Awendaw residents debate right to speak

When a Romain Retreat resident wanted to address Awendaw Town Council about the possibility of annexing into the town, council was all ears.

But when Molly Ball returned wanting to protest the Fenwick at Bulls Bay development, she wasn't allowed to speak.

Since Ball isn't a resident town voter or property owner, under an ordinance passed in January 2002, she isn't allowed to speak during public comment periods at regular council meetings. Other residents of Romain Retreat didn't support joining the town, so the neighborhood has not been annexed.

Mayor William Alston said the rule was imposed because it was always the same nonresidents speaking.

"It was the same four or five people at every town meeting with the same song and dance," he said.

Town Administrator Dan Martin said the rule has been in effect since before he was an employee there, but those living outside Awendaw were allowed to speak previously because council members thought they lived within the town.

Outside residents come to meetings in part because the town is sandwiched between the Francis Marion National Forest and the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge. Conservationists say that the town's move toward development could affect neighboring federally owned properties.

Roughly 1,300 acres surrounding Romain Retreat have been annexed into Awendaw town limits. The subdivision Ball calls home is one of many doughnut-hole areas of county property surrounded by the incorporated limits of the town of 1,200.

"We are a small community, we are all neighbors no matter where you live," Ball said.

She said she pays taxes to the federal government and the Awendaw Fire District, which is under the jurisdiction of Charleston County.

"All of us own parts of federal land," Ball said. "Therefore, I feel I have the right to speak."

Kathie Livingston, who lives on private land surrounded by the national forest, said she also has been denied the chance to speak after discussing the possible impact of development on the environment. "It's an unfair practice and an unfair policy," she said. "This is not right."

Alston said the government, not residents, owns the federal property, and that he would be glad to hear comments from the directors of the forest and wildlife preserve if they come to council meetings.

Public hearings held by council are open to anyone, resident or not. Awendaw is the only town in East Cooper that limits public comment periods to residents and property owners.

Isle of Palms Mayor Mike Sottile said he would welcome anyone to speak at his meetings. But he said if a roomful of nonresidents were to speak, he might have to limit repetitive comments.

"If somebody took the time to address the council," Sottile said, "whether they live on the island or not, if they have a concern about our city, I think the council needs to hear from them."

In most East Cooper municipalities, people are asked to call before meetings to have their comments placed on the agenda, but some officials said they allow people to speak if they want to.

Public comment

Awendaw

--Registered voters or property owners in Awendaw are allowed to address council during its citizen comment period.

-- People who notify the clerk/treasurer prior to the meeting and provide a written copy of their proposed comments are allowed to speak first.

-- People who don't provide a written copy are allowed to speak next.

-- Comments are limited to 30 minutes.

Isle of Palms

-- Speakers must call ahead to be placed on the agenda.

-- Comments are limited to two minutes.

-- No residency is required.

Mount Pleasant

-- People may sign up at the meeting to speak during general comments or when an item comes up on the agenda.

-- No residency is required.

-- Comments are limited to two minutes.

McClellanville

-- Speakers must call ahead to be placed on the agenda.

-- No residency is required.

Sullivan's Island

-- The first 20 minutes of the council meetings are set aside for public comment.

-- Speakers are asked to identify themselves and provide their home addresses.

-- Typically there are no time limits.

-- No residency is required.

Reach Jessica Johnson at 937-5921.