JASPER COUNTY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
MINUTES – MAY 23, 2012
PRESENT: Kathleen Snooks, Priscilla Fraser, Barbara B. Clark, Randy Horton, Berty Riley and Alina Hamilton-Clark (T)
ABSENT: Michael Hubbard, Pamela Williams and Cathy Gardner
1. CALL TO ORDER – Kathleen Snooks, Board Chairperson, called this special board meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. in the District Office Boardroom in Ridgeland, South Carolina.
2. ROLL CALL & ESTABLISHMENT OF A QUORUM – 5P/1T/3A
3. NOTIFICATION OF NEWS MEDIA – The following news media were notified of the date, time, place and agenda of this meeting: Jasper Sun, Hardeeville Today, Beaufort Gazette, Bluffton Today, Island Packet, Savannah Morning News, The Gullah Sentinel, WSAV, WTOC and WJCL/WTGS.
4. MOMENT OF SILENCE – A moment of silence was observed by the Board and audience led by Kathleen Snooks in the absence of the Board Chaplain.
5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The pledge to the flag was recited by the Board and others present.
6. *APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Mrs. Snooks entertained a motion for approval of the Agenda. A motion was made by Berty Riley and seconded by Priscilla Fraser to approve the Agenda.
THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY 5-0.
7. *EXECUTIVE SESSION – CONTRACTUAL MATTERS – Dr. Washington stated that the Gateway Development Partners, LLC were present to provide the Board with an overview of the TIF Project and how the District will benefit from a partnership with them.
Mrs. Snooks questioned the Jasper RV Park, PDD (Hardeeville) that was included on the Agenda and if these representatives were going to be present.
Dr. Washington asked Cheryl Hensley, Executive Secretary, to respond.
Mrs. Hensley stated that these developers came before the Board at the last board meeting and no follow-up discussion was held by the Board. This was on the Agenda in case the Board needed to discuss this further.
MINUTES – MAY 23, 2012
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Mrs. Snooks entertained a motion to go into Executive Session for a presentation by Gateway Development Partners, LLC. A motion was made by Berty Riley to go into Executive Session for a contractual matter with Gateway Development Partners, LLC. Priscilla Fraser seconded the motion.
Mr. Horton questioned why this would be considered an Executive Session item.
Dr. Washington responded that she wants the Board to have the opportunity to ask any questions regarding this before it becomes a public matter. Many times when any information gets out to the public before the Board is ready to make a decision it creates discrepancies. She would rather the Board have a private session with the District’s attorneys. She found out that the Board can go into Executive Session for this matter. Later is will become a public session but for now she feels that it is better for the Board to have a private session with the developers.
Mr. Horton asked will this be for information only.
Dr. Washington stated that it would be for information and for any questions that the Board may have. The legal team is here as well.
Mr. Horton stated that it makes it better for asking questions but they are not negotiating a contract. This should be discussed in open session if they are alleviating taxpayers’ dollars.
Dr. Washington responded that the taxpayers will have the opportunity to hear the Board’s recommendations publicly after they have the opportunity to talk with the development partners.
Mrs. Snooks asked for a vote for the motion on the floor.
THE MOTION PASSED 4-1.
(AYES – SNOOKS, FRASER, B.CLARK, RILEY)
(NAY – HORTON)
THE BOARD ENTERED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 6:10 P.M.
(Alina Hamilton-Clark arrived during Executive Session.)
THE BOARD RETURNED TO OPEN SESSION 8:26 P.M.
MINUTES – MAY 23, 2012
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No motions were derived from Executive Session.
8. *ADJOURNMENT – A motion was made by Barbara B. Clark and seconded by Priscilla Fraser to adjourn.
The meeting adjourned at 8:26 p.m.
Cheryl Hensley______
Recording Secretary
June 11, 2012______Kathleen Snooks______