On the agenda: Summerville meeting — flock camera (Aug 13)

TOWN of SUMMERVILLE, SC
Town Council Meeting

Council Chambers - Annex Building – 200 South Main Street
Thursday, August 13, 2026 – 6:00pm

AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance – Councilmember Kima Garten
3. Honorary Resolution
4. Award Presentation by the Municipal Association of South Carolina
5. Mayor’s Employee Spotlight
6. Recognition of Employee Service and Retirement
7. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings
a. Town Council Meeting – July 9, 2026
b. Standing Committee Meetings – August 10, 2026
8. Public Comment** – For items on the August 13, 2026 Town Council agenda only

Look for the
icon on the agenda for items that work
towards the goals of the Envision 2047 Plan.

Town Council Agenda – August 13, 2026

9. Pending Bills and Resolutions
a.

Second and final reading of an ordinance to delete current Section 16-5 of the Code of
Ordinances of the Town of Summerville, South Carolina, and replace it with a new
Section 16-5 so as to establish an Outdoor Entertainment District and other matters
related thereto.

b.

Second and final reading of an ordinance to annex TMS# 136-12-04-056, located at 927
Central Avenue, and totaling approximately 1.11 acres; currently zoned CG, General
Commercial, in Dorchester County, and requested to be zoned G-B, General Business,
upon annexation into the Town of Summerville’s municipal limits (Council District 1).

c.

Second and final reading of an ordinance to zone TMS# 136-12-04-056, located at 927
Central Avenue, and totaling approximately 1.11 acres; currently zoned CG, General
Commercial, in Dorchester County, as G-B, General Business, upon annexation into the
Town of Summerville’s municipal limits (Council District 1).

d.

Second and final reading of an ordinance to amend the Town of Summerville Code of
Ordinances, Chapter 12 – Environment, Article II – Noise.

10. Introduction of Bills and Resolutions:
a.
First reading of an ordinance to authorize the Town Administrator to execute a lease
agreement with the Summerville-Dorchester Museum, Inc. Request from Administration
Department.
b.

First reading of an ordinance to adopt the 2026 Summerville: Our Town, Our Future
Comprehensive Plan: 5-Year Review. Planning Commission held a public hearing and
approved the resolution to recommend adoption of the plan at its meeting on July 20,
2026. At its meeting on August 10, 2026, the Planning and Development Committee
voted to move the item to full Council with a recommendation that Council postpone
first reading of the ordinance until after the August 24, 2026 Council Workshop.

c.

First reading of an ordinance to rezone TMS#137-07-16-009, located at 115 S. Magnolia
Street, totaling approximately 0.67 acres, and owned by Magnolia Bed & Breakfast,
LLC, from GR-2, General Residential (2 units/acre), to N-MX, Neighborhood MixedUse (Council District 2). Planning Commission held a public hearing and made a
recommendation for denial of the rezoning at its meeting on July 20, 2026. At its
meeting on August 10, 2026, the Planning and Development Committee voted to move
the item to full Council with a recommendation that Council postpone first reading of
the ordinance until after the August 24, 2026 Council Workshop.

d.

First reading of an ordinance to rescind Ordinance #26-0303, which was to convey
Town-owned property, a portion of TMS # 130-10-00-066 containing 0.04 acre (1,762
sf) to Dorchester County, and to create a new ordinance for town to convey same
property to Dorchester County in gratis. Request from Administration Department.

e.

Approval of a resolution to amend the Employee Handbook with changes to the retiree
health insurance policy, as included in the August 13, 2026 Council agenda packet.
Request from Administration and Human Resources Departments.

Town Council Agenda – August 13, 2026

f.

Approval of a resolution, in accordance with Town Code Section 2-217, to amend the
Town of Summerville’s Organizational Chart. Request by Administration Department.

11. Miscellaneous
a.
Appointment of Ryan Dews as Director of Public Works, effective August 17, 2026.
Request from Town Administrator.
b.

Authorization for Town staff to enter into a Regional Emergency Response Team
Agreement with Dorchester County and Berkeley County to support coordinated
response to incidents including, but not limited to, water rescue, technical rescue,
hazardous materials incidents, disaster response, and other emergency or public safety
operations. Request from Summerville Fire and Rescue Department.

c.

Authorization for Town staff to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with
Dorchester County Emergency Management Department to allow the SPD/SFR to
utilize the County’s Mobile Command Post for incidents/events in the Town. Request
from Police Department.

d.

Authorization for Town staff to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with
Summerville Preparatory School for a School Resource Officer. Request from Police
Department.

e.

Authorization for Town staff to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with
Dorchester School District Two for School Resource Officers in those DD2 schools
within the municipal limits of the Town of Summerville. Request from Police
Department.

f.

Authorization for Town staff to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with
Dorchester School District Two for a floating School Resource Officer/K-9 Handler
and weapons detection canine. Request from Police Department.

g.

In accordance with Town code Section 2-92, authorization to change September
Standing Committee Meeting date from September 8th to September 14, 2026 and
September Council Meeting date from September 10th to September 17, 2026.
Request from Administration Department.

h.

Edit and finalize a list of safety issues for staff to present to SCDOT.
The Public Works and Committee on Water Supply voted to move this item to full
Council for action at its meeting on August 10, 2026.

12. Public Comment** - Any topic
13. Executive Session: n/a
14. Other Business
a. Action to be taken by Council related to Executive Session

15. Adjourn
**Public comments may not be used for political or campaigning purposes. Public comment is limited
to citizens residing within the municipal limits of the Town of Summerville, to those who own a
business within the municipal limits of the Town of Summerville, or those who live adjacent to a
property with a proposed annexation on the agenda.

Mayor
Russ Touchberry

Town Administrator
Scott Slatton

Council Members:
Dexcter Mack
Tiffany Johnson
Richard G. Waring, IV
Kima Garten
Bob Jackson
Matt Halter

Town Clerk
Beth Messervy
Town Attorney
G.W. Parker

Town of Summerville, SC
COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
July 9, 2026

ATTENDANCE
Present: Mayor Russ Touchberry, Councilmembers Richard Waring, Bob Jackson, Tiffany
Johnson, Kima Garten, Dexcter Mack, and Matt Halter. Also in attendance were Town
Administrator Scott Slatton, Town Attorney GW Parker, and Town Clerk Beth Messervy. A
quorum was met. Public and press were duly notified. The meeting took place in Council
Chambers at 200 South Main Street and was livestreamed from the Town’s website.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Touchberry called the meeting to order at 6:00pm on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
Councilmember Bob Jackson gave the invocation and pledge of allegiance.
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Mayor Touchberry recognized Councilmember and Former Summerville Fire Chief Richard
Waring for being inducted into the 2026 South Carolina State Firefighters Association Hall of
Fame.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION
Mayor Touchberry recognized Captain Chad Lobo, Engineer Robert Burdette, Firefighter Wyatt
Rowland, and Firefighter Eliezer Velez of the Summerville Fire and Rescue Department for their
valiant efforts in rescuing an elderly resident from a house fire in April 2026.
PROCLAMATION
Mayor Touchberry presented a proclamation for National Parks and Recreation Month.

Town Council Meeting Minutes – July 9, 2026
Page 2

**Mr. Waring made a motion, seconded by Mr. Mack, to change the order of the agenda to
immediately consider item 7A. The motion carried unanimously. Mr. Waring then made a
motion, seconded by Mr. Mack, to postpone second and final reading of an ordinance to delete
current Section 16-5 of the Code of Ordinances of the Town of Summerville, South Carolina,
and replace it with a new Section 16-5 so as to establish an Outdoor Entertainment District and
other matters related thereto, until proposed amendments were ready after Summerville DREAM
gathered feedback from local business owners and citizens. The motion carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Jackson made a motion, seconded by Ms. Garten, to approve the minutes of the June 11,
2026 Council meeting and the July 6, 2026 Standing Committee meetings combined. The
motion carried unanimously, and the minutes were accepted into record.
PUBLIC COMMENT – JULY 9, 2026 AGENDA ITEMS
The Mayor opened the Public Comment portion of the meeting.
Beth Messervy, the Town Clerk, announced that she received a public comment from Diane
Frankenberger, who could not attend the meeting, but who wanted to show her support of the
Outdoor Entertainment District.
Beverly Parker spoke in opposition of the Outdoor Entertainment District, citing that the
negative effects of alcohol would show themselves; she stated that the OED would lead to
“buzzed” people who don’t make good decisions.
Adriaan Kwist spoke in opposition of the Outdoor Entertainment District, stating that
Summerville is a family community and that the OED would create an undue burden on the
police department to patrol the downtown area.
Jim Healey stated that there are many details about the Outdoor Entertainment District that
haven’t been provided or addressed yet. He asked how it would be enforced.
Karyn Healey stated that she is not happy with the Outdoor Entertainment District ordinance as
written, as it is not doable or enforceable.
Tom Stanford spoke in favor of the amendments to the Town’s noise ordinance.
There being no further comments, the Mayor closed this section of the meeting.
PENDING BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Mr. Waring made a motion, seconded by Mr. Jackson, to give second and final reading to items
7B-7G at once. The motion carried unanimously. Items 7B-7G are as follows:
b. Second and final reading of an ordinance to rezone TMS# 136-12-03-015, located
at 102 Pinewood Drive, totaling approximately 0.57 acres, and owned by Easy

Town Council Meeting Minutes – July 9, 2026
Page 3

Carolina Home Buyers LLC, from GR-5, General Residential (5 units/acre), to NB, Neighborhood Business (Council District 1)

c.

Second and final reading of an ordinance to annex TMS# 153-03-03-002, located
on Pointer Drive, and totaling approximately 0.44 acres.

d.

Second and final reading of an ordinance to zone TMS # 153-03-03-002, located
on Pointer Drive, and totaling approximately 0.44 acres, currently zoned R-2,
Single-Family Residential, in Dorchester County, as GR-5, General Residential (5
units/acre) upon annexation into the Town of Summerville’s municipal limits
(Council District 3).

e.

Second and final reading of an ordinance to annex TMS# 136-15-07-009, located
at 228 Wilson Drive, and totaling approximately 0.49 acres.

f.

Second and final reading of an ordinance to zone TMS #136-15-07-009, located
at 228 Wilson Drive, and totaling approximately 0.49 acres, which is currently
zoned R-2, Single-Family Residential, in Dorchester County, as GR-5, General
Residential (5 units/acre) upon annexation into the Town of Summerville’s
municipal limits (Council District 1).

g.

Second and final reading of an ordinance to amend the Summerville Unified
Development Ordinance (UDO), Chapter 3, Section 3.6 – Temporary Uses
pertinent to road construction rights of way.

INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS
Ms. Garten made a motion, seconded by Mr. Jackson, to give first reading to an ordinance to
annex TMS# 136-12-04-056, located at 927 Central Avenue, and totaling approximately 1.11
acres; currently zoned CG, General Commercial, in Dorchester County, and requested to be
zoned G-B, General Business, upon annexation into the Town of Summerville’s municipal limits
(Council District 1). The motion carried 5-0, with Mr. Waring and Mr. Halter recusing
themselves from the vote.
Ms. Garten made a motion, seconded by Ms. Johnson, to give first reading to an ordinance to
zone TMS# 136-12-04-056, located at 927 Central Avenue, and totaling approximately 1.11
acres; currently zoned CG, General Commercial, in Dorchester County, as G-B, General
Business, upon annexation into the Town of Summerville’s municipal limits (Council District 1).
The motion carried 5-0, with Mr. Waring and Mr. Halter recusing themselves from the vote.
Ms. Johnson made a motion, seconded by Mr. Jackson, to give first reading to an ordinance to
amend the Town of Summerville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12 – Environment, Article II –
Noise. Mr. Jackson stated that there are several tweaks that need to be made before second
reading. The motion carried unanimously.

