Ninety Six decides on design plan for new Boozer complex

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Ninety Six’s sports teams will have a new home soon, and on Thursday town council voted in support of a design plan for the new J.C. Boozer Recreation Complex.

The complex, nestled in the south end of town at 4202 Ninety Six Highway, has three baseball fields, a picnic shelter and a playground for the community’s youth. The design concept town officials supported on Thursday would add a fourth baseball field, and nestle soccer fields of different sizes in the outfields of each baseball diamond.

The Boozer field’s upgrades are part of the larger renovation and expansion of county athletic facilities, a project approved under the 2016 Captial Projects Sales Tax referendum. Overall, the project calls for $10,723,817 dedicated to improvements at Young Park in Ware Shoals, the J.C. Fox Boozer Complex and the Willbanks Sports Complex, to be located at the former site of the Greenwood Civic Center.

About $1,075,000 have been funded toward the total project, and in phase one about $75,000 is going to repairs and renovations in Ware Shoals, with about $1 million to the Boozer complex, CPST Coordinator Josh Skinner said. The remaining funds are expected to come in April 2022, as part of phase two and funding the Willbanks complex.

“The initial plan with the Boozer complex was to add a baseball field and make it into a diamond, with all four home plates at the center,” Skinner said. “The big final change after we had a public meeting in Ninety Six was finding a way to fit in some soccer fields.”

Ninety Six Mayor Mike Rowe said while softball and baseball teams use the facility heavily, soccer players didn’t have a regulation-style field to practice or play in.

“That’s a sport that has grown a lot over the past couple of years, as it’s been revived in Ninety Six,” he said. “They really need a field to play on. They’ve been having to travel to Greenwood to play games.”

The plan also includes more than 130 parking spaces and lowering the playground to meet the existing asphalt level for ADA access.

Of the four initial concepts presented by ADC Engineering, two were out of the county’s price range, Skinner said. After presenting the plans in Ninety Six and getting feedback, the plan that town council would later approve became a fast favorite for many.

This design is still a little over budget, Skinner said, and officials are working to find where they can trim some cost off the project. ADC will present the final cost estimate and construction plan to Greenwood County Council on Sept. 1, but before council approved anything, Skinner said they wanted the support of Ninety Six’s leaders.

Rowe said the design serves the immediate needs of the people who use the Boozer complex already, and allows for some growth for existing sports programs. He said he hopes future funding will allow the town to expand sporting facilities further with additional space, ideally to include a football field.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Aug 17, 2020

 By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/ninety-six-decides-on-design-plan-for-new-boozer-complex/article_14fc03fa-47a5-5f1a-9fb8-f9bbaaa000df.html

Apartment complex wins key council vote

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Greenwood County Council narrowly approved a zoning ordinance that would change the zoning of property on Langley Road to allow a developer to proceed with plans to build an apartment complex across from the Y in Greenwood.

In a 3-2 vote, council voted to change the zoning of land which stretches from Langley Road to Calhoun Road from R-1 and C-2 to R-6. Chairman Steve Brown and Councilman Robbie Templeton voted no.

The rezoning of the property to R-6 will allow the developer, ATC Development, to build more units in the apartment complex.

However, this change is contingent on the developer making several concessions to the nearby homeowners. Council voted 5-0 on a motion to amend the ordinance to include those concessions.

The developer must flag trees along the property lines, relocate the dog park to the other side of the complex and construct a six- or eight-foot privacy fence on the property of Lee and Crystal Collins, whose son is autistic.

Brown, who noted during a previous council meeting of his relation to some of the property owners in the area of the development, had the concessions read into the record.

This was the final vote for this ordinance.

Prior to the meeting at 3 p.m., Brown along with Greenwood County Capital Project Sales Tax Coordinator Josh Skinner, Greenwood County Engineer Rob Russian, Brad Cuttill and Tee Timmerman, both of Greenwood County Parks and Recreation, and Ninety Six Councilmembers Bridget Porter, Charles Stevens and Wayne Gilbert met with engineers from ADC Engineering at the J.C. Boozer Complex in Ninety Six.

Engineers from ADC Engineering were getting a first look at the property before discussing the project with county council. They presented their initial ideas at the council meeting at 3 p.m.

J.C. Boozer Complex is the first site of the parks and recreation phase of the capital project sales tax projects. The budget for this project is less than $1 million.

The plan is to add a fourth baseball field, as well as increase and improve parking, pedestrian flow and restroom location.

Brown said he would like to see flexibility in the design to allow the county to make changes to accommodate changing times.

Two council members — Mark Allison and Melissa Spencer — were absent from the meeting, which Brown acknowledged in his opening welcome.

“Both are dealing with COVID-19 exposure,” Brown said.

Later in the meeting during district reports, Councilwoman Edith Childs thanked the council members who went to be tested at the recent COVID-19 testing clinic in Hodges.

“We tested 590 people, 18 of those people were positive,” Childs said. She also announced the next testing would be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 8 at the Brewer Recreation Center.

