[{"_1":2,"_109":-5,"_110":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,97],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6682090,"mediaKeyId","2270858-50eb17090a4266049b482b3c3c002810","parentId",2270858,"title","Votes at a glance: Feb. 11 Charleston City Council","audioSeconds",1133,"startMs",2210000,"endMs",3343000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270858-50eb17090a4266049b482b3c3c002810&start=2210&end=3343","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2270858-50eb17090a4266049b482b3c3c002810/thumbnail_2210000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6682090/Charleston-City/Charleston-County/South-Carolina/Votes-at-a-glance-Feb-11-Charleston-City-Council","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6682090-19d9196ef75d14b062d0958c54b9fe3b/orig.mp4?Expires=1775265073&Signature=ec1PqfUWd3MWEUisHTU31~hkicHHDl-beKoKJyRnzfg3~FIpr950sJ6Af8VQhk~DqQ0vWyukzzr0o5M85f8kFqB1ns6EUxc6GvIU8uSzVb7hAExTEP~WciGY5w1zKYFqG77MLrTAgID0yPPz3cz8xhCX-PbunTttgaTHVzu66dbRgYLQjvqGf8hlE~5FIUf~AZGMPz7cvKrz~wcSFYwhNijkUhbD9AcidqWgLWXa-csbTyNy7T4cuMK4f3HM2EftuWoWkUfdnzb5vfYc~2omIUM72Ej7NG8uA9ZQoNNYhnjRg221iGGrBnIxPncAKCrjqoec1ENePPvxCCuuvpSZag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Charleston","date","2025-02-12T06:09:44.623Z","article","The Charleston City Council recorded the following formal actions during its Feb. 11 session. Vote tallies were taken by voice for several items; where the transcript did not provide a roll-call or named votes, outcomes are recorded as stated on the record.

- Ratify appointment of Julia Copeland as corporation counsel: Motion moved and seconded; ratified by voice vote. (Outcome: approved.)

- First reading of ordinance amendments (schedule/meeting dates, boards and commissions terms, language cleanups and departmental alignment including a stormwater-related shift): Motion for first reading moved, seconded and carried. The transcript notes these ordinance changes require subsequent public hearings; staff said implementation of the stormwater changes will take several months. (Outcome: first reading approved; public hearing to follow.)

- Harper Tract PUD modification (Council Member Greg): Councilman Greg moved to direct staff to modify the Harper Tract planned unit development to eliminate residential development in areas originally zoned for commercial and refer the modification to the planning commission. Motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. (Outcome: motion approved; referred to staff and planning commission.)

- Consent and committee reports: The council adopted committee reports as presented, including a public works committee report and a traffic and transportation report that noted a range of items (including meter/FlowBird issues, parking fee adjustments recommended in committee, and street-change proposals). (Outcome: adopted.)

- Second reading: Five bills scheduled for second reading were taken together and advanced to third reading and ratification by voice vote; the transcript does not specify the titles or numbers of those five bills in the recorded discussion. (Outcome: advanced to third reading/ratification; specific bill details not specified in the transcript.)

The meeting transcript shows that several votes were conducted by voice without roll-call tallies. Where the transcript lacked explicit named votes or numeric counts, this summary records outcomes as stated by the mayor or clerk. Any formal roll-call tallies or ordinance/resolution numbers that are required for official recordkeeping should be confirmed in the final printed minutes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Charleston City Council Meeting 2/11/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Charleston City Council recorded several approvals and referrals on Feb. 11, including ratifying the corporation counsel appointment, approving first reading on ordinance amendments, referring a Harper Tract PUD modification to staff and the planning commission, and advancing five bills to third reading.","taxTitle","Charleston City, Charleston County, South Carolina","taxId",3701,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6682092,"City's ADA coordinator outlines accessibility priorities, requests staff collaboration",575,2274000,2849000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270858-50eb17090a4266049b482b3c3c002810&start=2274&end=2849","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2270858-50eb17090a4266049b482b3c3c002810/thumbnail_2274000.jpg","/articles/6682092/Charleston-City/Charleston-County/South-Carolina/Citys-ADA-coordinator-outlines-accessibility-priorities-requests-staff-collaboration","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6682092-33178b242591ef61daaf20dea9f70935/orig.mp4?Expires=1775265073&Signature=mLqeLwmTydg8nsJ8xvi2QCOSJtJYtnPk4aMhAAGYEDCH3p2-57ey0a91aFsfJXIFA9H3mVUirbdP3aoUm4LAGLJ-QxcFfGt-0Akrv8gmtrpufD6CNctiwkour1SUM5SwkYWm-bq65DriU9l5MAVyixpGoRMNfYWlyiGx1QV8QnfBiOWM~kkIsKtea~XQkTPwEL2DWagVXfCoXakP6s0avE5pLcDLt4qwTdaZwfV~EOpRJusDfPvRWIZJvh2Ro9KdkQ7rWtYKjY8uJgoLL4x9BijgDem54aJw80Z836Apz-SWhBINvHQCRh5Fe1BFCm1ktagt6oS2J1Ms~LB9oHHOBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Janet Schumacher, the City of Charleston's ADA coordinator, presented the mayor's Commission on Disability Issues' priorities and a list of suggested accessibility improvements during the Feb. 11 council meeting.

