Two seek Greenwood County Council seat as Moates steps down

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County Council Chairman Chuck Moates is not seeking reelection, leaving the District 4 seat open.

Democratic nominee Ken Robinson said he hopes to run as a moderate voice on council. He emphasized his non-partisan approach, aiming to serve all county residents equally regardless of party affiliation.

“All citizens deserve the utmost attention, some more than others, some in different areas. I want to do what’s best for all the citizens of Greenwood,” Robinson said.

He emphasized his commitment to improving Greenwood County, particularly addressing the lack of recreational facilities for inner-city children and substandard housing.

“I believe if you create an environment that’s conducive to a healthy living environment, you get some good results,” Robinson said.

When asked about the Capital Project Sales Tax, he criticized the reliance on CPST for major projects, advocating for city and county responsibility in providing basic services.

“It should be that CPST is for ancillary things. That’s not for major things. These are things that the city and county are required to take care of its citizens. It’s capital sales tax for other projects, not core projects. It’s our responsibility to take care of the citizens,” Robinson said.

Cathy Miller is running as the Republican candidate for the seat. She is a member of the Greenwood County Republican Women.

Miller stressed her qualifications over party affiliation.

Miller said she hopes to use her 40 years of experience in manufacturing, nonprofits, government sectors and her roles in interim leadership, to assist her in leading District 4.

“This is my third interim role. It was first the interim county treasurer, then it was the interim presidency of the Chamber and then I just wrapped up the interim presidency of Greenwood Promise. So, people reach out to me because I am well rounded and a solid, proven leader with good, strong experience,” Miller said.

Miller plans to ensure residents are informed about county decision-making and increase community understanding through educational sessions.

“Some kind of a session where the community is invited to come in and sit down and learn about how to read their tax bills. I want them to understand what those lines do and how it’s calculated, and are they taking advantage of the homestead exemption. All these, I want them to understand that,” Miller said.

Miller supports the current Capital Project Sales Tax process and the money raised for projects across the county.

“I would clarify to the public that the way the county and the city will pay for this is to increase your property taxes. If I can pay 60 cents on the dollar versus $1 to get these projects done, because visitors come to our community and help fund that other 40 cents. … There are things that the county and the city — the local government, is responsible for doing, but you’ve got to look at how do they get their revenue. They get it through taxation,” Miller said.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on: Oct 20, 2024

By RENEE ORTIZ rortiz@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/elections/two-seek-greenwood-county-council-seat-as-moates-steps-down/article_7af5014e-8bfa-11ef-903c-53806c8ff01d.html

Four candidates are vying for District 50 school board positions

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As the November elections approach, four candidates are vying for positions on Greenwood County School District 50’s board.

Here is a look at the candidates and what they hope to accomplish.

Ken Cobb: Seat 3Cobb, a Greenwood native who has served on District 50’s board since 2012, acknowledged the district’s “great strides” in areas like testing, but emphasized the need for continued progress and hard work.

To reach the same level of achievement seen in the elementary schools in middle and high schools, Cobb said the district could expand mentorship programs and create more opportunities to accommodate various learning styles.

He said while elementary schools have laid a strong foundation, it’s essential students struggling receive access to necessary resources to help them succeed.

Moving forward, Cobb said the district plans to buy additional metal detectors, update older school buildings and continue evolving safety procedures.

With a background in IT and engineering, Cobb said he’s been an asset in helping the district make decisions.

He said his goal is to ensure the district is “living within its means” and making the most of the resources available.

“I want to make sure we’re good stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars as far as building projects and capital projects go,” Cobb said.

With two grandchildren attending district schools and his wife and two daughters working as educators in the district, Cobb said he is “fully vested in District 50.”

He said he embraces the philosophy of former Greenwood High football coach, J.W. Babb, which emphasizes “leaving things better than you found them” and is committed to ensuring that he and the district do the same.

Teresa Goodman: Seat 3Goodman, a mother in the district, said she can be a “voice for people who sometimes aren’t heard.”

Over the past 20 years, she has seen how community needs have shifted while some challenges persist.

Through her position as the executive director of Community Initiatives Inc., she said she understands that helping youths succeed is a top priority for families.

She is committed to building on “the great things that the district already has” by ensuring services are “equitable and fair across the board.”

“I want to make sure that, strategically, District 50 is able to empower and serve everyone with innovation and collaboration through different partnerships,” Goodman said.

Goodman said she intends to stay up-to-date on new safety policies and procedures to ensure the district adopts the best practices for students, teachers, staff and visitors.

“We want to make sure we’re providing a high safety standard for our children,” Goodman said.

While serving as vice president of the South Carolina Free Clinic Association and working with the Food Bank of Greenwood County, Goodman has developed skills in fiscal management, assessing liability and safety standards and strategic success planning.

She also prioritizes transparency, striving to ensure the community is aware of and understands the board’s decisions and reasons behind them.

“If we concentrate on what matters most, and that’s serving the children, they will have lifelong success,” Goodman said.

John L. Kinard: Seat 7Kinard’s deep ties to Greenwood, including 43 years of teaching physics and math, along with his grandchildren who attend or will soon be attending district schools, motivated him to run.

He said he wants to give back to the district he loved working for by ensuring that students and teachers have a stronger voice in the directions schools operate and he thinks that increasing “communications at all levels” will be crucial for improving teacher retention.

Kinard explained that change can’t “simply be dictated” but must come through listening and incorporating others ideas.

“I really believe that change comes from within,” Kinard said.

He commended the district for the strides the elementary schools have made in boosting state test scores.

To build on that success, he aims to expand tutoring services and create additional support networks for middle and high school students,

Safety is also a top priority for Kinard, who wants to ensure the district continues to implement and refine safety protocols.

“Our school resource officers do a fantastic job,” Kinard said. “They really have our students’ best interest at heart.”

As president of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church congregation, a member of the Greenwood Chorale and a minister to those in the detention center, Kinard said he’s developed strong community ties.

He thinks that actively listening helps him understand and find effective ways to approach issues happening in Greenwood.

