City Council - Regular Meeting

You hold your down till I forget to turn it off.

All right. Let us bring the city council city of Spartanberg's uh city council meeting to order. We're going to stand for a pledge of allegiance. But before our pledge, we're going to have a moment of silence as we just reflect on civility in our country. Amen.

Mayor Pro Tim, you mind leading us in the pledge? I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you for that. We have item three, approve of the minutes of the April 13th, 2026 city council meeting. So moved. Second. All in favor? Any that opposed? Eyes have it. Item four, approve of the agenda for the April 27th, 2026 city council meeting.

Mr. Mr. Mayor, I'd like to make an amendment to the agenda um by turning uh number nine, item nine. Item nine, which is uh listed as an ordinance into a staff presentation rather than an ordinance. A staff presentation on establishing the participation of the city of Spartanber in the Spartanber children's cabinet. Do I hear a second? Second. All in favor? Any that opposed? Eyes have it. That would be for information only. Got it. Public comment. We have a few public comments today. Item five.

Mr. Mayor, we now need to make a motion on the uh the amended. Do I hear a motion to approve the amended agenda for April 27, 2026 city council meeting? I move to approve. Second. All in favor? I.

Any that opposed? Thank you. Thank you for that, keeping me straight. Now, we move into public comments. Uh the way public comment works, guys, you have two minutes. After you come up, just restate your name. Uh don't have to give your address. We have that on file uh now. And you will have two minutes. You'll hear the clock goes off and we're pretty uh strict with our two minutes. So, let's start off with Marie Griffin. Come on up. She turned in a Okay, thank you. Thank you. We have Stanley Case.

Thank you, sir. Thank you. Introduce myself. I'm Stanley Turner Casease. I'm a lawyer here in Spartanberg and I'm here to to speak with reference to the uh the tile. And uh just to introduce myself, I uh Oh, one second, Mr. Casease, if you don't mind uh turning the mic up a little bit, see if we can get a better view. Can you hear me a little better now? Better, sir. Yes, sir. I'm sorry. Thank you. Now, your two minutes start.

Well, I'm Stanley Turner Case. I'm a lawyer. I've uh practiced here in town for quite a while. Born in 1951. I'm here to to speak uh with regard to the clock tower. And uh the the purpose of my statement is to say that I believe that having the clock tower put on the county courthouse property would be appropriate, especially in in view of the fact that we're now getting ready to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation. And by virtue of the fact that uh uh the reason we are celebrating the 250th anniversary of our nation is that uh the the revolutionary war was essentially won at the battle of Cowpens. And there are many many people in Spartanberg County who are in the outlying areas of the county and who live in the city who uh in some fashion had ancestors or in some fashion were benefited by the fact that the uh at the battle of Cowpens we essentially won the independence of the nation because at that time there was a motion pending in the US Congress to uh give uh the states of South Carolina and North Carolina back to the king of England. A motion was pending after the battle of Cowpens was won. That motion was withdrawn. And so it is a matter of history and the corner of Library Street and Magnolia Street is a place where the new county courthouse is. It's a place that was very close to where the clock

tower was. And the the place where it is proposed to be is the old Trailways bus system. The old Trailways bus system. Mr. Case, I'm going to have to cut you off there, sir. It was owned by my family, McDuff Turner. And basically, it's much more logical to put it near the courthouse. All right. Thank you, sir. Robert Stardock Jr.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. U I'm here to advocate for putting the clock tower on the courthouse grounds also, but two reasons. One, because every day so many people go to the courthouse and people from all over the county go and so it's right there where they can see it. And two, The courthouse grounds have have become lately the big center of activity after hours and on weekends. Uh Saturday afternoon at 5:00 5 minutes to 5 exactly. There were 41 people I counted on the courthouse grounds taking prom pictures. I frequently see brides having their pictures taken because of the columns a great background. So I advocated for the courthouse despite our wonderful meeting. Mr. former Mr. Mayor. Thank you very much. Thank you, sir. Miss Kimberly Branch.

Good evening. I'm Kimberly Branch and I just wanted to um go on record and wanted to reiterate points that I sent in the email to um all of you last evening and to publicly disclose to council that our group addressed um county council last Monday requesting that they um pass a resolution approving reconstruction of the bicesentennial clock tower on the courthouse lawn um specifically located on the corner of the library street if not another suitable site on the premises. I understand that discussions between both parties may have already been taking place. Now, uh following Mr. Sto's comment um at the last city council meeting regarding a lack of outreach from the county as the courthouse being an option um to be proposed. uh uh we took it um took the initiative to connect county with county members and the administrator uh with the proposal. Furthermore, I would like to clarify for the record that the settlement agreement reach with the city on the October on October 8 does not stipulate that the clock tower has to be built on city- owned property. um to not rebuild the clock tower in its original design as indicated in the proposal at Barnett Park. It would take away every bit of the clock towers history. Um that's what we fought for was to keep its history and the design, the historical design. um to keep the clock tower in line with our

history. Um here making the courthouse along the clock tower's new location site is a much better choice than being a double width in size gateway entrance to an amphitheater park with no parking, no high foot traffic, and absolutely no guarantee that it would ever be torn down again. Okay.

Thank you, Miss Branch. Wesley Stark. Mr. Mayor, Mr. Members of Council, it's good to see you again on my eighth visit. Um, twofold. When Bob Stoddard, my dad, approached the city to get the clock and bail out of storage after 15 years sitting in dust. And if he had not taken those steps, we wouldn't even be here today. There never been a clock tower built. Um I was formerly I was the assistant city attorney as the city prosecutor for Spartanberg for 11 years and uh my dad loves Spartanber. My family loves Spartanberg and the whole purpose of originally was to teach the children of Spartanberg County the history of Spartanberg and the Spartan regiment and how important they were at the battle of Cowpens. You know uh my dad went to schools all over the county because he was county chairman and 20,000 school children donated money. Now, the seven of you have a big decision to make. But to go against 20,000 school kids and raising $10,000 back in 1976, my dad went to all these schools wearing a Revolutionary War uniform is very important to Spartanberg. It was so important to the nation that they coined the coin in honor of Daniel Walking. He was a national hero for those of you that didn't grow up in Spartanber. And that's why we have in 1881 that statue put downtown. That was the first time after the Civil War that representative of all original 13 colonies came to something together, the northern states and the southern states. There were 30,000 people downtown to dedicate that statue. Y'all have a big responsibility tonight if y'all decide to vote. And I'm asking you please put this in front of the courthouse. Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Andy draw. I think I'm getting better. Hello, my name is Andy Drot and uh my wife and I joined the mayor uh for miles with the mayor this Saturday and part of the route walk through Barnett Park and I was just really reminded of what sort of an unpolished gem that park is. But so how how lucky we are to have it part of our urban fabric, how much it could be more utilized if you know uh redeveloped and reprogrammed and just activated in that way. And I'm just really grateful and appreciate the plan to uh move that park forward uh to honor it as a place of uh a compromise for the clock tower. And you know, I just um also in kind of light of that, I just wanted to like look every one of you in the eye and say thank you. Uh there's never a perfect choice. Every choice comes with compromise and uh you are tasked to bear the responsibility of making those choices and from my you know time here living in Spartinberg, it seems like this city council has really thoughtfully uh addressed the hard choices that come before you. And on behalf of my family, my daughters, thank you for bearing that responsibility. It can't be easy.