“I was negative, by the way, and that was good, all the rest of you that were negative, that was good,” Childs said. She said someone didn’t test negative and they were having to deal with that situation now.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on: Jun 17, 2020

By JAMES HICKS jhicks@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/apartment-complex-wins-key-council-vote/article_beb6bfe0-82ff-56f1-b5bb-5967c1fe6ad9.html

County council approves design work on 2 CPST projects

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Working through a few technological hiccups, Greenwood County Council had its second virtual meeting Tuesday evening, with two council members in chambers and the rest video-conferencing from their respective homes.

Councilmen Mark Allison and Theo Lane were in council chambers at the library for the meeting, while county officials operated the conference call over Google Meet for the remaining five council members who were operating devices of their own at home. Before getting to matters of business, Chairman Steve Brown went over some of the virtual meeting guidelines given by the state Association of Counties: Establishing a quorum and having each vote by roll call, as well as each person in the meeting identifying themselves before they speak further.

During the meeting, Council voted 5-2 to approve the selection of the design firms working on two capital projects sales tax projects: The new boat ramp beside Highway 72/221 and the J.C. Boozer Recreation Complex in Ninety Six.

Davis & Floyd was selected out of the seven firms that bid for the ramp project. The staff there will be tasked with designing an area with two ramps, 40 parking spaces, a picnic shelter, trash receptacles and restroom facilities.

“They’ve done over 50 boat ramp projects in the Upstate,” CPST Coordinator Josh Skinner said.

For the Boozer complex, instead of taking bids, the county had to do a request for qualifications. Eleven companies put in applications to work on this project, and a selection committee picked Greenville-based ADC Engineering to do the design work, based on the company proving the most qualified for the project. Allison voiced his concerns and dissent over how the request for qualification process works, in that it doesn’t require price bids from multiple companies, limiting competition.

Council unanimously approved a 60-day emergency ordinance to temporarily extend the deadline for paying hospitality and accommodations taxes for March April and May until June 20. The aim, County Attorney Elizabeth Taylor explained, is to help local businesses that are struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lane raised concern that if businesses don’t have to pay, they may not set aside money for the later collection date and instead spend that money on operating costs, leaving them with a larger bill on June 20 that they can’t afford. Still, Lane said he hopes business owners will do what’s prudent and keep in mind that the taxes must be paid eventually, even if there is an extension to the deadline.

In other news:

Council approved an amendment to an ordinance establishing standards for permitting based on septic tank review.

Council approved the re-appointment of four Special Tax District Commissioners.

After a closed-door executive session meeting, council voted to suspend the county’s time and attendance policy, in a move to shift from paying comp time to paid overtime.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Apr 7, 2020

By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/county-council-approves-design-work-on-2-cpst-projects/article_069b51b6-677e-5001-a405-35358df67958.html

Public Meetings

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TUESDAY

GREENWOOD COMMISSIONERS

OF PUBLIC WORKS

TIME: 10 a.m.

LOCATION: By teleconference, dial-in number: 1-917-900-1022, Conference ID: 691-7535.

AGENDA: Bid Opening: IS-2-2020 – Network Storage Equipment. WP-2-2020 – Vacuum Operated Liquid Chemical Feeders. WP-3-2020 – Variable Frequency Drive Low Service Pump #3. Business: Consideration of Utility Billing Renewal Agreement (Pages 24-26). Consideration of Twin Chimneys RNG Project Consultant Agreement. Update on Pipeline and Hazard Materials Safety Administration Requirements. Executive Session to Discuss a Personnel Matter per SC Code 30-4-70(a). Following Executive Session, the Commissioners may return to Open Session to take action on matters discussed in Executive Session.

GREENWOOD COUNTY COUNCIL

TIME: 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Greenwood County Library and Video Conference

AGENDA: Public Comment: Because of the video conference format of the County Council meeting to accommodate the social distancing requirement of the governor, a member of the public will have the option to submit a written public comment. If you wish to do so, please submit your comment in writing to the Clerk to County Council via email: smcintyre@greenwoodsc.gov by noon Tuesday. The meeting will be livestreamed on the Greenwood County website. Your comment will be read during this portion of the meeting. If you wish to attend the meeting in person, there will be a sign up sheet and opportunity to speak during the Public Comment portion of the meeting. Pursuant to Section 2-2-9 of the Code of Ordinances of Greenwood County, as amended April 2, 2013, a member of the public may speak on any listed item appearing on the agenda, with the exception of personnel matters. Please identify the agenda item to which you will be speaking. No speaker will be allowed to speak to multiple agenda items. At the discretion of the Chairman or presiding officer, the length of time for any speaker’s presentation may be limited, and the number of speakers may also be limited. Old Business: Third Reading: Ordinance 2020-05 to amend the Greenwood County Code of Ordinances, Section 6-1-6, as and if amended, to establish standards for permitting based on septic tank review. – Phil Lindler, County Planner. New Business: Consideration of the Appointment of Special Tax District Commissioners for the following Subdivisions. – Cathy Miller, County Treasurer: Canterbury – Lindsay Thomas (Re-appoint), District Six Hillbrook – Travis Spoone (Re-appoint), District Six Hillbrook – Jim Slagle (Re-appoint), District Six Saddle Hill – George Swindell (Re-appoint), District One. Selection of engineering firms for the Lake Greenwood Masterplan (boat ramp) and J.C. Boozer Rec Complex. – Josh Skinner, CPST Coordinator. Resolution 2020-10 to consider the suspension of Greenwood County Policy 5.1 Time and Attendance. – Toby Chappell, County Manager. Ordinance 2020-06, an emergency ordinance to temporarily extend the deadline for remittance of Hospitality and Accommodations Taxes for the months of March, April, and May 2020 to June 20, 2020; and other matters related thereto. – Elizabeth Taylor, County. Executive Session: Action may be taken on items discussed in executive session.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Apr 6, 2020

