Town Administrator's E-Brief

July 2024 | Issue 7

Dear Residents and Business Owners,

I hope you are all enjoying the summer season and enjoying the many offerings of our beautiful Town.


Recently, the Town has announced some major accomplishments including an Achievement Award for the innovative partnership between the Mount Pleasant Police Department and Wake Up Carolina, the allocation of millions of dollars in state funding to support some of our major Capital Improvement Projects, and updates to our Environmentally Acceptable Packaging ordinance which will move our Town forward towards our commitment to green initiatives and sustainability.


I encourage you to keep reading to learn more about each of these achievements as well as upcoming business focused events, summer outdoor activities, and more.


Eric DeMoura

Town Administrator

Partnership to Combat the Opioid Crisis Recognized

An innovative partnership between the Mount Pleasant Police Department and Wake Up Carolina is being recognized statewide. The Municipal Association of South Carolina's 2024 Achievement Award highlights the peer-based recovery support program and its impacts on individuals and families touched by opioid misuse. One of the notable outcomes of this partnership is the distribution of “Link2Resource Kits” to families affected by overdoses, containing fentanyl testing strips and naloxone along with resource information through WakeUp Carolina. These kits have already been credited with saving lives.

By analyzing community trends and refining strategies through our Critical Incident Management System, the partnership achieved a remarkable 40% decrease in opioid overdoses within one year. Additionally, information sharing between the partners facilitated 241 peer-support contacts by WakeUp Carolina. Watch the video below to learn more about the program.

Read More Here >

State Funding Allocation

The Town of Mount Pleasant is proud to announce the receipt of $3.3 million in State funding thanks to the support and efforts of Senator Chip Campsen and the South Carolina Legislature. These funds will be instrumental in implementing two major, community-enhancing Capital Improvement Projects.

A portion of the funds, $1 million, will be utilized for the Shem Creek Sustainability project. Specifically, the money will allow for dredging in the area near the Town-owned public docks and the working shrimp docks ensuring public access and economic support of the shrimping and fishing fleet. The remaining $2.3 million of State-allocated funds was approved for the design and construction of future phases of the Mathis Ferry Road portion of Mount Pleasant Way. 

OPAL

A new, streamlined permitting and application process known as OPAL (Online Permitting and Application Licensing)

is now live. This innovative "one-stop-shop" system is designed to significantly enhance the efficiency and ease of the planning, building, and other construction-related permit application processes.


Key features of OPAL include a simple

user registration process, enhanced, comprehensive access to permit types, a permit searching function, and streamlined processes allowing users to submit applications, track requests through the review process, and pay for multiple permits through one transaction. All of these

features create a more user-friendly experience.

Check It Out >
Guide to OPAL >
EAP Details >

Environmentally Acceptable Packaging

On August 14, amendments to the Town's Environmentally Acceptable Packaging ordinance will take effect. The changes are part of our commitment towards a greener, more sustainable future. The ordinance amendments clarify the definition of acceptable carryout bags and packaging.


To make sure your business is compliant with the ordinance, you can click the link below. Please note that the amended Environmentally Acceptable Packaging ordinance specifies the prohibited use of single-use “plastic” bags. Paper bags do not fit the same parameters therefore, they ARE acceptable under the ordinance.

Quick Reminders

ATAX Details >

Apply for ATAX

We put the "fun" in funding! The fiscal year 2024-2025 Accommodations Tax Funding application will open on July 1, 2024.

These funds are used to boost the advertising and marketing of tourism or cultural-related events that will be held from January 1, 2025, through June 30, 2025.

The application will close on September 1 at 4:30 p.m. Learn more about Accommodations Tax Funding and if your event qualifies at the link to the left.

Small Business Opportunity

A new series of workshops will equip small business owners with essential knowledge and tools needed to remain competitive in today's market. The first event, Sustainability in Action, will address the critical balance between environmental responsibility and business profitability. It's happening on August 6 from 3:30-5pm at the Harbor Entrepreneur Center. Registration is required.

Learn More >
EV Charging >

EV Charging Stations Installed

New EV charging stations have been installed at Mount Pleasant Town Hall and Waterfront Memorial Park for public use. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and resilience. To cover the cost of energy, a fee of 20 cents per kilowatt hour will be charged through the Tesla charging app. The chargers are compatible with any electric vehicle, not just Teslas. An additional 12 charging stations are planned to be installed in Park West.

Town Talks: Town Finances

Town Talks: A Community Classroom series is back on August 15. This event is titled 'Everything You Want to Know About Town Finances.' Featuring the Town's Chief Financial Officer, Marcy Cotov, the event will dive into the complex world of our Town's financial health, budget allocation decisions, and more. Please join us on August 15th at 6pm at Town Hall.

Learn More >

Upcoming Events

Farmers Market

The Farmers Market is in full swing offering fresh, local produce, sweet treats, meals, flowers, and much more! Shop around while listening to live music and meeting the farmers and small business owners.


The market is held every Tuesday through September from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Moultrie Middle School Plaza on Coleman Blvd.


We hope to see you there!

Market Info >

Sweetgrass Festival


The 20th Annual Sweetgrass Festival is this weekend! Learn about our town's rich, cultural history and its most significant art form, sweetgrass basket making.


The festival highlights the heritage and traditions of the Gullah Geechee culture and invites sweetgrass basket makers to showcase their art.


The Sweetgrass Festival is on July 27th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Memorial Waterfront Park.

Sweetgrass Festival >

Waterfront Music & Movies

Grab your lawn chairs and picnic blankets for Waterfront Music & Movies. Listen to local musicians with a backdrop of a Lowcountry sunset before enjoying an outdoor movie. Rotating food trucks and T&T Kettle Korn will be on site each week. Waterfront Music & Movies happens every Friday in August at Memorial Waterfront Park.


2024 Movies:

  • August 2 - Encanto
  • August 9 - The Breakfast Club
  • August 16 - O Brother, Where Art Thou
  • August 23 - Barbie
Event Info >

New Business Alert

Turnwell Mental Health

Turnwell Mental Health is a clinician-led mental health group with a mission to expand access to high-quality care in underserved markets.


Turnwell Mental Health is located at 600 Seacoast Parkway, Suite 200.

Watch the Video >

Upcoming Meetings

Town Hall Happenings

  • 8/6 - Ribbon Cutting: Body20
  • 8/7 - Culture, Arts, & Pride Commission
  • 8/8 - Historical Commission
  • 8/12 - Historic District Preservation Commission
  • 8/13 - Town Council
  • 8/15 - Town Talks
  • 8/20 - GREEN Commission
  • 8/21 - Planning Commission
  • 8/26 - Board of Zoning Appeals
  • 8/28 - Design Review Board
  • 8/29 - Ribbon Cutting: Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce
Town Calendar >

Did You Know?

Find Town Council Meetings


Town Council Meetings are streamed live on Youtube every second Tuesday of the month. If you missed the live stream, they are recorded and posted on Youtube.

Watch Council Meetings >
Get Notified of Posts >

Town of Mount Pleasant Mission Statement:

"To deliver superior performance in a manner that is distinctive and impactful to each person served and that establishes a standard for quality that endures for generations." 

Town Main Calendar

FOIA Portal

Archives

About Me

Jobs

Our Mission

Web  Facebook  Twitter  YouTube  Email
Visit our Website