[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6594968,"mediaKeyId","3045210-4136b8a3a1c170d07374db4243a9b183","parentId",3045210,"title","Residents press James Island council over town spending and PSD cost-sharing; council says issue was addressed previously","audioSeconds",1186,"startMs",658000,"endMs",1844000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3045210-4136b8a3a1c170d07374db4243a9b183&start=658&end=1844","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3045210-4136b8a3a1c170d07374db4243a9b183/thumbnail_658000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6594968/James-Island/Charleston-County/South-Carolina/Residents-press-James-Island-council-over-town-spending-and-PSD-cost-sharing-council-says-issue-was-addressed-previously","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6594968-c61a78f5b0bfb7cd80333cba1cd3a212/orig.mp4?Expires=1771128256&Signature=JWtzDRpuTCxAUb6WtUfGkGnF7ESVjHTu7NeMMv2I-3~qNzqvMJQvg-h~whAua-YtfS91UfIytby-pXQqzZ7UYofK9oT3rSK~Z2r6FAiNAG5Tn29nO8gpTQQesKUl0fMBQvKHDCHcHxRwnZ2VIz7cttmosFtDqv8cMMWQQaaAgIyoedMHkEV-KjFg4nfUKpXJQ~ObswERf6Mgk0JS9TazUx7vQeLjntzOuU3P5B4viehGrngaI0HjUig4y~9cqANZOD4C7CMOUoIMGSbkTicWsPZ6GLngqeCvmWX1H4SSghxLZFjsF-lOddWTWMCp-GDaJ27T0uY9TI~MG1gegU-syQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","James Island","date","2025-04-17T00:00:00Z","article","Several residents used the public-comment portion of the Town Council meeting to urge the council to reconsider recent spending decisions and to restore or defend a prior cost-sharing arrangement with the James Island Public Service District (PSD).

Why it matters: Speakers said ending the town’s cost-sharing agreement with the PSD could shift costs onto residents through higher PSD rates and property-tax increases in a reassessment year. Council members said the cost-sharing item was addressed at a prior meeting and invited residents to meet with staff to review the details.

Public testimony: John McGee, who said he has lived on James Island for 42 years, cited a Courier posting and said the PSD action would cause a 28% tax increase by the PSD and an estimated 15% increase in property taxes for town residents. He also criticized recent town spending, citing a $3,000,000 cultural arts center, a more-than-$1,000,000 waterfront park purchase and a vac-truck quoted “over $500,000.” McGee said those combined costs roughly equaled \"four and a half million dollars\" and argued transparency was lacking.

Karen Tucker McGee opposed removal of the town contribution to the PSD and said the public-service district \"does an excellent job\" and that residents should have a vote on major expenditures. Tammy Tucker said residents have not been shown plans for long-term maintenance and operation costs for new facilities.

Town response and record: Mayor Brooke Lyon told attendees the cost-sharing agreement had been discussed at the prior meeting and that there is \"a whole lot of misinformation out there,\" inviting residents to meet with staff or the mayor to get full details. The mayor read a written public comment from Wendy Teal supporting the PSD’s use of funds and noting the town’s interest in preserving green space; Teal’s note was entered into the meeting record.