Town Council Meeting Minutes – July 9, 2026
Page 4

MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Halter made a motion, seconded by Ms. Garten, to instruct staff to tell the SCDOT that the
Town would not accept the SCDOT’s requirement to take over Cypress St, South Oak St, South
Walnut St, South Palmetto St, South Laurel St and South Pine St, from West Richardson to the
railroad tracks on each road, as a part of the Town’s request to take over ownership of West
Richardson Avenue. Mr. Waring stated that the Council needs to force SCDOT to do their job,
urging the Council to not let SCDOT off the hook for not keeping up with their roads in Town
limits. Ms. Johnson stated that she concurred with Mr. Waring. She encouraged staff to relay
the message quickly back to the SCDOT that the Town would not accept ownership of portions
of Cypress St, South Oak St, South Walnut St, South Palmetto St, South Laurel St and South
Pine St as a part of taking over West Richardson. Mr. Halter stated that the Town should also
put SCDOT on notice for deficient roads and sidewalks. The motion carried unanimously.

PUBLIC COMMENTS (open)
The Mayor opened up the floor to public comments from citizens for items not on the agenda.
Karen Healey stated that the shuttle bus from Town Hall to Gahagan Park for the Fourth of July
event worked out well. She did express her disappointment that the flags that the Lions Club
normally erects in front of Town Hall and on Main Street were not up for Independence Day.
Thomas Wimberly stated that flock cameras should not be allowed, citing security issues with
the technology and flock camera companies selling data to companies to market to the public.
There being no further public comment, Mayor Touchberry closed this section of the meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
n/a
OTHER BUSINESS
n/a
ADJOURN
Mr. Waring made a motion, seconded by Mr. Jackson, to adjourn. The motion carried, and
Mayor Touchberry adjourned the meeting at 6:36pm.
Respectfully Submitted,

APPROVED:

Beth Messervy, Town Clerk

Russ Touchberry, Mayor

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
REPORT for
August 10, 2026
5:30 PM
The Planning and Development Committee of Town Council met on August 10, 2026. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers
of Town Hall, 200 S. Main Street, Summerville, SC. Committee members present included Richard Waring, Council District 4; Matt
Halter, Council District 3; and Bob Jackson, Council District 6. Staff members present included Jessi Shuler, AICP, Director of Planning,
and other Town staff.
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM.
Comprehensive Plan Update and Rezoning:
Chairman Waring announced that Council was going to hold a future land use workshop on August 24, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the Chamber
Boardroom in which Council will discuss a number of things that will address both items on the agenda, so he requested a motion to
recommend to Council to postpone both items until after that workshop. Mr. Jackson made a motion to move both the ordinance to adopt
the 2026 Summerville: Our Town, Our Future Comprehensive Plan: 5-Year Review and the request to rezone TMS#137-07-16-009,
located at 115 S. Magnolia Street, totaling approximately 0.67 acres, and owned by Magnolia Bed & Breakfast, LLC, from GR-2, General
Residential (2 units/acre), to N-MX, Neighborhood Mixed-Use (Council District 2) to full Council with the recommendation to postpone
first reading of both ordinances until after the August 24th meeting. Mr. Halter made the second, and the motion passed unanimously.
Following no additional business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:31 PM on a motion by Mr. Jackson and a second by Mr. Halter.
Respectfully submitted,

Jessi Shuler, AICP
Director of Planning

August 11, 2026

Town of Summerville
PUBLIC WORKS AND COMMITTEE ON WATER SUPPLY
August 10, 2026
The Public Works and Committee on Water Supply met on Monday, August 10, 2026 in Council
Chambers at 200 South Main Street. Chairperson Kima Garten called the meeting to order at
5:32pm. Committee member Richard Waring was present, as well as Bonnie Miley, Town
Engineer. Committee member Tiffany Johnson was absent. The public and press were duly
notified, and the meeting was livestreamed from the Town’s website.
Mr. Waring made a motion, seconded by Ms. Garten, to move the following agenda item to full
Council to take up at the August 13, 2026 Council meeting: “Create a list of safety action items
for SCDOT to comply with.” The motion carried.
Mr. Waring made a motion, seconded by Ms. Garten, to adjourn. The motion carried, and
Chairperson Kima Garten adjourned the meeting at 5:36pm.
Respectfully submitted,

______________________
Beth Messervy, Town Clerk

TOWN of SUMMERVILLE, SC
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
August 10, 2026

The Finance Committee met on Monday, August 10, 2026. Present were Mayor Touchberry and
Committee members Richard Waring, Dexcter Mack, Kima Garten, Bob Jackson, and Matt
Halter. Committee member Tiffany Johnson was absent. Also present were Town Clerk
Beth Messervy, Town Administrator Scott Slatton, Town Attorney G.W. Parker, and other staff
members. Members of the press and members of the public were duly notified. The meeting was
held in Council Chambers on the third floor of the Annex Building at 200 S. Main Street and
livestreamed from the Town’s web site.
Welcome

Mayor Touchberry called the meeting to order at 5:37pm.

Presentation of
Financials

Rhonda Moore, Finance Director, presented the July 2026 financial
statements and answered questions from the committee.

Surplus Vehicles

Mr. Jackson made a motion, seconded by Mr .Waring, to surplus the
following Streets Department vehicles: SM-128 John Deere 5045D
(2014) and S -73 International Tymco Sweeper 4700 (2002). The motion
carried unanimously.

Service Weapons

Purchase Orders

Mr. Waring made a motion, seconded by Mr. Halter, to surplus the
following Police Department vehicles: P262 – 2014 Dodge Charger with
108,914 miles and P303 – 2016 Dodge Charger with 103,483 miles . The
motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Jackson made a motion, seconded by Mr. Waring, to authorize staff to
present service weapons to the following SPD officers upon their
retirement: Ronald Axson - Glock model 17, 9mm MOS, Serial
#BBTus992 and Anthony Daniele - Glock model 17MOS, Serial #
BMVL482. The motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Waring made a motion, seconded by Mr. Halter, to authorize staff to
issue a purchase order in the amount of $82,285 to Life Scan Wellness
Centers for the required annual OSHA physical clearance for the Fire
Department. Funds to come from Fire Department Operating Budget. The
motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Jackson made a motion, seconded by Mr. Halter, to issue a purchase
order in the amount of $106,400 to Branner Emergency Vehicles for two
Chevy Silverado 1500s. Funds to come from Capital Funding. The motion
carried unanimously.
Mr. Halter made a motion, seconded by Ms. Garten, to issue a purchase
order to Shroader’s Services, LLC in the amount of $149,972.00 to
purchase a metal building for the Streets Department. Funds to come from
Budgeted Capital for the Streets Department. The motion carried
unanimously.

Finance Committee Report
August 10, 2026
Page 2

Grant
Applications

Ms. Garten made a motion, seconded by Mr. Waring, for staff to apply for
the FEMA BRIC Grant for backup generator at 300 W 2nd North Street
known as the Public Safety Complex. 25% match requirement. Federal
share of grant amount: $361,200. Town share: $120,400. The motion
carried unanimously.
Mr. Jackson made a motion, seconded by Ms. Garten, to authorize staff to
apply for the SC Undiscovered Tourism Grant for Hutchinson Square
improvements: replace current surface conditions with full site
preparation, base installation, drainage, synthetic turf, and ADA compliant
grading. 50% match requirement: SCPRT share: $51,667. Town share:
$51,667. The motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Jackson made a motion, seconded by Mr. Halter, to authorize staff to
apply for the Municipal Association’s IMPACT Fund for improvements at
Hutchinson Square: to install an engineered, all-weather event surface in
the square. 5% match requirement: MASC share: $98,167.30. Town
share: $5,167.00. The motion carried unanimously.

Miscellaneous
Items

Employee Health
Insurance
Discussion

Mr Waring made a motion, seconded by Ms. Garten, to formally amend the
CDBG HUD Citizen Participation Plan to add a Subrecipient Selections
Standards and Process section, as well as a scoring rubric. The motion
carried unanimously.
Mr. Waring made a motion, seconded by Mr. Halter, to spend no more than
$605,000 from Midtown TIF funds to fund the remaining balance on the
Blythe claim in association with the Maple Street project. Some
discussion followed. The motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Mack stated that several employees have brought their concerns to him
regarding the current health insurance policy, including complaints that the
policy stopped covering Covid tests at doctor’s visits with no notification
to the Town’s employees, no insurance coverage for chiropractic visits,
and dramatic increases in prices of medications that employees were
previously not paying that much for under the old policy. Mayor
Touchberry stated that he has heard both positive and negative comments
from employees regarding the health policy as well.
Mr. Mack stated that he wants to find a solution to the problems with the
new policy because the Town’s employees deserve to not have to worry at
the end of the day if the new insurance is going to cover a doctor’s visit or
a prescription that they need. Mr. Mack insisted that Council needs to “do
the right thing for [our] employees,” which is giving them reassurance in
their health insurance policy.
Mr. Slatton stated that the choice to go to the ICHRA policy was motivated
by two factors: one – to maintain the premiums that employees have to
pay for health care coverage, and two – to save seed money to eventually
open a health clinic for Town employees. Mr. Slatton did state that the
new policy comes with some trade-offs for employees in the form of
employees having to do more work than they are used to in order to fully

Finance Committee Report
August 10, 2026
Page 3

benefit from the policy. He reminded the Councilmembers that if
employees come to them with concerns, they should direct those
employees to contact HR or Woodard Agency.
Katie DePoppe, the Town’s Human Resources Director, stated that when
an employee engagement survey was sent out shortly after the start of the
new policy, 24 total issues from employees were submitted and identified.
Of those 24, 21 have been fully resolved by Woodard. Ms. DePoppe
stated that while chiropractic care is not included in the health care policy,
reimbursement for chiropractic visits is available for Town employees up
to a certain threshold per year. Ms. DePoppe assured Council that she,
along with Woodard, have been working internally to address employee
concerns about the health insurance plan. She also stated that the policy
not covering Covid tests in doctor’s visits anymore was a federal mandate.
Mayor Touchberry asked Ms. DePoppe for a timeline as to when Council
needs to make a decision about either moving forward with the current
plan or changing to another option. Ms. DePoppe said that she would
know more in October from Woodard about some policy alternatives,
including personalized plans and premium plans.

Town
Administrator’s
Report

Agenda
Review

Executive
Session

Mr. Halter stated that he has several insurance claims in process right now
personally, and that he is interested to see what the insurance has covered.
Mr. Slatton reminded everyone about the special called Council workshop
on Monday, August 24, 2026 from 9am-12pm to discuss land use maps.
The workshop will be held in the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County
Chamber of Commerce board room and is open to the public. He also
encouraged Councilmembers and citizens to report problems around Town
using the SeeClickFix app or on the Citizen Serve form online. Mr.
Slatton then reported that on Friday, August 14th, the top two floors of the
parking garage would be closed for a documentary crew to film. For an
update to the public safety complex project, Mr. Slatton reported that
Edifice is evaluating bids that they received and plan to be mobilized on
the site by September 14th. Mr. Slatton wrapped things up by reminding
Council that the Municipal Association’s fall Regional Advocacy Meetings
would be held on October 22nd at the RECC and encouraged them to
attend.
Mr. Halter asked for clarification on items 8d and 8e. Mr. Slatton
reported that item 8d was to make minor corrections to the retiree health
insurance policy to comply with federal standards, as well as to make
clarifications on the Town’s overtime pay policy. He then stated that
item 8e was to make changes to the Town’s organizational chart to reflect
a new structure for Public Works and to make some reporting updates
after the departure of the Director of Community and Economic
Development.
Mr. Waring made a motion, seconded by Ms. Garten, to enter into
Executive Session to discuss negotiations incident to proposed contractual
arrangements related to the Nash-Nexton development agreement and
negotiations incident to proposed sale of the town-owned, former park
and ride property at Gum Street and Berlin G. Myers Parkway. The

Finance Committee Report
August 10, 2026
Page 4

motion carried, and the Finance Committee entered into Executive
Session at 6:16pm.
Ms. Garten made a motion, seconded by Mr. Waring, for the committee to
conclude Executive Session and enter back into open session. The motion
carried, and the Finance Committee returned to open session at 6:35pm.

