SCDNR Board Meeting Minutes

Chairman Cary Chastain called the meeting to order and welcomed everyone to the meeting. Chairman Chastain noted that Mr. Pulliam’s arrival has been delayed because of traffic. The Board will proceed with the meeting but will defer action items until Mr. Pulliam’s arrival.

Rev. Ron Kenyon, SC Law Enforcement Assistance Program, offered the invocation.

Glenn McFadden led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Breck Carmichael, Special Assistant to the Director, introduced Bo Peterson, Post and Courier. Mr. Carmichael reported that Joe Bunch, of North Augusta, has requested to address the Board. Mr. Carmichael noted that Mr. Bunch may also be delayed by the traffic.

Director Taylor commended Law Enforcement staff for their presence and professionalism during the recent State House rally events.

Director Taylor commended Freshwater Fisheries and Marine Resources staff for their presence at International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) in Orlando, FL.

1. Climate Update
   Hope Mizzell, State Climatologist, reported on drought status, rainfall totals, precipitation percentiles, streamflows, lake levels and ground-water monitoring wells around the state.
2. Horseshoe Crab Fishery
   Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, reported that the Heritage Trust Advisory Committee met August 5 in Charleston. The Advisory Committee received updates on Heritage Preserves. The Advisory Committee discussed the possibility of acquiring an archeological lab. The Advisory Committee received a presentation on the Charleston Harbor Deepening Project from the Corps of Engineers.

Chairman Chastain asked if there were any amendments, additions, deletions or corrections to the June 16, 2016, meeting minutes. Mr. McFadden made a motion that the Board approve the minutes of the June 16, 2016 meeting as submitted. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. Carmichael informed the Board that Mr. Joe Bunch has requested to address the Board. Mr. Bunch spoke to the Board about the Wild Pig Feeder that can be used to control feral swine.

Director Taylor welcomed members of the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council to SC at their meeting held at NWTF headquarters in Edgefield.

Director Taylor met with a constituent in Clarendon County to discuss deer legislation.

Director Taylor met with a constituent in Beaufort County to discuss oysters.

Director Taylor informed the board that DHEC is holding public meetings regarding the summer harvest of shellfish and DNR staff will be in attendance.

CPT Mike Sabaka, Director of Legislative Services, reported that staff are currently working on Chapter 7 rewrite, specifically shad, herring and eel legislation. Because these species occur in both fresh and salt waters at various life stages, laws regarding diadromous species are currently located in either Chapter 5 (saltwater) or Chapter 13 (freshwater) of Title 50 of the S.C. Code of Law. The proposed changes are designed to simplify and consolidate laws for shad, herring, and eel by creating a new chapter in Title 50 (Chapter 7) that will cover all aspects of these fisheries in one place. CPT Sabaka noted that public meetings are scheduled to begin this evening in Beaufort.

Bob Perry, Director of Environmental Programs, informed the Board that according to recent news reports the Palmetto Pipeline project has been suspended. Mr. Perry briefed the Board on the I-73 and Catawba-Wateree Hydroelectric Project.

1. Land, Water and Conservation
   Ken Rentiers, Deputy Director for Land, Water and Conservation, distributed the Heritage Trust revenue statement.
2. Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
   Emily Cope, Deputy Director for Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries, gave the Board an update on the FIT program. Mrs. Cope informed the Board that the Liberty Hill dedication is scheduled for August 5.
3. Law Enforcement
   COL Chisolm Frampton, Deputy Director for Law Enforcement, reported on the recent State House Rallies and the partnership with Wateree Correctional Facility.
4. Marine Resources
   Robert Boyles, Deputy Director for Marine Resources, reported on the sea turtle nesting season and the Charleston Deep Reef Marine Protected Area.
5. Outreach and Support Services
   No further report.

1. Approval of Electronic Media and Acceptable Use Policy
   Terri McGee, Director of Human Resources, distributed an additional amendment to the policy, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board approved the Electronic Media and Acceptable Use Policy as presented. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
2. Removal of Telephone Use Policy
   Ms. McGee reported that the Telephone Use Policy needs to be removed due to the fact that telephone usage is included in the revised Electronic Media and Acceptable Use Policy. Mr. McFadden made a motion that the Board approve the removal of the Telephone Use Policy as recommended. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
3. Removal of SC Employee Suggestion Program Policy
   Ms. McGee informed the Board that the SC Employee Suggestion Program no longer exists on the State level and suggested that the policy be removed. Mr. McFadden made a motion that the Board approve the removal of the SC Employee Suggestion Program Policy as recommended. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.
4. Approval of Deputy Law Enforcement Officer Policy
   Ms. McGee reviewed the revision to the Deputy Law Enforcement Officer Policy, as included in the meeting packet. Mr. Pulliam made a motion that the Board approve the Deputy Law Enforcement Officer Policy as presented. Mr. McFadden seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. McFadden made a motion that the Board go into executive session pursuant to SC Code Section 30-4-70 (A)(2) for a legal briefing from our Chief Legal Counsel related to ongoing litigation. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

Mr. McFadden made a motion that the Board return to regular session, noting that no actions were taken during Executive Session. Mr. Pulliam seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously.

The next meeting of the Board will be held Friday, September 23 in Columbia, SC.

There being no further business to be brought before the DNR Board at this time, the meeting was adjourned.