Thank you, sir. Robert started. I know Junior was up. Was it? He already spoke. So I thought that was He said he spoke. So he just did. No. We got you. Thank you, sir.

I didn't know. Good. All right. That ends all public comments. Now item six, we have a proclamation declaring the month of April as sexual assault awareness month in the city of Spartanberg. So I will ask some of our members from project rest to come on down. Just go the other way. I can put on my outside.

Thank you all for being here. Whereas Project REST is committed to addressing the impact of sexual violence by providing compassion, high quality service to survivors and fostering social change through education, training, and advocacy. Whereas in 2026, Project Rest proudly celebrates 30 years of service to the Spart community as its rape crisis center, standing as a pillar of support, help, and healing for countless individuals and family. Whereas sexual assault awareness month calls attention to the reality that one in five women and one in 33 men in the United States will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. Whereas this observance provide an opportunity for our community to recognize the strength and resilience of survivors to honor their experiences and to reaffirm that no one has to walk the path towards healing alone. Whereas sexual assault awareness month also serves to educate our community on prevention and to inspire collective actions to end sexual sexual violence. And whereas Project Rest continues to serve individual of all ages, backgrounds, circumstances throughout Spyber County and beyond with dignity, respect, and care. Whereas the Spartanberg City Council commends Project Rest for empowering and supporting sexual assault survivors and working to prevent sexual violence in Spartanber. Now therefore, I, Jerome Rice, by the virtue and authority vested in me, as the mayor of the city of Spyberg, and on behalf of my fellow city council members, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2026 as sexual assault

awareness month in the city of Spartberg and encourage all citizens to join in supporting survivors, raising awareness, and working together to end sexual violence. So with that, thank you. We got our pictures.

We've been down here before. Item seven, consent agenda. Mr. Mayor, I'll make a motion we approve the consent agenda. Second. Second.

All in favor? Any that opposed? Eyes have it. Item eight, hospitality tax committee board appointment. Miss Christy Lindsay, city council, city clerk, not just city council clerk. Um, good evening, Mr. Mayor, um, and council. I'm before you this evening for the recommendation of the interview committee for the hospitality tax committee and they are recommending that we appoint Janine Scott to this board. So I look to you all for um direction. Yes. Yes. I make a motion that we accept Janine Scott as a representative today.

Okay. All in favor? Any that opposed? Eyes have it. Great job. Thank you. Thank you and welcome Janine on to the uh team. Item nine, ordinance. This will be information only. As we stated earlier, an ordinance establishing the participation of the city of Spartanberg in the Spartanberg's children's cabinet. Presenter will be Miss Marilyn as well as uh Jontavia Pageant. Amen.

Thank you, mayor, members of council. I am excited to be in front of you all today to share some information about an initiative that Spartanberg Academic Movement as our strong partner has led us through in partnership with city staff. So um I'll go ahead and give a little bit of background and then I'll pass it to Jontavia to share a little bit more context from the work that they've been doing um as you all have been aware. So, um, as you all know, and you all have been a part of our constant investment in youth development and economic mobility in our community, and it continues to be a priority that we uplift in the work that we do day-to-day. Um, and as advocates of this work, um, this is truly an opportunity for us to build some sustainability and long-term impact and alignment with other partners and not just the two that you see standing here today. Um so within the past year, Sparber Academic Movement has worked with a technical assistance provider that is nationally um recognized and they've conducted research both nationally and locally with community partners to look at what forming a children's cabinet could look like and what needs to be done to cater to the needs of our local community. Um so as we share with you all today um the priorities of the cabinet as designed so far and it is flexible um is going to focus on two priority areas. Youth engagement and workforce pathways for youth and young adults and strengthening early childhood education workforce within a um the drafted ordinance that you all can see in your packets today. There are some um amendments that will be made with some conversation with staff and Spartanberg academic movement um before the final form is presented to you all for approval. Um but within that there also establishes a mayor's youth council which is something I know that has been really important to this council to find a way to elevate youth voice in the decisions we make dayto-day. Um so we're excited to present this to you all and I'll go ahead and pass it on to John Tav to

speak more about the specifics of what a group like this can do. Awesome. Uh thank you Marilyn and uh Mayor Rice and council. So great to be uh here today and just getting to speak a little bit about the work of uh the Spartanberg Children's Cabinet. Um we've been I've been at uh SAM since May of last year, but this project has actually been going on or or thought of in in motion uh well before I came. So for about a year and a half, we've convened a work group of about nine community members. Uh Molly Talbet Mets is here. Molly, there you go. Um from Mary Black Foundation, uh some other community partners that have really just been champions for serving children and families in Spartanberg. Um there's a lot of momentum to start this project here in uh within the city because the city has really coalesed around this idea of um improving systems and services that really elevate um how we meet the need for children and families. So once again, we just really want to say thank you for that. Um to give a little bit more context on the design and the makeup of the cabinet, the cabinet is at max max capacity, excuse me, uh set to be a 24 member body across um the county of Spartanber. And we'll phase that in in two approaches. So the first uh phase of that work will look like a 12 member sort of footprint here within the city. Um and we'll be able to kind of convene around those two objectives that Maryland has already outlined. So, that youth engagement piece, workforce pathways, and the early education um pathways through the workforce. So, we're really excited about that and I'm happy to answer any questions that you may have, but thank you for um just the support and the cooperation thus far.

Good. Yes. Go ahead,

Mr. Mayor. Um thank you and thank y'all for for that presentation and and Mr. Mayor, thank you for allowing me to participate in the working group with you uh representing uh our colleagues on council. Um, it's been a a very rewarding experience, uh, working toward the creation of the children's cabinet, which is, as Marilyn said, something that we all uh have been very keenly interested in as we try to kind of bring together all the various pieces as we as we try to help the youth in our community and give them amplified voices uh, as it relates to to to really coming up with initiatives that will that will move the needle. So, I I applaud Sam and and their partners and and all of our community partners that engage in this work, uh have engaged in this work and will continue to engage in this work through this new children's cabinet. I think it's extremely exciting. Um I did have a question, Marilyn, I know um you know and and maybe for the public's benefit uh obviously initially you Kim Brown I mean very active from the city staff perspective. Obviously there'll be others at the staff level that will be engaged. Um but initially and I and I would un you know think that over time there may be you know initiatives uh that will come to us that will have a financial cost to them. But but initially uh once we get to this ordinance, we will just u establish the cabinet and then uh all of any additional activities as it relates to financial commitments or anything like that will be driven by the work of the cabinet and the recommendations that they're making to council or any of the other partners who may have funding resources. Is that correct?

Yeah, and and that's a great question. And I'll let John TV speak to this as well, but any recommendations that comes from this group, as you've heard, right, some of this work will take place countywide as well, and there's things that we don't have jurisdiction over, but anything that's related to city activities would come to staff first and then go to council as a recommendation. Um, if staff believes it doesn't align with our priorities at council, then we wouldn't even bring it in front and we would have that conversation on the cabinet. Um, and I believe the cabinet also outlines that there would be um a an executive uh member of our city team that's a part of it as well as a member of um city council. I believe the mayor is listed as a member um to help influence what the strategic priorities look like.

