

Council members thanked Ashby and expressed support for continuing the partnership.","Gullah Swim Academy told the Town Council it ran a one‑site, family‑led program that registered about 55 swimmers and delivered basic water‑safety instruction in a multi‑week series at a City of Charleston pool.",{"_33":109,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":110,"_41":111,"_43":112,"_45":113,"_46":114,"_48":115,"_50":116,"_52":117,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":118,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":119,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6500608,"James Island leaders agree to pursue amended budget to cover extra sheriff patrol hours",707,1135000,1842000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5617283-6e4bc51d73ac9da81edc8c066da53f3c&start=1135&end=1842","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5617283-6e4bc51d73ac9da81edc8c066da53f3c/thumbnail_1135000.jpg","/articles/6500608/James-Island/Charleston-County/South-Carolina/James-Island-leaders-agree-to-pursue-amended-budget-to-cover-extra-sheriff-patrol-hours","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6500608-194cf2e2054ac48c3e5f6ad4f116e605/orig.mp4?Expires=1770409176&Signature=CaK5R828XDD1FUrcMPgA0ooIYsPMepSTn95FzmAPlzl-y7TmiEPDyNOtj~XPalM8nEldd40zjWrx5LZE5sIeuGgSxt4E7ZqBGcYskxnJI7SpPA7~d7O1PQ6AEYfQT-~-mIWx3CLY~7jdht7vVo7hnd6HCFPneQcj8Wu8efXyqoKxuuXxUJVenzCcutqLmFHdacDTOI0ViO4EkN-XkQFXDlsOzKMRHQr23QzGY0IDxqaVyPL2N0JlJPzQES8r~R9m7o9TlZt4XVLh0UrcFytTAnP7XyG3rwJYen7HKXw~5tYk9dhjKdl2yatBcBhsouSUMjMG7813-IjUBhSVPHm4Dw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","James Island Mayor Brooke Lyon and the Town Council agreed to pursue an amended budget to cover additional off‑duty hours for the sheriff's island patrol after a presentation by Lieutenant Sean James on staffing and coverage.

Lieutenant Sean James, who gave the island patrol report, told the council “for the first time in years, we are fully staffed, as a sheriff's office.” He described a recent surge in deputies volunteering off‑duty hours for James Island shifts and said filling overnight gaps — typically the 2:30 a.m. to 6 a.m. window — has been difficult in past years.

Why it matters: Council members said extra coverage would place deputies on the street during hours when many break‑ins occur, rather than leaving predictable gaps that offenders exploit. Town finance staff said the extra hours would cost roughly $7,000 a month if sustained.

The council did not vote to increase the budget at the meeting. Instead, they directed staff to prepare an amendment for consideration at the next budget review. Finance Director Michael Hemmer and Lieutenant James will work together to quantify hours and produce figures for the council to consider. Mayor Lyon and council members discussed timing and agreed the amended budget could be presented as part of the town's quarterly budget review.

Council members noted an estimated one‑quarter of the cost (about $17,500 of the ten‑month projection) could be offset by hospitality tax revenues tied to tourism corridors such as Folly Road; the town will identify remaining funding sources in the amended budget presentation.

Discussion points raised in council questions included the annual sheriff contract rate (the contract sets the hourly rate but not precise overtime hours), the difficulty of staffing late‑night hours, and the effect of scheduling extra off‑duty shifts on long‑standing deputies who rely on those hours.

Next steps: Staff will prepare the amended budget language and bring it to council for formal amendment and vote. The council also asked for quarterly budget updates going forward so members can track changes.","After the sheriff's patrol reported full staffing for the first time in years, council members agreed staff will prepare an amended budget to fund additional off‑duty patrol hours that cover overnight gaps; hospitality tax is expected to cover part of the cost.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: James Island Town Council, Aug. 21, 2025

Council authorizes mayor to finalize design‑build contract for new art and community center

VFW Post 445 to maintain Folly Road flagpole; council appoints liaison to veteran groups

Gullah Swim Academy reports 55 participants in summer lessons held for James Island residents

James Island leaders agree to pursue amended budget to cover extra sheriff patrol hours