1 00:00:01,390 --> 00:00:09,530 City council meeting to order for this fine day of July the 13th. 2 00:00:09,530 --> 00:00:15,950 We're going to stand for a moment of silence and we all have heard about the passing of Lindsey Graham. 3 00:00:16,730 --> 00:00:23,150 Keep his family in prayer. Our state as well and the country. 4 00:00:23,430 --> 00:00:25,410 He has been a force for many. 5 00:00:37,920 --> 00:00:38,520 Amen. 6 00:00:39,380 --> 00:00:41,380 Mayor Pro Tem, leaders and the players, please. 7 00:00:41,380 --> 00:00:48,940 I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which 8 00:00:48,940 --> 00:00:55,640 it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 9 00:00:56,600 --> 00:00:57,120 Thank you. 10 00:01:05,600 --> 00:01:09,540 We have item three, proof of the minutes for the June 22nd. 11 00:01:09,800 --> 00:01:18,000 Before I go there, Councilwoman Smith is on vacation, so she's missing us. 12 00:01:18,000 --> 00:01:19,520 I'm sure she's watching online. 13 00:01:20,500 --> 00:01:21,640 Hey, Megan, how are you? 14 00:01:24,180 --> 00:01:25,380 But, and I'm back. 15 00:01:25,580 --> 00:01:27,380 So I was on vacation on the last one, 16 00:01:27,400 --> 00:01:29,780 but she will be out today. 17 00:01:30,160 --> 00:01:33,040 Approve of the minutes for June 22nd, 18 00:01:33,080 --> 00:01:34,460 2026 City Council meeting. 19 00:01:34,760 --> 00:01:35,000 So moved. 20 00:01:35,220 --> 00:01:35,500 Second. 21 00:01:35,700 --> 00:01:36,260 All in favor? 22 00:01:36,500 --> 00:01:36,860 Aye. 23 00:01:37,100 --> 00:01:37,780 Any that oppose? 24 00:01:38,380 --> 00:01:39,180 Aye's have it. 25 00:01:40,700 --> 00:01:41,740 The Termofono. 26 00:01:45,140 --> 00:01:46,920 Item four, approve of the agenda 27 00:01:46,920 --> 00:01:49,840 for the July 13th, 2026 City Council meeting. 28 00:01:50,380 --> 00:01:53,240 second. All in favor? All right. Any that oppose? 29 00:01:53,980 --> 00:01:58,720 Aye's have it. We have public comment. At this time we have a couple 30 00:02:00,380 --> 00:02:04,320 public comments and the way it's going to work. Once you get up to the mic 31 00:02:04,320 --> 00:02:09,020 and after you restate your name, you have two minutes 32 00:02:09,600 --> 00:02:15,140 to state your comment. And so we have Ms. Moultrie, 33 00:02:19,490 --> 00:02:19,910 Ms. 34 00:02:19,910 --> 00:02:22,910 Moultrie from Whitlock Street. 35 00:02:25,800 --> 00:02:32,500 Okay. Moultrie didn't make it. Ms. Jones. Ms. Jones from Fairfax. 36 00:02:36,420 --> 00:02:44,840 Ms. Jones from Fairfax. Well, I went by and talked with the clerk today, and the mayor 37 00:02:44,840 --> 00:02:53,040 has a public comment that he wanted to make in recognition of a student athlete at Sponberg 38 00:02:53,040 --> 00:03:01,960 high school. And I have to read off her bio guys and just bear with me. And Ms. 39 00:03:02,140 --> 00:03:07,220 Riley Vaughn, if you don't mind standing or coming down front so everybody can see 40 00:03:07,220 --> 00:03:17,600 you. But this was sent to her coach back in June 25th, 2026. Dear Coach Jones, 41 00:03:21,680 --> 00:03:23,020 the 42 00:03:23,020 --> 00:03:30,260 as the 2025-2026 Gatorade South Carolina Girls Track and Field Player of the Year. 43 00:03:30,720 --> 00:03:38,980 In receiving this award, they join a 41-year legacy that includes past winners such as Payton 44 00:03:38,980 --> 00:03:46,300 Manning, Paige Becker, Jason Tatum, and Mallory Swanson, and many others to name. 45 00:03:46,300 --> 00:04:04,160 As the top award high school sports Gatorade player of the year, award honors the most elite high school student athlete in 12 varsity sports for their athletic excellence, academic achievement and exemplary character. 46 00:04:04,900 --> 00:04:11,300 All finalists, all the final candidates selected to determine by the selection committee, assets and thousands of... 47 00:04:11,300 --> 00:04:17,480 Okay, okay, okay now I want to get to you know in order for Riley to win this award 48 00:04:18,620 --> 00:04:19,100 her 49 00:04:20,780 --> 00:04:21,260 Resumé 50 00:04:22,620 --> 00:04:25,240 Resumé, let me know when that two minutes go up 51 00:04:26,540 --> 00:04:29,880 As I go through her resume. I look at this 52 00:04:31,060 --> 00:04:34,140 Come on. Come on. Come on. Oh that Wi-Fi. Yeah 53 00:04:35,640 --> 00:04:36,600 Come on 54 00:04:40,240 --> 00:04:41,840 You got you have to hear this 55 00:04:41,840 --> 00:04:44,200 And we're gonna, there we go. 56 00:04:44,880 --> 00:04:48,960 All right, this is just 2026 Tracking Field Highlights. 57 00:04:49,540 --> 00:04:53,040 She holds a record at Clemson-Spottenburg High School 58 00:04:53,040 --> 00:04:53,540 Endowment. 59 00:04:54,180 --> 00:04:55,100 She's a record holder. 60 00:04:55,660 --> 00:04:57,760 Qualified for the Adidas, New Balance, 61 00:04:58,160 --> 00:05:00,840 Under Armour and Nike High School Nationals. 62 00:05:01,480 --> 00:05:04,140 Nominated various time for the mile split 63 00:05:04,140 --> 00:05:05,120 after the other week. 64 00:05:05,340 --> 00:05:07,500 All county, all region, all state. 