Mayor's Message - April 2025
Spring has arrived! This means warmer temperatures, pollen, blooming plants and of course, our crowds start returning.
I want to touch on two significant deliverables recently presented to City Council from resident groups that met for the bulk of 2024 and early 2025. But first, a HUGE thank you and shout out to every member of our community that participated in these efforts and volunteered many hours doing research, attending meetings and working together to develop solutions to address city issues and ultimately, to improve our quality of life. Also, a big thank you to our staff for supporting each of these groups.
- Beach Preservation Ad Hoc Committee – this committee was established by City Council in January 2024. Its members included Tim Ahmuty, Dan Slotchiver, Cindi Solomon and Andrew Vega, Mayor Phillip Pounds, and Councilmembers Katie Miars and Scott Pierce. The committee was supported by City Administrator Desirée Fragoso, Deputy City Administrator Douglas Kerr, and Steven Traynum from Coastal Science and Engineering. Throughout the year, the committee convened 24 times to study the complexities of the beach erosion challenge, engage with a range of stakeholders, including representatives from state and federal permitting agencies, and staff and elected officials from other beach communities facing similar challenges, and explore innovative solutions aimed at preserving our precious beach. The goals and tasks of this committee were to:
- Review overall beach restoration policies,
- Develop recommendations for a more proactive response to beach erosion, and
- Develop new and consistent funding mechanisms for future needs and projects
The committee developed 21 actionable recommendations that were presented to City Council in January. The full report can be found on pages 3-40 here: https://www.iop.net/agenda-minute/city-council- workshop-6
I encourage you to review the report, provide feedback and join in our commitment to protect and enhance the resilience of our beach.
- Community Enrichment Task Force – appointed by City Council in late 2023, this effort is the culmination of the hard work and dedication exhibited by this team of 13 residents who produced the Community Enrichment Plan. Over the course of one year, this group met regularly to assess our community's needs and develop thoughtful recommendations aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all residents and visitors on Isle of Palms. Their work is rooted with substantial community input, including a community wide survey and two community listening sessions held at the Rec Center. The insights and recommendations generated by the Task Force are anchored in the belief that our community thrives when we prioritize collaboration and proactive engagement. Their recommendationsencompass a variety of initiatives from enhancing public safety, to balancing tourism with quality of life, and environmental stewardship, while also fostering initiatives that promote connection and engagement among residents. These recommendations are for Council to prioritize and act upon in alignment with the city’s strategic plan. I encourage every member of our community to take the time to review this report available at www.iop.net.
Your feedback is invaluable as we move forward with the implementation of these recommendations. Together, we can ensure that the Isle of Palms becomes the most sustainable, family-friendly beach community in South Carolina.
I am excited about the future and the positive changes that lie ahead. I am encouraged by the care, passion and dedication shown by our community members who are eager to give back and contribute to making Isle of Palms a great place for residents and visitors.
There are many great community events to enjoy with friends and neighbors this Spring. You can get updates or find more information at iop.net on these and other upcoming events.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve! See you around the island.
Phillip Pounds, Mayor IOP
843-252-5359