Next steps: Council members offered to meet with concerned residents individually, promised to post documentation online and encouraged public engagement at upcoming meetings. No new vote on the PSD cost-sharing agreement took place at this meeting; the council reiterated it would continue outreach and provide information to clarify the prior decision.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","James Island - Town Council - Apr 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Multiple residents told the council they opposed recent town expenditures and the decision to end a cost-sharing agreement with the James Island Public Service District, warning of higher taxes and reduced services; the council said the PSD matter had been addressed at a prior meeting and offered follow-up discussions.","taxTitle","James Island, Charleston County, South Carolina","taxId",70277,"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},6594974,"James Island council approves slip-lining repairs for failing corrugated pipes; vac-truck purchase and drainage projects discussed",539,2239000,2778000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3045210-4136b8a3a1c170d07374db4243a9b183&start=2239&end=2778","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3045210-4136b8a3a1c170d07374db4243a9b183/thumbnail_2239000.jpg","/articles/6594974/James-Island/Charleston-County/South-Carolina/James-Island-council-approves-slip-lining-repairs-for-failing-corrugated-pipes-vac-truck-purchase-and-drainage-projects-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6594974-6ffa4398c4bd6d36bcb9fb135ec305d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771128257&Signature=KNWS~26~L9RYP4b-D~D~Obhvo3zzdiZ742H9rtyzAk8y89gJlwHLbAvo9tSVASn-5YjSYGuotZrFrm7c5Fq5q5cv7AEpyigARAb3jl4lBFR9IQodn16a3huiaBRFB7wJoX~lgb~dmPu0X5FY6JfFG3V5DeaLSpoXwygDzD8VjnuVoa-SaTW44lkF-M28RFvpOLMuelR2d82dUxZBbKP3RlSsmEVCr~VpEdmqxPuCZNVtPRr6I2u3-gScCXywS0yGHUwfRPGZ6XDrNxEN66SvE-IER20knd-pet2ZL8CrF865pTf3k-EXYKOQsrpMdEoGJuoHmwU7HIQEB2IGmJui7Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town Council of James Island voted unanimously to award slip-lining repairs (a trenchless pipe rehabilitation method) for failing corrugated stormwater pipes in the Quail Run and Peregrine subdivisions.

Council members and staff said the slip-lining method — offered by PDC Pipeline and Drainage in the council packet — avoids digging up roadways, lowers cost compared with full replacement, and can extend pipe life by decades. The motions to award the work carried unanimously.

Why it matters: Several neighborhoods on the island have aging corrugated pipes under their streets that are failing and causing sinkholes and localized flooding. Town staff said the slip-lining approach reduces disruption to residents, lowers contractor mobilization costs when several repairs can be scheduled together and may save taxpayer dollars versus full excavation replacements.

Public works updates: Keith Ledoux, public works director, told the council the Woodhaven and Ocean View stormwater projects are now closed out following inspections and additional contractor work. He said crews are preparing two pipe lining or replacement operations in the Quail Run neighborhood and that other approved maintenance projects are awaiting contractor start dates.

Vac truck discussion: Council members reviewed estimates for a new vacuum (vac) truck and a demonstration unit. Staff said the truck can squeeze water from dredged culvert material, allowing crews to do more clearing before returning to dump sites. The vac-truck purchase was discussed but not approved at the meeting; council members said staff will arrange demonstrations for the public and council to evaluate equipment.

Council action: Two separate motions to hire PDC Pipeline for slip-lining repairs in Quail Run and Peregrine were approved unanimously. Council members emphasized that the county does not perform slip-lining and that county replacement estimates were higher because full excavation would be required under county scope.