65 00:05:07,500 --> 00:05:14,260 state champions for both for both shot putts and discus. Discus, county champion 66 00:05:14,260 --> 00:05:20,020 meet record holder, region, upper state champion, state champion, under armor, 67 00:05:20,180 --> 00:05:25,560 high school, national champion, shot putt, county champion, meet record holder, 68 00:05:26,080 --> 00:05:33,220 region champ, meet record holder, broke school record twice. Upper state 69 00:05:33,220 --> 00:05:38,020 championship, meet high school record holder, broke school record three times, 70 00:05:38,580 --> 00:05:44,160 state champion, under Armour High School National, top three finisher, all-American. 71 00:05:44,760 --> 00:05:49,980 And not only is she a student athlete really guys, but community service, Turkey 72 00:05:49,980 --> 00:05:56,300 giveaway, back-to-school supply giveaway, Humane Society volunteer, stopped the 73 00:05:56,300 --> 00:06:00,740 pantry or total ministry located in Spartanburg, McCracken Middle School 74 00:06:00,740 --> 00:06:06,180 leadership workshop, prom and homecoming, cleanup crew, set up crew, work day volunteer, 75 00:06:06,680 --> 00:06:12,280 bake sale fundraiser, concession volunteer for football, basketball, volleyball, community 76 00:06:13,020 --> 00:06:18,760 carnival volunteer, prom homecoming ticket sales, youth group, connected scholars, 77 00:06:19,140 --> 00:06:25,420 bra mentor, delta gyms, church activities, member of massodontia missionary Baptist church, 78 00:06:25,420 --> 00:06:31,200 student leadership student body vice president this coming year correct so 79 00:06:31,200 --> 00:06:35,180 that says she's a junior well rising senior so she's still in high school now 80 00:06:35,180 --> 00:06:41,140 student body vice president junior leadership of Spartanburg coach oh 81 00:06:41,140 --> 00:06:47,280 ambassador student organizations student council beta club national high school 82 00:06:47,280 --> 00:06:54,820 national honor society within my high school and nationally move alpha theta 83 00:06:54,820 --> 00:07:01,800 a war. Interact Club, Junior Leadership of Spartanburg, Fine Arts, Eight Years, 84 00:07:02,100 --> 00:07:07,380 Yellow Player, Five Year Piano Player, man this list goes on and on. 85 00:07:07,740 --> 00:07:12,360 Exemplary student but we were on vacation when we got the message and I was out 86 00:07:12,360 --> 00:07:17,840 at the last council meeting but I just wanted all of you all to meet Miss 87 00:07:17,840 --> 00:07:24,180 Raleigh Vaughn, a rising high school senior, the South Carolina State Gatorade 88 00:07:24,180 --> 00:07:29,740 Female Athletes of the Year. Congratulations to you Raleigh. We are so proud of you. 89 00:07:49,380 --> 00:07:52,420 In the back, Ryan's video and everything, get close to him. 90 00:07:54,300 --> 00:07:57,280 Ruth, get that camera together. I want to make sure you get this. 91 00:08:00,720 --> 00:08:01,240 On 92 00:08:12,860 --> 00:08:17,580 her intern, she's an intern in this year with attorney. 93 00:08:20,020 --> 00:08:22,680 Awesome, awesome, awesome. Very, very good. 94 00:08:26,840 --> 00:08:29,060 Mr. Mayor, I just want to note I'm going home and talking to my 95 00:08:29,060 --> 00:08:34,940 Ryzen 11th grader. He needs to step it up a bit. Congratulations. 96 00:08:37,080 --> 00:08:41,820 Awesome, awesome man. Great news to come back as they are 97 00:08:41,820 --> 00:08:44,680 about to head back to school within a couple of weeks. So 98 00:08:44,680 --> 00:08:48,120 school starts early this year. But great. That was good 99 00:08:48,120 --> 00:08:52,080 news for me. I'm so proud of her. Has an older brother 100 00:08:52,080 --> 00:08:57,840 ahead to LSU this year as well. Yeah, yeah. So great, great family. Thank you guys. 101 00:08:59,800 --> 00:09:07,080 From my player of the year, I mean, she was back in the day, but her resume... 102 00:09:16,720 --> 00:09:19,960 Awesome, awesome, awesome, love it, love it. 103 00:09:20,420 --> 00:09:21,400 Thank you, Robert. 104 00:09:21,720 --> 00:09:22,640 Let's turn my phone off. 105 00:09:24,080 --> 00:09:25,240 I'll say someone else's. 106 00:09:26,080 --> 00:09:26,800 All right. 107 00:09:27,040 --> 00:09:27,320 Good. 108 00:09:27,620 --> 00:09:30,480 Now, item six, public hearing. 109 00:09:31,480 --> 00:09:36,360 We have ordinance to amend the city of Spineburg, South Carolina, zoning ordinance and comprehensive 110 00:09:36,360 --> 00:09:43,240 plan, land use element by amendment section 206, change the district boundaries specifically 111 00:09:43,240 --> 00:09:54,160 to property located at 154 Ridge Street from the current zoning DT-5 urban center zone 112 00:09:54,160 --> 00:09:59,900 to DT-4 general urban zone to accommodate the development for a single family dwelling 113 00:09:59,900 --> 00:10:04,820 and providing the effective date, and okay, all right. 114 00:10:05,240 --> 00:10:07,420 Frelin and Frazier had a bunch of stuff to read there. 115 00:10:07,480 --> 00:10:09,380 Planning director, Ms. Frazier, thank you. 116 00:10:09,780 --> 00:10:11,600 Good evening, mayor and council members. 117 00:10:12,020 --> 00:10:14,980 I don't have anything as exciting as Riley's information, 118 00:10:15,560 --> 00:10:18,080 but we'll try to make this fun for you as well. 119 00:10:19,940 --> 00:10:22,460 The item before you this evening is a rezoning 120 00:10:22,460 --> 00:10:24,120 of 154 Ridge Street. 