By Jonathan Limehouse

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/public-meetings/article_8d688540-2407-5906-8827-ecb7177f1de7.html

Public Meetings

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MONDAY

GREENWOOD SCHOOL DISTRICT 50

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Board Room at Genesis Education Center, 400 Glenwood Street

AGENDA: Information Items: Superintendent’s Report: Spring Break — April 6th – 10th, Coronavirus Information, School Safety, ELearning (Beth Taylor) and Financial Update (Rodney Smith). Public Forum. Action Items (A): Bond Resolution (Rodney Smith), Policy-JLCDB and JLCDB-R (Gerald Witt) and Strategic Plan Update (Jenny Risinger). Executive Session: Personnel Matters — Recommendations and Vacancies. Action Items (B): Personnel Recommendations and Vacancies (Christi Louden).

WARE SHOALS DISTRICT 51

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Ware Shoals Community Library — Conference Room

AGENDA: Standing Ovation Recognition, Dr. Sprouse. Updates: COVID-19 Response, Dr. Sprouse. Continuity of Operations Plan: Instruction, Dr. Crockett. District Safety, Mr. Cox. Bullying Prevention, Dr. Sprouse. Action Items, Mrs. Lake: Textbook Adoption. Policy Revision, First Reading. GBEB — Staff Conduct. GBEC — Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace and Schools. Administrator Recommendations. Teacher Contracts: Request for Release Date. Overnight Field Trip Request – WSH Student Council. Capital Projects. Early Release Day. Monthly Finance Review.

NINETY SIX TOWN COUNCIL

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Ninety Six Visitors Center

AGENDA: Reading of January and February 2020 Financial Reports. Petitions Received: Consideration of a request to permit livestock at 301 Main Street East, identified by GPIN # 6895-244-440, by Allen Werts in accordance with Ordinance 91.06 pertaining to permits for animals. Report of Standing and Special Committees: Public Safety – Councilman Charles Stevens. Streets and Sanitation – Councilman Wayne Gibert. Finance – Councilwoman Bridget Porter. Judicial – Councilman Arvest Turner. Maintenance of Buildings – Councilman Mickey Goodman. Planning – Councilwoman Kellar Rogers. 96 Historical Development – Ms. Donna Wells. 96 Mill Village Association – Ms. Elaine Wilder. Main Street Revitalization Committee – Mayor Rowe.

TOWN OF DUE WEST

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Council Chambers, 103 Main Street

AGENDA: Recognition of Visitors. Public Hearing: Public comments are welcomed on a proposed amendment to the Town’s Zoning Ordinance to establish a minimum of 1,000 square feet for construction of new residential housing in Zoning Districts R-1 and R-2. Regular Town Council Business Items: Approval of Council Minutes of February 10, 2020. Monthly Financial Statements for the Period Ending January 31, 2020. Monthly Financial Statements for the Period Ending February 29, 2020. Legislation: Ordinance NO. 01-2020 — First Reading of Ordinance No. 01-2020 – An Ordinance to Amend the Town of Due West, S.C., Zoning Ordinance, dated July 29, 2009, by amending Table 2, Page 2-7, “Schedule of Lot Area, Yard, Setback, and Height Requirements, by District” with the Addition of a Minimum of 1,000 Square Feet for the Construction of New Residential Housing in Zoning Districts R-1 and R-2. Mayor’s Report: Fiscal Year 2020-21 Important Budget Dates: 5/18/20 First Reading of Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget and 6/15/20 Second Reading and Adoption of Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget. Council Reports/Comments, Town Administrator, Attorney John Andrew Bishop, Fire, Police and Utilities. Announcements: Reminder to Council of the State Ethics Commission’s Mandatory Statement of Economic Interest Forms that are Due by Electronic Filing by Noon on March 30, 2020. Special Election for Vacant Town Council Seat on March 31, 2020. Town’s Annual Spring Cleanup Will be Held on April 20-23, 2020. Abbeville County School Board’s Special Election for District 7 Vacant Board Seat and Consolidation Referendum on April 28, 2020. MEO Institute Courses Offered at USCOG on March 24, May 19, and September 22, 2020.