Next steps: Staff will schedule the vac-truck demonstrations and return with cost comparisons and operational plans. Town staff also said they will organize a sandbagging event and that the Green Hill repaving will be scheduled for the summer after school ends.","The Town Council approved slip-lining repairs for failing corrugated pipes in Quail Run and Peregrine subdivisions and heard updates on a vac-truck pilot and multiple stormwater projects; officials said slip-lining is less disruptive and cheaper than full replacement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6594979,"James Island council tables resolution to name Fort Johnson–Secessionville intersection after teen killed in 2015 crash",3753,426000,4179000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3045210-4136b8a3a1c170d07374db4243a9b183&start=426&end=4179","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3045210-4136b8a3a1c170d07374db4243a9b183/thumbnail_426000.jpg","/articles/6594979/James-Island/Charleston-County/South-Carolina/James-Island-council-tables-resolution-to-name-Fort-JohnsonSecessionville-intersection-after-teen-killed-in-2015-crash","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6594979-be5bc7d827ff6c6eaaabdaa075bbd97f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771128257&Signature=RJEpsIbaJn~qnnHlsBP542qt1pbC9E3gA-ynMjmrMSsqTSrd-9mi3IawnvlEs2lgWNDJZWaOsRoSBT0nNwLdsa2YfKu-ZiGO9-YYm2InLGm4JQF2QBhxL5GbXgZTqg8CjyjE7UGbX8IO-blw8~dP1g3Jv2itMxthv3jjvXHSrncGB07Q6oSc1NdlsFz1OzYBb42hFYke8OW8-2hQ-1k8r6HlKalvGkT-AITcCTT62tPJnUh9UI9IK0eC1ldl1-qTiq~QP32MXvUNE4sko55j3MZmshaFgav90CDcqpScZk4HFRB2z-mZSXp-l7PGC4rQHHhXs3gOOQNRdWRnSYQ8uA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Town Council of James Island voted unanimously to table Resolution 2025-07, which would have named the intersection of Fort Johnson Road and Secessionville Road in memory of Gabriel Seagraves, a teenager killed in 2015.

The council deferred the item after lengthy public comment from residents and faith leaders who urged the council to balance honoring Seagraves with recognition of the long history of St. James Presbyterian Church at that corner. Mayor Brooke Lyon opened the discussion by noting the intersection is on a state-owned road and that naming approvals require South Carolina Department of Transportation action. She said the council would \"table this\" to explore alternatives that might allow both family recognition and historic commemoration.

Why it matters: The intersection is a site of recurring safety concerns and strongly held local memories. Several speakers framed the question as both a public-safety issue and a dispute over how to honor competing local histories. Council members said they want to find a solution that recognizes the Seagraves family while respecting the church’s historical presence.

Public testimony: Reverend Dr. Brian Henderson, senior pastor of St. James Presbyterian Church, asked that the church and the surrounding community be consulted and considered before the town pursues a naming tied to a single individual. \"The members of Saint James are quite concerned about the possibility of that,\" Henderson said, urging broader consultation.

Several descendants and longtime island residents urged the council to consider naming the corner for former pastors who led a historically Black congregation there. Bill Covey Wilder, who identified himself as a former town councilman and local historian, noted the church’s founding in 1866 and asked the council to \"rethink that resolution and rename that corner as one of our pastor[s].\"

Family and friends of Gabriel Seagraves asked the council to proceed with the proposed honor. Lawton Lyons, who called for the memorial, described the crash and said naming the intersection would \"commemorate him\" and could also \"raise awareness of the need for pedestrian walkways\" at the curve where the crash occurred. Hannah Smith, a friend of Gabriel, said, \"Gabriel was one of the sweetest kids you would ever know. He was outgoing, creative, artistic, and overall a beautiful soul.\"

Council deliberations and next steps: Mayor Brooke Lyon and other council members said they had discussed the issue with state legislators and would explore alternatives, including a memorial or naming at a nearby location that may fit within the state’s naming process. Councilman Troy Mullenax said the council would revisit the item next month after working with residents and the legislative delegation to identify options that \"both sides will come away with permanent recognition.\"

Formal action: The council’s motion to table Resolution 2025-07 carried unanimously on a roll-call vote.

The town will return to the subject at a future meeting after additional outreach to the Seagraves family, St. James Presbyterian Church leaders and the state transportation representatives.","After more than an hour of public testimony and discussion about local history and competing memorial ideas, the Town Council of James Island voted unanimously to table Resolution 2025-07, which proposed naming the Fort Johnson Road and Secessionville Road intersection for Gabriel Seagraves.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents press James Island council over town spending and PSD cost-sharing; council says issue was addressed previously

James Island council approves slip-lining repairs for failing corrugated pipes; vac-truck purchase and drainage projects discussed

James Island council tables resolution to name Fort Johnson–Secessionville intersection after teen killed in 2015 crash