121 00:10:24,420 --> 00:10:28,680 The owner applicant is Okanab Property Group, 122 00:10:28,680 --> 00:10:32,340 Christopher Jefferson, someone that I know you're familiar with as the developer. 123 00:10:33,200 --> 00:10:38,640 This particular home is part of the city's scattered site affordable housing program. 124 00:10:39,080 --> 00:10:48,000 So this lot was released to Mr. Jefferson early in 2025. So the request is to reclassify this 125 00:10:48,000 --> 00:10:54,220 parcel from a DT-5 to DT-4 in order to accommodate a single family residence, 126 00:10:54,220 --> 00:10:59,200 affordable single-family residence. DT-5 requires two-story homes which then 127 00:10:59,200 --> 00:11:04,660 made it a bit prohibitive in terms of affordability. So where we are in the 128 00:11:04,660 --> 00:11:09,000 rezoning process as we always do we make sure that there is a public 129 00:11:09,000 --> 00:11:13,200 information session so that was conducted on May 14th. We did not 130 00:11:13,200 --> 00:11:19,540 receive any public comments or written or into the office and then 131 00:11:19,540 --> 00:11:25,380 Then following the public information session, we also held the Planning Commission meeting 132 00:11:25,380 --> 00:11:26,460 on May 21st. 133 00:11:26,480 --> 00:11:28,080 This was the formal hearing. 134 00:11:28,620 --> 00:11:31,280 We had two members from the public that did attend. 135 00:11:31,560 --> 00:11:37,560 They were nearby neighbors, I believe, but they were there to speak to a different project. 136 00:11:37,680 --> 00:11:40,420 So we did not receive any comments at that time either. 137 00:11:40,920 --> 00:11:49,160 However, at that point in time, the Commission approved the rezoning as vote to 4-0. 138 00:11:49,160 --> 00:11:54,880 so unanimously they voted to approve the project. So that brings us to where we are today which is 139 00:11:54,880 --> 00:12:00,960 the first of the public hearings in order for this to be reviewed by you and then if it is approved 140 00:12:00,960 --> 00:12:06,880 it would move forward to final approval and adoption at your next council meeting which would be 141 00:12:06,880 --> 00:12:12,800 the 27th of this month. Just a little bit of context and I'll go through this quickly just 142 00:12:12,800 --> 00:12:19,980 to give you an idea of where this location is in the Northside neighborhood, right off 143 00:12:19,980 --> 00:12:27,320 of church, particularly off of Magnolia. Very small lot, .11 acres as I mentioned is currently 144 00:12:27,320 --> 00:12:33,540 vacant and is surrounded by DT5 and DT4. This is an aerial of that. This is an older 145 00:12:33,540 --> 00:12:37,980 image from the tax map. So if you've gone by there recently, you know that the other 146 00:12:37,980 --> 00:12:44,140 townhomes by Mr. Montgomery are up and leasing and that's a good portion of that area that 147 00:12:44,140 --> 00:12:50,920 you see that's currently graded but there's townhome development right there adjacent 148 00:12:51,340 --> 00:12:57,340 and then it also is adjacent to the Ellington. I'll show you that a little bit closer here. 149 00:12:58,060 --> 00:13:04,100 So with the DT for general urban zone this is a zoning classification that is really 150 00:13:04,100 --> 00:13:10,080 geared toward more residential and predominantly residential, but you'll see some mixed use. 151 00:13:10,380 --> 00:13:16,140 So the trendset that you see highlighted there, T4, really shows a general kind of 152 00:13:16,140 --> 00:13:20,440 land use pattern that you would see there. A bit dense, but not as dense as what you see 153 00:13:21,080 --> 00:13:28,220 T5 and T6, which is closer to the urban core. So this is the project right here, 154. 154 00:13:32,540 --> 00:13:32,800 You 155 00:13:32,800 --> 00:13:38,440 DT-5 where you see the Ellington, the senior housing, that entire parcel is the Ellington. 156 00:13:38,660 --> 00:13:41,600 So it's not bifurcated or anything like that. 157 00:13:41,640 --> 00:13:45,100 That's all of the Ellington, and that's actually their drive. 158 00:13:45,780 --> 00:13:48,360 And then you see the fire station there in DT-5. 159 00:13:50,420 --> 00:13:54,940 With all rezonings, we always check with what we consider our blueprint, which is the 160 00:13:54,940 --> 00:13:55,840 comprehensive plan. 161 00:13:56,040 --> 00:13:58,620 So what does that say in terms of this particular project? 162 00:13:58,620 --> 00:14:06,020 In fact, it falls within the center infill growth center, which means we're looking for infill either mixed use or residential. 163 00:14:06,620 --> 00:14:08,080 So it comports with that. 164 00:14:09,960 --> 00:14:18,960 Also, as part of any rezoning analysis, we have by law five criteria that we have to review, not just staff, but also the planning commission. 165 00:14:18,960 --> 00:14:23,260 And so this is what each application is reviewed against. 166 00:14:23,700 --> 00:14:28,520 For consistency with the comprehensive plan, I think I mentioned that it does compatibility 167 00:14:28,520 --> 00:14:29,460 with the zoning. 168 00:14:29,600 --> 00:14:33,240 You see that all the other surrounding zoning is of like zoning. 169 00:14:33,820 --> 00:14:37,620 Suitability of the property, and this is the single family piece. 