TUESDAY

PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE AREA COMMISSION

TIME: 5:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Via WebEx Conferencing. If you would like to join this WebEx and need call-in information or have questions, please contact Russell Martin, PTC Director of Marketing and Public Relations, at 864-941-8669 or martin.r@ptc.edu.

AGENDA: Financial Review, Paige Childs. For Approval: Tuition Proposal, Highlights, Budget Status Report, Revenue, Expense, Facts Sheet and Other. COVID-19 Update Ray Brooks, Donna Foster: Piedmont Technical College Public Health Emergency Plan. SC Department of Administration March 9, 2020 Memorandum to Human Resources Directors — 2019 Novel Coronavirus. President’s Report, Ray Brooks: Academic Affairs, Keli Fewox. Economic Development/Continuing Education, Rusty Denning. Facilities, Chad Teague. Foundation, Fran Wiley. Human Resources, Alesia Brown. Institutional Effectiveness, Donna Foster. Off-Campus, Darrin Campen. Student Affairs & Communications, Josh Black. Vice Chairman’s Comments.

MCCORMICK COUNTY COUNCIL

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Administration Center, 610 South Mine St.

AGENDA: Speakers: Joey Harris, Modoc. Ken Vollmer, Modoc. Dianna Kendrick, Modoc. Jim Dalton, Modoc. Debbie Bourne, Modoc. Patti Yarbrough, Modoc. Brad Barbee, Modoc Fire Chief. Thessa Smith, Economic Development Director. Decision Items: Resolution 04-19: Fair Housing Resolution recognizing April as Fair Housing month. Council to consider passing Resolution 04-19. Proclamation — American Red Cross Month. Council to consider authorizing Administrator to renew PubliQ Software Computer Services Agreement for Tax Processing and Software Management Fiscal Year July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021 in the amount of $115,244.96. Council to consider authorizing Administrator to renew PubliQ Software Forms and/or Supplies Agreement Fiscal Year July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021 in the amount of $510.53. Council to consider authorizing Administrator to renew PulicQ Software Computer Services Agreement for Processing Delinquent Tax Notices Fiscal Year July 1, 2020 – June 30, 2021 in the amount of $42,166.50. 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 contractual and personnel matters and to receive legal advice. Council will go into executive session to receive legal advice regarding Modoc Special Fire District and Speculative Building.

GREENWOOD COUNTY COUNCIL

TIME: 5:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Greenwood County Library

AGENDA: Presentations: Dam to Dam 100K Relay Race Presentation to Bowers-Rodgers Children’s Home – Councilman, Robbie Templeton. Public Comment (Sign-In Only). Public Hearing: Second Hearing: Ordinance 2020-05 to amend the Greenwood County Code of Ordinances, Section 6-1-6, as and if amended, to establish standards for permitting based on septic tank review. – Phil Lindler, County Planner. New Business: Resolution 2020-07 to accept the donation from the Gaines family of one acre of land located at the intersection of Rock House Road and Galilee Road (105 Galilee Road, G-Pin#6842-787-680) for the purpose of a volunteer fire station. – Josh Skinner, CPST Coordinator. Resolution 2020-08 designating April 2020 as Fair Housing Month. – Brittany Hallman, Upper Savannah Council of Governments. Resolution 2020-09 amending Greenwood County Resolution 2019-19 and Greenwood County Ordinance 2019-09 in order to set the distribution of revenue pursuant to Greenwood County Ordinance 2005-36. – Cathy Miller, County Treasurer and Elizabeth Taylor, County Attorney. Pending Items: None. District Reports. Manager’s report. Attorney’s report. Executive Session: Action may be taken on items discussed in 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, in 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.

WEDNESDAY

WESTERN PIEDMONT EDUCATION CONSORTIUM

TIME: 9 a.m.

LOCATION: 430 Helix Road, Greenwood, SC

AGENDA: SC Department of Education Update. Approval of February 19, 2020 minutes. WPEC Financial Statement through February 29, 2020. Financial and Internal Review Report for February 2020. SC Board of Education Update. Director’s Report. Presentation by Gaggle Safety Management. Other Business.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Mar 16, 2020

By Jonathan Limehouse

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/community/public-meetings/public-meetings/article_193bafee-c01a-5681-af12-b383d8f21fbf.html

Engineers seek feedback on early proposed park upgrades

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Renovating Greenwood County’s parks is no walk in the park, but on Thursday, the engineering firm that is drawing up plans for several park renovations took the first step in gathering community feedback and input on the proposed upgrades.

As part of the capital project sales tax approved in 2016, money has been earmarked for upgrades to existing parks and the construction of new parks. Improving the Grace Street Park, Magnolia Park and the Ninety Six town park, along with building new parks in Hodges, in Troy and at 1801 Foundry Road were among the 27 approved projects.