David Trent: Seat 7Trent, who was first elected to District 50’s board in 2016, said he is dedicated to “taking care of and looking out for the kids in the middle,” the ones who will “stay in the community and make Greenwood their home.”

With a background in business, Trent said he brings a fresh perspective to the board, “thinking outside the box” and focusing on strategic initiatives.

Serving on the Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce’s board, Trent said it has allowed him to see firsthand the challenges businesses and the community face.

“Economic development and education, they go hand in hand,” Trent said. “When students win, the community as a whole will prosper.”

Trent emphasized the importance of maintaining existing facilities and ensuring schools receive the support they need while being financially responsible.

He said the district’s No. 1 mission is ensuring students are in a safe environment every day.

To prioritize safety, the district has enlisted several external sources, including SLED, to conduct safety audits.

With children attending district schools and being a Greenwood native, Trent said he’s witnessed significant growth and changes during his tenure on the board.

He thinks he has helped raise awareness of the board’s initiatives, leading more people to understand their efforts.

“We’re not there to tell the teachers how to teach,” Trent said. “That’s their specialty. We’re there to be advocates, manage the facilities that we have and manage the money that’s entrusted to us.”

The general election will take place Nov. 5.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on: Oct 17, 2024

By MYA ATTEN matten@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/four-candidates-are-vying-for-district-50-school-board-positions/article_4004f43c-8a55-11ef-94f1-4f3da45f2262.html

Whiting’s Writings: It’s what we do and why we’re here

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Greenwood County Council strikes a sidewalk for parking spaces deal with Palmetto Crossing.

Greenwood City Council gives its OK to some rezoning requests, one that will bring a mixed development to the area of Marshall Road, the other for a planned development around Uptown.

There was another 5k Race the Helix event Saturday on the Greenwood Genetic Center campus.

Greenwood Community Theatre launched its latest Penguin Project play, “Winnie the Pooh KIDS,” on Thursday and the Arts Center had a reception for its running exhibition celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

Oh. And there was all sorts of live music performed between Thursday and Saturday.

Last Friday, Abbeville High rolled over Ninety Six High with a 49-28 win. Greenwood High won against Lexington, 14-0, while crosstown high school Emerald barely lost to Broome, 28-27.

Of course, those were not the only area football games played and, since this is being written ahead of Friday night’s games, suffice it to say those games were previewed in that day’s edition.

Tabitha Min of Abbeville has released yet another book, one for children, that she wrote.

The Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce has been hosting public meetings to share information and answer questions about the proposed Capital Project Sales Tax that will be on Greenwood County voters’ ballots in November.

Tony Gonce of Greenwood is not your ordinary backyard boiler of peanuts, no sir. Apparently people travel from near and far to Coronaca — some doing so weekly — for a serving of his nuts, which come in a variety of flavors.

The Piedmont Agency on Aging has found a growing need for the meals it provides to seniors, so much so that it is working on fundraising to expand its kitchen.

Ware Shoals residents have some dam concerns when it comes to their property along the Saluda River as flowing waters have been replaced by shallow muddy waters and mud flats.

Uptown Greenwood’s Waller Avenue is slated for a facelift, designed to bring more people to the unique brick-lined street.

Although it’s been 23 years since the terrorist attack on the United States, memories of 9/11 have hardly faded from the minds of Laura McCravy Hunter and Chris Ann Sondels.

Longtime Greenwood County resident and attorney Jim McDonald recently reminisced about his life and times on his 100th birthday.

As Greenwood County prepares to renovate the county courthouse and office space in Park Plaza, it bought a former church and converted into office space to house employees off-site during the process.

Did you know these things already?

If so, it’s likely because you read these and other reports by our staff. You did not learn of these — with the possible exception of GCT’s Penguin Project — on TV news broadcast by the Greenville and Spartanburg area stations that occasionally come here.

This is who we are. This is what we do.

As best we can and with a far smaller staff than area TV stations’ crews, we cover local news, sports, entertainment on a regular basis. We don’t do it all. We can’t do it all. But we do what we can to bring our readers news and information they need, that they use and want. And we do so on various platforms, be it printed newspapers, our indexjournal.com website and our electronic editions.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on: Sep 22, 2024

By RICHARD WHITING rwhiting@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/opinion/whitings-writings/whitings-writings-its-what-we-do-and-why-were-here/article_063e80c2-7693-11ef-a918-67bdf9a8613a.html

Chamber president hopes to get more people to hear CPST message

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Since Aug. 29, the Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce has organized public meetings about the upcoming 2024 Capital Project Sales Tax referendum, as part of the Yes! For Greenwood Campaign.

Problem is, residents are not attending these meetings.

Chamber President Trentsie Williams made her way to the first meeting at the Hodges-Cokesbury fire department Aug 29. No one showed up other than media and county council members.

The next meeting on Sept. 5 was at the Greenwood Main Fire Station. Williams said about 10 to 15 residents attended.

The more recent meeting at the Highway 34 Fire Department in Ninety Six had four residents in attendance. One resident shared a concern about property tax increases.

“There’s lots of people across the county that this will impact — continue to impact — because of the cost that encouraged this tax,” a Ninety Six resident said.

But outside of a handful of residents, the chairs in these meetings are empty. Something Williams hopes will change.

“We would love to see more, because we think we have a very good message to tell about the community good and all the things that we can do with the 27 projects,” Williams said.

Regardless, Williams said she is determined to explain the tax and why, she said, it is important for residents in Greenwood County.

“The goal of the Capital Project Sales Tax is to invest our dollars back into our own community. We are so excited for the opportunity to help make Greenwood a better place to live, work and play. A ‘yes’ vote will ensure we continue to move Greenwood forward,” Williams said.

Greenwood voters approved the first penny tax in 2016. Then, there were 27 projects the tax was collected to fund.

“As of July, the 2016 Capital Project has collected over $77 million; $44 million has already been spent on the previous 27 projects. Nine of these projects have been completed. Because of COVID-19, other projects are in the works of being completed, while others are in the design phase,” Williams said.

