Strategic Priorities: 2022-23

The Mayor and Council of the Town of Seabrook Island recognize the value of prioritizing its strategic goals and objectives in order to articulate a shared vision for future actions to be taken by Council and to ensure the most efficient and effective use of limited public resources.

On March 1, 2022, the Mayor and Council participated in a strategic planning workshop facilitated by senior members of town staff. The purpose of this workshop was to identify and rank the town’s strategic priorities for 2022-23.

On March 22, 2022, Seabrook Island Town Council adopted Resolution 2022-01, entitled "A resolution to adopt the Town of Seabrook Island's Strategic Priorities for 2022-23." 

Below is a summary of the town's strategic priorities for 2022-23:

Critical Priorities ("Must Do" Items)

• Seabrook Island Road: Address drainage, elevation, flooding, and pavement conditions along the town-maintained portion of Seabrook Island Road between Landfall Way and Freshfields; coordinate planned improvements with neighboring property owners such as Bohicket Marina, MUSC, Seafields, SIPOA, and the Seabrook Island Club; address drainage issues along the inbound and outbound pathways adjacent to Seabrook Island Road.

• Code Enforcement: Enhance the town’s capacity to monitor and enforce ordinance violations (beach rules, business licensing, permitting, short-term rentals, etc.); expand enforcement capabilities on the beach when members of beach patrol are not present, including early mornings, evenings, and during the off-season; provide a portal or location on the town’s website where individuals may report alleged violations.

• Short-Term Rental Policies: Complete a review of the town’s existing short-term rental policies; determine next steps (if any) regarding the petition to cap short-term rental units within the town; establish a procedure to govern how and when a public referendum may be placed on the ballot, consistent with statutory requirements and existing caselaw. 

• Garage: Provide additional storage for vehicles and equipment at town hall; expand available office and storage space for town personnel; address drainage issues on the property surrounding town hall. 

Significant Priorities ("Should Do" Items)

• Personnel & Facility Needs Assessment: Assess current and future staffing needs to address the town council’s priorities efficiently and effectively; determine long-term capital needs for additional office space, facilities, and major equipment purchases; evaluate options for the future expansion or replacement of town hall.

• Pathway Amenities: Enhance and upgrade the existing ten-foot shared use pathway along the town-maintained portion of Seabrook Island Road between Landfall Way and Freshfields; incorporate amenities such as benches, crosswalk signals, lighting, signage, etc.

• Licensing & Permitting Upgrades: Purchase and implement a new licensing and permitting software system; enable online payments; enable applicants to request and pay for business licenses, permits, and other town services online.​

• Beach Rules Ordinance: Review and update the town’s beach rules ordinance. ​

Moderate Priorities ("Could Do" Items)

• Communication Enhancement: Continue to diversify and enhance the town’s communication capabilities; consider distributing public information via regular e-blasts; improve coordination with public safety agencies

• Greenbelt Projects: Identify and recommend projects for funding from the Charleston County Greenbelt Program. 

• Building Permitting & Inspection Services: Consider options for the provision of permitting and inspection services in the town, including: 1) remaining with Charleston County Building Inspection Services; 2) contracting with the Town of Kiawah Island; 3) bringing permitting and inspection services in-house with town personnel; and 4) bringing permitting and inspection services in-house with contracted personnel; 

• Alternate Revenue Sources: Evaluate and consider the imposition of alternate revenue sources to meet ongoing operational and capital needs, including a local accommodations tax of up to 1% on lodging and a local hospitality tax of up to 2% on the sale of prepared meals and beverages. 

Individual Priorities ("May Consider" Items)

• Plan Updates: Develop a schedule and review process for planned updates to the town’s Beach Management Plan and Comprehensive Plan. [Mayor Gregg]
  

• Marsh, Creek & Wetlands Policy: Consider adopting a policy to protect salt marshes, tidal creeks, and wetlands within the town (similar to the beachfront management ordinance. [Councilwoman Finke]

• Form of Government: Evaluate the three forms of South Carolina municipal government and consider changing from the current Mayor-Council form to Council or Council-Manager form. [Councilwoman Fox]

• Conservation: Work with the Seabrook Island Green Space Conservancy to identify and preserve conservation areas.  [Councilman Kortvelesy]

More Information

Resolution 2022-01

Contact

Joe Cronin
​Town Administrator
(843) 768-9121​
jcronin@townofseabrookisland.org