The Beaufort County Community Services and Land Use Committee met Tuesday and here are some highlights:

• Chuck Atkinson, Assistant County Administrator introduced Rob Merchant, Director of Planning, who gave an update and overview of the Community Development Code
  
  
• Presentation by Denise Parsick, Beaufort Conservation District Commissioner and Walter Mack, Field Agent. Commissioner Parsick and Field Agent Mack presented a report of activities including events attended around the County to share conservation education, fun activities for children to understand and appreciate conservation and preservation of the natural Lowcountry wetlands and habitats. Mr. Mack also gave a brief presentation on his outreach efforts to County farmers making sure they are aware of programs and services they are eligible for to keep their farms growing, profitable and able to remain within their families.
  
  
• Highlights from committee action on the following agenda items:
  • Recommend approval to Council of a resolution to approve recommendations to award FY25 Community Services Grant Program funds to Community Services Organizations
  • Recommend approval to Council of a resolution authorizing the County Administrator to execute an amendment to the Memorandum Agreement with the Town of Port Royal for maintenance of County-owned property known as Cherry Hill Park
  • Recommend approval of an ordinance amending the Community Development Code to allow lodging, short term housing rental in Dale Community Preservation District and to allow lodging/short term rental housing in Dale mixed use district

The Beaufort County Council held their regular meeting beginning at 5 p.m., Tuesday evening. 

Below are some highlights from that meeting:

• Approval authorizing the County Administrator to offer a buyback or employee personal leave for FY2025
• Approval to observe Monday, December 23 as an additional holiday for county employees
• Discussion of the US 278 Corridor Project State Infrastructure Bank--authorize the County Administrator to draft a letter that the County is still interested in moving forward, did not vote to cover the $190 million short fall, the County is keeping project options open for the foreseeable future
• Public hearing and second reading of an ordinance authorizing the Administrator to execute all documents necessary for the acceptance of a drainage easement
• Public hearing and second reading of an ordinance authorizing the County Administrator to execute all documents necessary to accept right of way on Fish Haul Road
• Public hearing and second reading of an ordinance authorizing the County Administrator to execute all documents necessary for the acceptance of right of way properties associated with Sheppard Road, Causey Way and Dock Builders Drive on Lady's Island
• Public hearing and second reading of an ordinance authorizing the County Administrator to execute the necessary documents to purchase and fund the purchase of real property at 247 Robert Smalls Parkway
• Public hearing and second reading of an ordinance authorizing the County Administrator to execute the necessary documents to accept conveyance of a portion property owned by the town 

Highlights from the Consent Agenda:

• Approval of a resolution to accept grant funds from the SC Department of Commerce for $100,000 in support of Project Micro
• Approval of a contract award to design-build Team Mitchel Construction & Coast Architects for Agnes Major and Wesley Felix Community Centers        

The next Community Services and Land Use Committee meeting tbd in 2025.

The next regular County Council meeting will be Monday, December 9, at 5 p.m.

For the complete agenda for all meetings, click here.

To watch all meetings in their entirety, click here.

From the Administrator's Report:
Here are this week's County employees recognized for their hard work and service to our citizens:

Left: Sheila Hudson, Magistrate's Office with County Administrator Michael Moore
Upper Right: Heidi Lane, Auditor's Office with County Administrator Michael Moore

Lower right: Rebecca Witt, Director, Nexus Care of Beaufort County, Treatment Director Aretha Hamilton accepting a proclamation from Council Member Gerald Dawson recognizing and commemorating 50 years of service first as Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department and now as Nexus Care of Beaufort County.