Abby Banks, Greenwood County public information officer, listed some of the 2016 projects that are completed.

“Many projects have been completed, including, the Gateway Landing boat ramp, the William H. ‘Billy’ O’Dell Upstate Center for Manufacturing Excellence, the speculative building at the North Greenwood Industrial Park (now home to E.A. Sween Co.), upgrades to the J.C. Boozer Complex and Young’s Park, fire stations, a fire truck, new radios for public safety, the pedestrian trail in Promised Land, Ninety Six waterlines, fiber optic lines at the Genetic Center, and software for the solicitor’s office,” Banks said in an email.

Banks said the work will still continue on the rest of the 2016 ballot projects.

“We are nearing completion of our recreation complex and Greenwood County’s first inclusive playground. The grand opening for the playground will be announced soon, with a celebration for the entire complex to follow shortly after. Additionally, construction is in its final stages for the new restrooms at Cokesbury College, ensuring enhanced facilities for the community,” Banks said.

The 2024 CPST will begin collecting funds for a new set of projects. Williams said only funds raised after the approval of the new referendum can be used toward the new list of projects.

“This is not a penny on top of a penny. The 2016 penny will expire, and then the 2024 penny tax will begin if approved by the voters,” Williams said. “Thirty-eight to 41% of the money collected will actually be paid by residents who don’t live in Greenwood. They’re going to come here and eat in the restaurants and shop,” Williams said.

If the vote passes in November, about $121 million is projected to be collected over the next seven years. Williams said the tax will be used to enhance public safety, economic development, infrastructure enhancements and renovations to buildings throughout Greenwood County. Applications were made by groups across the county for potential projects to fund.

“We had five subcommittees that were formed to review all of the applications. We had exactly 40 applications that were submitted. Out of those 40 applications, 27 of the projects are actually on the project list for the 2024 ballot,” Williams said.

According to the 2024 ballot, one of the biggest investments includes about $28 million to implement a new Fire Service Master Plan throughout Greenwood County.

The apparatus fleet (any vehicle that has been customized for use during firefighting operations) will be replaced throughout the county. Eighteen of the 24 vehicles used will be replaced with newer models. Because these models are bigger and wider than most of the existing fire stations, the 2024 CPST would fund building new stations in Promised Land, Hodges-Cokesbury, Lower Lake on Highway 702, Epworth Phoenix, and an addition to Station 1 at the recreation complex.

Water tanks with a 30,000-gallon capacity, will also be added at Station 90 (Callison), Station 95 (Tri-County), Station 21 (Highway 221), Station 62 (Carter Road), and Station 70 (Epworth Phoenix) where there are no fire hydrants. This will enhance the ability to respond to residential fires in the portions of the county that do not have fire hydrants.

The other big investment focuses on the youth in the county. A little over $10.5 million will be matched to build a new Career Center on the Piedmont Technical College campus in Greenwood. Associate Vice President for PTC Rusty Denning said this campus will have programs strictly offered in high school, for high school students across the county.

“Our younger generation has actually declined. What’s happening is when they’re graduating they’re leaving Greenwood. So this, we feel it’s an opportunity to keep them here and gain some valuable skill sets by partnering with the school district to build this campus,” Denning said.

Other projects, as Williams described, are the “not so sexy projects.”

These include repairs to nine bridges, replacements at wastewater plants in Ware Shoals and Ninety Six, repairs for government facilities, upgrades to Greenwood County recreation complexes, and lighting and security improvements to Lander University’s Jeff May Complex, to name a few.

“Our citizens need and deserve updated public facilities, parks with safe and fun equipment for their children to play on, consistent and clean water, safe and maintained roads, new infrastructure that brings opportunities for economic growth, the list goes on,” Williams said.

That is why Williams hopes more people will learn about the 2024 CPST tax, and vote yes.

“There is at least one or more projects on the 2024 list that every community member can get behind. That’s why we need the members of the community to vote yes, so we can continue to show the world that Greenwood is a great place to live, work, raise a family, go to school, recreation and more. Every project matters and is an important piece to the puzzle that is community betterment,” Williams said.

The next meeting will take place 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Troy Fire Department. The ballot, projects and information on the meeting locations can be found at yesforgreenwood.com.

“We would love to see more, because we think we have a very good message to tell about the community good and all the things that we can do with the 27 projects,” Williams said.

Yes! For Greenwood Meeting Times and Locations The public forums about the Greenwood Capital Project Sales Tax Referendum will be held at the following locations. All meetings will be held at 6:30pm. · Hodges August 29th, at 6:30PM; Location: Hodges-Cokesbury Fire Department · Greenwood City September 5th, at 6:30PM; Location: S. Main Fire Station · Ninety Six September 12th, at 6:30PM; Location: Hwy 34 Fire Department · Troy September 19th, at 6:30PM; Location: Troy Fire Department · Promised Land September 23rd, at 6:30PM; Location: Promised Land Fire Department · Epworth-Phoenix, September 30th at 6:30PM; Location: Epworth-Phoenix Fire Department · Ware Shoals October 3, 6:30 PM; Location Ware Shoals Fire Department · Callison October 8th, 6:30 PM; Location Callison Fire Department · Northwest October 10th, 6:30 PM; Location: Northwest Fire Department · Greenwood City October 14th, 6:30 PM; Location: S. Main Fire Station · Coronoca October 22, 6:30 PM; Location: Coronaca Fire Department These meetings are free to the public and all Greenwood County Residents are encouraged to at-tend. For questions regarding the public forums contact the Greenwood SC Chamber of Commerce at 864-223-8431. {related_content_uuid}f0cc3395-9415-49a6-b572-f3b59c27f061{/related_content_uuid}

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Sep 17, 2024

By RENEE ORTIZ rortiz@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/chamber-president-hopes-to-get-more-people-to-hear-cpst-message/article_fb7d30a0-743c-11ef-9b1d-4725373a1d06.html

Guest column: Vote yes for parks and rec

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On Nov. 5, voters in Greenwood County will have a decision to improve the quality of life for Greenwood residents. The Capital Project Sales Tax referendum (CPST) will fund $120,000,000 for 27 projects such as parks and recreation areas, a career center, fire protection equipment, new government buildings and improved art facilities.