Yeah. And I I can speak to the financial um investment piece of that. So, the benefit of having Sam involved in this work as well as that convenor in the backbone organization um is really that we're able to kind of connect the dots where some organizations may not naturally engage. Um and with that has come some resources where we're able to bring people to the table um and and provide that facilitation and administrative support. So, our time is also being put into that project as well um even if we don't sit on a formal seat. Um, but from Sam, I'll serve in that role as the facilitator and administrator for the cabinet.

And John Davyy, you hit on the next and final point I was going to make as it relates to something that's always keenly in interesting to me is uh making sure that we're doing everything we can to leverage dollars, pull resources and leverage dollars and see those dollars travel uh, you know, a longer way in in making an impact collectively uh, for our community. So that's that's good to hear. Thank you, Councilwoman Smith.

Mr. Um, thank you ladies for coming tonight and presenting. And just for a little clarity, we're talking about forming two separate entities. One is the cabinet that you described that will be phased. First starting with 12 members that will focus at the city to then be scaled to 24 at the county level. But then the youth council will be made up of youth and that will just be youth from the city or is that going to be then scaled to youth from the county as well?

So based on what's outlined so far in the um ordinance, the youth council would actually be the mayor's youth council. Um, so it would be something that the city team would fully be able to define as it relates to the interests of um our our city staff and council, but also we would be able to find a way, right, to define um where the connection is and how this group helps influence the youth u the children's cabinet more broadly. So you're you're right, those are two separate bodies. um one has more structure around it with the leadership of Sam the past year working with this workg group and the other one will be further defined based on conversation with staff and and the mayor

and I can also add just a little bit to that um thank you Maryland sorry um that was one of the joys that we've had working with our our national partner to really develop a Spartanberg children's cabinet truly for Spartanber and not to Spartanberg. So, um, when we looked at some other models across the country, we kind of saw, you know, similarities that we like to pull from, but when we really got in the weeds of this work here in Spartanberg, we heard that the youth engagement piece was a core piece that we really needed to elevate. So, we went back to the drawing board and said, um, it would be great for the mayor's youth council to really, uh, sit within, you know, a connective tissue capacity, um, for this for this project. So that was one of the very intentional pieces um that is very true to Spartanberg and wasn't necessarily a model that was a cookie cutter fit from anything else but truly the need of Spartanberg.

Well, and one one other thing Jamie mentioned initiatives, but I think another powerful thing that can come out of this is not just new initiatives that can serve youth and families, but a way to highlight policy changes that might need to occur. When we look at one of the largest levers that we can pull to change systems, oftentimes it's bad policy or a lack of policy that gets in the way for serving our families. And we've been talking more lately about how do we engage with both our county counterparts and our state counterparts. And I think this would serve as a mechanism to um speak with one voice as Spartanberg with some of those state partners and either recommend policy or get behind um you know and advocate for some things that we know that we need here um as well.

Yeah. And and I think one uh key point is that um truly in its in its fullest capacity, the children's cabinet is less of a forum to come together and ideulate over the issues that we have already recognized and a lot of other programs around the city and the county, but really to take some of those proven solutions and those um already established program programmatic pieces to really move that forward and do exactly that is just to connect the policy pieces. So if it's coordinating funding streams across agencies or really driving some more of that really um impactful collective impact here in Spartanberg, then that's that's how that cabinet is supposed to function.

Good. Good. Um John Tav Marilyn, thank you guys. We have as John Tavia mentioned early in her um introduction that that we've been well over a year or so working on this children and families c cabinet and you know really just making sure everything we do here as a council. We do have eyes on it and how it affects all of our children and all of our families here in the city of Spartanberg. And something that's near and dear to me is the youth cabinet piece uh as well where we want to have all youth to have that voice. They that they will have direct contact and interaction with the mayor on a on a daily or or monthly however we uh eventually end up establishing that. And I want to thank all of the partners. I see Dr. Booker's here uh as well. Thank you for your leadership in this. And again, you have you did mention um um

Molly Tabbert Mets u in the uh audience as well and thanks to all the other team members uh as we move this forward. So, thank you for that information. We look look forward for you guys coming back soon. Thank you.

Awesome. Awesome. Resolution item um 10. resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a development agreement uh for the aviation headquarters facility and other matters related there unto uh Mr. Kelvin Limehouse, assistant city manager presented this evening. Mr. Limehouse, you have the floor. Yes, sir. Mr. Mayor, members of council, thank you. As you all have heard tonight, uh we have a number of wonderful partners. Before I start this evening tell you about this project that we're very excited about, I just want to take the time to recognize the number of people that have worked with us to make this happen. First and foremost, uh Terry Connor is here with us. He's our airport director. Without his vision and guidance, we would not have the facilities and capabilities to put into play a number of our economic development projects that we're doing out at the airport. Terry tongue and cheek says it's his accent that makes these things happen, but we know it is actually his vision and care for one of the best assets we have in the city and we're thankful for him. We also had the great privilege to work with Katherine O'Neal and Nancy Witworth once Spartanberg who gave kind guidance throughout the process and then Joseph McMillan and his team at Axos to include Steve Quir and Trey Odum and the rest were amazing amazing partners and about the community and being here in Spartanber. Um and mayor, as you said, you know, we're asking for approval this evening to enter into a development agreement with Axos LLC to create their corporate aviation headquarters. Uh we're going to develop this on 5 acres of city-owned property uh where Axos will develop 20,000 square ft of hanger space, 1,000 square ft of office space, and supported aviation infrastructure. This is a minimum investment of $4 million uh into the city and AXOS is already out there. They're wanting to

build into this space and just with the limited capacity they have so far, they've already built 37 local jobs with an average salary of $71,000. That will only increase and we're really excited to partner with them on that. Um, this project aligns directly with the goals of the airport, increasing activity out there, supporting economic development for the region, and strengthening Spartanberg's position as a hub for business, especially related to aviation services. Uh, we recommend uh the approval of this resolution uh to allow uh for minor modifications as needed for finalization. Certainly happy to answer any questions you all have.

Any questions? Councilwoman Rogers. Canon, I just wanted to acknowledge um from our conversation earlier just the the thoroughess of this agreement. Um everyone that was at the table, how hard it was it was prepared and worked. Um also thinking of of the aviation industry and innovation, what what is it going to look like um in a number of years and and thinking through how technology could change and how it could impact the city and Axio's team. So yes ma'am

um I just wanted to acknowledge the thoroughess and and and thank you for that and also um you know transportation is really key to business growth. It's key to opportunity and it's attractive to to people that are looking organizations businesses that are looking at Spartanberg. So um I really appreciate the the focus on growing this m this capability. Thank you so much. Yes sir. Miss former um Kevin echo Leslie's comments. I mean, I know this has been a a long time in the works uh as as all the relevant parties have come to the table to to to um to bring this to fruition. Um

it might be helpful to explain exactly what Axio does. Um you know, I know they're going to be using the 25 I mean the 20,000 square foot uh hanger space. They're bringing 30 jobs, $4 million investment. But but what what is the business they bring to our downtown airport?