170 00:14:37,740 --> 00:14:40,580 It's not a departure from anything that would be too intense. 171 00:14:40,920 --> 00:14:47,420 Markability, being affordable, we certainly hope that we'll have someone in there. 172 00:14:48,700 --> 00:14:53,280 And then the availability of sewer and water and storm water, that's a part of it as well. 173 00:14:55,080 --> 00:14:59,260 So here is the site plan and the floor plan. 174 00:14:59,260 --> 00:14:59,880 So it's a proposal. 175 00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:08,080 So three-bedroom, two-bath structure. And once we get past this piece and they move to construction 176 00:15:08,080 --> 00:15:12,020 is when we would start looking at site, you know, the site plan review. So there would be 177 00:15:12,020 --> 00:15:19,520 another layer of review once this goes toward construction. This is an example of what the 178 00:15:19,520 --> 00:15:25,900 typical home would look like on that site in terms of being a one-story home. And this 179 00:15:25,900 --> 00:15:30,720 This is a property also that was delivered by Okanab Property Group. 180 00:15:31,180 --> 00:15:35,800 And here are some other examples of projects that have been delivered as well. 181 00:15:37,750 --> 00:15:43,970 So that is really the overall summary, but I'm here to entertain any questions you may 182 00:15:43,970 --> 00:15:44,190 have. 183 00:15:44,590 --> 00:15:45,750 Sure, Ms. Frazier. 184 00:15:46,310 --> 00:15:52,730 Just, I do have a question with that 154 directly beside it. 185 00:15:52,770 --> 00:15:56,610 Is that, if you go back one more, that's just a little wooded area. 186 00:15:56,610 --> 00:16:03,250 I have not been on that street and I don't know how long is that a shadow? It's green space just green space that 187 00:16:03,250 --> 00:16:08,750 Who is part of the Ellington? It's part of that property. There's no way he could 188 00:16:09,370 --> 00:16:11,390 Talk to get a little bit more on that 189 00:16:11,970 --> 00:16:12,830 parcel there 190 00:16:14,970 --> 00:16:22,290 That's I'm not sure if that was discussed when it was she was young lady here is here representing Hogan how? 191 00:16:24,030 --> 00:16:26,210 Yes, sir. Sorry. What was the question the 192 00:16:26,610 --> 00:16:34,770 A site right there beside 154 that the green space. Yes, sir. So that does belong to the Ellington apartments 193 00:16:36,210 --> 00:16:42,870 We recently had to get them to agree to actually move a power pole from 154 over into that green space 194 00:16:42,870 --> 00:16:47,770 The lot is big enough to develop the as the site plan shows. So 195 00:16:48,850 --> 00:16:55,930 We weren't gonna really fight them on trying to make that part of the development. Good. Thank you 196 00:16:56,610 --> 00:16:57,990 Any questions? I'm sorry. 197 00:16:58,390 --> 00:17:04,530 I have one. So this is a great project and I'm glad we're seeing this property 198 00:17:04,530 --> 00:17:09,170 develop with a single family home. I guess my question is why would we have 199 00:17:09,170 --> 00:17:14,430 released the property to Oak and Ave well before we had it properly zoned for 200 00:17:14,430 --> 00:17:14,850 this use? 201 00:17:18,130 --> 00:17:24,690 I'm not quite sure. So what I what we believe happened is when the 202 00:17:24,690 --> 00:17:28,190 The Ellington development was originally approved. 203 00:17:28,530 --> 00:17:34,370 They, I believe all this entire, the Ellington lot was DT-4 as well. 204 00:17:34,710 --> 00:17:42,310 So they got it rezoned to DT-5 and somehow this just got roped in along with that rezoning. 205 00:17:42,490 --> 00:17:43,290 That's what we believe had. 206 00:17:43,830 --> 00:17:48,570 Councilman, I believe Martin Livingston can probably address that piece because it 207 00:17:48,570 --> 00:17:51,150 has something to do internally in terms of finance, I believe. 208 00:17:51,150 --> 00:17:52,470 The question 209 00:17:56,060 --> 00:18:00,480 was why didn't City Council rezone the property before we transferred it? 210 00:18:00,660 --> 00:18:07,100 Well, I guess the question is why did we deed the property to a developer before we knew 211 00:18:07,100 --> 00:18:08,820 exactly what they were going to do with it. 212 00:18:09,320 --> 00:18:11,680 Oh, so we knew exactly what they were going to do. 213 00:18:11,740 --> 00:18:13,640 They were going to do single-family housing. 214 00:18:14,560 --> 00:18:21,900 The zoning designation does allow for single-family housing to be built, but it would have been 215 00:18:21,900 --> 00:18:23,060 a two-story home. 216 00:18:23,060 --> 00:18:26,000 The rezoning allows them to build a single family home. 217 00:18:26,160 --> 00:18:26,860 That's one story. 218 00:18:27,080 --> 00:18:29,300 So that's part of the reason for the rezoning. 219 00:18:29,640 --> 00:18:34,240 But all of the lots that were provided to Oakland Avenue had to be single family homes, 220 00:18:34,380 --> 00:18:36,480 either two-story or single-story structures. 221 00:18:37,480 --> 00:18:40,400 And so the rezoning was required so that they can meet the requirements. 222 00:18:40,460 --> 00:18:43,120 So the rezoning is just so that they can build a single story? 223 00:18:43,380 --> 00:18:43,960 Single story. 224 00:18:44,160 --> 00:18:44,400 That's correct. 