District 11 Council Member· 2020-2028
Ross A. Appel
Charleston
No biography on file yet.
Voice
- Meetings spoken in
- 13
- Total speaking time
- 19:04
- Avg per meeting
- 1:28
- Segments
- 210
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Top issues during term (20)
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.
Decisions during term (323)
Recorded while Appel was in office — not necessarily decisions they moved, spoke to, or voted on.
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
Voting record (9)
Oldest to newest — hover a bar for the item.
148 Smith Street Settlement Agreement (Ashley Hall)
Approval of Amended Mediated Settlement Agreement for 657 King Street
Recused due to conflict of interest.
approve the Amended Mediated Settlement Agreement regarding 657 King Street
First Amendment to Option Agreement for Aiken and America Streets
Avondale Intersection Realignment Property Purchases
Move for approval
BZA-Z Mediated Settlement for 657 King Street
Recused due to a conflict of interest.