Yes. Yes, sir. Without and y'all know I'll go into the nerdy details, so I'll try and keep it high level. The the the quick overview is uh they do a variety of things with cargo, some things with executive transport and and chartering services. But uh to Miss Rogers point, one of the exciting things about this venture is the opportunity for future engagement. So to include things with drones to include things uh which are called EV tolls which are electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles. Um so we Terry does an amazing job of being one of the uh four front airports in the state and being an example for other people to follow and putting in these this infrastructure to allow for the future of transportation. And to be able to do that with an industry partner is a benefit that most people do not have. So apart from their already existing services which have expanded greatly just with the facilities they have now when we add on what they're trying to do with us now those those baselines expand but then we have the opportunity for so much more and we're excited to partner with them on

and I know from conversations with you and others that that this was a competitive process in the sense that that they didn't necessarily have to locate in Spartanber. were already housed in Spartanberg. Their preference was to be in Spartanberg, but but there were other places that were competitively trying to attract them. And so, the ability for us to to work through this deal and arrive at at a resolution uh is is beneficial to us all here in the city of Spartanberg.

Yes, sir. Very much so. And I I again, I want to give credit where credit's due. The one Spartanberg team was critical for making that happen. And I also think that speaks to the character of the people at AXOS that we want to partner with because they have chosen Spartanber. They want to be here. Um their their other company by the way, Extriia, I think I'm pronouncing it right, which is uh in um in downtown currently now has seven employees and about to hire eight more with the Power Up program, which is in conjunction with one Spartanberg. and those have an average salary of $62,000. So, they're bringing quality people. They believe in Spartanberg and and we've been working to have them here. So, yes, sir. It's been a it's been a pleasure.

Council Rogers. Yes, ma'am. I was just going to say um having done my research, Axio also has medical uh transportation, which I think is a a key service for for our local growth as well. Correct. And there's some wonderful things that Terry has done out at the airport that enhance that even more. Um, but it it it benefits our citizens not only from the economic development growth but from a public safety growth as well so that we are now a able to provide first responder services with the hospital with potentially drones in the future and you know getting things as they're profiles to people much faster. It's lifesaving. Yes ma'am. Thank you. Yes.

Awesome. And what is the potential of uh the growth with jobs? You you explaining how many that are already there, but we also talk about the potential. Yes, sir. Well, they they've been doing it with the limited space they have now, right? And when they can increase that, I have faith in them to continue going and, you know, without you know, being too much about their business. I think there it's their intent to to continue to grow to their their best capacity and they're certainly planning these buildings for growth. Yeah. Yes sir. So we anticipate more coming which will you know benefit the airport just by continuing people come more and more people coming in.

Awesome. Do I hear recommendation? Mr. Mayor, I make a recommendation that we approve the resolution. Second as read. I hear a second. Councilwoman Brown. All in favor? I. Any that oppose? Eyes have it. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Limehouse. Mr. Story. Item 11, Clock Tower.

Good evening, Mayor, members of council. I've got um several uh slides and and uh uh updates to share about the clock here. I'll start clock tower. I will start with one that I think uh should be in a in a issue with a variety of opinions and a lot of of interest. Um uh I wanted to start with one thing I think is a really nice thing from all all perspectives and that is um that uh the bell uh which as you can see when when we've last when we brought it down was not in that great of shape is now uh refurbished and on public display in the atrium of the headquarters library. Uh we think it's uh we encourage folks to to to visit that uh that display. We're grateful for our partners at the library for making it possible for folks to get up close to the to it. And we're really pleased with the the beauty of the restored bell. To the right there, uh you see the the plaque uh that was um authored in 1979. it too has has been restored. That has always been very significant to me because a lot of different attachments come to it and we've heard even tonight the expressions of what the intent was and what were the what were the motivations of of of folks in the 1970s. Well, we have firsthand what their words are. Um and so we encourage uh folks to go by the library and um and take a look and and uh because it's clear uh

statement of their purpose um in the in that endeavor at the time and it is I think a wonderful uh piece of our history. I'm glad it's been uh published and and I'm glad it's publicly accessible. uh as I know it's been I guess we're approaching threequarters of a year or more uh as we've been moving through this clock tower process and u I wanted to remind folks because I think the context does matter uh you know one of the tough parts or I I say tough parts one of the basic requirements of being a city manager is to make recommendations um and then of course the the council is acts on those recommendations or doesn't. Um, but the I wanted to refresh the the the council on what our original staff recommendation was and why because we have heard in recent uh uh weeks about the desire for the clock tower to be connected to a governmental building and property. Um and of course that was our original intent. Um the in our original recommendation on the left hand side you see the original clock tower in which that bell when it was initially u acquired um in 1881. It was installed in the clock tower that was part of the city government building which was known as the opera house. It then moved to the to the county uh courthouse and was in the second clock tower you see there. The third clock tower is actively or the third in this image is actively under construction today

uh just steps from Morgan Square u on Church Street which is one of the center corridors of of our downtown. And our original um recommendation was to have a display like this in the lobby of underneath the the taller uh more modern uh approach to the clock tower in the similar arrangement um as its original two homes. Um, as we all know, uh, that recommendation, while approved by city council, was the subject of a lawsuit which resulted in this settlement. And what we are debating now and have been considering this spring, some six months after the lawsuit settlement, is how to fulfill that settlement. And I just I just want to clarify a couple of points. uh about that that have that have arisen uh recently. One is of of course the settlement does not say uh that it must be located on city property. Um, however, that's just a practical impediment that the city must a practical reality that the city in order to fulfill that must either own the land or have a permanent legal right to access and maintain that. So, it's just a practical impediment. uh yes, it's not specified in in the settlement, but we can't literally uh uh issue a building permit for something to be constructed on property without the property owner's permission. Um uh and so that's one of the constraints that

we're working within uh on this process that is that is um and there have been other uh comments made about uh what the settlement says or doesn't say about the the clock tower that to be erected. And u I just want to be clear, you know, we've we've we've provided this this a public document. Um and u it doesn't prescribe uh exact dimensions or that it not be connected to other facilities or or things of that nature. I just want to be transparent about that. uh because in light of that settlement, we developed the the criteria that that would influence or guide our recommendation to you about how to best fulfill that settlement there. So this the core points of the the settlement and these are the criterion that we thought best fulfilled what we understood to be the expectations um of the community and how we could be sure we've fulfilled in good faith that settlement. So uh we we wanted a site that could work in perpetuity work for generations there. We wanted high visibility. Uh there was lots of discourse uh last fall and last summer about the desire for it to be a visually prominent landmark. So uh yes, we uh just as the new clock tower of the city uh county joint facility on Church Street is going to be passed by 20,000 cars and visited by everyone who who uh who goes to do business in that building that's under construction there on the right. Uh uh we wanted this additional this clock tower that was subject of the

settlement to be um also in a high visibility corridor um uh so that uh it could be a landmark that folks u could visually identify with. Uh we wanted to be downtown of course we thought that was uh consistent with the history and the purpose. Uh there was discussions about uh one of the arguments against the original staff recommendation is that the joint city county facility won't be open uh uh on the weekends um and things of that nature. So we wanted to make sure we had un unrestricted public access in the in the site. And of course I've already discussed the the bullet point here about city-owned. again just a just a practical reality that in order to build it and maintain it, we have to have a legal right to do that. Um uh and we also wanted it to be in a different part of our downtown uh you know with the new clock tower already under construction on the front facade of the joint city county building. We thought it made sense for this one to be yes part of our downtown but not in a direct sight line of it. Uh acquiring uh you know adding some uh visibility and prominence and renewed energy to another portion of our of our downtown. So those were the criterion that that drove our recommendation which we provided a month ago to u uh incorporate the clock tower as part of a multi-element refurbishment and um and u effort to to enliven um and take greater utilization of Barnett Park. Um, so we presented that about a month ago.

