Communication, follow up emerge as major topics at BC stormwater meeting

The Beaufort County Stormwater Management Utility Board focused on improving communication with residents and among government officials during its Aug. 12 meeting, while also receiving updates on drainage, flood mitigation and other stormwater projects.

During Stormwater Manager Taylor Brewer’s project report, board members and administrative officials discussed ways to improve communication and follow-up between government entities and residents.

One possibility is expanding the county’s dashboard and other online information sources to provide maintenance and construction updates between meetings. Board members said that could also reduce time spent on project updates during meetings.

Board member at large Dennis Ross said he envisions something “flexible, but that will give some idea” of project status.

Chairman Marc Feinberg emphasized the importance of communication, from email follow-up to stakeholder meetings.

“Communicate, communicate, communicate,” Feinberg said.

He said one of the board’s most important responsibilities is listening to residents who come to it for help. He also encouraged the board and staff to consider the most effective meeting schedule and how best to use meeting time.

Monthly meetings have been considered too frequent by some, while quarterly meetings have been too infrequent to maintain momentum, Feinberg said. Board members discussed holding periodic workshops devoted to a limited number of topics.

Feinberg and board member Adam Saslo also discussed having individual board members develop expertise in particular subjects. Saslo proposed having board members act as ambassadors to communities affected by stormwater projects.

Public Works officials offered tours to help board members become familiar with the history and status of various areas.

The board also discussed setting aside time before public meetings for board work. Feinberg and others said any arrangement would first need to be reviewed for compliance with South Carolina Freedom of Information requirements.

Brewer’s project report included an update on the Alljoy drainage study. SeamonWhiteside, the firm conducting the study, has submitted a report recommending larger drainage pipes, re-established ditches and “thoughtfully placed” bioswales to improve water quality.

Brewer said the full report cannot be released until it is approved by the Rural Infrastructure Authority, which awarded the grant for the study. She said a response was expected soon and that she is working toward a community meeting near the end of September.

Public Works stormwater officials also are coordinating with the engineering department on recommended drainage improvements and work at the Alljoy boat landing, Brewer said.

The board also received an update on Royal Pines land discussions involving a proposed flood mitigation and best management practices plan.

Brewer said the county is pursuing a broader voluntary property buyout program that grew out of the Royal Pines discussions but would operate separately. The McAdams engineering firm has been hired to help create the program, which Brewer said could be ready to launch in three to six months.

The program would give owners of flood-prone properties an opportunity to sell voluntarily. Acquired properties could then be used by county stormwater officials for best management practices intended to improve environmental conditions.

Those interested in the proposed program can contact the stormwater team at Public Works.

The Stormwater Management Utility Board is scheduled to meet again in October.

Channing Heiss is a freelance writer and a member of the Beaufort County disAbilities Coalition.