Agenda item: X. Formal Agenda Items — UDO Text Amendments (Wetland Ordinance) — First Reading: Staff presented proposed UDO amendments to improve wetland protections (50-foot buffers, clarified waiver/variance procedures, inclusion of a town wetland mapping tool, definition updates). Planning Commission and WAPAC recommended approval; Council approved first reading of the ordinance amendments.
Town Council meeting (Bluffton) on June 9, 2026: minutes adopted; proclamations for Juneteenth and Carolina Days; update on Beaufort County transportation 'penny' advisory committee; public comment on e-bikes, wetlands, road closures, and other local issues; unanimous approval of FY2027 consolidated budget; multiple ordinances/resolutions and funding decisions (including a four-way stop at Boundary & Lawrence, economic incentive for Sterling Helicopter, extension of due diligence for ~55.18-acre parcel, establishment of an Entertainment Venue Exploratory Work Group, first reading of wetland ordinance amendments, ATAX awards, contract for New Riverside disc golf, and DMO marketing plan); appointments made in executive session.
Council adopted the FY2027 consolidated budget (5–1), approved the DMO marketing plan/budget/metrics (5–1), authorized multiple property transactions to enable relocation of St. James Baptist Church and Cherry Hill School, approved wetlands impact documents for Patterson Family Park, renamed Squar Pope Community Park to “Hilton Head Island Fishing Cooperative Park,” approved town legal services contracts, and completed multiple board reappointments. (See source_notes in key_decisions & agenda_items.)
City Council regular meeting (June 9, 2026). Council approved the FY27 consolidated budget and tax levy, multiple proclamations and event requests, sale of city property at 2153 Boundary Street, a number of resolutions and authorizations (including waterfront option two RFQ and Duke Streetscape contract authorization), several board appointments, a 5% adjustment to the city manager's compensation, and moved into executive session. Public commenters addressed a regional single-use plastics ordinance, trails and sports/recreation, budget priorities (waterfront, strategic partners), and questions about the city manager's compensation and evaluation.
Town of Port Royal Budget Workshop #3 (2026). Staff presented a balanced FY27 draft budget totaling roughly $11.81M with no millage increase, proposed use of ~50% of expired TIF funds to cover a ~ $358,747 shortfall from property tax exemptions, reviewed personnel cost increases and several fee/revenue and reserve matters. Council asked questions; staff identified next steps for fee reviews and potential service fees. (No motions or formal votes recorded.)
Approved minutes for the Town of Bluffton Regular Town Council meeting held January 13, 2026. Items included swearing-in of two councilmembers, appointment of Mayor Pro-Tempore, adoption of prior minutes, presentations/recognitions, public comment on electric bicycle safety, approval of an ordinance amendment (second and final reading), authorization to amend a sewer construction contract for additional funds, approval of the consent agenda, executive session matters including an appointment to a county advisory committee and approval of a mediation settlement (4–1). Meeting called to order at 5:00 PM and adjourned at 6:30 PM.
Town Council met January 13, 2026. Council approved the agenda, tabled approval of prior minutes, heard reports and presentations (including a clean FY2025 ACFR), and unanimously approved on first reading two related workforce-housing zoning actions: an LMO text amendment to allow new workforce housing in the MED district (with program requirements) and a PD-2 Master Plan / zoning map amendment to permit commercial or residential use on three parcels along Bethea Drive (three parcel tax-map IDs listed). Council entered and exited Executive Session and appointed Chuck Lobaugh and Margaret Hewitt as Planning Commission representatives to the Gullah Geechee Land & Cultural Preservation Task Force. The meeting adjourned at 6:28 p.m.
Beaufort County Council met January 12, 2026 (100 Ribaut Road, Beaufort). Council approved the agenda and prior minutes; heard an Administrator update including discussion of re‑implementing a discounted impact fee schedule; directed the Administrator to have staff work with Beaufort Jasper Housing Trust Organization on affordable/workforce housing proposals; remanded an ordinance to the Natural Resource Committee (7:4); advanced multiple ordinances (2025/51 amended Chapter 102 Waterways Article IV, 2025/52 accommodations tax awards, 2025/53 drainage easement) and approved first reading of a 231.58‑acre rezoning (2026/01) by a 7:4 vote. Meeting minutes were ratified January 26, 2026.