As you can see here, it would it would uh not dis displace any of the elements of Barnett Park, but add an additional uh element to to it and serve as an an entry gateway feature. Um, so those are uh uh parts of it there. We we had proposed in this design concept larger openings so that the um that the the bell and with modern lighting could be more visually prominent than it was in the um in its last home uh and uh things of that nature. I won't go through all of the details of what was presented um last month. Um but I'll tell you what we've done since then. Uh since last uh month, we uh sought public comment. Uh we weren't seeking a a poll on it. Uh uh we were seeking uh public comment uh because we know u that there's different levels of interest in in um in in this community. And we did get a very healthy set of uh robust thoughts from folks in our community. Uh we received once we took out some of the duplicates uh we received about 13 emails um that were specific to that. Um, we had about 40 of those 130 that uh made comments that were related to a variety of uh different aspects and sites and that kind of thing. We had 45

that were um in support of the Barnett Park recommendation and we had 45 also uh ironically coincidentally that the same number um that mentioned specifically the desire for it to be at the county courthouse. Uh and uh and so that's that's where we were sort of three equal baskets I guess you could you you you could look at it and they were all uh you know varying levels of depth some of the folks and we really appreciate those that really dug in to explain their thoughts and thinking that was important. For example, we learned uh specific commentary on the design of the uh of the Barnett Park proposal. We had some folks who said that they didn't, you know, like certain aspects and those that's kind of feedback that can be provided to the design team if if that proposal advances. Um, and there was there was lots of substance to some of them and in some of them they were one sentence long. So, we won't we wouldn't suggest that they're all on the same footing, but we wanted to give you a sense of what that public comment has has been. So, I want to talk a little bit about the courthouse. uh specifically because I think this is important for folks um that we be fully transparent about that. Um that discussion has been active in in in our community and certainly been active online and in other places for a couple of months now. Um there are a couple of uh uh so the desire for for some for it to be located the courthouse is is not a secret as you've heard tonight. has been discussed uh directly with the county um uh and um you know the the advocates for that position have have brought it

forward to to the county and again we should say at the city staff level we we understand that logic uh that logic is consistent with what we had originally recommended it's a different manifestation of it but it's a but it's consistent with the same logic for that u we simply can't make a recommendation to you all that you act in that direction because you don't have the the legal right to do it. the um there is another aspect of that that I don't think the you know I've shared with um uh with the lawsuit plaintiffs but uh uh but I don't think is publicly understood that a portion of the courthouse grounds when they were going through that facility planning uh the corner of library and Magnolia street was that that that complex was laid out to enable a future county council and this is not anytime soon. This is could be decades away to have a viable construction footprint for a subsequently developed office building if for example the solicitor's office and the public defender's office grew at a rate that that ex that that that required it. There is a roughly a 15,000 square foot building pad there on that corner that could be built out one day without having that structure sit in front of the new courthouse. Is everybody I don't know if you you can visualize, but the intent is always for the for the courthouse to for the view from Magnolia Street to the front facade of the courthouse to be unobstructed. But that library street uh uh corner

there uh could be a nice attractive complimentary part of a sort of a judicial square uh one day. Uh I can't good faith recommend to you all that I I I think that's wise planning. I think that's thoughtful planning on the part of the the county and I think it's good for downtown Spartanberg to preserve that option. So, I can in good faith uh recommend to you all that you petition the county to to foreclose on that long-term option. Again, I think it's decades away, but there might come a time where that would be a very valuable thing to do. So in summary, for those two two reasons, the fact that this that that the courthouse has been discussed uh for a couple of months now, and we've yet to have any type of clear indication from the county that that is something that they want. And secondly, the soundness of the downtown long-term planning associated with preserving that library street corner. Um those two reasons are uh are why I am not recommending you pursue the courthouse. It doesn't have anything to do with the historic logic. Uh again, we we align um fully with that. So I I think there's also a spirit in the community that's ready to move forward. Um u and I do think there was a healthy level of support expressed in the public comments for for the Barnett Park um uh proposal. Again, some of the things that um that we that make that particular concept appealing to us. Is it a place? It's a place that today and in the

future and more so generations of of families take children there to the to the grounds for different events and activities. Our one of our largest festivals u um is international festival and Barnett Park's long been its home but they're also concerts and events and um and activities and splash pad that operates uh uh short distance away in the summertime and it's a destination for positive intergenerational action uh activities today and more so and um there is uh a um a city parking facility just on the other side of the Chapman Center and a small city-owned parking lot um on Dean Street that is that is dedicated to to park use. And um we believe it does meet those thresholds for for access. And in contrast to some other sites where we could consider um it is on the highest uh traffic corridor in terms of being visually prominent uh there on the the the corner of the park. So for all those reasons, uh staff's recommendation to you to you all tonight would be to authorize us to proceed with the next phase of design and direct us to include in the uh the budget for the next fiscal year, which would take take effect July 1, the funds to construct uh the the the clock tower uh with some slight modifications based on public uh input process from what you saw. call a month ago. So that's that's a recommendation tonight. Certainly welcome any questions that you

comments. Uh Councilwoman, I mean Mayor Pro Tim, excuse me. Yeah. Um I've had a few concerns, Chris, about the splash pool. They were concerned as to whether the splash pool was going to go away, but I believe I see it there, right? It's going to stay in place.

That's That's correct. There are there are two elements that uh that exist there today. Um neither in that entrance plaza. Uh one is this the statue of exuberance. You can see that is in the uh the circle there um by the edge that would remain as would the the arbor decorations and the splash pad behind it. That would remain. So nothing would be taken away from the park. Thank you. Questions, Councilwoman Smith.

Um Chris, thank you for walking through the the courthouse part. I know several of us spoke to our county council or some of our counsel county council counterparts. I've been saying that too much today. Um, and you know, in transparency, the the council person I spoke to, there was not the desire for county council to take to take it up, right?

Um, and I believe that if county council wanted to move in that direction, they would have made that very clear before tonight. Um, could you just real quickly two of the other locations among the 40, thank you for breaking those down, that came up kind of frequently and and I can apply the logic of of it, but if you could just connect the dots. One was Richardson Park. Um, and then several people mentioned also the train depot. What was staff's thinking around not selecting those two locations?

