Minutes
Board of the Department of Natural Resources
Rembert C. Dennis Building, Room 149
Columbia, South Carolina
Thursday, October 18, 2001
6:30 p.m.

The regular meeting of the Board of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources was held at 6:30 pm, on Thursday, October 18, 2001, in room 149 of the Rembert C. Dennis Building, Columbia, South Carolina. Notice of the date, time and place of the meeting was posted and mailed to the news media. Chairman Dr. Joab Lesesne presided at the meeting. Board members present included Dr. Julius Leary, Danny Ford, Ben Gregg, M. Russell Holliday Jr., and Dr. Douglas Rucker. Malloy McEachin, Jr. was absent from the meeting. Dr. Paul A. Sandifer and staff members of the Department of Natural Resources were present at the meeting, as were various guests.

  1. Call to Order
    Chairman Lesesne called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting.

    Chairman Lesesne informed the group that Board member Malloy McEachins grandmother passed away and former Board member Marion Burnsides mother passed away.
  2. Meditation
    Chairman Lesesne asked for a moment of silent meditation.
  3. Introduction of Guests
    Mr. Chamblee introduced Chester Sansbury, retired DHEC employee, and Chip Sharpe, retired DNR employee.
  4. Constituency Comments
    Mr. Chamblee introduced Mr. Michael Bowden of Woodruff, South Carolina, and asked him to address the Board. Mr. Bowdens comments were directed toward a law enforcement issue with regard to procedures. Mr. Bowden distributed copies of information outlining his concern to the Board. After much discussion, the Board directed staff to express the concern of the Board and provide Mr. Bowden with appropriate attention.
  5. Directors Report
    Dr. Sandifer apologized to the Board for missing the September meeting explaining that it was unavoidable due to the fall of his mother and the unexpected loss of Bettys brother.

    Dr. Sandifer reviewed a list of employees, from Law Enforcement, who are reservists and have been called up for active duty.

    Dr. Sandifer participated in the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation Board meeting held in Orlando, Florida. Dr. Sandifer noted that travel expenses were paid by the RBFF.

    Dr. Sandifer participated in interviews for candidates for Executive Director of the Ocean Commission. The Ocean Commission paid travel expenses.

    Dr. Sandifer reported that Cary Chamblee and Col. Alvin Wright represented the Department at a meeting of Senator Verne Smiths State House Committee regarding Capitol Complex Security.

    Dr. Sandifer attended the Natural Resources Leadership Summit in Shepherdstown, WV.

    Dr. Sandifer presided over the annual fall meeting of the SEAFWA in Louisville, KY. John Frampton was awarded the C. W. Watson Award. Dr. Sandifer informed the Board that South Carolina will be hosting the fall SEAFWA meeting in 2004.

    Dr. Sandifer reported that he will be the keynote speaker for the Nature-Based Tourism Conference to be held in Rock Hill.

    Dr. Sandifer informed the Board that the next Ocean Commission meeting is scheduled for November 13-14, in Washington, DC.
  6. Board Comments
    Mr. Ford asked if there would be a discussion of the Reduction In Force. Dr. Sandifer noted that this item would be discussed as a personnel item in Executive Session. Mr. Ford suggested that a way to save money is to discontinue the Thursday evening meetings.

    The Board had more discussion about Mr. Bowdens issues. Jim Quinn stated that the Board could send Mr. Bowden a letter thanking him for his appearance and informing him that his complaints about the magistrate will be forwarded to Court Administration. The Board decided to take this action.
  7. Executive Session
    At this time Dr. Leary made a motion that the Board hold an Executive Session to discuss personnel, legal, and contractual matters.
  8. Return to Regular Session
    The Board returned to regular session and invited staff and guests to join the meeting.

    Dr. Leary made a motion that the Board appoint and reappoint conservation district commissioners as proposed (listing attached to original minutes). Dr. Rucker seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

    Ms. Holliday made a motion that the Board temporarily adjourn until 9:00 am, Friday, October 19, 2001. Dr. Leary seconded the motion.
  9. Time and Location of the Next Meeting
    The remainder of the October meeting will be held Friday, October 19, 2001, at 9:00 am, in room 335 of the Dennis Building.

    The November meeting will be held Friday, November 16, 2001, at 9:00 am, in room 335 of the Dennis Building.

    The January meeting will be held Thursday, January 24, 2002, and Friday, January 25, 2002, in Georgetown.

    The February meeting will be held Friday, February 22, 2002, at the Ann Close Springs Greenway, in Fort Mill.
  10. Adjournment
    There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.