Other Business
Related to
Executive
Session
Adjourn

Town Attorney GW Parker stated that the Finance Committee met in
Executive Session to discuss negotiations incident to proposed contractual
arrangements related to the Nash-Nexton development agreement and
negotiations incident to proposed sale of the town-owned, former park
and ride property at Gum Street and Berlin G. Myers Parkway, and that
no action was taken in Executive Session.
n/a

Mr. Waring made a motion, seconded by Mr. Jackson, for the Finance
Committee to adjourn. The motion carried, and Mayor Touchberry
adjourned the meeting at 6:36pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Beth Messervy
Town Clerk

ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE DELETING CURRENT SECTION 16-5 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
OF THE TOWN OF SUMMERVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEW
SECTION 16-5 SO AS TO PERMIT THE POSSESSION AND
CONSUMPTION OF BEER AND WINE IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC AREAS; AND
OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

Whereas, the Town has enacted ordinances prohibiting the possession of open containers of
alcoholic beverages and the consumption thereof on public streets and other public areas, and
Whereas, Section 16-5 of the Code of Ordinances currently prohibits the possession and
consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places within the Town, except as
otherwise permitted.\, and
Whereas, in order to promote and induce a more vibrant downtown district within the Town, the
Council has determined to permit the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages
within a defined portion of the Town, subject to appropriate regulations and controls, and
Whereas, in order to provide for the purposes set forth above, the Council has determined to
delete Section 16-5 in its entirety and restate Section 16-5 of the Code as set forth below.
NOW THEREFORE, be it Ordained by the Mayor and Members of Town Council duly
assembled;
1. The above introduction and recitals are incorporated here in to the same extent as if set
forth verbatim.
2. Current Section 16-5 is hereby deleted to be replaced with a new Section 16-5 as set forth
below:
Sec. 16-5. – Possession of alcoholic beverages in public places.
(a) Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply to this section:
(1)

Alcoholic beverage means any beer, wine distilled liquors, or other liquors or a
compound or mixture thereof, including powdered or crystalline alcohol, by whatever
name called.

(2)

Designated area means a defined geographic area within the Town approved by
resolution of the Town of Summerville Council and depicted on an official map
maintained by the Town Clerk. The designated area (the “OED” or Outdoor
Entertainment District) is bounded by the following streets and shall be as further
described in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference:

Beginning at the intersection of S. Cedar Street and W. Doty Avenue, then proceeding
along W. Doty Avenue and E. Doty Avenue to S. Magnolia Street; then back along E.
Doty Avenue to S. Main Street; then along S. Main Street to East Richardson Avenue;
then along East Richardson Avenue to S. Magnolia Street; then back along E.
Richardson Avenue to Central Avenue ; then along Central Avenue to W. 2nd South
Street; then along W. 2nd South Street (north side of the street only) to 113 W. 2nd South
Street and then back to S. Pine Street (east side of the street only); along S. Pine Street to
W Richardson to the corner of S Cedar Street, then continuing along S. Cedar Street to
W. Doty Avenue, returning to the point of beginning.
(3)

For the purposes of this section the term "public place" shall be defined as: any real
property owned by any federal, state, county, or municipal government or any agency
thereof, or any real property, regardless of ownership, which is open to members of the
public, save and except real property where drinking is allowed pursuant to a permit or
license from the State of South Carolina.

(4)

Open container means all containers that are capable of containing and have recently
contained an alcoholic beverage; including containers where the original manufacturer’s
seal has been broken.

(b) General prohibition.
It shall be unlawful for any person to have in his possession any alcoholic beverage in an open
container, or in any container with a broken seal, in any public place within the corporate limits
of the Town of Summerville, except as provided herein below.
(c) Exception for designated area.
The possession and consumption of beer or wine only shall be permitted within the designated
area, subject to the following conditions:
(1)

Beer or wine must be purchased from a properly licensed establishment located within
the designated area.

(2)

Beer or wine for removal from the premises must be contained in containers of
disposable paper or plastic cups not to exceed 16oz. The beer or wine may only be
possessed in the container in which it was initially served.
Any establishment shall serve no more than one drink of beer or wine per person at a
time, and no person shall remove more than one drink of beer or wine at the time of
purchase from the premises.

(3)

(4)

No glass or can containers shall be permitted outside of the licensed premises.

(5)

Beer or wine may not be removed from the boundaries of the designated area.

(6)

Hours of permitted possession and consumption shall be 10:00AM-10:00PM.

(7)

The prohibition provided in subsection (a) regarding beer and wine hereinabove, shall not
be applicable to:
(a) Any areas designated by resolution of town council as a special events area to include,
but not limited to, any public park, street sidewalk or any portion thereof, for limited
durations, and designated as the site of a public festival or other special event; or
(b) Any areas as designated in a special event permit issued by the town pursuant to the
provisions of section 24-71 et seq., of the Code of Ordinances for the Town of
Summerville

(d) Prohibited acts.
The application of this section shall in no way affect the enforcement or prosecution of violations
of section 16-4, disorderly conduct, or of section 16-5.1, public intoxication, or of any other town
ordinance or state law.
Sec. 16-5.1. Drunkenness in public place.
No person shall be drunk or grossly intoxicated in any street, public house, place of amusement
or worship, or any public place in the municipality.
(e) Enforcement and penalties.
Any person violating this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction,
shall be punished as provided in Section 1-8 of the Code of Ordinances.
(f) Map incorporated by reference.
The designated area shall be shown on a map approved by the Town of Summerville Council and
maintained by the Town Clerk, which map is incorporated herein by reference and attached as
Exhibit A.
Section 2. Severability
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is held invalid, such
decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions.
Section 3. Repeal of Inconsistent Ordinances
All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the
extent of such inconsistency.
Section 4. Effective Date
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its enactment by the Council.

AND, IT IS SO ORDAINED!
Dated this

day of

, 2026 A.D.
____________________________________
Russ Touchberry
Town of Summerville

ATTEST:
___________________________
Beth Messervy, Town Clerk
First Reading: _____________
Second Reading: ___________

EXHIBIT A
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT (OED) MAP
TOWN OF SUMMERVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA
Aerial View Map

Street Map

The orange boundary line depicts the Outdoor Entertainment District (OED) as approved
by the Town of Summerville Council. The boundary begins at the intersection of S.
Cedar Street and W. Doty Avenue, then proceeding along W. Doty Avenue and E. Doty
Avenue to S. Magnolia Street; then back along E. Doty Avenue to S. Main Street; then
along S. Main Street to East Richardson Avenue; then along East Richardson Avenue to
S. Magnolia Street; then back along E. Richardson Avenue to Central Avenue ; then
along Central Avenue to W. 2nd South Street; then along W. 2nd South Street (north
side of the street only) to 113 W. 2nd South Street and then back to S. Pine Street (east
side of the street only); along S. Pine Street to W Richardson to the corner of S Cedar
Street, then continuing along S. Cedar Street to W. Doty Avenue, returning to the point of
beginning.

ITEM 9A
OVERVIEW OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS FOR SECOND READING:

1. Clarification on pedestrian movement. The OED zone does not allow free and
unfettered movement across the streets. Pedestrians need to mind and follow all
safe street rules and regulations and cross at crosswalks, etc.
2. Map adjusted to remove neighbor side of the street to reinforce using sidewalks
exclusively on the business district side only.
3. OED rules and regulations will be associated with Downtown permitted events;
hence you can carry a beer and wine throughout the approved event zone during the
permitted event approved time
4. Bars and restaurants will be required to sell or provide official "OED logo" cups
5. Time updated from 10a-10p to 11a-8p
6. Days updated from 7 days a week to Thursday-Saturday

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO BE ADOPTED AT SECOND READING
ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE DELETING CURRENT SECTION 16-5 OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
OF THE TOWN OF SUMMERVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEW
SECTION 16-5 SO AS TO PERMIT THE POSSESSION AND
CONSUMPTION OF BEER AND WINE IN DESIGNATED PUBLIC AREAS; AND
OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.

Whereas, the Town has enacted ordinances prohibiting the possession of open containers of
alcoholic beverages and the consumption thereof on public streets and other public areas, and
Whereas, Section 16-5 of the Code of Ordinances currently prohibits the possession and
consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places within the Town, except as
otherwise permitted, and
Whereas, in order to promote and induce a more vibrant downtown district within the Town, the
Council has determined to permit the possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages
within a defined portion of the Town, subject to appropriate regulations and controls, and
Whereas, in order to provide for the purposes set forth above, the Council has determined to
delete Section 16-5 in its entirety and restate Section 16-5 of the Code as set forth below.
NOW THEREFORE, be it Ordained by the Mayor and Members of Town Council duly
assembled;
1. The above introduction and recitals are incorporated here in to the same extent as if set
forth verbatim.
2. Current Section 16-5 is hereby deleted to be replaced with a new Section 16-5 as set forth
below:
Sec. 16-5. – Possession of alcoholic beverages in public places.
(a) Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply to this section:
(1)

Alcoholic beverage means any beer, wine distilled liquors, or other liquors or a
compound or mixture thereof, including powdered or crystalline alcohol, by whatever
name called.

(2)

Designated area means a defined geographic area within the Town approved by
resolution of the Town of Summerville Council and depicted on an official map
maintained by the Town Clerk. The designated area is bounded by the following streets
with possession and consumption permitted only along the business-district-facing
sidewalk of each bounding street as shown on the official map (the opposite, nonbusiness/residential side of each street is excluded), and shall be as further described in
Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference:

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO BE ADOPTED AT SECOND READING
Beginning at the intersection of S. Cedar Street and W. Doty Avenue, then proceeding
along W. Doty Avenue and E. Doty Avenue (south side of the street only) to S. Magnolia
Street; then back along E. Doty Avenue (south side of the street only) to S. Main Street;
then along S. Main Street to East Richardson Avenue; then along East Richardson
Avenue to S. Magnolia Street; then back along E. and W. Richardson Avenue to Central
Avenue; then along Central Avenue to W. 2nd South Street; then along W. 2nd South
Street (north side of the street only) to 113 W. 2nd South Street and then back along W.
2nd South Street (north side of the street only) to 213 W. 2nd South Street; along the
western boundaries of 213 W. 2nd South Street and 210 W. Richardson Avenue to W.
Richardson Avenue; then along W. Richardson Avenue to the corner of S. Cedar Street,
then continuing along S. Cedar Street to W. Doty Avenue, returning to the point of
beginning.
(3)

For the purposes of this section the term "public place" shall be defined as: any real
property owned by any federal, state, county, or municipal government or any agency
thereof, or any real property, regardless of ownership, which is open to members of the
public, save and except real property where drinking is allowed pursuant to a permit or
license from the State of South Carolina.

(4)

Open container means all containers that are capable of containing and have recently
contained an alcoholic beverage; including containers where the original manufacturer’s
seal has been broken.

(b) General prohibition.
It shall be unlawful for any person to have in his possession any alcoholic beverage in an open
container, or in any container with a broken seal, in any public place within the corporate limits
of the Town of Summerville, except as provided herein below.
(c) Exception for designated area.
The possession and consumption of beer or wine only shall be permitted within the designated
area, subject to the following conditions:
(1)

Beer or wine must be purchased from a properly licensed establishment located within
the designated area.

(2)

Beer or wine for removal from the premises must be contained in containers of
disposable paper or plastic cups not to exceed 16oz. The beer or wine may only be
possessed in the container in which it was initially served. Each licensed establishment
located within the designated area shall serve beer or wine intended for removal from the
premises only in a cup meeting specifications established by the Town.

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO BE ADOPTED AT SECOND READING
(3)

Any establishment shall serve no more than one drink of beer or wine per person at a
time, and no person shall remove more than one drink of beer or wine at the time of
purchase from the premises.

(4)

No glass or can containers shall be permitted outside of the licensed premises.

(5)

Beer or wine may not be removed from the boundaries of the designated area,
except as provided in subsection (c)(9) below regarding permitted Downtown special
events.

(6)

Hours of permitted possession and consumption shall be 10:00AM-10:00PM. 11:00AM8:00PM.

(7)

Possession and consumption under this subsection shall be permitted only on Thursday,
Friday, and Saturday of each week.

(8)

The prohibition provided in subsection (b) regarding beer and wine hereinabove, shall not
be applicable to:
(a) Any areas designated by resolution of town council as a special events area to include,
but not limited to, any public park, street sidewalk or any portion thereof, for limited
durations, and designated as the site of a public festival or other special event; or
(b) Any areas as designated in a special event permit issued by the town pursuant to the
provisions of section 24-71 et seq., of the Code of Ordinances for the Town of
Summerville

(9)

Coordination with permitted Downtown events. When a special event is approved by the
Town pursuant to section 24-71 et seq. and its approved event footprint overlaps or
adjoins the designated area, a person may possess and consume beer or wine purchased
under subsection (c) throughout the approved event zone for the duration of the
approved event hours, notwithstanding the boundary limits otherwise set out in
subsection (a)(2), provided that all other conditions of this subsection (c) including the
container, single-drink, and glass/can restrictions continue to apply.