225 00:18:44,800 --> 00:18:45,000 All right. 226 00:18:45,480 --> 00:18:45,880 Thank you. 227 00:18:48,420 --> 00:18:53,180 I drove by I should have noticed that there's not that much of a privacy 228 00:18:53,180 --> 00:19:00,380 you got from the apartments that are there. Are we going to place a fence or 229 00:19:00,380 --> 00:19:07,200 something there for privacy? The people that would be moving into the 230 00:19:07,200 --> 00:19:10,980 property. You can certainly ask them to do that if necessary. You will do that. 231 00:19:14,620 --> 00:19:15,180 We 232 00:19:15,660 --> 00:19:16,120 No. 233 00:19:16,820 --> 00:19:19,300 I mean, the builder guy can do it though. 234 00:19:19,480 --> 00:19:21,300 So you can use that buffer requirement, right? 235 00:19:21,300 --> 00:19:25,440 So that is something we can take to our builder to fit into our budget, yes ma'am. 236 00:19:25,820 --> 00:19:32,260 Okay, because it needs to be some privacy there because the people in the apartments are looking right down in their backyard. 237 00:19:32,760 --> 00:19:33,660 I agree, yes ma'am. 238 00:19:33,720 --> 00:19:33,880 Yeah. 239 00:19:34,620 --> 00:19:35,200 Thank you. 240 00:19:36,080 --> 00:19:37,020 Any other questions? 241 00:19:37,580 --> 00:19:37,940 Thank you. 242 00:19:38,780 --> 00:19:41,160 This is a public hearing. 243 00:19:41,700 --> 00:19:43,400 Make a motion to open a public hearing. 244 00:19:43,800 --> 00:19:44,200 Second. 245 00:19:44,200 --> 00:19:49,920 all in favor. The way the public hearing works we will have anyone from the 246 00:19:49,920 --> 00:19:56,000 audience to come up and speak in favor or against. Each side has 20 minutes to 247 00:19:56,000 --> 00:20:02,340 present their case. No one person can speak any longer than 10 minutes. So if 248 00:20:02,340 --> 00:20:07,000 you would like to come up and speak in favor of this project come up to the 249 00:20:07,000 --> 00:20:12,820 mic introduce yourself and let us know your thoughts. If you would like to 250 00:20:12,820 --> 00:20:23,990 speak in favor of 154 Ridge Street. If you would like to speak against this 251 00:20:23,990 --> 00:20:29,130 project, this development going on Ridge Street, if you would like to speak 252 00:20:29,130 --> 00:20:33,810 against the project going on Ridge Street. 253 00:20:34,110 --> 00:20:37,890 The mayor, I move that we close the public. 254 00:20:38,750 --> 00:20:39,390 Second. 255 00:20:39,990 --> 00:20:40,890 All in favor? 256 00:20:41,270 --> 00:20:41,630 Aye. 257 00:20:41,970 --> 00:20:42,590 Any other opposed? 258 00:20:42,870 --> 00:20:43,510 Ayes have it. 259 00:20:43,950 --> 00:20:44,750 Any other questions? 260 00:20:45,750 --> 00:20:47,010 I recommend a motion. 261 00:20:48,960 --> 00:20:49,840 Mr. Mayor, I make a motion. 262 00:20:49,960 --> 00:20:57,250 We approve the resigning request to DT-4. 263 00:20:57,750 --> 00:20:58,050 Second. 264 00:20:58,550 --> 00:20:59,310 All in favor? 265 00:20:59,630 --> 00:21:00,030 Aye. 266 00:21:00,250 --> 00:21:00,930 Any other opposed? 267 00:21:01,590 --> 00:21:02,450 Ayes have it. 268 00:21:02,690 --> 00:21:03,090 Thank you. 269 00:21:03,830 --> 00:21:05,570 Resolution item seven. 270 00:21:06,690 --> 00:21:11,070 Resolution certifying the building as an abandoned building site. 271 00:21:11,070 --> 00:21:15,690 site pursuant in South Carolina Abandoned Building Revitalization Act, Title XII, Chapter 272 00:21:15,690 --> 00:21:23,510 67, Section XII-67-100, South Carolina Code of Laws in 1976 as amended regarding the building 273 00:21:23,510 --> 00:21:30,030 light at 630 Walford Street, City of Spartanburg. Mr. Chris Story, City Manager, presenting. 274 00:21:31,130 --> 00:21:36,830 Mr. Mayor, members of council, you're familiar with South Carolina Abandoned Building Revitalization 275 00:21:36,830 --> 00:21:46,650 Act. It's a tool to encourage reuse of vacant or underutilized properties in the state, which 276 00:21:46,650 --> 00:21:54,390 has the effect of strengthening neighborhoods and encouraging development within already 277 00:21:54,390 --> 00:22:03,890 developed areas as opposed to additional expansion of the urbanized area. And so we believe it's 278 00:22:03,890 --> 00:22:09,470 important tool for accomplishing some of our redevelopment objectives. 630 279 00:22:09,470 --> 00:22:16,390 Walford Street was vacant for, according to our records, about 15 years. It is 280 00:22:16,390 --> 00:22:24,230 located near where the railroad track goes underneath Walford Street, just 281 00:22:24,540 --> 00:22:31,030 the short-distance west of where Walford Beach Arch Street. It is a 282 00:22:31,030 --> 00:22:37,910 The commercial structure is sort of a smaller light warehouse type of structure that's been 283 00:22:37,910 --> 00:22:42,790 in place for generations but set vacant for about 15 years. 284 00:22:43,130 --> 00:22:46,530 It is now experiencing a $2 million renovation. 285 00:22:47,590 --> 00:22:56,330 It meets the statutory definitions of abandoned building and we have recommended your approval 286 00:22:56,330 --> 00:23:04,450 of the resolution which would allow the developer to apply for credits against some state taxes 287 00:23:04,450 --> 00:23:10,570 and fees that would have no bearing on the city's revenue, what would in fact increase 288 00:23:10,570 --> 00:23:18,070 the revenue for the city, county and school district is the increased property value 289 00:23:18,070 --> 00:23:21,450 from the positive investment there. 