Schumacher described a previously circulated list the commission prioritized and named commission members in attendance. The presentation explained how Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act applies to city programs and public facilities, including sidewalks, and stressed that ADA requirements are distinct from building code requirements.

The commission's prioritized initiatives included identifying properties that need automatic door openers; improving parking compliance and accessible routes at parks and public spaces; ensuring at least one push-button-accessible bathroom per floor at the Gilliard Center; installing a continuous 5-foot accessible route on Faber Street; and working with the College of Charleston to address sidewalk hazards caused by tree roots and bricks.

Schumacher noted recent ADA successes the city has achieved, including more than 100 curb cuts and updated requirements that temporary sidewalk closures must provide an alternative accessible route. She also described a grievance form on the city website and said she typically reviews complaints within 24 hours.

Council members asked for a copy of Schumacher's PowerPoint; she agreed to provide it. The presentation included several specific location requests to be coordinated with city staff and external partners such as the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). Council did not take formal action on the presentation during the Feb. 11 meeting.

The commission emphasized education for local businesses about ADA obligations and suggested creative outreach regarding the acceptance and distinction of service animals. Schumacher said the commission seeks to go beyond minimum compliance in many areas and to reduce ableism through practical, programmatic changes.","Janet Schumacher, the city's ADA coordinator, presented the mayor's Commission on Disability Issues' priorities on Feb. 11, including identifying locations needing automatic door openers, improving accessible parking and routes, and working with institutions such as College of Charleston and SCDOT on targeted fixes.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":44,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":50,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6682096,"Council ratifies appointment of Julia Copeland as corporation counsel",50,2260000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270858-50eb17090a4266049b482b3c3c002810&start=2210&end=2260","/articles/6682096/Charleston-City/Charleston-County/South-Carolina/Council-ratifies-appointment-of-Julia-Copeland-as-corporation-counsel","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6682096-0ded5a6e9d2c72114c2dcef98da1cc4c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775265073&Signature=XHRa-y9IWbxl4~cJqhqCitpVmxJDxHSUsaXAUhsjtzUXZ5~hhTCl1MhEsIBLCYWNzV~FDoXpXfpzzfWlctWLzkO1CSgV92NtkxPm4UHd5M7dFrLUtqQ-87DWGNPIJtAUmGf~S4vMfUiIa2~AXUI6lXsKTdixcSuA6oUX96f6zYAavDCETsdYkxZlcG~lh3dyQsRwxeEmVNyPOACmPL-qrqfrdYP-QUNqhAVMRySe6b3OMHOdelVum3H9XeWSum-aw9ntvhiorMX1~jxbqVngnCPNiDMhrYs7acAKXMbfzl~RZEoeouB73HtaFzDg1M2go1n-s68v9eUB3okQItX3GA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Charleston City Council ratified the appointment of Julia Copeland as corporation counsel during its Feb. 11 meeting.

Mayor William S. Cogswell Jr. noted the appointment and invited Ms. Copeland forward for the formal ratification. Council members moved and seconded the appointment; the clerk recorded the vote by voice and the mayor stated, \"Ayes have it.\"

Council members discussed that a PowerPoint had been included in the meeting packet in lieu of a written resume; no further public debate or roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript. The mayor and other councilors applauded Ms. Copeland after the vote.