The CPST is a simple 1% tax on goods, other than food, sold in Greenwood County. A large percentage of the money raised is paid by non-residents shopping in Greenwood. If there is no CPST, the county and municipalities must raise property taxes to fund such projects.

A majority of counties in South Carolina presently have a CPST allowing these counties to fund a variety of projects. When we travel to these counties and spend money, we unknowingly support the CPST projects in those counties. Likewise, the 1% extra tax on money spent in Greenwood goes largely unnoticed. Money is raised painlessly without a burden resting solely on property owners.

In past years we have seen many successful CPST projects including our public library, new and improved parks, renovated recreational facilities, new fire stations, renovated art facilities and a manufacturing training center at Piedmont Technical College. These projects would not have happened without CPST.

The referendum up for vote this November includes many projects I hold dear. This money will allow the Parks Foundation and the City of Greenwood to finish Grace Street Park and replace the playground at West Cambridge Park, including a shade structure. The CPST also allows the construction of an indoor recreation facility which will expand programs provided by Greenwood Parks and Recreation for children and adults.

The CPST is needed to move Greenwood forward as a thriving community. When industries look to move into a community, they strongly consider the quality of life in that county. The choice is simple. Vote yes for CPST and vote yes for Greenwood County.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on: Sep 17, 2024

Guest Column by: Billy Nicholson, Nicholson Meredith and Anderson, LLC. President of the Greenwood Parks Foundation.

Article Link:https://www.indexjournal.com/opinion/guest_column/guest-column-vote-yes-for-parks-and-rec/article_fc5834ca-6c8a-11ef-98d4-6f75be116e2b.html

Greenwood County Council OKs safety grants, sidewalk construction on Lake Greenwood

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A public hearing took place at Greenwood County Council’s meeting this week for a boundary line agreement and a memorandum of understanding with Palmetto Crossing Construction to build a 550-foot sidewalk along the east side of Lake Greenwood.

The agreement states Palmetto Crossing will build a six-foot-wide, 550-foot sidewalk at no cost to the county.

In exchange, Greenwood County will transfer four parking spots on the south side of Lake Greenwood Boulevard parking lot to Palmetto Crossing. The county will also grant Palmetto Crossing 20 encroachment permits to build 20 boat slips in the area.

“This is providing a lot more public access for people to move around these properties,” said Carson Penney, county attorney. “So that’s given to us by Palmetto Crossing. They’re building the sidewalk. In exchange for that, there are four parking spaces in a county-owned parking lot that is in front of Break on the Lake that we are exchanging with Palmetto Crossing Construction so that they can have better access to town homes that they are constructing on their property there,” she said.

No one spoke for or against the plan and council approved the agreement, 7-0.

Josh Skinner, capital project sales tax coordinator, discussed the Safe Streets for All grant, which aims to improve road safety.

Greenwood County was awarded a $160,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation under the Safe Streets for All program. The county provided a $40,000 match to the grant from the 2016 CPST funds allocated to bike and pedestrian trails in and around Greenwood County.

The grant will be used to develop a “Vision Zero” action plan that focuses on safety issues for pedestrians, cyclists and cars on roads. The planning grant will be used to identify safety crossings and bicycle paths.

Council approved the grant with a 7-0 vote.

County Manager Toby Chappell asked for nominations from council for two open seats on the Community Action Plan Board for Opioid Abatement.

The South Carolina Opioid Relief Fund provided $25,000 to create the board. The goal is to reduce overdoses and deaths in Greenwood County.

A proclamation for Alice Hodges was presented at the start of the meeting. Hodges has worked for 20 years as director of Meg’s House and throughout the Greenwood community.

The next meeting will take place Oct. 1 at the Greenwood County Library.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on: Sep 19, 2024

By RENEE ORTIZ rortiz@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/greenwood-county-council-oks-safety-grants-sidewalk-construction-on-lake-greenwood/article_7c6ebf26-75c8-11ef-a784-ebebc154bda1.html

Public Meetings

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MONDAY

MCCORMICK COUNTY COUNCIL SPECIAL CALLED MEETING

TIME: 11 a.m..

LOCATION: Administration Center, 610 South Mine St., McCormick, SC

AGENDA: Call to order, invocation, pledge of allegiance, roll call, presentation: DP3 Architects will present an update regarding the W.S. Mims Community Center. Decision(s): Council to consider authorizing the Administrator to sign all change orders necessary to complete the W.S. Mims Community Center project. Expenses are within the scope of the budget for the project. Adjournment.

GREENWOOD CITY COUNCIL

TIME: 5:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Municipal Building – 520 Monument St., Room 207