I'll do the train depot first because that's a simpler uh answer. Um the the train depot sits on off Magnolia Street, uh which is Magnolia Street averages about 2700 vehicles a day. Um, and vehicles are only one part of the equation, but it is it it just is an indicator of of of prominence. And we did hear that folks wanted this to be prominent and visible. And uh, Magnolia Street has about 2,700 vehicles per day, whereas St. John Street uh, here has about 18,000 uh, vehicles a day in this section. So multiples more eyes on it, multiples more visibility um was part of the logic on that. Uh frankly, Richardson Park um we at the staff level are trying to determine what the vision should be that we would advocate for that corner. Um we we think that that uh that area needs um significant amount of thinking here and that thinking could lead us in lots of different directions. Uh there there are lots of different potential outcomes there and as traffic patterns evolve and that type of thing, the curved portion of Broad Street, there may be some changes that are logical. Um so we don't feel as confident that that could be as safely assured as a permanent home as we do with Barnett Park. Barnett Park we believe is unlikely to experience after

this wave of change anything that would fundamentally repurpose it. But but it's entirely possible that there could be additional amenities or diff additional vision that would come to to the four for Richardson Park um over the next decade or so. So, I just didn't feel as much like it could be um in good faith saying that that we're doing this in a fully complimementaryary way. Good. Um um Yes, sir.

Chris, uh one of the other locations was was Morgan Square. Um you know, and the possibility of there. I mean, I think at least in my recollection of that, there was reluctance to look at Morgan Square primarily because of the proximity to the to the new building um as you mentioned just steps away that would already have a clock tower. So, you'd be adding clock tower within, you know, a stones throw of a clock tower in that sense. and it just sort of seemed to be, you know, not consistent with the the overall landscape of a of a downtown to have that many so close by. Is that are there any other thoughts along the lines as to why Morgan Square was not a consideration?

Well, that that is certainly the primary reason um and that we didn't recommend Morgan Square. primary reason is um that this will be about 180 feet away and this this this clock tower will be about 120 ft tall. So, you'll literally be able to see it from the corner of Maine and Church. And um and when you're, you know, if you're if you were crossing church to walk from um uh uh to walk across into Morgan Square, you would be able to look to your left and see this. So, we thought that then then it raises a whole different set of uh questions for young folks and others um uh with our eyes to the future um about that. And um and so we we thought it would be a missed opportunity to add some positivity to another portion of our downtown were we to do that. Um, also the the visions that have that the priorities that emerged in the public input process that took place

uh about Morgan Square um did not emphasize that it emphasized events and gatherings and active use and green space

and and Chris um one of things um that that was mentioned as you went through the criteria or one of the things that wasn't mentioned that is that is very important to me based on conversations I've had with members of the committee and other people in the public is that we in in repurposing the clock tower wherever we end up doing it whether it's Morgan Square or wherever um that we that we uh are uh intention about preserving the history of it. Um the history of the original clock and the bell, the history of the effort that led to the design of the the the clock tower in 1979, the the the movement of the clock tower from one location to the other as progress dictated. I mean, all of those things uh are important elements of the history, not to mention the plaques with with students, the 20,000 students names on it who contributed to the to the clock tower effort in the early to mid or I guess the mid 1970s. So, um you know, how have we thought about incorporating all of those elements into the new design?

Well, we And there's there are some finalization of details that would need to be worked through to to achieve the specific vision uh for that. For example, we heard uh over the last month that um it looked like from the renderings proposed at Barnett Park that some of the plaques would be too high. And that's a design adjustment that can be be made. We certainly plan to uh reinstall the um the the the plaques that have the the names of the of the students. Um no bricks.

Um there weren't any names on any bricks. So uh so we we can't do that. That's a narrative that's out there, but it never was tied to reality. Um there's an interesting aspect of this that that um one of the reasons why the library chose the bell and the original, you know, the plaque is that when our predecessors years ago, remember the the clock tower was uh was constructed in 1979 as part of of it was constructed at at the intersection of Liberty Street and East Main Street near now what the the playground that's on on Denny's Plaza. That was the closest thing to that. That's not the location many folks know, right? Because it wasn't that was only the location for about seven years before discussion began about moving it. Um a very short period of time. And so our predecessors in the 80s, 1989, I was a a a freshman at on the Wordford campus when it was moved. Um, and I remember seeing and hearing a little bit about it at the time, but when it was uh when it was moved, the the city at that time simply moved that very plaque you see right there. They didn't change what describe how how the purpose of the clock tower was was altered at that time. In other words, there's there's nothing on the site. There was nothing on the site that that we were familiar with for the last number of decades that discussed the

1989 move that that that move was not discussed and recorded with additional plaque. And I just think that's interesting. And not saying we shouldn't should or shouldn't. I just think that's an interesting part of the history is that they u um literally moved the clock tower, literally moved the plaque. Um um that's how they chose to handle that situation at that time. But we obviously uh you all have a number of different choices about how to how to uh describe the history and evolution of all this in perpetuity. And Chris, you you referenced the the feedback is specifically related to the design, the the height of the plaques, but but there were other comments. Um, and I think I've heard you mention that there's the potential in the the the new clock tower to build some sort of treatment so that you could look up into the bell uh and and actually see the bell as it's ringing with better lighting and and things like that. Um, I I found that interesting. But then but then also, you know, one of the comments related to accessibility and and you know, I would I would hope that if council moved forward with this recommendation that we would take a look at, you know, possibly including some additional handicap parking spots uh on that uh along the street there or or or finding out ways that we could uh enhance the accessibility there um because I think that'll that'll be important for for folks uh going forward and then and then obviously also you know maintaining the the history associated with that because it is a rich history and and it means a lot to to a lot of people for a lot of reasons. Um and I think that's part of what makes the whole story around it special and part of what makes the the intensity of the discussion about what you do with it going forward um you know

so relevant. Absolutely. And that's one good thing about this whole process which has been difficult for for everybody in this room and many others not in this room is that it is it has served as incontrovertible evidence that people care deeply about this community and their downtown and the history and all of those things together. Councilwoman Brown.

Uh Mr. Mayor, um thank you Chris for that presentation. Um, I going to go back on record about um just personal preference. It's really not about I love the design. I love the idea of, you know, the restored bell and and things like that, but I still am not sold on the location. Um, and I had the over the weekend just jotted down a few reasons why I feel this way. Um, you mentioned the the train depot and Chris, you mentioned, you know, highly trafficked areas, but I'm a little bit more interested more in foot traffic rather than vehicle traffic because to me, people need to pay be paying attention to the road. And I worry, you know, we see so many folks all the time, you know, on their phones and everything else and that sort of being a distraction of like, oh, the, you know, the clock tower, um, and really not paying attention. But the visibility is just isn't as as strong as I would like. Um it just kind of feels mismatched in its purpose. Um you know, a park entrance to me feels like a very transitional space and so people are kind of moving in and out, but it is not. And while I do like the idea and hope that this area is going to become more programmed, it's the programming is not going to be as as much as we would hope for it to be. I think when Roger was given the presentation about the upgrades to the stage and the lighting and all that, their hope is to have about five shows a year. Um, which is great, but when we think about the core area of downtown with the baseball games and everything that's going on, I mean, you just can't compare the foot traffic. Um to me and my personal opinion, you know, clock tower sort of works as like a civic hub for our businesses in the

downtown core area. Um where people naturally stop and look around and they it's also used as like a reference point. I know when I have had friends that are new to Spartanberg that I've met downtown, I'm like, I will meet you at the clock tower. You can't miss it. you know that that if they're unfamiliar with that space, you know, having that type of reference I think is important. Um I just feel like it should be anchored in the civic more engaged area of our downtown. Um I also feel like symbol symbolism matters to me and I I think it matters to all of us and I think adding all these historical components and making sure that's included is important. But I feel like, you know, a municipal t clock tower, it actually represents civic identity and putting it at the entrance of Barnett Park feels to me very disconnected. Um, I can't suggest where we put it. Um, I'm not familiar with city-owned properties um in downtown, but I just feel like a location downtown is just far more meaningful and to me it carries much more significance. And I'm probably the lone wolf in that opinion. Um, and that's fine because that's why we're all here. We're not ro robots. We're not here to agree on everything. We're here to have thoughtful discussions and when we agree, we agree and when we don't, we don't. And we, you know, make decisions and what we think we feel is best and and move on from that, whatever the outcome might be. So, thank you.