(10)

Pedestrian movement; crosswalk compliance. Nothing in this section authorizes or
permits free, unfettered, or off-sidewalk pedestrian movement across or along any street
within or bounding the designated area. All persons shall at all times comply with
applicable state law and Town traffic ordinances governing pedestrian movement,
including but not limited to crossing only at marked crosswalks or intersections,
obeying pedestrian and traffic signals, and yielding the right-of-way as required by law.
This section confers no exception to, and does not diminish, any pedestrian safety law
or regulation otherwise applicable within the Town.

(d) Prohibited acts.

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO BE ADOPTED AT SECOND READING
The application of this section shall in no way affect the enforcement or prosecution of violations
of section 16-4, disorderly conduct, or of section 16-5.1, public intoxication, or of any other town
ordinance or state law.
Sec. 16-5.1. Drunkenness in public place.
No person shall be drunk or grossly intoxicated in any street, public house, place of amusement
or worship, or any public place in the municipality.
(e) Enforcement and penalties.
Any person violating this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction,
shall be punished as provided in Section 1-8 of the Code of Ordinances.
(f) Map incorporated by reference.
The designated area shall be shown on a map approved by the Town of Summerville Council and
maintained by the Town Clerk, which map is incorporated herein by reference and attached as
Exhibit A.
Section 2. Severability
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is held invalid, such
decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions.
Section 3. Repeal of Inconsistent Ordinances
All ordinances or parts of ordinances inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed to the
extent of such inconsistency.
Section 4. Effective Date
This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon its enactment by the Council.
AND, IT IS SO ORDAINED!
Dated this

day of

, 2026 A.D.
____________________________________
Russ Touchberry, Mayor
Town of Summerville

First Reading: May 14, 2026

ATTEST:

Second Reading:

___________________________
Beth Messervy, Town Clerk

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO BE ADOPTED AT SECOND READING
EXHIBIT A-Boundaries of Designated Area

ORDINANCE
TO ANNEX TO, AND INCORPORATE WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE TOWN OF
SUMMERVILLE, THE PARCEL OWNED BY ROBERT L. PRATT, LLC, ADJACENT TO THE
BOUNDARY LINE OF THE TOWN, AS DESCRIBED ON THE DEED AND PLAT ATTACHED
HERETO AND INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
WHEREAS, the owner of the real estate designated as Dorchester County TMS # 136-12-04-056, located at
927 Central Avenue and totaling approximately 1.11 acres, has petitioned the Town Council of the
Town of Summerville to annex into the Town of Summerville.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Members of Town Council duly assembled;
SECTION I. That the described land on the attached deed and plat, contiguous to the boundary of the
Town of Summerville is hereby annexed to, taken into and made a part of the Town of Summerville and
including the public roadway(s) immediately adjacent to the property lines of the parcel for the purposes of
providing public service to the parcel.
SECTION II. That the property above described and hereby annexed shall be Zoned G-B “General
Business” and be classified as “General Business” pending zoning pursuant to the Ordinance 26-07__ of the
Town of Summerville.
Ratified this _______ day of ____________, 2026 A.D.

Russ Touchberry, Mayor

Beth Messervy, Town Clerk

PUBLIC HEARING:

_____June 15, 2026_____

FIRST READING:

_____ ________ _______

SECOND READING: ________

_________

ORDINANCE
TO AMEND THE ZONING MAP OF THE TOWN OF SUMMERVILLE TO ZONE THE PARCEL
OWNED BY ROBERT L. PRATT, LLC, KNOWN AS DORCHESTER TMS#136-12-04-056 TO GB, GENERAL BUSINESS
WHEREAS, the owner of the real estate designated as Dorchester County TMS#136-12-04-056,
located at 927 Central Avenue and totaling approximately 1.11 acres, has petitioned the Town
Council of the Town of Summerville to annex into the Town of Summerville pursuant to Ordinance
26-07__; and
WHEREAS, the proposed zoning is consistent with the existing land uses in that area;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and Town Council of the Town of
Summerville in Council assembled that the approximately 1.11 acres owned by Robert L. Pratt, LLC,
located at 927 Central Avenue and known as Dorchester TMS#136-12-04-056 be zoned to the
classification of G-B “General Business.”
The Zoning Map of the Town of Summerville is hereby amended so as to incorporate this change.

Ratified this

day of

__

, 2026.

Russ Touchberry, Mayor

Beth Messervy, Town Clerk
PUBLIC HEARING:

__June 15, 2026___

FIRST READING:

_______________

SECOND READING:

_____

Town of Summerville, South Carolina - Chapter 12, Article II, Noise
AN ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 12, ARTICLE II, NOISE, OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE TOWN OF SUMMERVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA; TO CLARIFY
ENFORCEMENT STANDARDS FOR NOISE AND VIBRATION; TO CLARIFY PROHIBITED
VEHICLE, EXHAUST, MUFFLER, REVVING, ACCELERATION, AND UNNECESSARY ENGINE
NOISE; TO ADDRESS REPEAT VIOLATIONS, PERMIT CONDITIONS, PENALTIES, AND
RELATED MATTERS.
ARTICLE II. NOISE
Sec. 12-31. Definitions.
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to
them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning. Except as otherwise
provided, all words in this article shall be given their ordinary and customary meaning.
Ambient noise and/or vibration means the generally prevailing sound or combination of sounds at the
location where a listener receives the sound of the noise about which a complaint is being made. It is the
sound or combination of sounds and/or vibrations which a person of ordinary sensibilities would
reasonably expect to encounter at the location in the ordinary and customary use of the premises.
Amplified outdoor sound means sound produced, enhanced, or transmitted by loudspeakers, amplifiers,
microphones, sound systems, public address systems, outdoor speakers, or comparable devices located
outdoors or directed outdoors.
Bass, low-frequency sound, or vibration means sound or vibration, including sound from bass speakers,
subwoofers, vehicles, music systems, entertainment equipment, or comparable sources, that is perceptible
by feeling, shaking, rattling, or vibration as well as by hearing.
Downtown business district means the downtown area and areas zoned downtown mixed-use, urban
corridor mixed use and general business, as may from time to time be amended or adjusted under the
town's zoning ordinances.
Plainly audible means sound that can be clearly heard by a person of ordinary hearing ability without the
use of any hearing aid, sound-measuring device, or other amplification, whether or not the words, song,
bass line, melody, or specific source are identifiable.
Residential dwelling means any single-family dwelling, multi-family dwelling, apartment, condominium,
townhouse, mixed-use residence, dwelling unit, or other structure or portion of a structure lawfully used
for residential occupancy.
(Ord. No. 21-0103, 2-11-2021; Ord. No. 22-0402, 5-12-2022)
Sec. 12-32. Prohibited noise generally.
(a) General prohibition. Any noise and/or vibration of such character, intensity or duration which
substantially interferes with the comfortable enjoyment of persons of ordinary sensibilities occupying,
owning or controlling nearby properties, or persons making use of public properties for their intended
purposes, is hereby declared to be unlawful and to be a nuisance, and is prohibited.
(b) No limitation. A violation may be established with or without a decibel reading.
(Ord. No. 21-0103, 2-11-2021; Ord. No. 22-0402, 5-12-2022)
Sec. 12-33. Standard of reasonableness and use of technology.
It is the intent of the town council in regulating noise and/or vibration to take into account the latest
scientific advances in noise measurement and control while at the same time preserving the common

sense and common law determination of what constitutes a disturbance or public nuisance. Therefore,
technological sound level measurements, while desirable, shall not be required to demonstrate a violation
of this article or any other ordinance or statute which establishes the creation of disturbance or public
nuisance.
Decibel meters, sound-level meters, or other technological measuring devices may be used where
available, but a meter reading is not required to establish a violation of this article.
(Ord. No. 21-0103, 2-11-2021; Ord. No. 22-0402, 5-12-2022)
Sec. 12-34. Specific noises and/or vibrations prohibited.
(a)
Operation of certain instruments, devices and equipment. Nuisance noises and/or vibrations shall
include, but not be limited to, the use or operation of the following instruments, devices or pieces of
equipment when operated in the manner prohibited by section 12-32:
(1)
Musical instruments.
(2)
Radios, receivers, stereos, televisions, disc players, tape players and comparable mechanical and
electronic devices which produce sound and/or vibrations.
(3)
Loudspeakers, amplifiers or other devices which enhance or influence the level of sound in any
way or vibrations emanating from high performance bass speakers which affect the environment.
(4)
Mechanical devices operating by compressed air, such as pneumatic drills and jackhammers.
(5)
Horns, sirens and signal devices using loud, brash or harassing noises, whether on vehicles or
otherwise.
(6)
Motorized vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, commercial vehicles, trucks, or similar vehicles
operated without mufflers or with ineffective mufflers, modified exhaust systems, straight pipes, muffler
cutouts, bypasses, engine compression brakes ("Jake brakes"), or similar devices or methods that produce
excessive or unusual noise, or operated by rapid throttle advancing ("revving"), acceleration, deceleration,
or other unnecessary engine or exhaust noise.
(7)
The human voice when used to yell, shout, scream or the like.
(8)
When operated at night, construction machinery, heavy duty equipment used in street repair and
maintenance, and domestic and commercial power tools, unless a permit is obtained.
(9)
Continuous or repeated noises. Regardless of the level of sound, the following shall be deemed a
nuisance and shall be prohibited under section 12-32:
(1)
To keep any animal, including a bird, causing a frequent or long continued noise, such as
barking, howling or screeching, disturbing the comfort and repose of any person of ordinary sensibilities
in the immediate vicinity.
(2)
To install or operate a burglar alarm system which uses an audible warning or bell
without a functioning device that will shut off the warning or bell within 20 minutes after application of
the system when the alarm cannot be readily or conveniently silenced manually by persons who are
disturbed by its activation. Each activation of such an alarm that continues beyond 20 minutes shall be
deemed a separate offense.
(Ord. No. 21-0103, 2-11-2021; Ord. No. 22-0402, 5-12-2022)
Sec. 12-35. Exemptions.
The following noises shall be exempt from the prohibitions of section 12-32, even when they cause a
disturbance:
(1)
Other Code provisions notwithstanding, the sound produced by construction machinery, heavy
duty equipment, and machines and equipment used for construction, repair, cleaning and maintenance of
buildings, streets, or public or private premises when operated between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00

p.m. Such devices shall nevertheless be subject to the administrative stop order provisions of section 1238.
(2)
The sound produced by horns, sirens and alarms used with authorized emergency vehicles or
otherwise used as safety devices to alert persons to danger or attempted crime; however, this exemption
shall not apply to improperly operating burglar alarms as identified in section 12-34(b)(2).
(3)
The sound produced by emergency repair measures necessary to restore public utilities, or to
restore property to a safe condition, or to protect persons or property from imminent danger, following a
fire, accident or natural disaster.
(4)
The sound produced by bells or chimes or other carillon instruments when used to signify the
passage of hour, half-hour or quarter-hour components, or to commemorate a wedding, funeral or similar
event, including regular religious services, provided the sounds do not exceed five continuous minutes in
duration in any one-hour period.
(5)
The sound produced by the following, provided there is compliance with any federal regulations
applicable to the noise:
a.
Aircraft in flight or in operation at an airport;
b.
Railroad equipment in operation on railroad rights-of-way; or
c.
Motor vehicles, otherwise in lawful operation, on all public streets and highways. This subsection
is subservient to section 12-34(a)(6) and does not exempt excessive or unusual vehicle noise prohibited
by this article.
(6)
The sound of water splashing produced by any waterfall, stream, decorative water fountain or
irrigation device when established or operated in an ordinary and customary manner.
(7)
The unamplified sound emanating from a ballpark, playing field, stadium or comparable outdoor
facility designed and intended for recreational or sports activity when used for organized exhibitions or
participatory sports or recreational activities.
(8)
On New Year's Eve day beginning at 10:00 a.m. the discharge of fireworks shall be permitted all
day until 1:00 a.m. New Year's Day. On July 4th, the discharge of fireworks shall be permitted from
10:00 a.m. until 1:00 a.m. on July 5th.
(Ord. No. 21-0103, 2-11-2021)
Sec. 12-36. Enforcement factors.
In the enforcement of this article, an enforcement officer shall be required to exercise judgment in
determining if a particular noise or vibration is sufficiently loud or otherwise so offensive that it would
substantially interfere with persons occupying nearby public or private property. When making such
determinations, the enforcement officer may consider any but not necessarily all of the following and
other relevant factors:
(1)
The volume of the noise or vibration.
(2)
The intensity of the noise or vibration.
(3)
Whether the nature of the noise or vibration is usual or unusual.
(4)
Whether the origin of the noise or vibration is natural or unnatural.
(5)
The type and intensity of ambient noise or vibration, if any.
(6)
The nature and zoning of the area in which the noise or vibration is heard or felt.
(7)
The proximity of the noise or vibration to residential sleeping facilities.
(8)
The time of day or night the noise or vibration occurs.
(9)
The duration of the noise or vibration.