On Thursday, representatives from Davis and Floyd engineering firm invited the public to the Greenwood Arts Center to show off concept drawings of the proposed parks, featuring elements and fixtures that they included based on preliminary talks with residents from each community. The goal, said County CPST coordinator Josh Skinner, is to get feedback on these early mock-ups and get a better understanding of what residents want to prioritize at each park.

At Magnolia Park, for instance, replacing the pavilion that has a damaged foundation and is in need of a new roof will likely be a high priority. The drawing also showed an emphasis on ADA-accessible walking paths and a bathroom, along with replacing defunct playground equipment for children.

The Ninety Six town park would also likely see its pavilion and bathroom replaced, and moved to be close to a central splash pad that many in the community were enthusiastic about in initial talks.

“I know for me, those restrooms need to be replaced,” said Ninety Six Councilman Mickey Goodman. “And I don’t know how old that gazebo is out there, but I know it needs to go, too.”

There were no cost estimates with these initial drawings, as they’re supposed to be early concept art that will be steered toward a more concrete drafts based on the feedback received. Town parks, such as the ones in Troy and Hodges have signature pavilions are planned that fit specific interests in the communities, with the proposed one in Hodges having an outdoor fireplace and grilling area built in beside it.

Along with parking, signage, lighting and benches, most park mock-ups include walking trails that feature light exercise equipment in stations along the paths.

Billy Nicholson, president of the Greater Greenwood Parks and Trails Foundation, said these concepts and the feedback gathered are a good first step toward these renovations.

“It feels like we’re moving forward with getting something done here,” he said.

Two of the larger projects include the construction of Foundry Park, beside the John G. Lamb Community Center, and the continuation of the Grace Street Park project.

At Grace, improvements to the water quality and aesthetics of the pond would come with the building of a wetlands overlook area beside it that could serve as an outdoor nature classroom, complete with a treehouse-themed overlook tower. A trail network would connect the pond and dog park areas to a new northern park entrance that leads in from Grace Street and in toward the now derelict water treatment buildings. Those buildings would be removed to make way for the trailhead, Nicholson said.

Skinner said in the coming weeks, county officials hope to present these preliminary thoughts to Hodges, Troy and Ninety Six’s town councils to get feedback from people who weren’t able to attend Thursday’s event.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Jan 31, 2020

 By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/engineers-seek-feedback-on-early-proposed-park-upgrades/article_33d070fa-2459-59f0-94eb-39b2336546dc.html

Public Meetings

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THURSDAY

GREENWOOD COUNTY COUNCIL

TIME: Noon.

LOCATION: Park Plaza Rm 104, 600 Monument Street

AGENDA: New Business: Resolution 2020-04 expressing Greenwood County’s support for the widening of South Carolina Highway 246 South and its application for funding from the South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank. – Josh Skinner, CPST Coordinator. 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, in 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.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Jan 28, 2020

By Jonathan Limehouse

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/public-meetings/article_58f5acfb-950e-5d05-baf7-e939a13e4a66.html

Public Meetings

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TUESDAY

GREENWOOD COUNTY COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE COMMITTEE

TIME: 4 p.m.

LOCATION: Greenwood County Library

AGENDA: New Business: Consideration of Contract with The Gordon Group for the Carter Road Volunteer Fire Station. – Josh Skinner, CPST Coordinator. Consideration of appointment of GLEAMNS Commissioner representing the Low-Income Sector for Greenwood County. – Shunna Vance, GLEAMNS Chief Executive Officer. Consideration of appointments to the Greenwood County Farmers Market Board. – Tom Brant, Clemson Extension Coordinator. Consideration of the appointment of Special Tax District Commissioner for the following Subdivision. – Cathy Miller, County Treasurer: Virgin Heights — James Williams (reappointment), District Seven. Consideration of reappointment of Accommodations Tax Advisory Board member. – Julie Latham, Deputy Treasurer. Consideration of Accommodation Tax Commission’s recommendations for distribution of funds. – Julie Lathan, Deputy Treasurer. Resolution 2020-02 regarding Accommodations Tax Budget Disbursements. – Julie Lathan, Deputy Treasurer. Resolution 2020-03 authorizing the execution of a Joinder Agreement by and between Greenwood County and Teijin Holdings USA, Inc., Teijin Carbon Fibers, Inc. and Duke Energy One, Inc. wherein Teijin Carbon Fibers, Inc. and Duke Energy One, Inc. shall join the Fee Agreement between Teijin Holdings USA, Inc. and Greenwood County as Sponsor Affiliates. – Elizabeth Taylor, County Attorney. First Reading: Ordinance 2020-02 authorizing (1) pursuant to title 12, Chapter 44 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976, as amended, the execution and delivery of a Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes Agreement, by and between Greenwood County, South Carolina and Project Gold Rush, as sponsor, and one or more sponsor affiliates to provide for a Feein-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes incentive and certain special source revenue credits for the benefit of a project in the county; (2) the inclusion of certain property located in Greenwood County, South Carolina now or to be hereafter owned and/or operated by Project Gold Rush, or one or more companies related thereto, in a joint county industrial park; and (3) other related matters. (Title Only). – Elizabeth Taylor, County Attorney. District Reports. Attorney Report. Executive Report. Executive Session: Action may be taken on items discussed in 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, in 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.