AGENDA: PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Consider Ordinance No 24-003 Amending the City of Greenwood’s Official Zoning Map by Rezoning 0.53 +/- Acres of Land Located at 110 Woodrow Avenue from IP (Institutional Professional) to GC (General Commercial). (2nd reading) 2. Consider Ordinance No. 24-004 Amending the City of Greenwood’s Official Zoning Map by Rezoning an 8.49 acre Portion of Land located at 212 Kirksey Drive East from R2(Single Family Low Density Residential) & GC (General Commercial) to R7 (High Density Residential). (2nd reading);1. Recognize Discover Greenwood Executive Director Kelly McWhorter and Chip Tinsley who are representing the Greenwood County 250th Revolutionary War Commission. 2. Recognize Vince Dorn of 1928 McCormick Highway 246. 3. Recognize Denise Manley, Taylor Tucker and Lesley Lane regarding Parking in the Uptown Greenwood Area. 4. Recognize Maddy Strawn, Miss Emerald City 2024. 5. Recognize James Coleman of 1310 Yvonne Avenue. 6. Recognize Zsaquez Flucker from GLEAMNS, HRC (Community Services Department);UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 1. Consider Resolution 24-004 Amending the Code of Conduct for City Owned Buildings and Facilities. 2. Recognize Tripp Muldrow, Arnett Muldrow & Associates, for a Presentation on City Housing Market & Standards Analysis; NEW BUSINESS: 1. Consider Ordinance No. 24-005 Amending the City of Greenwood’s Official Zoning Map (Ordinance No. 04-020) by Rezoning Approximately 146.69+ Acres of Land Located at 415 Bypass 25 SE and 720 Marshall Road from LIW, R2, and R3 (Light Industrial/Warehousing, Single Family-Low Density, and Single Family-Medium Density) to PDD (Planned Development District). (1st reading) 2. Consider Ordinance No. 24-006 Amending the City of Greenwood’s Official Zoning Map (Ordinance No. 04-020) by Rezoning Approximately .20+ Acre of Land at 605 Calhoun Avenue to NC (Neighborhood Commercial) to OP (Office Professional)(1st reading). 3. Consider Ordinance No. 24-007 Amending the City of Greenwood’s Official Zoning Map (Ordinance No. 04-020) by Rezoning Three (3) Parcels of Land Encompassing 19/17+ acres at 618 & 622 Cobb Road and Mathis Road from R3 (Residential,Medium Density) to R7 (Residential, High Density). (1st reading) 4. Consider Ordinance No. 24-008 Authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk to Execute A Quitclaim Deed to the City of Greenwood Housing Authority Conveying Property at 532 Greene Street. (1st reading) 5. Consider Ordinance No. 24-009 Authorizing the City Manager and City Clerk to Execute a Quitclaim Deed for a Perpetual Right-of-Way and Easement on Portions of Parcels 6845-909-909, 6845-741-619, and 6846-511-179. (1st reading) 6. Consider Authorizing the City Manager to Enter into Contract with Republic Services for Commercial Sanitation Services in the City of Greenwood

GREENWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT 50

TIME: 6:15 p.m.

LOCATION: Genesis Education Center, 400 Glenwood St.

AGENDA: Call to order. Pledge of allegiance. Approval of minutes. Adoption of agenda. Public forum. Information items: District updates (Steve Glenn), Recognition (Johnathan Graves), AVID update (Erin Watts), 60-day report on CIP for Northside and Emerald (Charles Costner), Board updates (Danielle Fields). Board member updates: Policy GCC (Christi Louden), Financial update (Rodney Smith), Capital update (Rodney Smith). Executive Session: Student matter — disciplinary appeal, Contractual matter — contracted Speech/OT/PT/Behavioral Specialist and SPED Teacher, Contractual matter — purchase of Chromebooks and cases, Personnel matters — recommendations, vacancies and resignations. Action items: Student matter — disciplinary appeal, Policy CFC, JLCE, JLCEF, AR-JLCEF-R, and JLCEF-E (Christi Louden), 2024-2025 Strategic Plan update (Chad Evans), Contracted Speech/OT/PT/Behavioral Specialist and SPED Teacher approval (Rodney Smith), Purchase of Chromebooks and cases approval (Rodney Smith), Personnel recommendations and vacancies (Lisa McMillan). Adjournment.

SALUDA COUNTY COUNCIL

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Saluda County Administration Building, 400 West Highland St., Saluda, SC

AGENDA: Call to order. Invocation. Pledge of Allegiance. Approval of the agenda. Old Business: Second reading of Ordinance No. 06-24, an ordinance approving the sale of real property located at 304 West Highland St., Saluda, Sc. Adjournment.

TUESDAY

PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE

AREA COMMISSION MEETING

TIME: 4 p.m..

LOCATION: Piedmont Technical College Lex Walters Campus Room 119K

AGENDA: Call to order. Declarations — conflict of interest. Approval of minutes. Financial Review for approval: Budget status report — March 31, 2024. Operating budget 2025. Plant Fund Projects 2025. Residual Balance Transfer Request (Fiscal Year End 2024). President’s Report — PTC Employment Engagement Survey results. Commission Chairman Comments. Executive Session. Pursuant to SC Code § 30-4-70 (a)(1): Discussion of employment, appointment, compensation, promotion, demotion, discipline, or release of an employee, a student, or a person regulated by a public body or the appointment of a person to a public body. Adjourn.

GREENWOOD COUNTY COUNCIL

TIME: 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Greenwood County Library