Sure. Sure. Thank you for that. Any other comments? I um no comment. Yeah, sure. Sure.

Um this is just a a comment or maybe a a question at the end. Um Chris, I forget if this came about in first long now famous presentation that you gave on the history or if it was in conversation, but I could tell in reading all of the emails. Um and Mr. Stoddard, you said this was your eighth time, eighth time. um in front of us. I could tell in reading the emails that there was a contingent that was really interested in preserving and honoring Mayor Stoddard's legacy. And I hope that one day my children will come and advocate for anything I've done. Um so the fact that you and your whole family and your grandson or your son, you know, have all participated in this process speaks very highly of your family. Um, and when we think about 1979 and all that was happening economically, it was a very different time. Um, downtown was not the thriving epicenter that we know of it today. Um, it's almost flipped of what of what we see today. Westgate Mall was built in, I believe, 1975. and a lot of that economic traffic and um excitement was pulled to the west side. Um you wouldn't know it today. Like I said, if you go to Westgate Mall, there is still people shopping there, I promise. Um, but so I think part of Mayor Stoddard's genius around the clock tower wasn't just to get children excited and, you know, kind of incite this civic engagement, but was really to get people back downtown

and to get get people excited to to come back downtown. We talk so much about our downtown businesses and how can we drive people to back to shopping, whether it's on that plaque or not, which we all know it's not because we've read it. I can imagine that as a good mayor, part of what he was trying to do as well was to get people back to downtown to to frequent these businesses to remind folks that downtown in this new world of cars and malls and shopping centers that we can still have a place where people can come and walk around. Um, so to me that's been part of the the clock towers story as well is it was almost this activator um of downtown and we we saw it work, right? We we go downtown now and it's full of people walking around and all of this. And so if if the clock tower is moved to Barnett Park, I see this almost as a part of the mayor's legacy, as a part of taking it to another place in our city that has potential, but the people haven't quite seen it yet. We know that folks frequent Barnett Park International Festival is one of my most favorite events of the entire year. There was a a woman at um Miles with the Mayor that was so excited for Rhythm and Ribs coming up. Um so there are people that do love that space, but um someone spoke about Andy said it was a a a small gym, a quiet gym, something like that. there there are more people that can come to that space with better programming. Um, but I think if we were to move the clock tower there, that would bring a

new spark of excitement. More people would want to come and see it. And I see that as a part of Mayor Stoddard's legacy. the the the plaque talks about um the upon the the ringing of the bell, people will think about the the future, the the quality of life talks about the quality of life of Spartanberg. And for me and and my family, our parks and having the a green space and a a place to run freely and remember our kite festival um and all of the things that we can do in a space like that. To me, that is one of the greatest quality of life aspects that we can bring to the children now of Spartanberg. There's so many places and neighborhoods in our city that kids don't have a green space to run around and play freely um in in the streets, but Barnett Park offers that for them. And so I think about how Mayor Stoddard would, and I can't speak for him at all for for Stoddard family, but how he might possibly take joy in knowing that all of today's school children could come and be safe and find quality of life and joy, which that plaque speaks to. um in a space like that where the clock tower stands and continue to be a place of activation for the city. It's like where the clock tower goes, so goes the people. So goes the the activation, so goes the the hubbhub. And so that that's what I've been kind of reflecting on is it's not it's not necessarily about what a tower looks like or um or any or anything like that, but it's more of what does it bring? What

does it represent for the progress and for the future which that plaque um which that plaque speaks to. So, if if we vote here soon, um that's that's the spirit that I'm taking into it is it's about the quality of life for residents today, which Mayor Stoddard so beautifully thought of and um encapsulated for us that that we get to continue that legacy today.

Thank you for that. I I do appreciate those words, uh, Councilwoman Smith, and being a excuse me, um, and being a a person, uh, one of the 20,000 names inside of the clock tower, I Oh, you were there.

Yes. I My name is in there as well as my wife name, my sister, my brother. Um, I I do think it activate and and I do think Bernett Park is an active spot for children. And I do look over to uh Kim Brown and and just think about all the activities we have and uh anytime we need something a space for a large group of people, Bernett Park is that space, you know. So it I I think it would really I I think about the the kids uh these weekends um prom time. They they do find a spot to go take those nice picture. happens to be the county courthouse this year, but I do see that spot if put at Bernett Park being Bernett Park to where we will see those kids with prom pictures and all taken, graduation pictures taken. So, um, again, this is is it it is iconic for Spartanberg. Jamie said it best. It it does mean a lot to a lot of different people for a lot of different reasons. So, uh, it is something that that that we all cherish and and and to have this conversation to go on this loan that truly truly means that it matters. It it matters to a lot of us uh not just on the council, but to a lot of the constituents here in in Spartanberg, the city, the county, um, and I'm sure within the upstate. So, but with that being before before somebody makes a motion, um I did want to just hone in on something that I failed to mention or ask about when I was asking Chris and and I I think I know the answer to this, but I think it's important to to to be clear about it. All of the options that would have been available to us came with roughly the same cost. Yeah. Um the same price tag. It was around $800,000 if I recall.

Yeah. And so so that's what we are looking at would be consistent with that uh short of any other additional changes that we made to the park that would be funded under different sources. That's correct. We uh we have been work at staff level been anticipating that next year's budget would um uh incorporate that cost irrespective of location. Okay. Good, good, good, good. Any other

