2026-09-08 - City Council

Summary

Built from the official minutes. No video is posted, so there is no transcript or timing.

Called to order at 9:01 AM; Mayor Kruea presiding. Councilman Render arrived at 11:03 AM, so earlier votes were 6-0 with one absent. Adjourned 11:55 AM.
Workshop: a medical clinic event, an update from the downtown development agency, and a Sea Mist PUD update showing the PUD's final 2026 deadline passed with no construction.
Golf cart parking ordinance adopted on second reading through the consent agenda.
First readings approved: Breakers Resort PUD amendment, alley closures (as amended to $40,000 for the second alley), the PBB Development incentive voucher, sidewalk assessment fee, Fire Station 1 annexation, special events position, and the surf park incentive agreement (6-1).
Resolution supporting a surf park in the multi-county business park passed 7-0.

Workshop: Mr. Rowe reviewed that the Sea Mist PUD was adopted by Ordinance 2006-25 on March 28, 2006, with nine phases and a 20-year construction schedule. The final deadline for Phases 8 and 9 was March 28, 2026; no public improvements were completed and no construction has started.
Extensions require council approval under Section 14.2. The Planning and Zoning Department has received no documentation of vested rights under state law. The existing MU-H zoning is generally consistent with the area if the PUD no longer applies.

Second reading of Ordinance 2026-52 (Section 12-181(c)) allows parking mopeds, golf carts, low-speed vehicles and scooters in areas designated by signage, to enable golf cart parking at specified street ends. Adopted on the consent agenda (moved by Councilwoman Hatley, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Conner, 6-0).
Mr. Fogel objected to placing the second reading on the consent agenda. Mr. Diemer offered further comments on golf cart parking at northern beach accesses.

First reading of Ordinance 2026-51 (Planning Commission recommended denial 0-9): approved 6-0 (moved by Hatley, seconded by Conner).
First reading of Ordinance 2026-53 (alley closures): amendment to reflect $40,000 for the second alley moved by Kruea, seconded by Councilman McClure, passed 5-1 with Councilman Lowder opposed. First reading as amended passed 5-1 (moved by Councilman Chestnut, seconded by Conner), Lowder opposed.

First reading of Ordinance 2026-54 (PBB Development, $65 million investment, voucher of 2 percent up to $2 million) approved 7-0 after Render arrived (moved by Chestnut, seconded by Lowder).

First reading of Ordinance 2026-55 lets the Zoning Administrator accept a sidewalk assessment fee instead of building a sidewalk in limited cases (no nearby sidewalks, utility conflicts, planned improvements, no connection to existing sidewalk, state road restrictions). Planning Commission recommended approval 6-0. Approved 7-0 (moved by Chestnut, seconded by Conner).

First reading of Ordinance 2026-56 (annex four parcels, rezone to Wholesale/Manufacturing for a new Fire Station 1 and Coast RTA facility) approved 7-0 (moved by Hatley, seconded by McClure).

First reading of Ordinance 2026-57 adding a full-time special events position funded by held-back accommodations tax revenue approved 7-0 (moved by Hatley, seconded by McClure).

First reading of Ordinance 2026-58 ($150 million Wavegarden surf lagoon project) approved 6-1 (moved by McClure, seconded by Chestnut); Hatley opposed.
Resolution R2026-17 expressing support for a surf park and including it in the existing multi-county business park passed 7-0.

Public comment: Mr. McVay asked for additional review of the Tourism Development Fee and the Chamber of Commerce.

Public comment: Ms. Poirier made suggestions on assisting people who lack housing.

Consent agenda also included Motion M2026-87 (accept a $10,000 Santee Cooper grant for economic impact software, $900 local match) and Motion M2026-88 (agreement with the Department of Juvenile Justice on detention, with daily capital and per diem charges).
Resolution R2026-16 appointing a city representative to the Horry County Solid Waste Technical Advisory Council passed 7-0.
Motion M2026-89 reappointing Thomas Vitt to the Bicycle, Pedestrian and Traffic Advisory Committee (term to August 26, 2029) passed 7-0; Motion M2026-90 declaring derelict vehicles passed 7-0.
Proclamation for Adult Day Services Week; public comment by CJ Walters asking for more prosecution of bicycle theft.
August 25 minutes approved 6-0.