AGENDA: Call to order. Executive Session. Discussion of employment, appointment, compensation, promotion, demotion, discipline, or release of an employee, a student, or a person regulated by a public body or the appointment of a person to a public body; however, if an adversary hearing involving the employee or client is held, the employee or client has the right to demand that the hearing be conducted publicly. Nothing contained in this item shall prevent the public body, at its discretion, from deleting the names of the other employees or clients whose records are submitted for use at the hearing. Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements and proposed sale or purchase of property, the receipt of legal advice where the legal advice relates to a pending, threatened, or potential claim or other matters covered by the attorney-client privilege, settlement of legal claims, or the position of the public agency in other adversary situations involving the assertion against the agency of a claim. Discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or the provision of services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body. Discussion regarding the development of security personnel or devices. Regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. Call to order. Invocation. Pledge of Allegiance. Approval of minutes. Public comment. Presentation: Quarterly update on investments from First Citizens Bank — Neil Chapman and Jared Davison. Old business. Second Readings: Ordinance 2024-02 to amend the Greenwood County Zoning Map, as and if amended, so that one (1) parcel of land totaling approximately 33.66 acres at 589 Oakwood Dr, Greenwood, SC (GPIN# 6836-824-897) changes from PDD (Planned Development District) to R-3 (Single Family Residential). – Carol Coleman, Planning Director. Ordinance 2024-03 to amend the Greenwood County Zoning Map, as and if amended, so that a portion of land totaling approximately 0.745 acres at 3301 Hwy 25 N, Greenwood, SC (GPIN# 6828- 992-531) and a portion of land totaling approximately 0.223 acres at 3221 Hwy 25 N, Greenwood, SC (GPIN# 6828-990-487) changes from RDD (Rural Development District) to C-2 (General Commercial District). – Carol Coleman, Planning Director. Ordinance 2024-04 to amend the Greenwood County Zoning Map, as and if amended, so that one (1) parcel of land totaling approximately 2.54 acres at 118 Phillips Circle, Greenwood, SC (GPIN# 6879-694-018) changes from RDD (Rural Development District) to R-5 (Multi-Family Residential District). – Carol Coleman, Planning Director. New Business: Consideration of a variance of Procurement Policy 10.4 as pertaining to the Safe Streets for All grant implementation. – Josh Skinner, CPST Coordinator. Consideration of Proposed Road List for CTC Funding. – Rob Russian, Public Works Director. Resolution 2024-09 to grant County Manager the authority to “Opt-In” to a South Carolina County, Large Municipality, and Solid Waste Authority Electronics Recycling Program. – Robert Russian, Public Works Director. Consideration of the Appointment of Special Tax District Commissioners for the following Subdivision. – Steffanie Dorn, County Treasurer: Raintree – Shannon Freeman (Re-Appointment), District Three Hillbrook – Carrie Pundt Murdock (Re-Appointment), District Six Belle Meade – Gary Helton (Appointment), District Six. Consideration of the extension of the audit contract for three additional years with Manley Garvin. – Steffanie Dorn, County Treasurer. Discussion regarding the vision for the next public transportation grant application. – Steffanie Dorn, County Treasurer. Update from County Treasurer’s Office. – Steffanie Dorn, County Treasurer. Consideration of the Marketing Right and Option Agreement by and between Beasley Family Limited Partnership and Greenwood County. – James Bateman, Economic Development Director. Resolution 2024-10 committing to negotiate a Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes Agreement between Greenwood County and Sweetwater Solar, LLC; identifying the project; and other matters related thereto. – James Bateman, Economic Development Director. Ordinance 2024-05 authorizing the execution and delivery of a Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes and Special Source Revenue Credit Agreement by and between Greenwood County, South Carolina and Sweetwater Solar, LLC to provide for payment of a Fee-in-Lieu of taxes with respect to such project; authorizing Special Source Revenue Credits; and other related matters. – James Bateman, Economic Development Director. First Reading. Pending Items. District Reports. Manager’s Report. Attorney’s Report. Adjournment.

MCCORMICK COUNTY COUNCIL

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Administration Center, 610 South Mine St., McCormick, SC

AGENDA: Call to order. Invocation. Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call. Approval of Minutes. Presentation: Laurie Fallow, Cornerstone. Public Comments. Decision items: Ordinance 23-12: An Ordinance (1) authorizing the execution and delivery of a Multi-County Industrial/Business Park Agreement with Abbeville County; and (2) providing related matters. Council to consider 3rd Reading. Ordinance 23-13 An Ordinance authorizing (1) the execution and delivery of a Special Source Revenue Credit Agreement by and between McCormick County, South Carolina and HVAC Distributing LLC, acting on behalf of itself and/or any affiliates or other project investors, to provide for certain special source revenue credits in connection with the establishment of certain facilities located in McCormick County; (2) the benefits of a Multi-County Industrial or Business Park to be made available to the company and the property; and (3) other related matters. Council to consider 3rd Reading. Ordinance 24-01: An ordinance to provide appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025, for the McCormick County Budget for County ordinary purposes and for other County purposes for which the County may levy a tax and receive revenues; to provide for the levy of taxes on all taxable personal and real property in McCormick County for all County purposes, including sufficient tax to pay the principal and interest on outstanding indebtedness of McCormick County payable during said fiscal year; to provide for matters relating to McCormick County; and to provide for the expenditure of said taxes and other revenues coming to the County during said fiscal year. Council to consider 1st reading. Ordinance 24-02: An ordinance to raise the revenue set rates, make appropriations and adopt a budget for County of McCormick, Water and Sewer Department, South Carolina, for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025. Council to consider 1st reading. Ordinance 24-03: An ordinance to raise revenue, make appropriations and adopt a budget for Savannah Lakes Special Tax District for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025; and provide for the levy and collection of taxes necessary to meet all budget requirements except as provided for by other revenue sources. Council to consider 1st reading. Ordinance 24-04: An ordinance to provide for the levy of taxes for ordinary school district No. 1, for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025, to provide for the expenditures thereof. Council to consider 1st reading. Council to consider authorizing Administrator to sign the HVAC Distributing, LLC Rural Infrastructure Fund Grant #C-23-3838-McCormick. Council to consider appointing Anna Cunningham to the GLEAMNS Board representing the private sector effective Oct. 1, 2024. Information. Committee Reports. Executive Session. Council may go into Executive Session, Pursuant to 30-4-70(1)(1) of the SC Code of Laws, 1976, as amended, to discuss matters related to economic development, negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements related to economic development, personnel matters regarding McCormick County EMS, and the receipt of legal advice concerning the role of Council Members, the County Administrator, County employees, and County committees and commissions. Adjournment.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Apr 12, 2024

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/community/public-meetings/public-meetings/article_50b2a260-f8e3-11ee-9dc2-5b3b714e005c.html

Funds begin rolling in for Katherine Hall renovation

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More than $1 million has come in for renovating Katherine Hall — the first of two rounds of penny sales tax funding to revitalize the old mill community center.

Built 110 years ago by the Riegel Textile Corp. as a centerpiece for the town of Ware Shoals, Katherine Hall has languished in disrepair for decades. The 2016 Greenwood County Capital Project Sales Tax referendum included a project to spend $3.4 million renovating the building.

Kyle Campbell of Preservation South, who serves as project manager for this undertaking, said the building is a rare example in South Carolina of a large building in the Beaux-Arts architecture style. Campbell helped the town prepare its 2015 conditions report on the building, which was used to secure CPST funding the next year.