290 00:23:21,450 --> 00:23:26,450 And it's, as you can see here, it's a property that was in need of some significant work. 291 00:23:27,250 --> 00:23:35,450 And so it'll diminish the attractive nuisance that comes with vacant commercial structures 292 00:23:35,450 --> 00:23:41,210 and strengthen the community's tax base so we recommend your approval. 293 00:23:41,410 --> 00:23:42,750 Welcome any questions that you have. 294 00:23:43,570 --> 00:23:45,210 Chris, I do have one. 295 00:23:45,430 --> 00:23:47,830 They are doing a great job with that building. 296 00:23:47,830 --> 00:23:48,330 Yeah. 297 00:23:48,650 --> 00:23:53,450 But it's way into being renovated. 298 00:23:53,570 --> 00:23:53,730 Yes. 299 00:23:54,110 --> 00:23:54,390 Okay. 300 00:23:54,730 --> 00:24:01,850 Yeah, they filed their notice of intent to rehabilitate, which, because it's a credit 301 00:24:01,850 --> 00:24:07,590 against state taxes, it is administered by the South Carolina Department of Revenue 302 00:24:07,590 --> 00:24:15,630 and so they filed about 18 months ago with that organization and so this resolution 303 00:24:15,630 --> 00:24:23,590 essentially would affirm for the state that nothing in our records would indicate that 304 00:24:23,590 --> 00:24:28,710 the building is not eligible. You were just confirming its eligibility for the credits 305 00:24:28,710 --> 00:24:35,330 which would become real after the point at which the full renovation is totally complete, 306 00:24:35,570 --> 00:24:37,830 which it is almost, it's close to complete. 307 00:24:37,870 --> 00:24:42,190 What do they intend to use? I mean, I know it's going to be warehouse space of some 308 00:24:42,190 --> 00:24:49,710 sort, but is it specific to a company or is it not? It's not specific to an 309 00:24:49,710 --> 00:24:54,910 individual company that I know of. There's a auto related business nearby and 310 00:24:54,910 --> 00:25:00,650 they may have some interaction with there. I wanted them collision-placed fixed 311 00:25:00,650 --> 00:25:00,990 cars. 312 00:25:03,190 --> 00:25:12,170 The backside of that building, I believe it's 313 00:25:12,170 --> 00:25:17,830 called Greenville Street? Is it? Yes. Okay. Greenville Street that comes off of 314 00:25:17,830 --> 00:25:23,110 Arch runs along the back there. Well, you can't see it off of Greenville much. 315 00:25:25,610 --> 00:25:26,510 So the 316 00:25:26,510 --> 00:25:33,530 the main portion of that, I guess the forward-facing part of that building would 317 00:25:33,530 --> 00:25:35,370 be Wofford Street? That's correct. 318 00:25:40,220 --> 00:25:44,900 It's not accessed off the rear. It is. You 319 00:25:44,900 --> 00:25:45,140 can. 320 00:25:49,840 --> 00:25:50,340 Yeah. 321 00:25:54,210 --> 00:25:56,870 Okay. Yeah. But 322 00:26:04,040 --> 00:26:05,120 any other questions? 323 00:26:08,510 --> 00:26:09,070 Do I hear a motion? 324 00:26:11,500 --> 00:26:11,520 Because 325 00:26:11,520 --> 00:26:18,360 that one the public here. Yeah, do I hear a motion? Make a motion. We approve the 326 00:26:18,360 --> 00:26:24,480 resolution is read. Second. All in favor. Any that oppose? It's habit. Awesome. 327 00:26:24,660 --> 00:26:30,700 Awesome. Item eight staff update. Mr. Story. Mr. Mayor, I've got a real short 328 00:26:30,700 --> 00:26:41,380 I just want to thank the event team, since we were last together, we had what we think 329 00:26:41,380 --> 00:26:50,580 may be a record crowd for Red, White and Boom, about 8,000 folks actually in the ballpark 330 00:26:50,580 --> 00:26:56,600 itself, and others, of course, watching from blocks nearby, and it's a tremendously 331 00:26:56,600 --> 00:27:05,620 successful America 250 sort of special edition of our red, white and blue and 332 00:27:05,620 --> 00:27:09,640 just want to thank the team for all their efforts for that. And certainly welcome 333 00:27:09,640 --> 00:27:14,320 any questions that you all have on any other topics but no other substantive 334 00:27:14,320 --> 00:27:21,040 updates. I tell you Chris with red, white and boom we were out early we 335 00:27:21,040 --> 00:27:28,540 Shea and I did the parade over in Converse Hyde and went downtown for the kickoff with 336 00:27:28,540 --> 00:27:33,600 the Bun Jovi experience and the parade down to the park. 337 00:27:34,280 --> 00:27:39,540 And once you got to the park, and we all know how hot it was, you had a cooling station 338 00:27:39,540 --> 00:27:44,640 which was the city bus running with AC free waters everywhere. 339 00:27:44,640 --> 00:27:48,420 where it was just really special just for the staff 340 00:27:48,420 --> 00:27:52,020 and the team to see that need, just that forward thinking, 341 00:27:52,360 --> 00:27:55,940 to place a bus out there for you to sit on 342 00:27:55,940 --> 00:28:00,720 and cool down and grab a, you know, bottled water, 343 00:28:01,180 --> 00:28:03,420 not anything stronger than water, Jamie. 344 00:28:06,420 --> 00:28:10,660 But it was special and to have those 8,200 inside the park 345 00:28:11,240 --> 00:28:12,740 and the ones all around. 