Tega Cay City Council Approves Deer Sterilization in $304,000 Wildlife Management Effort

This is a summary of a regular city council meeting held on Monday, August 19th, 2024, in Tega Cay, South Carolina.

1. Public Hearing for FY 2024-2025 Budgets

Overview: The City Manager presented the proposed FY 2024-2025 budgets. The total revenues across all funds were projected at $27,298,648, with total expenses at $26,683,815, resulting in a net positive of $614,833.
Key Points:
- General Fund: Revenues of $17,641,132 against expenses of $17,170,450, leaving a net positive of $443,382.
- Beach and Swim Center: Projected revenues of $180,747 against expenses of $161,157, resulting in a net positive of $19,590.
- Utilities (TEOD): Projected revenues of $7,635,069 against expenses of $7,482,808, with a net positive of $152,261.
- Significant Projects and Investments:
  - No millage increase for the 15th consecutive year.
  - Addition of two new patrol officers and related equipment.
  - Replacement of a bucket truck for Public Works.
  - Shoreline stabilization at Windjammer Park and tree removal on Winward.
  - Conversion of tennis courts to pickleball courts at lower courts.

2. Life-Saving Award Presentation

Overview: The Fire Chief recognized three citizens for their heroic actions on July 6th, when they pulled a person from a car fire on Tega Cay Drive.
Details:
- Award Recipients: Mike Cignarale, Glen Turner, and Brandon Barnes (not present).
- Significance: These individuals were honored for their selfless actions that likely saved a life.

3. Recognition of Sgt. Bowling and Tega Cay Police Department (TCPD) for DUI Enforcement

Overview: The Police Chief highlighted the achievements of Sgt. Josh Bowling, who was recognized by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety for his dedication to DUI enforcement.
Key Points:
- Sgt. Bowling: Despite being injured for part of the year, he led the department in DUI arrests and was appointed as the new Traffic Sergeant.
- TCPD: The department was also recognized as the agency of the year for their efforts in DUI enforcement.

4. Approval of Minutes from Previous Meetings

Overview: The Council approved the minutes from the July 8, 2024, regular City Council meeting, and the July 25 and 30, 2024, budget workshops.

5. Committee Reports

Planning Commission: The commission met on August 5th and focused on finalizing the Marina Overlay District survey. The next meeting is scheduled for September 9th due to the Labor Day holiday.

6. Second Reading of Ordinance Amending Towing Fees

Overview: The Council approved the second reading of an ordinance to update towing fees in the city’s code. This was to ensure that the fees are in line with standard rates charged in surrounding jurisdictions and by the South Carolina Highway Patrol.

7. Introduction and First Reading of FY 2024-2025 Budget Ordinance

Overview: This was the first reading of the ordinance necessary to set the budgets for FY 2024-2025.
Discussion:
- Council Comments: Members thanked the staff for their hard work on the budget, noting the extensive hours spent during the budget workshops.
- No Millage Increase: The Council highlighted that this would be the 15th consecutive year without a millage increase.

8. Allocation of Golf Funds for Improvements to Holes 10 & 18 Bulkheads and the Chipping Greens

Overview: The Council approved the allocation of $15,000 from the golf course budget for engineering and design services to improve the bulkheads on holes 10 and 18 and the chipping green.
Details:
- Justification: The bulkheads are critical to maintaining the structure of the greens, and the improvements are necessary to ensure the longevity of these signature holes.

9. Selection of a Design-Builder for Grouting on Cebu Court

Overview: The Council approved Dry Pro as the design-builder for grouting services on Cebu Court, with a budget not to exceed $56,500.
Discussion:
- Additional Work: There was a recommendation from the city engineer to remove vegetation and further evaluate the site before beginning the grouting work, indicating this might be a multi-phase project.

10. Awarding the Bid for Suwarrow Circle Storm Water Improvements

Overview: The Council awarded the bid to Eddie Smith and Sons Paving for stormwater improvements on Suwarrow Circle, with a budget not to exceed $373,985.08.
Discussion:
- Funding: This project was funded through the 2023-2024 budget and fund balance carried over from prior years.

11. Awarding the Bid for Gardendale Road Concrete Pavement Project at the Chipping Facility

Overview: The Council approved a bid for $91,494 to Eddie Smith and Sons Paving for a concrete pavement project at the city’s wood chipping facility.
Details:
- Purpose: This project is aimed at providing a pad to deposit loose leaves, which will then be hauled away for composting.
- Cost-Effectiveness: The city considered buying equipment for composting but found it more cost-effective to outsource this service, estimating annual costs of $32,000 to $33,000.

12. Filling Vacancy on the Economic Development Commission

Overview: Randall Flowers was nominated and approved to fill a vacancy on the Economic Development Commission, with a term expiring on March 30, 2025.

13. Authorization for White Buffalo to Submit a Permit for Deer Management Program to SCDNR

Overview: The Council discussed and approved an agreement with White Buffalo to sterilize up to 200 deer as part of a wildlife management program, with an allocated budget of $304,000.
Extended Discussion:
- Sterilization vs. Culling: The Council debated the strategy of sterilizing up to 200 deer versus focusing on culling.
- Key Points:
  - Sterilization Process: Dr. DeNicola from White Buffalo indicated confidence in sterilizing 100 to 150 deer, with the potential to reach 200, although this would be more challenging as deer change behavior.
  - Culling: The culling process is intended to follow the sterilization, with Dave Henderson handling the culling of up to 80 deer. The timing of culling is planned for colder months to prevent meat spoilage and ensure safe meat donation.
  - Budget Concerns: There was concern about committing funds for 200 deer when the likelihood of reaching that number was uncertain. Council members discussed the financial implications if the full 200 deer were not sterilized, as the contract includes a price adjustment for fewer than 150 deer.
  - Coordination: The Council emphasized the need for coordination between the sterilization and culling efforts to maximize the impact on reducing the deer population, particularly in high-impact areas identified by a previous survey.
  - Future Funding: If the initial culling is successful and additional funds are needed for further culling, the Council may consider allocating more resources, pending the approval of additional deer tags by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).

14. City Manager’s Report

Staffing Updates: The City Manager provided updates on new hires and open positions across various departments.
Project Updates:
- Infrastructure: Ongoing projects, including hydrant replacements, stormwater repairs, and signage replacements.
- Parks and Recreation: High participation in youth and adult sports, with preparations for the final summer concert and Catawba Fest.
- Public Safety: The Police and Fire Departments are nearly fully staffed, with one remaining open position in the Police Department expected to be filled by mid-September.
Trail Lighting: New lights were installed on the city’s walking trail, improving safety for early morning and late evening walkers.

15. Council Comments

Acknowledgments: Council members expressed gratitude to city staff, first responders, and residents who were recognized during the meeting.
Community Involvement: The Council encouraged residents to attend public safety meetings, use city apps for updates, and participate in upcoming community events like the Beer, Bourbon, and BBQ Festival.
Condolences: The Council extended condolences to the Colette family, who experienced a loss in the community.