(10)
Whether the noise or vibration is recurrent, intermittent or constant.
(11) Whether the noise or vibration is plainly audible inside a residential dwelling with doors and
windows closed, at or beyond a residential property line, or from 50 feet or more from the source in a
public right-of-way or on other public property.
(12) Whether bass, low-frequency sound, or vibration is perceptible inside a residential dwelling.
(13) Whether the person, business, permit holder, establishment, location, vehicle, or source has received
prior warnings, citations, corrective action requests, permit conditions, or other notice concerning noise or
vibration.
(Ord. No. 21-0103, 2-11-2021; Ord. No. 22-0402, 5-12-2022)
Sec. 12-37. Special permits.
(a)
Entertainment or recreational events. Whenever the town administrator or his/her staff designee
issues, on a temporary basis, special permits for events of an entertainment or recreational nature, which
are held in the downtown business district, parks, public buildings or elsewhere, then those events shall be
exempt from the prohibitions of this article, provided noise and/or vibration is otherwise regulated in the
supervision of the activity and provided that the permit shall be subject to revocation at the discretion of
the town administrator or his/her staff designee on the basis of excessive or inappropriate noise and/or
vibration. Whenever such revocation occurs, the activities of the event shall then become subject to the
prohibitions of this article.
(b)
Construction or maintenance operations. The town administrator or his/her staff designee may
issue a permit exempting specific construction, solid waste pickup arrangements and maintenance of
public streets and rights-of-way from the prohibitions of this article otherwise applicable to nighttime
activity, provided the person seeking such permit can make a showing that no reasonable alternatives
exist to creating the noise and/or vibration at night and the activity involved is compatible with the public
interest.
(c) Conditions on permits. Special permits authorizing outdoor entertainment, amplified outdoor sound,
extended hours, or comparable activities may include limitations on hours, speaker placement, speaker
direction, volume, bass levels, crowd management, security, closing procedures, signage, contact persons,
and other conditions reasonably necessary to protect nearby residential properties and public spaces.
(d) Permit authorization. A special permit or other town approval does not authorize amplified outdoor
sound, live outdoor entertainment, outdoor speakers, bass-producing equipment, public address systems,
or unreasonable noise except as expressly allowed by the permit and subject to this article.
(de) Revocation or modification. Violation of permit conditions, repeated noise complaints, or failure to
abate noise or vibration may be grounds for warning, citation, modification, suspension, revocation, or
denial of future permits, to the extent allowed by law.
(Ord. No. 21-0103, 2-11-2021; Ord. No. 22-0402, 5-12-2022)
Sec. 12-38. Administrative stop orders.
The town administrator or his/her staff designee may issue administrative stop orders to prohibit
temporarily or to reschedule activities otherwise exempt under section 12-35 from the prohibitions of this
article, when the continuation of the activity imposes a great hardship or substantial and aggravating
inconvenience upon persons reasonably occupying or utilizing nearby premises, provided such
administrative stop order is not used to prohibit completely an otherwise lawful activity and the town
administrator or his/her staff designee gives due consideration to balancing the hardships involved.
(Ord. No. 21-0103, 2-11-2021)

Sec. 12-39. Special provisions for the downtown business district.
Recognizing that the downtown business district is a place of mixed uses and close proximity, the intent
of this article is that recognition be made of the fact that people occupying premises in the downtown
business district must reasonably expect a greater likelihood of audible sounds and/or vibrations from
nearby locations than people residing in other districts. However, no person providing or permitting
musical performances or other entertainment activities in the downtown business district should do so in a
manner which causes undue hardship or disturbance of persons making lawful use of nearby premises,
and the standards set forth in this article are a reasonable measure for determining undue hardship or
disturbance in the downtown business district.
(Ord. No. 21-0103, 2-11-2021; Ord. No. 22-0402, 5-12-2022)
Sec. 12-40. Reserved. Sec. 12-40. Business responsibility; repeat offenders; signage.
Ord. No. 22-0402, adopted May 12, 2022, repealed Sec. 12-40 which pertained to measurement of noise
level and establishment of prima facie violation and derived from Ord. No. 21-0103, adopted Feb. 11,
2021.
(a) Business responsibility. A business, permit holder, or establishment may be responsible for noise
generated by patrons, entertainment, queues, outdoor seating areas, patios, decks, parking areas, or
adjacent alleys or rights-of-way when the noise is reasonably connected to the operation of the business,
permit holder, or establishment; the business, permit holder, or establishment has actual notice of the
noise; and the business, permit holder, or establishment fails to take reasonable steps to abate the noise or
vibration.
(b) Corrective action plan. Three violations within 30 days by the same person, business, establishment,
permit holder, parcel, vehicle, or location may require a written corrective action plan to be submitted to
the town official within 10 business days after notice from the town. The corrective action plan may
require reasonable operational changes to prevent recurring violations.
(c) Repeat-offender consequences. Six violations within 12 months by the same person, business,
establishment, permit holder, parcel, vehicle, or location may result, after notice and an opportunity to be
heard and to the extent allowed by law, in suspension, revocation, modification, or denial of outdoor
entertainment privileges, special event permits, amplified sound authorizations, outdoor seating
approvals, or other town-issued privileges related to the activity causing the violations.
(d) Signage and public notice. The town may post signs or other public notices in areas with recurring
complaints or heightened enforcement needs. Signs may include language such as "Noise Ordinance
Enforced," "No Revving," "No Modified Exhaust Noise," "No Loud Mufflers," "Quiet Zone," or similar
language. The absence of signage shall not be a defense to a violation of this article.
Sec. 12-41. Enforcement procedures; penalty; additional remedies.
(a)
With respect to suspected ordinance violations resulting from vehicle noise and/or vibration,
including modified exhaust systems, ineffective mufflers, straight pipes, muffler cutouts, bypasses, rapid
throttle advancing, revving, acceleration, engine compression brake, "Jake brake," deceleration or other
unnecessary engine noise, law enforcement officers shall have the authority to charge persons under the
provisions of this article without having received a complaint from a member of the public.
(b)
All law enforcement officers in the ordinary course of their duties shall have the authority to
request compliance without having received a complaint from a member of the public. However, it will be
within the discretion of the officer to issue a warning ticket and require the offender to abate the offending

noise and/or vibration immediately. Nothing in this subsection requires an officer to issue a warning
before charging a violation, particularly for vehicle noise, repeat violations, permit-condition violations,
or violations occurring after a prior request for compliance. Any person who violates this article shall be
subject to the following penalties:
(1) First offense: a fine of not less than $150.00 and not more than the maximum fine allowed by state
law for violations of municipal ordinances.
(2) Second offense within 12 months: a fine of not less than $250.00 and not more than the maximum fine
allowed by state law for violations of municipal ordinances.
(3) Third or subsequent offense within 12 months: the maximum fine allowed by state law for violations
of municipal ordinances, imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both, as authorized by law.
(4) Each separate occurrence, continuing violation, event, day, recurrence within a 24-hour period after a
request to abate, or violation of a permit condition may be treated as a separate offense to the extent
allowed by law.
The town may also seek injunctive relief, or any other appropriate remedy available at law or in equity, in
a court of competent jurisdiction, to ensure compliance.
(c) Documentation and proof. A violation of this article may be established by officer observation,
witness statements, video, photographs, recordings, permit records, business records, physical evidence,
or any other competent evidence. A decibel or sound-level meter reading is not required to prove a
violation.
(Ord. No. 21-0103, 2-11-2021; Ord. No. 22-0402, 5-12-2022)
Secs. 12-42--12-60. Reserved.

ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR TO
EXECUTE A LEASE AGREEMENT REGARDING THE TOWN OF
SUMMERVILLE’S LEASE OF CERTAIN PREMISES OWNED BY THE TOWN
KNOWN AS THE SUMMERVILLE-DORCHESTER MUSEUM, INC.
WHEREAS, the Town of Summerville is desirous of leasing certain property owned by
the Town known as the Summerville-Dorchester Museum, Inc. located at
100 East Doty Avenue, Summerville, South Carolina (Property), and
WHEREAS, the Summerville-Dorchester Museum, Inc is desirous of leasing the
Property owned by the Town, and
WHEREAS, the Town Council of Summerville finds it to be in the best interest of its
citizens and taxpayers to lease the Property described above.
NOW THERFORE, Be it Ordained by the Mayor and Members of Council duly
assembled that:
1.

The above recitals are incorporated hereby to the same extent as if
set out verbatim.

2.

The Town Administrator be and hereby is authorized to execute a
Lease Agreement for that certain property located at 100 East Doty
Avenue, Summerville owned by the Town of Summerville to the
Summerville-Dorchester Museum, Inc as Tenant, pursuant to the
rate, terms, and conditions contained with the draft lease agreement
attached hereto and, incorporated herein,

AND, IT IS SO ORDAINED!
Dated this

day of

, 2026 A.D.
___________________
Russ Touchberry, Mayor
Town of Summerville

ATTEST:
___________________________
Beth Messervy, Town Clerk
First Reading: _____________
Second Reading: ___________

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF DORCHESTER

)
)
)

LEASE AGREEMENT

THIS LEASE AGREEMENT is made and entered into this ___ day of ________, 2026, by and
between the TOWN OF SUMMERVILLE, hereinafter referred to as Landlord, and the
SUMMERVILLE-DORCHESTER MUSEUM, INC., hereinafter referred to as Tenant.

WITNESSETH:
That the Landlord does hereby demise and lease unto the Tenant the premises, designated as the
old Police Station located on East Doty Avenue in the Town of Summerville and having an
address of 100 East Doty Avenue, Summerville, South Carolina, including the courtyard and that
portion of said building known as the pump room previously used by Summerville CPW.
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD the said premises, together with all and singular, the improvements,
appurtenances, rights, privileges and easements thereto belonging, or in anywise appertaining,
upon the terms and conditions as set forth as follows to wit:
1. TERM
The Landlord does hereby lease the subject premises unto the Tenant for a term of three
years (3), commencing on
date of

, 2026 and continuing until the termination
, 2029. Tenant shall have one hundred eighty (180) days from the

notice of termination to remove the Museum’s contents from the building.
Notwithstanding the above, Tenant may terminate this lease upon sixty (60) days written
notice to Landlord. Landlord may terminate this lease upon sixty (60) days written notice to
Tenant.

1

2. RENTAL
In consideration of the demise and leasing of the aforesaid premises, the Tenant
covenants and agrees to pay to the Landlord, and the Landlord agrees to accept from the Tenant,
the sum of One and No/Dollar ($1.00), as rental for said premises for the term of this lease.
3. QUIET POSSESSION
The Landlord covenants and warrants that the Landlord has full right and lawful authority
to enter into this lease for the full term aforesaid and that the said Landlord is lawfully seized of
the entire premises hereby demised and has good fee simple title thereto, free and clear of all
contracts, leases, tenancies, party wall agreements, restrictions, violations, liens and
encumbrances of every nature whatsoever. The Landlord further covenants and warrants that if
the Tenant shall discharge the obligations herein set forth to be performed by the Tenant, the
Tenant shall have and enjoy, during the term hereof, the quiet and undisturbed possession of the
demised premises, together with all appurtenances appertaining or appendant thereto without
hindrance from the Landlord.
4. USE OF PREMISES
The premises are to be used only for the purpose of a museum. Tenant shall restrict its
use to such purpose and shall not use or permit the use of the premises for any other purpose
without written consent of the Landlord or Landlord’s authorized agent.
5. WASTE, NUISANCE OR UNLAWFUL ACTIVITY
Tenant shall not allow any waste or nuisance on the premises or use or allow the premises
to be used for any unlawful purpose.
6. UTILITIES
Tenant shall arrange and pay for all utilities furnished to the premises for the term of this
lease, including electricity and/or gas, water and sewer service, garbage disposal, telephone and
janitorial services.