GREENWOOD COUNTY COUNCIL

TIME: 5:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Greenwood County Library

AGENDA: Presentation: Employee Recognition of the Fourth Quarter of 2019. Public Comment (Sign-In Only). New Business: Consideration of Contract with The Gordon Group for the Carter Road Volunteer Fire Station. – Josh Skinner, CPST Coordinator. Consideration of appointment of GLEAMNS Commissioner representing the Low-Income Sector for Greenwood County. – Shunna Vance, GLEAMNS Chief Executive Officer. Consideration of appointments to the Greenwood County Farmers Market Board. – Tom Brant, Clemson Extension Coordinator. Consideration of the appointment of Special Tax District Commissioner for the following Subdivision. – Cathy Miller, County Treasurer: Virgin Heights — James Williams (reappointment), District Seven. Consideration of reappointment of Accommodations Tax Advisory Board member. – Julie Latham, Deputy Treasurer. Consideration of Accommodation Tax Commission’s recommendations for distribution of funds. – Julie Lathan, Deputy Treasurer. Resolution 2020-02 regarding Accommodations Tax Budget Disbursements. – Julie Lathan, Deputy Treasurer. Resolution 2020-03 authorizing the execution of a Joinder Agreement by and between Greenwood County and Teijin Holdings USA, Inc., Teijin Carbon Fibers, Inc. and Duke Energy One, Inc. wherein Teijin Carbon Fibers, Inc. and Duke Energy One, Inc. shall join the Fee Agreement between Teijin Holdings USA, Inc. and Greenwood County as Sponsor Affiliates. – Elizabeth Taylor, County Attorney. First Reading: Ordinance 2020-02 authorizing (1) pursuant to title 12, Chapter 44 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina 1976, as amended, the execution and delivery of a Fee-in-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes Agreement, by and between Greenwood County, South Carolina and Project Gold Rush, as sponsor, and one or more sponsor affiliates to provide for a Feein-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes incentive and certain special source revenue credits for the benefit of a project in the county; (2) the inclusion of certain property located in Greenwood County, South Carolina now or to be hereafter owned and/or operated by Project Gold Rush, or one or more companies related thereto, in a joint county industrial park; and (3) other related matters. (Title Only). – Elizabeth Taylor, County Attorney. District Reports. Attorney Report. Executive Report. Executive Session: Action may be taken on items discussed in 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, in 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.

PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE AREA COMMISSION

TIME: 5:30 p.m.

LOCATION: Administration Building, Room 222

AGENDA: Declarations – Conflict of Interest. Review of Minutes of Meeting Held on November 19, 2019. Introduction of Dr. Keli Fewox, Vice President, Academic Affairs, Ray Brooks. Policies for Approval Donna Foster: 1-1-2010 Accreditation and Substantive Change, 1-6-1000 Institutional Research and Effectiveness, 3-1-1012 Development and Delivery of Distance Education Courses, 8-7-1000 Employment Practices and 8-7-1061 Supplemental Pay for Academic Administrators. Proposed Logo Presentation Josh Black, Russell Martin. Financial Review, Paige Childs: Proposed Budget Request by County FYE2021, Paige Childs and Chad Teague. For Approval: Highlights and Budget Status Report; Revenue and Expense. Facts Sheet. Other. President’s Report 25: Academic Affairs, Keli Fewox; Economic Development/Continuing Education, Rusty Denning; Facilities, Chad Teague; Foundation, Fran Wiley; Human Resources, Alesia Brown; Institutional Effectiveness, Donna Foster; Off-Campus, Darrin Campen; Student Affairs & Communications, Josh Black. Chairman’s Comments.

MCCORMICK COUNTY COUNCIL

TIME: 6 p.m.

LOCATION: Administration Center, 610 South Mine St.

AGENDA: Speakers: Sidney J. Evering, II – Parker Poe and Clarke Stearns – Sheriff. Decision Items: Council to consider authorizing the Administrator to purchase a metal detector from Patriot Metal Detectors Inc. in the amount of $5,599.95 for the courthouse utilizing funds from the Economic Development account. Council to consider authorizing Administrator to set aside funds for Projects 2 & 3 and proceed with Project 4 according to CPST Act. Council to consider authorizing Administrator to pay for Emergency Repair for McCormick Senior Center Pool in the amount of $7,000 from the County Council Special Project Account. Council to consider approving the McCormick County Library 2020 Holiday Schedule. Proclamation: McCormick County School Choice Week. Council to set location and time of regular scheduled council meetings for 2020. Information: Executive Order from the Office of the Governor concerning appointment of Auditor. 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 contractual and personnel matters and to receive legal advice. Council will go into executive session to receive legal advice concerning the Speculative Building Agreement at McCormick Eco-Industrial Site.

