Legislative eNews
Local
Bluffton Halts Additional Annexation
On Wednesday, the Bluffton Town Council unanimously approved a mortarium on annexing additonal land into the town until Feb. 15, 2007, or sooner if the town staff completes updates to the comprehensive plan and zoning ordinances. Development Department Director Mark Orlando urged the council for the moratorium period so the town staff could dedicate time to completing the comprehensive plan which will guide zoning for the town and plan for future growth. The town council agreed that updating the town's boundaries, reworking zoning classifications, and planning for future growth is better for the town than relying than on spot zoning. The update would include documenting existing land uses, changing zoning and development standards, and creating a map indicating future zoning for future annexation.
Town Council also voted to annex the state roads that border or run through town limits. That list includes portions of U.S. 278, S.C. 46, S.C. 170 and other roads. The council plans to give final approval for the annexation at the next council meeting in September.
Possible Hilton Head Smoking Ordinance
Hilton Head Town Councilman John Safay has been meeting with the business community to discuss a possible local ordinance to ban smoking in all indoor facilities, including restaurants, hotels, bars, and offices. Mr. Safay briefed the chamber's government affairs committee noting that a smoking ban is consistent with the lifestlye the local community and tourists are attracted to, and that public health concerns outweigh objections to a ban. Mr. Safay stated that there will be a transition period for businesses to adjust to the new rules.
The ordinance has not been drafted, so details are unclear at this time. However, Sullivan's Island, SC passed a similar ordinance that may the basis for a smoking ban on Hilton Head Island. Councilman Safay has not formally discussed the issue with other members of the council. However, he is considering bringing a smoking ban ordinance before the council as soon as September.
Several local resturaunts and national hotel chains with a presence on the island already have smoking bans in place.
The chamber has been working with chamber's across the country to research the impact smoking bans have had on other communities. The chamber also plans to survey our membership to assess the impact a smoking ban may have on our local economy.
Federal
Senate Passes Major Pension Legislation
The Senate, in its last vote before adjourning for the August break, approved pension legislation preventing companies from terminating plans and shifting the financial burden to the taxpayer and promoting the use of 401Ks. The bill is headed to the Presidents desk for signing.Immigration
Local business leaders continue pressure to extend the H-2B visa program. This and other immigration related issues may be discussed this evening when US Representative Joe Wilson holds a townhall meeting on immigration at the Palmetto Electric New River Community Room.
UPCOMING EVENTS
South Carolina Chamber Grassroots Network Meeting
Thursday, September 7
11:30 am – 1 pm
Chamber Headquarters ($10 at door for lunch)
RSVP to Julie Scott at 803-799-4601 or julie.scott@scchamber.net
Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce 2006 Washington, D.C.Fly-In Tuesday, September 12-Wednesday, September 13 Contact Chris Long at 341-8370 or clong@hiltonheadisland.org
State of the Community Breakfast
Friday, September 22, 9:00 am
Westin Resort
Join:
Weston Newton, Beaufort County Council Chair
Tom Peeples, Mayor, Town of Hilton Head Island
Hank Johnston, Mayor, Town of Bluffton
$25 for Members/$35 for Non-Members
RSVP to Laura Wolf at 341-8377 or lwolf @hiltonheadisland.org