2

7. REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
Landlord will maintain the exterior of the building (excluding cleaning and short term
maintenance). Tenant shall maintain the interior of the premises, including but not limited to, all
gas, electric, heating and cooling fixtures, all plumbing and, upon termination of this lease, the
property shall be surrendered to Landlord in good condition, saving and excepting normal wear
and tear.
8. DELIVERY, ACCEPTANCE AND SURRENDER OF PREMISES
Acceptance of the premises by Tenant shall be construed as recognition that the premises
are in a good state of repair and in sanitary condition. Tenant shall surrender the premises at the
end of the lease term in the same condition as when Tenant took possession, allowing for
reasonable use and wear.
9. INSURANCE
Tenant shall procure and maintain at all times during the term of this lease, from
companies authorized to do business in South Carolina, public liability insurance in an amount of
at least $1,000,000 naming Landlord as an additional insured or loss payee thereon and shall
provide written copies of said policy of insurance to Landlord.
10. ASSIGNMENT, SUBLEASE OR LICENSE
Tenant shall not assign or sublease the premises, or any right or privilege connected
therewith, or allow any other personnel except agents and employees of Tenant to occupy the
premises or any part thereof without first obtaining the written consent of Landlord. A consent
by Landlord shall not be a consent to a subsequent assignment, sublease or occupation by other
persons. An unauthorized assignment, sublease or license to occupy by Tenant shall be void and
shall terminate the lease at the option of the Landlord. The interest of Tenant in this lease is not
assignable by operation of law without the consent of Landlord.

3

11. REMEDIES OF LANDLORD FOR BREACH BY TENANT
Landlord shall have the following remedies in addition to its other rights and remedies in
the event Tenant materially breaches this lease agreement and fails to make corrections to
remedy the breach within thirty (30) days:
(A)

Landlord may re-enter the premises immediately, remove the property and
personnel of Tenant and store the property in a public warehouse or at a place
selected by Landlord, at the expense of Tenant.

(B)

After re-entry Landlord may terminate the lease upon giving five (5) days’
written notice of termination to Tenant. Without such notice, re-entry shall
not terminate the lease. Upon termination, Landlord may recover from
Tenant all damages proximately resulting from the breach, including the cost
of recovering the premises and the worth of the balance of this lease over the
reasonable rental value of the premises for the remainder of the lease term,
which sum shall be immediately due to Landlord from Tenant.

12. IMPROVEMENTS, ALTERATIONS AND RENOVATIONS
Tenant may make reasonable alterations, improvements, and renovations to the premises
in order to adapt the building for use as a museum. Any such alteration, improvement or
renovation shall become the property of Landlord upon termination of this lease. Tenant shall
also have the right to do landscaping.
13. PARAGRAPH HEADINGS
The paragraph headings throughout this instrument are for convenience and reference
only, and the words contained therein shall in no way be held to explain, modify, amplify or aid
in the interpretation, construction, or meaning of the provisions of this lease.
14. LEASE BINDING ON HEIRS, ASSIGNS, ETC.
All covenants, agreements, terms, provisions and conditions of this lease shall be binding
upon and inure to the benefit of the respective parties hereto, that is, both Landlord and Tenant,
and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and
4

assigns. No modification of this lease shall be binding unless evidenced by an agreement in
writing signed by both parties hereto.
15. SIGNATURES
The parties hereto covenant and agree that by affixing of their respective signatures
hereto, they thereby signify that they have read this lease in its entirety and understood fully the
contents there.
WITNESS our hands and Seals on the date hereinabove first set forth, at Summerville, South
Carolina.
SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED
In the Presence of:
LANDLORD:
TOWN OF SUMMERVILLE
__________________

_____________________

__________________

_____________________
TENANT:
SUMMERVILLE-DORCHESTER MUSEUM

__________________

______________________

__________________

by:______________________
Its: President

5

AN ORDINANCE
TO ADOPT THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: 5-YEAR REVIEW FOR THE TOWN OF SUMMERVILLE, IN
ACCORDANCE WITH, THE SOUTH CAROLINA LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING
ENABLING ACT OF 1994, S.C. CODE OF LAWS ANN. § 6-29-510, et seq
WHEREAS, the 1994 State of South Carolina Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act (S.C. Code section 6-29-510.
et. seq.) requires the development and adoption of a Local Comprehensive Plan that is reviewed and updated as
mandated and designed to promote public health, safety, morals, convenience, prosperity of the general welfare as
well as the efficiency and economy of the Town, and the Plan must be comprised of certain defined elements, and
WHEREAS, said Act requires the Local Comprehensive Plan be updated no less than every ten (10) years and
reviewed no less than every five (5) years, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Summerville last updated its Comprehensive Plan in the year 2020 with an amendment
adopted in 2021, and
WHEREAS, the members of the Town’s Planning Commission have unanimously recommended to Town Council
the adoption as its Comprehensive Plan the document entitled “Summerville: Our Town, Our Future Comprehensive
Plan: 5-Year Review” dated July 2026, and
WHEREAS, it appears to Council that the Plan is comprised of all required elements, is proper in all other
material respects, and that the adoption of the Plan is in the best interest of the Town,
THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and Council of the Town of Summerville, in Council assembled as follows:
1. Pursuant to Section 6-29-510, South Carolina Code of Laws (1976) et. seq., as amended, Council does hereby
adopt, approve and ratify as the Town of Summerville Comprehensive, the document entitled “Summerville: Our
Town, Our Future Comprehensive Plan: 5-Year Review” dated July 2026.
2. That should any part of this Comprehensive Plan adopted by this Ordinance be held invalid by a court of
competent jurisdiction, the remaining parts shall be severable and shall continue to be in full force and effect.
3. The above recitals above are hereby incorporated into this Ordainment to the same extent as if set out verbatim.
IT IS SO ORDAINED THIS _____ DAY OF _______, 2026

Russ Touchberry, Mayor
Attest:

First Reading:
Second Reading:

_____

Beth Messervy, Town Clerk

CLICK HERE FOR COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:
5 YEAR REVIEW DRAFT

ORDINANCE
TO AMEND THE ZONING MAP OF THE TOWN OF SUMMERVILLE TO REZONE THE
PARCEL OWNED BY MAGNOLIA BED & BREAKFAST, LLC, KNOWN AS TMS#137-07-16009, LOCATED AT 115 S. MAGNOLIA STREET, FROM GR-2, GENERAL RESIDENTIAL (2
UNITS/ACRE), TO N-MX, NEIGHBORHOOD MIXED-USE
WHEREAS, the owner of the real estate designated as Dorchester County TMS #137-07-16-009,
located at 115 S. Magnolia Street and totaling approximately 0.67 acres, has requested the Town
Council of the Town of Summerville to rezone said property to N-MX, Neighborhood Mixed-Use;
and
WHEREAS, the proposed zoning is consistent with the surrounding land uses and the Town’s
Comprehensive Plan, Summerville: Our Town, Our Future;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED, by the Mayor and Town Council of the Town of
Summerville in Council assembled that the approximately 0.67 acres owned by Magnolia Bed &
Breakfast, LLC located at 115 S. Magnolia Street and known as Dorchester TMS# 137-07-16-009 be
rezoned to the classification of N-MX “Neighborhood Mixed-Use” from the classification of GR-2
“General Residential (2 units/acre)”
The Zoning Map of the Town of Summerville is hereby amended so as to incorporate this change.

Ratified this

day of

, 2026.

Russ Touchberry, Mayor

Beth Messervy, Town Clerk
PUBLIC HEARING:

__July 20, 2026___

FIRST READING:

_______________

SECOND READING:

_____

Rezoning from GR-2 to N-MX
AdaLease
Property
Management
112 S MAGNOLIA
ST
Inc.

Marathon

103 S MAGNOLIA ST
200 E DOTY AVE

107 JOURNAL ALY
Fleet Feet

210 E DOTY AVE

117 E RICHARDSON AVE

107 S MAGNOLIA ST
Lafond Law
Firm 120 S MAGNOLIA ST

115 E RICHARDSON
AVE
One Coast

214 E DOTY AVE

Design

E

Do

ty

A

125 E RICHARDSON AVE
St

Law

ve

129 Shelbourne
E RICHARDSON AVE

216 E DOTY AVE

111 S MAGNOLIA ST

gn

ol

ia

131 E RICHARDSON AVE
Ma

118 E RICHARDSON AVE, A

S

120 E RICHARDSON AVE
Salley Wealth
128 E RICHARDSON AVE
Advisors
Group, LLC

103 S GUM ST

115 S MAGNOLIA ST
St

Mod Beauty
Salon

100 S GUM ST

Gu

m

134 E RICHARDSON AVE

S

132 E RICHARDSON AVE UTILITY
207 E RICHARDSON AVE

O. Paul Culver,
III, DMD
202 S MAGNOLIA ST

204 S MAGNOLIA ST A
204 S MAGNOLIA ST
204 S MAGNOLIA ST C

105 S GUM ST

108 S GUM ST

211 E RICHARDSON AVE
217 E RICHARDSON AVE
E

202 E RICHARDSON AVE
208 S MAGNOLIA ST
206 E RICHARDSON AVE

Ri

ch

ar

ds

on

Av

e

210 E RICHARDSON AVE

210 S MAGNOLIA ST

107 S GUM ST

301 E RICHARDSON AVE

207 S MAGNOLIA ST

7/10/2026

ia

St

1:1,505

S

Ma

gn

ol

Road Centerlines
Summerville Addresses

Zoning Districts
Summerville
Parcels

D-MX

GR-5

N-MX

GR-2

Dorchester Parcels

0

0.01

0.02

0

0.01

0.03

0.04 mi

Rezoning Request
0.06 km

Sources: Esri, TomTom, Garmin, FAO, NOAA, USGS, © OpenStreetMap
contributors, and the GIS User Community

ORDINANCE
AN ORDINANCE TO RESCIND ORDINANCE 26-0303 WHICH WAS TO CONVEY
TOWN OWNED PROPERTY A PORTION OF TMS # 130-10-00-066 CONTAINING 0.04
ACRE (1,762 SF) TO DORCHESTER COUNTY AND TO CREATE A NEW
ORDINANCE FOR TOWN TO CONVEY SAME PROPERTY TO DORCHESTER
COUNTY IN GRATIS
WHEREAS, Ordinance 26-0303 was passed by Town Council on April 9, 2026 to accept the MAI
appraisal value of $12,335 from Dorchester County for the widening of US Highway 78 for
Dorchester County to obtain a portion of Town owned TMS # 130-10-00-066 containing 0.04 acre
(1,762 sf) located at the intersection of Maple St. and Highway 78, and
WHEREAS, Council has since decided to convey the above-described tract of land to Dorchester
County in gratis, and
WHEREAS, Council wishes to rescind Ordinance 26-0303 it is entirety.
THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Mayor and Council members of the Town of
Summerville, in Council assembled, that:
1.

The above recitals are incorporated herein to the same extent as if set out verbatim.

2.

The Ordinance 26-0303 is hereby rescinded.

3.

The Mayor or Town Administrator is authorized to convey the real property
consisting of 0.04 acre (1,762 sf) owned by the Town and is a portion of TMS #
130-10-00-066 to Dorchester County in gratis.

IT IS SO ORDAINED this _____ day of ____________, 2026.