The transcript indicates the appointment was required by city ordinance related to the reorganization under review and that the council had not previously completed a formal ratification step for Ms. Copeland's role. No additional details about salary, term length or contract language were discussed on the record at the Feb. 11 meeting.","Charleston City Council approved the appointment of Julia Copeland as the city's corporation counsel during the Feb. 11 meeting; council took the vote after a motion and the appointment was ratified by voice vote.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6682100,"Residents urge council to drop charges and repeal First Amendment demonstration ordinance",1125,893000,2018000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2270858-50eb17090a4266049b482b3c3c002810&start=893&end=2018","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2270858-50eb17090a4266049b482b3c3c002810/thumbnail_893000.jpg","/articles/6682100/Charleston-City/Charleston-County/South-Carolina/Residents-urge-council-to-drop-charges-and-repeal-First-Amendment-demonstration-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6682100-7f156942fc95351798397f15b6ee394a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775265073&Signature=eEekaxrmSAPhLJNbdKS6t4wl3U44UZ0JlDYdP4vlqnhDR13PRBq7-w27D5MG5tx-ancLd32p8umYFoyo7-IFrBuPyaxBtA~Xy9-9yOhCWIHi8dVo9wXXIAlbjanIjyaNUJUKiGqqyrugOSnRCqdecbl-8caXHVCMALhMLxveNBK4WucuMXFTrvTNLQ0Le7y39xah-~49mO2qyUNNDqIMoCAcfozqHOwIS9CFAHO2m3XP0siWEZqg3Hfv0iTjK47zivteuM4ySHihNvsjlbxTP49fIxHyrPvNEGpL2965ObGs6V5E9AcPntZxErsmBWAcbTWJTCc2YxLqIcVgpVHMnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dozens of residents pressed the Charleston City Council during the Feb. 11 citizens participation period to drop criminal charges against seven people arrested at recent protests and to repeal the city's First Amendment demonstration ordinance.

The most direct appeals came from demonstrators and attorneys who said the ordinance has been used to criminalize peaceful expression. \"Protesting is not a crime,\" said Matt Colburn, a member of the public who identified himself during his one-minute comment. \"Stop the charge,\" he added, referring to the cases against the \"Charleston 7.\"

Kareem Adelakonja, who identified himself as one of the Charleston 7, told council that he was arrested at a January protest and asked that charges be dropped. \"We demand that the charges against the Charleston 7 be dropped,\" he said. Ally Minagakis, identified as an attorney and executive director of South Carolina for Criminal Justice Reform, said she is representing six of the arrested protesters pro bono and warned the city about potential civil liability if arrests and police use of the ordinance continue.

Several speakers said the ordinance, which was passed in July 2021, is applied selectively. \"This ordinance was just used to surveil and clamp down on us,\" said Alfred Peeler, who described participation in earlier peaceful demonstrations and said the ordinance was used afterward to cite organizers. Marcus McDonald, lead organizer of Charleston Black Lives Matter, called the ordinance unconstitutional and rooted in an effort to suppress dissent.

Other commenters urged the city to stop any perceived cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Dulce Lopez, who said she has lived in Charleston for 20 years, said mixed-status families fear leaving their homes and asked the council to \"please drop the charges\" and to \"not cooperate with ICE.\" Multiple speakers linked the arrests and the ordinance to broader concerns about public safety for immigrant and Black communities.

Not every speaker spoke directly about the ordinance: some raised related concerns such as the timing and manner in which the measure was adopted, with Autumn Waddell saying the ordinance had been passed at an emergency meeting with no public comment. Several speakers recommended that the council create a First Amendment committee or a liaison to expedite permits and create designated, safe spaces for protest. \"We need to have space for that,\" Ally Minagakis said.

Council members did not take action on the public comments during the meeting. The council clerk recorded 17 speakers for the citizens participation period. The public record presented at the meeting also included several online comments on unrelated topics, and council members noted upcoming meetings where some of the community's other concerns will be addressed.

Speakers who addressed the Charleston 7 and the ordinance were members of the public and organizers; the meeting transcript records them making direct appeals but shows no formal motion or vote on the ordinance or the pending charges during the Feb. 11 meeting.","During the citizens participation period at the Feb. 11 Charleston City Council meeting, multiple residents and organizers called on the council to drop charges against the \"Charleston 7\" and repeal the city's First Amendment demonstration ordinance, which speakers described as unconstitutional and used to criminalize peaceful protest.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Feb. 11 Charleston City Council

City's ADA coordinator outlines accessibility priorities, requests staff collaboration

Council ratifies appointment of Julia Copeland as corporation counsel

Residents urge council to drop charges and repeal First Amendment demonstration ordinance