THURSDAY

COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC WORKS

TIME: 10 a.m.

LOCATION: Boardroom, 121 West Court Ave.

AGENDA: Financial Reports: Countybank Report and Financial Statement (Pages 7-26). Business: Consideration of Compact Trencher (Pages 27-28). Consideration of 2” and 4” Plastic Gas Pipe (Pages 29-30). Consideration of Substance Abuse Plan Changes. Other Business: Executive Session to Discuss Personnel and Contractual Matters per SC Code 30-4-70(a). Following Executive Session, the Commissioners may return to Open Session to take action on matters discussed in Executive Session.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Jan 16, 2020

By  Jonathan Limehouse

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/public-meetings/article_7c477502-f680-5c15-916e-24c0abd1401d.html

Greenwood County given clean bill of financial health

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Greenwood County is in good financial health, according to its most recent audit report.

Josh Garvin, of Greenwood-based accounting firm Manley Garvin LLC, presented the county the firm’s unmodified opinion of the audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. An unmodified opinion, he explained at Tuesday evening’s County Council meeting, means the audit came back clean. It’s the highest-level opinion an auditor can give.

In the finances, he noted a net increase of $1.4 million in the county’s general fund, putting the account at a balance of about $10.2 million. Historically, Garvin said governments are recommended to have four to six months’ worth of expenditures in the fund balance, and Greenwood has a little more than six months’ worth.

During the meeting, Capital Projects Sales Tax Coordinator Josh Skinner asked council to consider a contract between the county and THS Constructors, the company selected to construct a speculative building in the North Greenwood Industrial Park. The building would be a part of the larger industrial park project, and THS’s bid came in below the estimated cost of about $5 million.

“The main emphasis is to attract industry, especially manufacturing,” Skinner said.

THS wants to start work immediately, with estimates the work would be done by November. Skinner’s request to council was to begin making payments to THS through the county’s general fund, which would be reimbursed late this year from collections from the CPST.

Skinner said from April to October, CPST collections are estimated to be at about $4.6 million. Agreeing to the contract now and accepting THS’ low bid would save the county money, Council Chairman Steve Brown said, rather than bidding the project again at a later date once the CPST funds have been collected.

After a closed-door session where council spoke further about the contract, they voted to approve the contract and a resolution to transfer funds totaling $4 million, as needed, from the general fund to the CPST fund to pay the payment schedule of THS.

Greenwood Mayor Brandon Smith spoke to council to pitch a new penny tax aimed at lowering people’s property taxes throughout the county. The Local Option Sales Tax would increase sales tax by 1 cent and in exchange provide funding for property tax credits.

This tax, he said, comes with the added benefit that, unlike the CPST, a portion of the funds collected can be used without restriction. Of the tax’s collections, 71% have to be used to reduce property taxes, while the remaining 29% would be split between the county and its municipalities as unrestricted revenue.

“As local governments, we don’t have the option to just make up revenue streams on our own,” Smith said. “Even if we wanted to raise property taxes to fund things, we’re limited by Act 388.”

He said the tax would have to be proposed as a referendum on the Nov. 3 ballot for county voters to decide on. Brown said he’d like to hear from the mayors of the county’s other towns, and that county council would look into their deadline to decide on a referendum ordinance.

In other news:

Council voted 6-1 to approve $12,000 of hospitality tax funds for Greenwood Water Ski Events LLC, which has agreed to host a regional water-skiing tournament in July. Scott Snape, of Greenwood Water Ski Events, said the event could draw in hundreds of competitors and will have a minimum estimated economic impact of $150,000.

Councilwoman Melissa Spencer presented a proclamation to Grand Master Darnell Leak, a local martial arts expert who has trained and worked with local young people to provide structure and discipline.

Council voted unanimously to approve an annual airport capital improvement plan, which outlines possible upgrades to the airport for the coming years.

Council appointed two new special tax district commissioners: William Kimler for Centre Court and John Hasting for Idlewood.

Council unanimously approved a revision to a county policy regarding special tax districts that ensures the policy matches state law.

Council heard first reading on an ordinance to extend and tweak an agreement between Greenwood County and Cole Mountain Greenwood SC LLC — the company behind the property currently housing Kohl’s. No action was taken beyond reading the ordinance.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on: Jan 8, 2020

By DAMIAN DOMINGUEZ ddominguez@indexjournal.com

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/greenwood-county-given-clean-bill-of-financial-health/article_ff677478-649e-5f40-b99d-54ae653ce66b.html

Year in review: Three years after referendum, CPST is center of attention

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As more than 200 civic and business leaders lunched on chicken and a broccoli salad medley during a late August afternoon, Greenwood County Council chairman Steve Brown ensured the meal would be a memorable one.