_________________________
Russ Touchberry, Mayor

Attest:
_________________________
Beth Messervy, Town Clerk
FIRST READING:
SECOND READING:

1

A RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Summerville Town Council recognizes that from time to time employment
policies and procedures need to be updated; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of Summerville Town Council to amend the Town of Summerville
Employee Handbook to make changes to the retiree health insurance policy.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Town Council hereby adopts the newly revised
Town of Summerville Employee Handbook dated August 13, 2026 and is effective at 12:01am
the day following the date this Resolution is adopted.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all previous employee handbooks are hereby rescinded.
Done at Summerville, South Carolina this _____ day of ______________, 2026.

Russ Touchberry, Mayor
ATTEST:

Beth Messervy, Town Clerk

REVISED DRAFT – Retiree Insurance Policy
7/28/2026
This policy provides for an ongoing medical insurance financial benefit for retiring long-time Town
employees that meet specific criteria.
The Town retains the right to change any eligibility criteria or the amount of the benefit; or eliminate
this policy completely, on an annual basis. Those already receiving the benefit will retain the benefit
under the terms that were in effect when they started participating.
This policy will become effective July 1, 2026. Though the benefit will not be paid retroactively, any
Town employee that retired between January 1, 2026, and June 30, 2026, who meets the criteria
within this policy will be eligible to begin receiving the benefit beginning in July 2026.
Qualifying retirees will be eligible to be reimbursed by the Town for up to $850 a month for
documented medical expenses by an individual or group medical plan, including premium
expenses for the plan. Documented medical expenses are defined using the guidelines for IRS
Code Section 213: costs paid primarily for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention
of disease, or for affecting any structure or function of the body. These expenses include payments
for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical
practitioners. They include the costs of equipment, supplies, and diagnostic devices needed for
these purposes. They also include the costs of medicines and drugs that are prescribed by a
physician.
Unused portions of the monthly benefit amount will roll over to each successive month with no cap
on the amount accrued. Accruals may be used only for documented medical expenses covered by
this policy and will not be paid as a cash benefit to retirees when the benefit described by this
policy ends for him/her.
To receive reimbursement, retirees will submit documentation to the Town’s third-party Benefits
Administrator. The Administrator will review the documentation, and upon satisfaction that the
requirements for reimbursement have been met, will reimburse the retiree up to $850 per month.
When the participating retiree reaches the age of 65 and Medicare eligibility, the benefit described
by this policy will end for that retiree.
Requirements for Eligibility:
•

•
•

The employee must have worked for the Town continuously and uninterrupted for a
minimum of 25 years. No amount of time working for another SCPEBA-participating
organization counts toward this requirement.
The employee must formally retire through SCPEBA directly from their employment with the
Town.
The employee is responsible for securing his/her own medical insurance coverage. He/she
will not remain enrolled in the Town’s medical insurance plan.

•
•

The benefit applies only to eligible expenses for the individual retiree and not his/her spouse
or dependents.
Once the employee reaches the age of 65 and Medicare eligibility, this benefit will end.

A Resolution
WHEREAS, Summerville Town Council, by Resolution, may amend the Organizational Chart to
represent the various supervisory relationships of key employees; and
WHEREAS, Summerville Town Council desires to place the Town’s Director of Planning, Building
Official and Town Engineer under the supervision of the Town Administrator; and
WHEREAS, Summerville Town Council further desires to eliminate the position of Director of
Community and Economic Development; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Organizational Chart attached hereto is designated
as the official Organizational Chart of the Town of Summerville, to remain in full force and effect until
changed by Resolution of Town Council, and
BE IT FURTHER, RESOLVED, that all previous Organizational Charts for the Town are hereby
rescinded.
DONE AT SUMMERVILLE, SC this ___ day of _______________________, 2026

________________________________
Russ Touchberry, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________
Beth Messervy, Town Clerk

TOWN OF SUMMERVILLE
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
PROPOSED FOR ADOPTION - AUGUST 13, 2026
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL

TOWN CLERK

TOWN ATTORNEY

PARALEGAL

POLICE
CHIEF

DIRECTOR
OF PUBLIC
WORKS

PROSECUTORS

TOWN
ENGINEER

DISPATCH
STREETS
MANAGER

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
HR
MANAGER

INFO TECH
MANAGER

PUBLIC
INFO OFFICER

BUILDING &
GROUNDS

DIRECTOR
OF
FINANCE

DIRECTOR
OF
PLANNING

CHIEF JUDGE

CLERK OF COURT

BUILDING
OFFICIAL

DIRECTOR OF
PARKS &
RECREATION

ASSOC. JUDGES

FIRE
CHIEF
FIRE MARSHAL

STORMWATER
MANAGER
MAINTENANCE
MANAGER

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF DORCHESTER

)
)
)

REGIONAL EMERGENCY
RESPONSE TEAM
AGREEMENT

THIS REGIONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM AGREEMENT
(“Agreement”) entered into between the TOWN OF SUMMERVILLE, BERKELEY
COUNTY, and DORCHESTER COUNTY, (“Party” as to each, collectively the “Parties”).
Each Party is a political subdivision of the State of South Carolina. This Agreement shall be
effective upon the later of (i) complete execution by all Parties, or (ii) receipt of all required
approvals by the Dorchester County Council, the Town of Summerville Council, and the
Berkeley County Council, as applicable under South Carolina law. The Parties shall use
reasonable efforts to obtain any such required approvals within thirty (30) days of execution.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, Dorchester County, the Town of Summerville, and Berkeley County are
public entities with responsibilities for protecting life, property, public health, public safety,
and critical infrastructure within their respective jurisdictions; and
WHEREAS, emergencies, disasters, and specialized incidents may exceed the ordinary
response capabilities of a single jurisdiction and may require coordinated regional assistance,
specialized personnel, equipment, and operational support; and
WHEREAS, the Parties recognize the value of establishing a Regional Emergency
Response Team (“Regional ERT”) to support coordinated response to incidents including,
but not limited to, water rescue, technical rescue, hazardous materials incidents, disaster
response, and other emergency or public safety operations; and
WHEREAS, the Parties are each Parties to the South Carolina Statewide Mutual Aid
Agreement (“SWMAA”), and desire to improve regional preparedness, operational readiness,
interoperability, and response coordination through shared planning, joint training, resource
coordination, and deployment procedures; and
WHEREAS, the Parties intend that personnel assigned to the Regional ERT be
properly trained, certified, and authorized to perform assigned duties consistent with
applicable standards, laws, policies, and operational guidelines; and
WHEREAS, the Parties acknowledge that equipment, personnel, and resources
contributed to the Regional ERT remain subject to availability, operational need, ownership,
maintenance responsibilities, and the authority of the contributing agency; and
WHEREAS, the Parties intend that activations and deployments of the Regional ERT
be requested through authorized representatives and coordinated through established Incident
Command System protocols;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual
covenants, which are hereby incorporated into and made part of this Agreement, the Parties
agree to as follows:
Section 1: Term. This Agreement shall commence upon the effective date as set forth in the
preamble above and terminate on June 30, 2030 (“Initial Term”). This Agreement
may be automatically renewed annually for a maximum of four (4) renewal terms
of three (3) years each (each a “Renewal Term”), unless either Party provides
written notice of non-renewal to the other Party at least one hundred eighty (180)
days prior to the expiration of the then-current term, in accordance with the
notice provisions in Section 12 of this Agreement.
Section 2: Personnel & Training. Each Party agrees:
a. To appoint only qualified personnel to participate on the Regional ERT, as
defined by applicable NFPA, FEMA, and South Carolina Fire Academy
standards.
b. To make personnel available to participate in required regular training
sessions, exercises, and emergency responses, to the extent possible.
Section 3: Equipment & Maintenance. Each Party agrees:
a. All equipment contributed to the Regional ERT shall be maintained in good
working order.
b. Documentation of regular maintenance, service, and repairs shall be
maintained by the Party contributing the equipment and provided to any Party
upon request.
c. Unless otherwise agreed to in writing by each Party, all service, materials, and
repairs in connection with the use and operation of equipment contributed to
the Regional ERT shall be the responsibility of the Party contributing the
equipment.
Section 4: Insurance & Liability. Each Party agrees:
a. To maintain appropriate insurance coverage, including workers’
compensation, liability, and property coverage, for its own personnel and
equipment.
b. To be responsible for the acts and omissions of its own employees.
c. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as to waive any governmental
immunity or legal defense available under applicable law.
Section 5: Mobilization Procedure. Each Party agrees:
a. Within the State of South Carolina, requests for assistance will adhere to
the State of South Carolina Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement
(“SWMAA”). Mobilization requests for the Regional ERT will be

coordinated by each Party’s Authorized Representative, pursuant to the
SWMAA.
i. Requests by entities not Party to the SWMAA will not be
considered.
b. Outside of the State of South Carolina, requests for assistance will adhere
to the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (“EMAC”).
Mobilization requests for the Regional ERT will be coordinated by each
Party’s Authorized Representative in coordination with the South Carolina
Emergency Management Division’s EMAC Coordinator.
c. While deployed to any incident, the Regional ERT will operate under the
direction of the Incident Commander, or Unified Command as applicable.
Section 6: Cost & Reimbursement. Each Party agrees that reimbursement for
eligible incident expenditures, including, but not limited to, employee
salaries, fringe benefits, travel expenses, necessary purchases, and
equipment damage will follow reimbursement procedures outlined in
either the SWMAA or EMAC, as applicable.
Section 7: Dispute Resolution. The Parties, their agents and employees, agree to
cooperate in good faith in fulfilling the terms of this Agreement. Any disputes,
unforeseen difficulties or questions arising under this Agreement shall first be
resolved through good faith negotiation between the Fire Chief for the Town
of Summerville, the Director of the Berkeley County Emergency
Management Department, and the Director of the Dorchester County
Emergency Management Department or their designees. If the dispute cannot
be resolved within thirty (30) days of written notice of the dispute, either Party
may pursue resolution through mediation or, if mediation is unsuccessful,
through litigation in the Court of Common Pleas for Dorchester County,
South Carolina, which shall have exclusive jurisdiction over disputes arising
under this Agreement.
Section 8: Modification. This document constitutes the full understanding of the parties,
and no terms, conditions, understandings, or agreements purporting to modify or
vary the terms of this document shall be binding unless hereafter made in writing
and signed by the Parties to be changed.
Section 9: Merger. This agreement constitutes a final written expression of all the terms of
this agreement and is a complete and exclusive statement of those terms.
Section 10: Termination. Either Party may terminate the Agreement by providing 180 days’
written notice to the other Party; provided, however, that termination shall not
be effective during any period when the Regional ERT is mobilized pursuant to
this Agreement, and the Agreement shall remain in effect until such mobilization

has concluded and all reimbursements pursuant to Section 6 have been
completed.
Section 11: Notices. Any and all notices required to be sent under this Agreement or
otherwise shall be sent to the following
If to the Town of Summerville:
Town of Summerville Administrator
Attn: Scott Slatton, Town Administrator
200 South Main Street
Summerville, South Carolina 29483
If to Berkeley County:
Berkeley County Supervisor
Attn: John P. Cribb, County Supervisor
1003 Highway 52
Moncks Corner, South Carolina 29461
If to Dorchester County:
Dorchester County Administrator
Attn: Jason L. Ward, County Administrator
201 Johnston Street
St. George, South Carolina 29477
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their undersigned officials as duly authorized.
TOWN OF SUMMERVILLE

