Commissioner Stevens raised an issue that residents on Drum Point Way (Colonel Island) had voted to install a gate across what the county considers a deeded county road used by about 20 homes. Staff and commissioners agreed that until the county completes a formal abandonment process the road remains public and should not be gated in a way that prevents emergency access.

Public safety officials and staff outlined options for ensuring emergency access if a gate remains in place: siren-activation, punch-pad codes held by dispatch, Knox-box overrides, radio activation or, if necessary for safety, forcible entry using vehicle push or cutting equipment. Commissioners directed the county attorney to send an official letter to residents and instructed staff to work quickly with the county attorney to either have the gate opened or ensure the gate provides verified emergency access; they also discussed the abandonment process and cautioned that abandonment does not automatically transfer title to adjoining landowners.

Commissioners emphasized the county cannot allow closure of a public road without going through legal procedures, and they asked staff to prioritize contacting the county attorney and returning to the commission with a plan.