It was at that State of the City/County luncheon at Harris Baptist Church where Brown revealed publicly for the first time that projected revenues for a voter-approved 2016 capital project sales tax could come in below the $87.9 threshold that appeared on ballots.

“The money seems to be increasing somewhat. There’s been some changes, not that significant, but whether some of those projects are going to be funded, we’ll just see what happens a number of years from now,” Brown said. “I think for years to come, you’ll be pleased with how that money has been spent, and the positive impact it will have had on this community.”

On the heels of Brown’s announcement, the Index-Journal asked county officials to put figures behind the words, learning on Aug. 28 that revenue actuals were lagging as much as $20 million behind expectations, imperiling 10 of the 27 projects.

What went wrong? Could it really be that a third of the planned investments floated to voters in 2016 are now off the table?

The newspaper endeavored to answer those questions, devoting almost 6,000 words to the topic in an unprecedented “special report to the taxpayers of Greenwood County” that ran on Sept. 8.

While county officials have said in the past the final collection number might not match what was on the ballot, no indication was ever made public about what that would look like. As far back as the summer of 2016, County Manager Toby Chappell said projects near the bottom of the list of 27 might not come to fruition.

“The collection of the tax has to end at either the collection of the amount identified or eight years, whichever comes first,” Chappell said during a meeting of the Capital Project Sales Tax committee on June 22, 2016. “However, it is almost certain that some of the later, more involved projects will not be finalized at the end of eight years.”

Ahead of the vote, no county official gave a range of how many projects might end up zeroed out — instead only saying some might have faced that prospect.

On Sept. 16, Chappell presented to the County Council for the first time an update on capital project sales tax collection rates, emphasizing the unlikelihood of coming up with just $67.9 million over the life of the eight-year assessment.

“Is it possible that the 2016 capital project sales tax will be $20 million short in 2025? The short answer is yes. However, it’s also possible that you win the South Carolina Powerball at 1 in 292 million odds, and it’s possible that FERC may approve our fuse plug issue, but it’s not likely,” Chappell said.

So how did the county come up with the $87.9 million figure that went to referendum in November 2016?

Two dates in September 2015, plus the final year outcome of a 2007 capital project sales tax answer that question, Chappell said.

In August 2015, county leaders asked the state’s Office of Revenue and Fiscal Affairs for a projection of how much Greenwood could collect through a second penny sales tax.

On Sept. 10, the office responded with an estimate of $5.81 million in first-year collections.

But since Greenwood County brought in $8.4 million worth of sales tax dollars in 2010 through a 2007 penny tax initiative, officials asked for a second look at the numbers.

And on Sept. 30, 2015, Chappell said, the state came back with an updated projection of $9.5 million.

Extrapolating that across eight years, Chappell said, gave the county a baseline figure of $76 million.

As a hand-picked committee waded through applications, the costs of projects making the cut were recalibrated to take into account inflation and annual growth, adding about $11 million to the number, for a cap of $87.9 million.

For the county to perform at a clip that ends with only $67.9 million being realized, it would mean zero growth for the remaining life of the collection.

Soon after Chappell’s outline, the county on its website posted quarterly collection rates for the 2016 sales tax, along with updates on the status of projects.

FERC, county find

common ground on

spillway projectGreenwood County’s seemingly constant battle with federal regulators over design parameters for construction of an emergency spillway at the lake took a turn for the harmonious in 2019.

On Sept. 20, County Engineer Rob Russian said the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC, gave its blessing to a 60% design threshold for the project — the closet Greenwood has been in more than 10 years to finally getting the work started.

The county has $21 million earmarked for the venture — funds generated through a 2007 voter-approved capital projects sales tax initiative that can be used for no other purpose under state law.

In early December, County Manager Toby Chappell and Russian spent two days meeting with a Board of Consultants and FERC representatives to go over specs for a project that was nearly ready to launch, until federal regulators put the brakes on at the last minute.

In January 2017, the County Council learned FERC would not approve plans to build the contraption — known as a fuse plug — until local leaders either took part in the agency’s Risk Informed Decision Making process or convened another consultants’ board to evaluate the proposal for a second time since March 2012.

Russian said in January a preferred design came out of those talks — but several more rounds of negotiations will be needed until work can finally begin.

FERC mandated the spillway because diverting waters through the structure would not only protect the lake’s earthen dam but a 15-megawatt hydroelectric facility less than a mile away.

Russian said additional hydrological modeling will be needed as the design progress, and he’ll ask the county in October for a transfer from the hydro project fund to cover those costs.

Originally Published by Index-Journal on:Dec 29, 2019

By ADAM BENSON For the Index-Journal

Article Link: https://www.indexjournal.com/news/year-in-review-three-years-after-referendum-cpst-is-center-of-attention/article_e15d4636-29f4-5d05-834b-e2102afce4d2.html