BERKELEY COUNTY

___________________________
Scott Slatton
Town Administrator

__________________________________
John P. Cribb
County Supervisor

Date:____________________

Date:_________________

DORCHESTER COUNTY
___________________________
Jason L. Ward
County Administrator

Date:____________________

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF DORCHESTER

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INTERGOVERNMENTAL
UNIFIED COMMAND POST
USE AGREEMENT

THIS INTERGOVERNMENTAL UNIFIED COMMAND POST USE
AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) entered into between the TOWN OF SUMMERVILLE
(“the Town”), and DORCHESTER COUNTY (“County”), (“Party” as to each, collectively
the “Parties”). Each Party is a political subdivision of the State of South Carolina. This
Agreement shall be effective upon the later of (i) complete execution by all Parties, or (ii)
receipt of all required approvals by the Dorchester County Council and the Town of
Summerville Council, as applicable under South Carolina law. The Parties shall use reasonable
efforts to obtain any such required approvals within thirty (30) days of execution.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, the Parties are interested in maximizing the efficient use of taxpayers'
dollars and sharing emergency response resources; and
WHEREAS, the County owns and controls a mobile incident command vehicle and
related support equipment (collectively, the "Unified Command Post") used to support
incident command; and
WHEREAS, the Parties desire to establish a standing agreement under which the
Town may request use of the County’s Unified Command Post on an as-needed basis for
emergency incidents, subject to availability, operational priority, and the terms of this
Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the County desires to permit the Town to retrieve, operate, and return
the Unified Command Post, such that delays in response are avoided.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing recitals and the mutual
covenants, which are hereby incorporated into and made part of this Agreement, the Parties
agree as follows:
Section 1: Term. This Agreement shall commence upon the effective date as set forth in the
preamble above and terminate on June 30, 2027 (“Initial Term”). This Agreement
may be renewed annually for a maximum of four (4) Renewal Terms of one (1) year
each (each a “Renewal Term”), subject to any required governmental approvals and
appropriations, unless either Party provides written notice of non-renewal to the
other Party at least one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the expiration of the
then-current term, in accordance with the notice provisions in Section 11 of this
Agreement.
Section 2: Obligations of County: County agrees:

a. To make the Unified Command Post available to the Town, and not

unreasonably refuse requests for deployment or activation, to the extent the
Unified Command Post is available and in-service and the County does not
have a current or anticipated operational need for the Unified Command Post.
b. To provide training on operation of the Unified Command Post, to include
driver’s training and support equipment operation. Such training will be
documented in writing by the County and signed by both Parties.
c. To provide for access by qualified and authorized personnel to the Unified
Command Post at all hours on all days, subject to compliance with the
mobilization procedure set forth in Section 4, and to the extent the Unified
Command Post is available and in-service. This access may take the form of a
badged access control system, PIN code, or another system dictated by the
County.
d. To maintain the Unified Command Post in good working order.
Section 3: Obligations of the Town: The Town agrees:
a. To only allow employees that are certified and trained by the County to
operate the Unified Command Post.
b. To only utilize the Unified Command Post in connection with the approved
emergency incident, or County-approved special event directly related to
public safety.
c. To refuel the Unified Command Post prior to returning it to the County’s
storage location.
d. To return the Unified Command Post to the County’s storage location, within
two (2) hours of the termination of the incident or event, or sooner if recalled
by the County for its own operational needs. Failure to timely return the
Unified Command Post may result in suspension of the Town's access
privileges under this Agreement.
e. To exercise due regard and reasonable care while operating or otherwise in
possession of the Unified Command Post.
f. To maintain appropriate property insurance coverage insuring the Unified
Command Post against property damage, loss, or collision, for the duration
of this Agreement, and to name the County as a loss payee, specifically related
to the Unified Command Post.
g. To submit a certificate of insurance to the County providing evidence of
insurance prior to the execution of this Agreement and upon each insurance
renewal.
h. To bear all risks of damage or loss to the Unified Command Post or any
portions thereof not covered by insurance. Replacements, repairs, or
substitution of parts or equipment shall be at the cost and expense of the
Town and shall be accessions to the Unified Command Post. The Town shall,
while in possession of the Unified Command Post, and at its expense keep
the Unified Command Post in good working order, condition and repair,
reasonable wear and tear excepted. For the avoidance of doubt, this obligation

applies only during and with respect to the Town's periods of possession and
use, and does not diminish the Town's obligations under Section 6.
i. To give prompt notification to the County upon any accident, injury, loss,
damage, theft, other claim, or other circumstance that may give rise to a claim
involving the Unified Command Post.
Section 4: Mobilization Procedure. The Town shall formally request the use of the
Unified Command Post through the County’s Consolidated Dispatch Center.
The County’s Consolidated Dispatch Center will then follow internal
procedures for requesting, and gaining approval for, use of the Unified
Command Post. Upon written or verbal approval by the County’s Emergency
Management Director, or designee (with written confirmation to follow as
soon as practicable), the Town may remove the Unified Command Post from
the County’s storage location, transport it to the incident or event scene, and
operate it for the duration of the incident or event. Approval of a request shall
be at the County's reasonable discretion, considering operational needs,
equipment condition, and staffing. It is understood that time is of the essence
and this request and approval process must be expedited in the event of
sudden emergency.
Section 5: Demobilization Procedure. The Town will notify the County’s
Consolidated Dispatch Center upon incident or event termination. The
Town shall refuel the Unified Command Post to its pre-deployment level.
Upon return, the Town and County shall jointly inspect the Unified
Command Post and document its condition in writing, including any damage,
missing equipment, or maintenance needs identified during use.
Section 6: Cost and Reimbursement. No rental fees are charged under this
Agreement. The Town agrees to reimburse the County for any and all
claims, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys'
fees) arising out of or resulting from the Town's use, possession, operation,
or transportation of the Unified Command Post, to the fullest extent
permitted by applicable law including the South Carolina Tort Claims Act,
except to the extent caused by the County's sole negligence or willful
misconduct. If an incident for which the Town has used the Unified
Command Post becomes eligible for state, federal, insurance, grant, or
disaster reimbursement, the Town shall be responsible for this
documentation and any reimbursement requests, and shall promptly remit
to the County any reimbursement proceeds received that are attributable to
the Unified Command Post or related County-owned equipment.
Section 7: Dispute Resolution. The Parties, their agents and employees, agree to
cooperate in good faith in fulfilling the terms of this Agreement. Any disputes,
unforeseen difficulties or questions arising under this Agreement shall first be

resolved through good faith negotiation between the Director of the
Dorchester County Emergency Management Department and the
Summerville Town Administrator, or their designees. If the dispute cannot be
resolved within thirty (30) days of written notice of the dispute, either Party
may pursue resolution through mediation or, if mediation is unsuccessful,
through litigation in the Court of Common Pleas for Dorchester County,
South Carolina, which shall have exclusive jurisdiction over disputes arising
under this Agreement.
Section 8: Modification. This document constitutes the full understanding of the Parties,
and no terms, conditions, understandings, or agreements purporting to modify or
vary the terms of this document shall be binding unless hereafter made in writing
and signed by the Parties to be changed.
Section 9: Merger. This Agreement constitutes a final written expression of all the terms of
this agreement and is a complete and exclusive statement of those terms.
Section 10: Termination. Either Party may terminate the Agreement by providing 180 days’
written notice to the other Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the County may
terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice if the Town (a)
materially breaches any provision of this Agreement and fails to cure such breach
within fifteen (15) days of written notice thereof, (b) fails to maintain the
insurance required under Section 3, or (c) engages in misuse or unauthorized use
of the Unified Command Post. Termination pursuant to the 180-day notice
provision shall not be effective during any period when the Unified Command
Post is actively being used pursuant to this Agreement, and the Agreement shall
remain in effect until such operations have concluded and demobilization
procedures under Section 5 have been completed. This limitation shall not apply
to immediate termination for cause, in which case the Town shall promptly return
the Unified Command Post and complete demobilization procedures under
Section 5.
Section 11: Notices. Any and all notices required to be sent under this Agreement or
otherwise shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given when (a) delivered
personally, (b) sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid,
or (c) sent by nationally recognized overnight courier, to the following addresses
(or such other address as either Party may designate in writing):
If to the County:
Dorchester County Administrator
Attn: Jason L. Ward, Administrator
201 Johnston Street
St. George, South Carolina 29477

If to the Town:
Town of Summerville Administrator
Attn: Scott Slatton, Administrator
200 South Main Street
Summerville, South Carolina 29483
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the Parties have caused this Agreement to be
executed by their undersigned officials as duly authorized.
DORCHESTER COUNTY

TOWN OF SUMMERVILLE

___________________________
Jason L. Ward
County Administrator

__________________________________
Scott Slatton
Town Administrator

Date:____________________

Date:_________________

Concerns and Action Items for SCDOT
West Richardson Ave:
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Reduce the speed limit to 25 mph and add more speed limit signs
Install ‘No Thru Truck’ signs on the traffic signal posts at the W Richardson & N
Cedar intersection and the W Richardson & N Maple/Parsons Rd intersection
Supplement the above 'No Thru Truck' signage before the intersections to give truck
drivers ample warning and time to make any necessary lane changes.
Refresh the worn crosswalk at Huger Playground (W Richardson & S Walnut St)
Install RRFBs at the Huger Playground crosswalk
Install 4-way Stop Signs at the following intersections with W Richardson:
o W Richardson & W Carolina Ave
o W Richardson & S Hickory St
o W Richardson & S Laurel St
Repair pavement at the crosswalk at Little Main St (near Guerins Pharmacy). The
asphalt is warped making the surface uneven and therefore unsafe for pedestrians.

Parkwood Dr:
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Install 4-way Stop at the intersection with Simmons Ave

S Cedar St/Central Ave:
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Install RRFBs & high-visibility crosswalk at the intersection with W 2nd South St.

Central Ave:
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Install traffic signal at the intersection with White Gables Drive/Carraway Lane

South Main St:
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Sidewalk between W 5th South and W 6th South Streets: Install handrail because of
the steep drop-off between the sidewalk and the road.

Berlin G Myers Parkway:
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Increase the storage length of all left-turn lanes
Add right-turn lanes on all approaches of the Marymeade Drive intersection
Convert flashing yellow left-turn arrows to dedicated red or green arrow only as
done at the E 3rd North St intersection.
o This is of particular importance at the Gahagan Rd/E 6th South St
intersection. South-bound drivers making left-turns onto Gahagan Rd cannot

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fully see the north-bound traffic if a vehicle is in the north-bound left-turn
lane onto E 6th South St.
Add left-turn arrows to the Gahagan Rd & E 6th South St approaches at the BGMP
intersection; dedicated left-turn lanes already exist there.
Synchronize traffic signals at the E 3 North St & Hwy 78 intersections
Install right-turn lane at the Hwy 78 intersection near the Spinx (for north-bound
BGMP traffic turning east onto Hwy 78)
Install more speed limit signs
Drop-off Drive and Nexton Parkway Intersection:
Install temporary traffic signal. The permitting of the mast arm signal has been
completed but not expected to be installed until early 2027 due to the lag-time for
fabrication of the mast arms. Considering that a traffic signal has been warranted
here since January 2025, its installation is overdue.

OPERATIONAL PRODECURES:
Creation of a streamlined approval process for smaller, town-led improvement
projects – such as adding RRFBs to existing crosswalk locations or constructing new
sidewalks.
o For example, when permitting new RRFBs, the Town must hire a traffic
engineer to conduct pedestrian and traffic counts and prepare
location-specific studies, which can cost several thousand dollars. This is in
addition to the RRFB assemblies themselves, which also cost several
thousand dollars. Municipalities are already responsible for materials and
installation, so the added time, expense, and administrative steps involved in
the permitting process create a significant additional burden.
Enhance communication with Town personnel on proposed/upcoming/current
SCDOT projects within town limits. Several recent examples are below:
o Tree-trimming of the roadway shoulders within a neighborhood having
SCDOT-maintained streets. Upset residents were calling Town offices and
staff had no idea what was going on.
o The parallel parking space markings on Hwy 17A (S Main St) near Hutchinson
Square were removed with SCDOT’s recent resurfacing project and are not
being replaced. We were told by SCDOT’s Construction Office that the local

government agency is responsible for the replacement. The Town should
have been made aware of this requirement beforehand so we could prepare.
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Clarification on the permitting of improvements made within the “Detmold” area of
downtown where the roadways have much wider rights-of-way, typically 100-ft and
200-ft on Main Street, but SCDOT’s right-of-way width typically does not extend the
full Detmold limits.

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Clarification on the process for analyzing and possibly replacing roadway culverts
that may be undersized, particularly for the larger cross-pipes passing ditch flows
underneath a roadway.

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Clarification on sidewalk maintenance responsibility. SCDOT’s County Maintenance
Office and SCDOT’s District Office give conflicting information.

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Clarification on the replacement of street name signs & sign posts for SCDOTmaintained roads. The Town has been told SCDOT does not replace them.

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Reduce/eliminate the number of drivers running red lights, which is becoming more
prevalent. Evidently drivers are becoming used to a long yellow light phase and
often speed up rather than slow down.

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Ensure consistent and timely mowing and vegetation trimming, particularly at
intersections where overgrowth may impede sight distance.