346 00:28:12,880 --> 00:28:14,360 But good stuff, good stuff. 347 00:28:14,360 --> 00:28:16,440 I know you're really looking at Ruth when you said that. 348 00:28:20,000 --> 00:28:21,660 Awesome, awesome. Any other questions? 349 00:28:22,740 --> 00:28:23,500 All right, thank you. 350 00:28:24,360 --> 00:28:25,420 You guys rolling. 351 00:28:26,320 --> 00:28:27,700 City Council update. 352 00:28:28,760 --> 00:28:29,260 Let me start. 353 00:28:31,610 --> 00:28:35,630 I just want to say that I did enjoy the little activity 354 00:28:35,630 --> 00:28:40,530 for my being there for the Tuit 50th birthday celebration 355 00:28:41,090 --> 00:28:42,690 in the park of Arnett Park. 356 00:28:42,690 --> 00:28:48,090 So I think that we did a wonderful job in putting on the events and thank you to the event staff 357 00:28:48,510 --> 00:28:51,910 also, I want to thank each and every one of you who are here with us today and 358 00:28:52,830 --> 00:28:55,190 Hope to see you again in two weeks 359 00:28:55,190 --> 00:29:02,370 All right councilman form. Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor. There's there's a lot to talk about but I think I'll keep my remarks brief and 360 00:29:03,430 --> 00:29:09,090 Focused as you pointed out earlier South Carolina's in mourning at the loss of our senior senator 361 00:29:09,590 --> 00:29:10,390 and I think 362 00:29:10,390 --> 00:29:16,410 I think we can all agree that regardless of politics, Senator Graham led a great American 363 00:29:16,410 --> 00:29:24,110 life. He loved this country, he served his country admirably, and was a consequential 364 00:29:24,110 --> 00:29:32,710 figure in its history. And so I think one of the things that I've been particularly, 365 00:29:33,190 --> 00:29:37,510 this has particularly impressed me over the course of the last 48 hours is the tribute 366 00:29:37,510 --> 00:29:43,190 support in for senator Graham has been the fact that that the tributes are 367 00:29:43,190 --> 00:29:48,630 coming from friend and fellow like fierce advocates that were supporters of 368 00:29:48,630 --> 00:29:54,410 his as well as you know staunch adversaries who who fought with him 369 00:29:54,410 --> 00:29:59,710 tooth and nail on a daily basis have all spoken with great admiration for 370 00:30:07,180 --> 00:30:13,580 I think that's a powerful lesson for all of us as we engage civically, and we do so both 371 00:30:13,580 --> 00:30:20,760 at the state and local level. And so I think irregardless or regardless of the politics of 372 00:30:20,760 --> 00:30:25,420 it, part of his legacy will be that civility and respect, and it's a lesson for all of us. 373 00:30:25,420 --> 00:30:29,780 Thank you for that. He was a great person, just a great overall human being. 374 00:30:30,700 --> 00:30:31,560 Mayor Pro Temp. 375 00:30:31,560 --> 00:30:37,800 Yes, I got up on yesterday morning and I saw that flashing across the television and I thought it was out 376 00:30:39,850 --> 00:30:40,330 of order 377 00:30:40,330 --> 00:30:43,610 and I asked Horace to come in and I said, God, do you see this? 378 00:30:45,570 --> 00:30:55,790 My heart, because my sympathy goes out to Lindsey Graham's family, it also goes out to the family of Nolan Wells. 379 00:30:55,790 --> 00:30:58,290 Because my heart goes out to them as well. 380 00:30:58,810 --> 00:31:05,410 And I just want to really take a moment to explain something. 381 00:31:05,730 --> 00:31:12,930 I've had a lot of phone calls and I've gotten a lot of text messages from friends who were 382 00:31:12,930 --> 00:31:17,230 very upset about something that they have seen on Facebook. 383 00:31:18,210 --> 00:31:23,950 And so they are questioning me about it and I just want to kind of explain something. 384 00:31:23,950 --> 00:31:31,610 I moved back to Spartanburg in February of 2007 after being away for 32 years. 385 00:31:32,350 --> 00:31:41,190 Horace retired, got from the Air Force in 1996 after 21 years of service, and we lived 386 00:31:41,190 --> 00:31:46,350 in Florida up until 2007. 387 00:31:47,490 --> 00:31:53,450 And we moved back to Spartanburg mainly because his mother was ill, and that's why we came 388 00:31:53,450 --> 00:31:59,330 But once I returned to Spartanburg, I got busy cleaning up my neighborhood. 389 00:32:02,180 --> 00:32:07,880 I chose to live in this neighborhood because there were a lot of homes that were really 390 00:32:07,880 --> 00:32:08,560 run down. 391 00:32:09,220 --> 00:32:16,240 And the first thing that I did before I started unpacking, I was cleaning up my neighborhood. 392 00:32:17,020 --> 00:32:23,580 Starting in 2007, I wanted to know more about Spartanburg because I did not know. 393 00:32:23,580 --> 00:32:31,460 so I enrolled in every class session and tours that were offered because I wanted to know much 394 00:32:31,460 --> 00:32:39,920 more about the city and the county of Spartanburg as possible. The BMW plant was built during my 395 00:32:39,920 --> 00:32:50,560 absence in 1994 and for a couple of years after returning I just assumed the plant was in Greenville 396 00:32:50,560 --> 00:33:01,660 County because of its location. I spoke this assumption in a class in a session that I 397 00:33:01,660 --> 00:33:10,440 was taking during the early years of my return. Because of this era, an elected official has 398 00:33:10,440 --> 00:33:18,520 posted on his Facebook page that I am not fit for public office because I did not 399 00:33:18,520 --> 00:33:28,200 know that BMW was in Spartanburg County, rather than Greenville County. I ask for the sake of our 400 00:33:28,200 --> 00:33:38,820 community, especially the young people who look up to our elected officials, please try and set 401 00:33:38,820 --> 00:33:47,600 a more positive image for our city. And that's it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for clearing 402 00:33:47,600 --> 00:33:54,800 Mayor. Councilwoman Rogers. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Good evening, everyone. Thank you for being here. 403 00:33:55,480 --> 00:34:03,460 I am coming off vacation time myself with family. I was able to spend some time on the 404 00:34:03,460 --> 00:34:13,000 north tip, northwestern tip of Washington on an island with about the size city of Spartanburg. 405 00:34:15,340 --> 00:34:21,620 It was just an amazing experience to literally be on an island that was very connected by 406 00:34:21,620 --> 00:34:27,700 ferry to all these surrounding islands, but to see so many similarities to the place that 407 00:34:27,700 --> 00:34:32,580 we love and call home and that my uncle and my aunt have really loved where they've been 408 00:34:32,580 --> 00:34:33,500 for the last 30 years. 409 00:34:35,000 --> 00:34:42,100 I look forward to comparing and contrasting and bringing some thoughts, but it is definitely 410 00:34:42,100 --> 00:34:46,360 a sustainable community that really interacts with nature, respects the fact that they're 411 00:34:46,360 --> 00:34:56,440 on the coast, and leans into surrounding islands. There's transit, there's multiple farmers markets, 412 00:34:56,660 --> 00:35:03,060 there's events, there was a sailboating competition this weekend, which was beautiful to see. 413 00:35:03,400 --> 00:35:10,760 So just to share with you, it's a pleasure to not only serve and witness this community 414 00:35:10,760 --> 00:35:13,740 and hear about all the events, all the time. 415 00:35:14,000 --> 00:35:15,680 The event staff is doing so much. 416 00:35:15,980 --> 00:35:17,580 Communications, thank you. 417 00:35:18,380 --> 00:35:21,160 But also to just pick up and go to a place 418 00:35:21,160 --> 00:35:24,420 that reminded me so much of the home that I appreciate. 419 00:35:25,460 --> 00:35:27,940 I hope everyone had a lovely holiday. 420 00:35:30,000 --> 00:35:32,500 And one last thing. 421 00:35:36,390 --> 00:35:38,650 I think we've all said it. 422 00:35:38,810 --> 00:35:39,730 I will finish. 423 00:35:39,950 --> 00:35:40,410 Thank you. 424 00:35:40,410 --> 00:35:42,950 Thank you, Councilwoman Brown. 425 00:35:43,910 --> 00:35:48,590 Mr. Mayor, things are pretty quiet, so thank you all for being here. Appreciate it. 426 00:35:49,050 --> 00:35:49,810 Awesome, awesome. 427 00:35:51,110 --> 00:36:00,950 Councilman Farmer and I had the opportunity to be at Duncan Park this past Saturday for the 100th year of Duncan Park Stadium. 428 00:36:03,050 --> 00:36:09,350 outstanding event. That morning, we had little ones out there participating, practicing, playing 429 00:36:09,350 --> 00:36:17,210 a little baseball. They had a program around 11. A college game, one, two o'clock, went 430 00:36:17,210 --> 00:36:22,930 on that afternoon. And as was spoken during the program, you had the privilege, if you 431 00:36:22,930 --> 00:36:29,090 wanted to go downtown, to watch a Spartanburg game. So Spartanburg was full of baseball 432 00:36:29,090 --> 00:36:36,510 on this past Saturday, but to recognize the 100 anniversary of Duncan Park was 433 00:36:36,510 --> 00:36:43,950 special as well. You know, we had some great attendance. Again, thanks staff for 434 00:36:43,950 --> 00:36:49,390 being a part of it and thank all the partners from friends of Duncan Park, 435 00:36:49,790 --> 00:36:53,110 Piles, I'm not going to start naming because I'm going to leave someone off, but 436 00:36:53,110 --> 00:36:57,430 it's plenty of partners and they know who they are and we do truly appreciate 437 00:36:57,430 --> 00:37:04,250 them. As I continue to look at Ms. Riley, one very important thing I forgot to mention, 438 00:37:04,470 --> 00:37:09,870 Riley is a 5.0 student as well. So, you know, just add that to the checklist. 439 00:37:13,030 --> 00:37:14,270 Just add that 440 00:37:14,270 --> 00:37:24,410 one on. So, that one knew quite there. So, again, and the sentiments were made about 441 00:37:24,410 --> 00:37:30,050 Lindsey Graham again regardless of which side of the table you said Lindsey was a 442 00:37:30,050 --> 00:37:36,790 good person he was a good person he did a lot for all country no matter which way 443 00:37:36,790 --> 00:37:41,830 you look at it BMW is one of them you know he's very instrumental in helping 444 00:37:41,830 --> 00:37:47,170 BMW come this way so again thank you all for being here we do have an executive 445 00:37:47,170 --> 00:37:52,770 session, so do I? I'll make a motion to move into the executive session. Second. All in favor? 446 00:37:53,050 --> 00:37:57,130 Aye. Aye. Let's go, let's go. Thank you guys for being here in the audience.