On last Tuesday, Greenwood County CPST Coordinator Josh Skinner updated county council on the penny sales tax’s quarterly revenue. Of the more than $3.3 million that came in from the CPST in the last quarter, $1.25 million are going toward the renovation of Katherine Hall. The project will receive nearly $3.4 million in total, with the rest of the funding coming at the end of this quarter.

Campbell said the town of Ware Shoals approved contracting with the McMillan Pazdan Smith architecture firm to help design the renovation.

“They have design teams and architects that will soon get to work on the rehabilitation design,” he said.

If all goes according to plan, he said they hope to have plans complete by the end of the summer, and then set the project out to bid for a builder.

“Town council has voted to put a number of town services and leisure in that building, as it once held,” Campbell said. “Our goal is to see it used all the time.”

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, construction and material prices have increased significantly, driving up the costs of many building and renovation projects. Campbell said Ware Shoals accounted for this factor, and is applying for tax credits to attempt to offset any cost that might go beyond the funds the CPST provides. Campbell said he and the town are working with a Greenville-based law firm to ensure their applications meet compliance requirements for these tax credits.

The penny sales tax made this and other projects possible, and Campbell said he’s hopeful that a campaign to pass another CPST referendum this year will pass on the November ballot, securing more funds for communities like Ware Shoals seeking to make improvements.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Campbell said.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Feb 13, 2024

 By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/funds-begin-rolling-in-for-katherine-hall-renovation/article_3a1d69f2-c780-11ee-a1e0-dbb0b765a7cb.html

Public meetings

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MONDAY

GREENWOOD CITY COUNCIL

TIME: 5:30 p.m.

LOCATION: 520 Monument St., Greenwood

AGENDA: Public hearing — 1. Ordinance number 23-015 Amending the city of Greenwood’s official zoning map by rezoning approximately 31.59 acres of land located at 227 Marshall Road from single family residential low density to master plan residential, second reading. 2. Consider ordinance 24-001 amending the city of Greenwood’s official zoning map by rezoning approximately a 5 acre portion of land located at 1400 Mathis Road from residential medium density to residential high density, second reading. New business — 1. Consider ordinance number 24-002 amending ordinance number 03-010, zoning ordinance, Chapter 2, Article 3, definitions: Automobile wrecking, junk and salvage yards, and junk yards; Table 3-1 zoning district use chart; amending sections: 3.2.5.2 additional conditional uses allowed in GC; 3.4.1.1. uses permitted in all industrial districts; 3.4.1.2., conditional uses allowed in all industrial districts; amending Chapter 5, design and performance standards, Article 7. Incentives for cluster development: Section 5.7.4.3. Open space defined, use of preserved open space; and table 6.1 parking requirements, first reading. 2. Consider reappointment of Annette Edwards, Bishop Oliver McCray, and Marchelle Tompkins-Brant to the city/county Board of Zoning Appeals. 3. Consider donation of body and in-car cameras to Greenwood County and the Town of Ninety Six.

GREENWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT 51 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Ware Shoals Community Library

AGENDA: Standing ovation: school board recognition district spelling bee winner – Alexandra Collins. Special education update. District update. Action items: overnight field trip – region band, teacher contract recommendation, pacing project – Ware Shoals Middle School, Recruitment/retention bonus 2024-25, track and field team. Finance. Executive session: superintendent-elect contract. Action, if needed, on matters discussed in executive session.

Ninety Six Town Council

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Ninety Six Visitors Center

AGENDA: Committee appointments,

discussion of projects for Greenwood Capital Project Sales Tax, Rossie Corwon.

LAURENS COUNTY SCHOOL

DISTRICT 55 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

TIME: 6:30 p.m.

LOCATION: District administrative office

AGENDA: Executive session — receipt of legal advice regarding potential claims in two matters and related matters covered by the attorney-client privilege. Reconvene in open session. Waterloo Elementary School report. Interim superintendents’ report — 1. District updates 2. Laurens LEARNS 3. Department of Student Nutrition Services report. Board operations — 1. School board appreciation and ethical principles declaration signing. Finance and operations — 1. Monthly financial report. Public participation. Executive session — 1. Certified employee contract recommendations for the 2024-2025 school year. Reconvene in open session.

TUESDAY

MCCORMICK COUNTY COUNCIL SPECIAL CALLED MEETING

TIME: 11 a.m.

LOCATION: 610 South Mine St., McCormick

AGENDA: Presentation — DP3 Architects will present an update regarding the W.S. Mims Community Center. Decisions: 1. Council to consider authorizing the administrator to sign all change orders necessary to complete the W.S. Mims Community Center project. Expenses are within the scope of the budget for the project.

WARE SHOALS

IMA AD HOC COMMITTEE

TIME: 2 p.m.

LOCATION: Town hall

AGENDA: Dissolve the committee.

WEDNESDAY

GREENWOOD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COMMISSION

TIME: 3 p.m.

LOCATION: 110 Metro Drive, Greenwood

AGENDA: Welcome visitors — A. Greenwood Capital — Mr. John Wise4man. Business — A. Approval of the design manual. Finance reports — A. December finance reports. Other business — A. Booker T. Washington CDBG Project. Executive session to discuss the following — Personnel and receipt of legal advice.

MONDAY

GREENWOOD CITY COUNCIL

TIME: 5:30 p.m.

LOCATION: 520 Monument St., Greenwood

AGENDA: Public hearing — 1. Ordinance number 23-015 Amending the city of Greenwood’s official zoning map by rezoning approximately 31.59 acres of land located at 227 Marshall Road from single family residential low density to master plan residential, second reading. 2. Consider ordinance 24-001 amending the city of Greenwood’s official zoning map by rezoning approximately a 5 acre portion of land located at 1400 Mathis Road from residential medium density to residential high density, second reading. New business — 1. Consider ordinance number 24-002 amending ordinance number 03-010, zoning ordinance, Chapter 2, Article 3, definitions: Automobile wrecking, junk and salvage yards, and junk yards; Table 3-1 zoning district use chart; amending sections: 3.2.5.2 additional conditional uses allowed in GC; 3.4.1.1. uses permitted in all industrial districts; 3.4.1.2., conditional uses allowed in all industrial districts; amending Chapter 5, design and performance standards, Article 7. Incentives for cluster development: Section 5.7.4.3. Open space defined, use of preserved open space; and table 6.1 parking requirements, first reading. 2. Consider reappointment of Annette Edwards, Bishop Oliver McCray, and Marchelle Tompkins-Brant to the city/county Board of Zoning Appeals. 3. Consider donation of body and in-car cameras to Greenwood County and the Town of Ninety Six.

GREENWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT 51 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Ware Shoals Community Library

AGENDA: Standing ovation: school board recognition district spelling bee winner – Alexandra Collins. Special education update. District update. Action items: overnight field trip – region band, teacher contract recommendation, pacing project – Ware Shoals Middle School, Recruitment/retention bonus 2024-25, track and field team. Finance. Executive session: superintendent-elect contract. Action, if needed, on matters discussed in executive session.

Ninety Six Town Council

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Ninety Six Visitors Center

AGENDA: Committee appointments,

discussion of projects for Greenwood Capital Project Sales Tax, Rossie Corwon.

LAURENS COUNTY SCHOOL

DISTRICT 55 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

TIME: 6:30 p.m.

LOCATION: District administrative office

AGENDA: Executive session — receipt of legal advice regarding potential claims in two matters and related matters covered by the attorney-client privilege. Reconvene in open session. Waterloo Elementary School report. Interim superintendents’ report — 1. District updates 2. Laurens LEARNS 3. Department of Student Nutrition Services report. Board operations — 1. School board appreciation and ethical principles declaration signing. Finance and operations — 1. Monthly financial report. Public participation. Executive session — 1. Certified employee contract recommendations for the 2024-2025 school year. Reconvene in open session.

TUESDAY

MCCORMICK COUNTY COUNCIL SPECIAL CALLED MEETING

TIME: 11 a.m.

LOCATION: 610 South Mine St., McCormick

AGENDA: Presentation — DP3 Architects will present an update regarding the W.S. Mims Community Center. Decisions: 1. Council to consider authorizing the administrator to sign all change orders necessary to complete the W.S. Mims Community Center project. Expenses are within the scope of the budget for the project.

WARE SHOALS

IMA AD HOC COMMITTEE

TIME: 2 p.m.

LOCATION: Town hall

AGENDA: Dissolve the committee.

WEDNESDAY

GREENWOOD METROPOLITAN DISTRICT COMMISSION

TIME: 3 p.m.

LOCATION: 110 Metro Drive, Greenwood

AGENDA: Welcome visitors — A. Greenwood Capital — Mr. John Wise4man. Business — A. Approval of the design manual. Finance reports — A. December finance reports. Other business — A. Booker T. Washington CDBG Project. Executive session to discuss the following — Personnel and receipt of legal advice.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Jan 19, 2024

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/community/public-meetings/public-meetings/article_b2604ee8-b709-11ee-bc6e-ff9b175655e3.html

Ware Shoals eyes 2024 CPST projects

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The “Big Friendly” building in Ware Shoals could get hollowed out and prepped for a new use, if Ware Shoals moves forward with plans to propose that project for the 2024 Capital Project Sales Tax.

Across Greenwood County, municipalities and groups are preparing their project applications for possible funding through a 2024 CPST. The penny sales tax will be up for vote in November, and will include a list of projects to be funded using the tax’s revenues.

In the meantime, the commission in charge of selecting the projects that will make that list is soliciting applications. On Monday, the Ware Shoals properties and economic development committee discussed some ideas to get the town its piece of the CPST pie.

Kyle Campbell, the owner of Preservation South who Ware Shoals selected to manage the renovation of Katherine Hall under the 2016 CPST, spoke with the committee Monday to find out what it wants from the current town hall building. Formerly known as the “Big Friendly,” the building served as a company store for Riegel Mill and, in the 1930s, was a commercial center near Katherine Hall.

Campbell, who did an assessment of the building, said its lowered ceiling and partitioned internal rooms don’t make it particularly suitable for commercial use as it stands. The building offers a lot of square footage for a town hall that sees, at most, a half-dozen people in the building.

Campbell told the committee he saw the potential for the building, if hollowed out and refit, to house commercial space on its main floor, a boutique hotel or Airbnb-style rental space on the second floor and a grocery store or climate-controlled storage in the basement. The basement could also house municipal court, once town hall’s other functions are relocated to the renovated Katherine Hall.

If this were proposed as a CPST project, Campbell said he’d focus on stripping the building’s façade back to its pre-1950s brick front and remove all other non-historic elements.

“You’re thinking on the same page as I am,” said Mayor Bryan Ross.

Ross said he sees a path forward moving town hall’s functions into the soon-to-be renovated Katherine Hall while the city simultaneously pursues a new CPST project to prepare the “Big Friendly” building for a new purpose. He made a motion to condense and move the city’s offices.

“We have an opportunity here to get the town into a building that’s up to code,” Ross said. “We’re not even up to code here.”

Councilman Micheal Powell had his doubts. If Ware Shoals doesn’t get CPST approval for this project, what would become of the now-empty building? Powell said he was concerned a future council would sell the building in that case, and the town would lose the opportunity to shape the development at its center.

“Whether you get the next penny sales tax funding here or not, there’s other things you could be doing with this building,” Campbell said.

Ross’ motion failed, but Councilman Brandon White made a similar motion to consolidate and move town hall, contingent on the town getting draft architectural plans for what to do with the current town hall building, to be used in a CPST project application. This passed despite Powell’s dissent, and will go to the full town council for consideration at its next meeting.

Ross brought up another prospective CPST project: finishing elements of the town’s amphitheater. He told the committee he’d like to see a CPST project application to fund a restroom facility and a concessions stand.

The deadline for CPST project applications is Feb. 5.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Jan 11, 2024

 By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/ware-shoals-eyes-2024-cpst-projects/article_5d5f8da8-afe5-11ee-9f78-239d788b2ba6.html