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
Apartment complex wins key council vote
/in Index-JournalGreenwood 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.
Apartment complex wins key council vote
/in UncategorizedGreenwood 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.
Ninety Six council plans for future amid COVID-19
/in UncategorizedNINETY SIX — As businesses open back up, so too is the town of Ninety Six, and at Monday’s town council meeting officials talked a bit about what the town’s future looks like amid the continuing novel coronavirus pandemic.
Council met at 6 p.m. Monday at the town’s historic depot, with council members wearing masks and sitting apart from each other. Seats for the public were spaced out to accommodate for social distancing measures.
Protective measures came up during the meeting, as Councilwoman Kellar Rogers asked town attorney Doug Bell if there were any issues involved with requiring people to wear masks at town hall and the visitors center. Bell said the town could require people wear a mask, while he suggested staying open to exceptions for people with breathing conditions.
Rogers said town officials plan to provide disposable masks at the door.
The S.C. Festival of Stars was also affected by COVID-19, and has been cut back to a fireworks show only this year. Rogers reminded council the fireworks are planned for 9:45 p.m. June 27, with an alternate date of Sept. 5 in the event of rain.
Rowe and council also discussed development plans for Ninety Six, including today’s visit from a civil engineer to discuss plans and designs for renovations to the J.C. Fox Boozer Complex.
The renovations are part of the Greenwood County capital projects sales tax upgrades to parks and recreational facilities, and though Rowe invited others to attend the 3 p.m. meeting with county council at the Greenwood County Library, he said he wouldn’t be able to attend himself.
The town is also having a workshop with members of the Greenwood Partnership Alliance to talk about possible tax incentives for the downtown area, along with the details of making downtown Ninety Six a historical district.
Mayor Mike Rowe reminded council and those present that filing to fill the Ward 5 council seat left vacant after Arvest Turner resigned opens at noon July 3 and closes 5 p.m. July 17.
Edith Childs hosts ribbon cutting to unveil Greenwood County Fire Station 11
/in UncategorizedBRADLEY — Wearing the accessory that earned her the name “Hat Lady,” Edith Childs was also donning a piece of apparel on Tuesday that is new to her repertoire: a mask.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic that has shuttered schools and businesses, the Greenwood County councilwoman known for getting Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign “fired up, ready to go” said commemorating the construction of Greenwood County Fire Station 11 was too important to put off.
“When you’ve waited 21-plus years, it’s time do a ribbon cutting,” she said.
The capital project sales tax funded building the 2,700-square-foot facility at 4301 Highway 221 S., which serves residents of Troy, Callison, Promised Land and Bradley.
County Manager Toby Chappell said the lack of adequate coverage in the area prompted the in-person event and the presence of county officials despite the pandemic.
“We would’ve normally done a large community event like we did when we opened the Ware Shoals station, but due to COVID-19 we want to get the station operational,” he said. “This is kind of an in-between path of celebrating an opening, but doing it in a way that’s safe.”
To help reduce exposure, Childs spoke to the fire station’s crew ahead of the event, which intentionally had a limited attendance. She plans to host a larger event in October when the station opens. That gathering won’t include a ribbon cutting, but Childs does plan to say a few words to those who attend.
Residents who are within a 5-mile radius of the station will see their insurance rates go down because of the new fire station. In the next two years, officials plan to build four more stations throughout the county.
County council approves design work on 2 CPST projects
/in Index-JournalWorking 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.
County council approves design work on 2 CPST projects
/in UncategorizedWorking 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.
Public Meetings
/in Index-JournalTUESDAY
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.
Public Meetings
/in Index-JournalMONDAY
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.
Our View: Parks, other projects are coming along
/in UncategorizedEncouraging.
That best describes news shared by various county entities this past week.
The benefits parks provide a community is a given. That parks remain a priority in Greenwood County was evidenced by Thursday’s gathering in which concept drawings for renovations of existing parks were shared along with potential park projects in the county. Hodges, Troy and the Foundry Road area are in line for parks.
These projects are thanks to dollars being collected through the county’s capital project sales tax, which voters approved in 2016. This past fall, county officials delivered the news that the penny sales tax, projected to amass roughly $88 million, was not tracking as well as anticipated, going so far as to say its eight-year run could fall short by as much as $20 million. It remains to be seen how much of a shortfall, if any, there will be but a shortfall would mean some of the 27 projects originally on the to-do list might be put on hold.
Of course, we all hope that is not the case but projections of that length and scope are not an exact science. We would imagine that if some projects don’t get the funding by the expiration of the tax there would be an effort to get voters to approve another run on a capital project sales tax in an effort to make good on that list.
Speaking of the tax, that’s where the next bit of encouraging news comes. The latest quarterly report shows a marked increase in collections, with January reaching $2,422,793 — about $10,000 more than the previous quarter.
Projects are getting done as the tax dollars flow in. How far we get down the list certainly remains to be seen, but as we said, there are encouraging signs.
Engineers seek feedback on early proposed park upgrades
/in Index-JournalRenovating 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.