Aaron Polkey

election administration

No direct cost impacts on taxpayers, though running compressed election schedules is standard operational procedure for the city.

First Amendment Demonstrations Ordinance Amendments

Legal defense costs could be significant if the ordinance faces ongoing litigation.

Residential and Commercial Zoning Variances

None identified in the agenda; relief is dimensional, not financial.

2027 Fiscal Budget and Revenue Planning

The city's entire annual operating budget is on the table — every resident and taxpayer is affected by the outcome.

Historic Building Demolitions and Alterations in Preservation Districts

Stabilizing historic structures can cost upwards of $100,000 to $200,000 per property, requiring creative public-private funding solutions.

Proposed 2027 City Budget

Healthcare budget up $2.9 million (9.1% per enrollee) to $34.6 million.

Property Annexations

The 1176/1180 Sam Rittenberg property recently sold for $14.5 million, triple its 2019 price.

Long Savanna Neighborhood Expansion (Phases 3 and 4)

182 new homes could add to the property tax base but also raise demand on roads, schools, and stormwater systems in West Ashley.

Short-term rental ordinance overhaul

Planning and Preservation Administrative Fee Updates

New and higher fees for permits and planning services, designed to cover the city's administrative costs.

$90 million bond issuance for city facilities

Up to $90 million in new bond debt, partially offset by refunding older 2015 bonds at potentially better rates.

Parkshore Pickleball Courts and Resident Communication

A $255,956 contract is on hold, with the Mayor warning delay could bring price increases.

806 Magnolia Road Rezoning Proposal

The denial protects surrounding property values from potential degradation caused by out-of-scale infill development.

Technical Review of Citywide Development and Infrastructure Projects

New stormwater requirements could affect construction costs for developers and builders in the city.

Dominion Energy franchise agreement and undergrounding power lines

The franchise fee amount paid to the city wasn't spelled out in the meeting, but dedicated undergrounding funding is part of the deal.

Volunteer Programs and Community Events

Events generate economic activity for local businesses and raise funds for charities like MUSC Children's Hospital, while incurring municipal resource costs for traffic management.

Community Special Events and Holiday Parades Coordination

Events generate economic activity for local businesses and raise funds for charities like MUSC Children's Hospital, while incurring municipal resource costs for traffic management.

Broad Street Sidewalk Repairs and Improvements

$495,585 of a $4,125,000 project budget, funded by Municipal Accommodations Tax.

Short-Term Rental Regulations and Occupancy Clarifications

Affects property values, tourism revenue, and housing availability across residential neighborhoods.

Shop & Dine on King Street Project Updates

None anticipated for the city.

Public hearings on permit fee ordinances (Development Services; Planning and Preservation)

Appointments of three code enforcement officers

Law Assistance and Support Agreement with City of Folly Beach

Public Safety Committee report items A-G (police grants, Fire Station 20 deferral)

First Amendment Demonstrations ordinance — first reading as amended

Community Development Committee report

Public Works and Utilities Committee report (including Broad Street sidewalk contract)

Traffic and Transportation Committee report and three MOUs

Ways and Means Committee report as amended

Dominion Energy franchise ordinance — third reading (final approval)

Berkeley Electric Cooperative franchise ordinance — third reading (final approval)

Six bills on second reading (rezonings, $90M bond, Old Exchange agreement)

Approval of Minutes (October 27, 2026)

Special Events ordinance amendment with film and photography guidelines

Approval of minutes: August 6, 2026

Approval of Committee Minutes — September 2, 2026

Short-term rental ordinance amendments (E.2) deferred

Rezonings and annexations, Items E.3 through E.7 approved

October 13, 2026 minutes approved

N.1 — Purchases over $40,000 ordinance, second and third reading

148 Smith Street Settlement Agreement (Ashley Hall)

approve D2

Recommendation on 148 Smith Street (Dash Hall) Mediated Settlement

Could not approve circumstances resulting in the demolition of a potential remnant of Dash Hall without the acceptance of Charleston's African American community.

Adoption of Traffic and Transportation Committee Report

Concerned about procedural rush and economic harm to specific individuals operating in those spaces.

Adoption of Ways and Means Committee Report

Objected to the mobile food vendor ordinance provisions.

adopt the Committee on Traffic & Transportation Report, as presented

adopt the Committee on Ways and Means Report, as amended

First Amendment to Option Agreement for Aiken and America Streets

Expressed discomfort with the abrupt change to a 50-year affordability requirement without understanding its impact on project financing.

approve the $1 million purchase price, subject to contingencies that at least 50 units be built on the combined properties and that the affordability period be extended from 30 to 50 years

Move for approval

Design Review Board Exemptions for Capital Projects

Motion Adopted.

Deferral of Letter of Intent with MUSC Foundation for Lockwood Drive Property

On a motion of Mayor Cogswell, seconded by Councilmember Seekings, the committee approved of endorsing the proposed changes to the code regarding MU-3/WH and sending it to full City Council for consid

Endorsement of MU-3/WH Zoning District Amendments

Needed more time for community consultation and expressed concern that proposed AMI levels did not reflect constituent incomes.