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, as a new member of council, I wanted to take a moment and just give give some thoughts of my own um as well as as build on what everything has been shared over over an extended period of time. Um, during last fall's election, the the clock tower was one of the topics I heard about most often. The feelings many in our community had and continue to have are real and deeply personal and deserve to be acknowledged. Coming into this seat after much of the public debate has given me a different perspective, including the opportunity to to reflect on how profoundly this experience has affected so many people. I continue to hear retrospective comments about the process and I believe there are important lessons for all of us in that places and landmarks hold meaning beyond their physical presence. They become part of our shared story and memories and the identity that we have as a community. that this experience reinforces how valuable it is for residents to stay engaged, aware, and involved in what's happening with our city. This the community participation and I I mean I I cannot tell you the the number of of comments and and just conversations. It's it's really extraordinary what this topic has given our community in terms of engagement and interaction with each other. Community participation is essential to moving Spartanberg forward in a way that honors our history. What we value thoughtfully building on the beautiful city that we have. A clear plan was developed for the next chapter of the clock tower story. The bell, the plaque,

and other preserved elements have been carefully maintained and displayed at the Spartanber County Library, which we can all now go see and interact with until the location is the new location is ready. The city also created a dedicated email channel for public feedback. Again, another point of engagement. I love that there were three main buckets in which in which the comments really aligned. That means we're talking to each other. That means we've come up with potential opportunities and solutions. And Chris, thank you so much for going through each one and really talking us through it. Um, I believe it is important that we move forward acknowledging the disappointment and emotion and the toll that it has taken on our community while channeling that energy into creating something meaningful for Spartanberg's future while maintaining these historical elements and sharing these stories with our children, grandchildren, and and the new members of our community that are going to be moving here. We have an opportunity to build this new place of connection, remembrance, and pride in an accessible locations where families can gather and where our community can continue investing our time together. So again, I am new to council and I do have a different perspective, but it has been very moving for me, not only in service for this city and and its community, but also for me personally to see how one topic can really actually take us from from one place to another and how we can work together to really address how we want to craft the future.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. would make a motion. Yes, ma'am. Um, mayor, everyone that I have spoken to um are in favor of the clock being to Barnett Park. And saying that, I am going to make a motion that we move forward to Barnett Park. To Barnett Park. Do I hear a second? Second. All in favor? I any that oppose? Respectfully nay. All right. Eyes have it. Mr. Story forward.

City council. No staff updates. No up updates tonight unless there are questions for mayor. All right. City council updates. Item 13

and we're going to start with Councilwoman Rogers. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um, I just want to reiterate again that I look forward to this opportunity to working together on the new location. Um, and I want to give a huge thank you to our community partners, knowing that April um has has gotten so many uh so much attention between this meeting and and the last, but really how we're focusing on our future and our children through the Spartanberg Academic Movement, Project Rest, a place to call home. Um, I have I have been just in awe of of the hard work that is going into our community and into our families. Um, and I was um it was brought to my attention today that there is a community tennis festival happening on Saturday, May 2nd at the McCracken Tennis Center um to benefit the Hope Center for Children. So, um, if you're interested, I printed out a very little fire. Um, but just the the the events and and the opportunities to make a difference for for our next generation continue to amaze me in in the in the best way.

Tennis festival. Tennis festival. Community tennis festival. Saturday, McCracken Tennis Center from 9. There's a kids clinic from 9:00 to 10:30. And then there's an adult clinic from 10:30 to 12. It is $5 a person. Um but there is a a place to register and I was assured today um that they are very excited about the event when I received the phone call. Awesome. Yeah. So it's up here if anyone is interested. Councilwoman Smith.

Yeah. Thank you to everyone. Thank you to everyone who's engaged and stayed engaged in this process so far. I think um this last three quarters of a year as you've said um and this last week as we've talked about East Main road diet um a new term that many and Spartanberg were introduced to this last uh these last two weeks I think has really allowed us the opportunity to think about our physical infrastructure and who is it for and what does it mean who is a road for I often think about Chris's famous line of a budget being a moral document. Um I think in a lot of ways our physical infrastructure of our city is um our our moral pieces of infrastructure as well and what we choose to do with them and who we listen to along the way um are also moral acts. And so thank you for for being engaged. Um thank you to Strong Towns for what y'all are doing. And we have some just really smart people out there that are writing about these things. So if if you're Liv and his uh walking Spartan, if you're interested um in someone who does not own a car and and how to navigate life completely from a bicycle, I really encourage you to check out The Walking Spartan. Um, there's also someone who's been writing some really great pieces. The Carolina Ecology, I haven't met that writer, but um really enjoyed their pieces lately. Also, there's a a blog out this weekend that I also love to to follow that's been about um needing local voices on both on both sides um called the Southern Urban

Progressive. So, encourage you to to check that one out as well. So, just really thankful that we have some really smart people out there that are involved that research these things um and that that care enough to show up and do the do the hard work. So, thank you all. Thank you, Councilwoman Brown.

Mr. Mayor, I just want to thank everyone for being here. Um, you know, this is what I love about us as a body is to get up here and have discussions, sometimes disagreements, but I don't see any mud that was flung anywhere. Um, and I think we are um a good example of what uh governing should be. Um, too often we see well, we see a lot out there right now. Um, and you know, we need to be very mindful that our young people are watching um, and how we treat each other and how we um, engage with one another. And so I just appreciate um, you know, no one calling me names, though I disagreed with the location, not the design. Um, so I really appreciate that. I thank you all for coming. I'm looking forward to the fastest night in Spartanberg this Friday. at the Criterium. It's one of my favorite events. Um Pal, they do such a great job um in promoting health and wellness in our community and walkability and all of the great things. Um Race for Wellness um is being held this Sunday um at Wford College. Um this is actually a race or 5K that is put on by the organization that I work for, St. Luke's Free Medical Clinic. Um, so we provide health care to the uninsured, lowincome Spartanberg County folks. Um, so if you or are in need or know individuals who um are, you know, kind of falling through the cracks, they don't they don't qualify for Medicaid, they can't afford marketplace, I mean, who can these days? Um, you know, that's what we are here for. We accept patients that are 200% or below the federal poverty line based on household income. Have on-site pharmacy. So all of our um folks get their medications for free. Um

so I've been there for since 2014 and it's it's really great work and I know that we're doing a lot of good um to make people whole again. Um to me healthcare is a is a right. So um I if you're interested in that race, all of the fund all the funds proceeds uh to that race um go towards um helping us function as a clinic because we are a nonprofit. we don't get any type of federal um or state funding. Um so we are run solely based on the the giving of others and grants. Um and so that's 3:00 and you can go to our website and register if you are interested. So thank you all. Thank you Councilwoman S.

Thank you Mr. Mayor. I want to say the three down on the end takes your gusto each and every time.

I'll start this way. I'll start on my right next. At any rate, I want to thank everyone who did come out and I want to especially thank Chris for delivering a good presentation on uh clock tower. I u didn't say very much because I love everything about it. Um, I did approve the first uh recommendation which was shot down, but at any rate, we don't need two clocks on the same side of town. And I think it's going to be really, really good to have that clock tower in Barnett Park due to the fact that it has not been used in its capacity since it's been there. And this is going to be a a nice outing for the public. Also, Miss Councilwoman Brown took my gusto with the fastest night in town Friday night. Um, if you haven't been, please come. It is exciting to see the bicycles go round and round and round. Um, and then, uh, if you can stay late enough to see the winner, you're great because it's it starts at 3 and it goes to about 9. it's um out of town participants and that is part of our growth for the city of Spartanberg. So I look forward to seeing some of you downtown. Um

again I say thank you and thank you to all the other folks that was here that's left down but you know it's good to disagree to agree to make sure that we're happy and thank you all. Councilman Farmer.

Uh yes, sir, Mr. Mayor. Um first of all, I want to thank everybody for coming and thank everybody for engaging on on the clock tower issue and all of the other issues that we uh that that we work on as a council. um we are truly doing what we want to or try to do to to to improve the lives of the citizens of our community and and so we appreciate everybody's engagement and I want to thank the the the bsentennial clock committee for for their passion on this issue and and regardless of the outcome of tonight's vote they have elevated the the importance of the tower uh to a to a new level um and so I think that is uh should be commended their work um you know I've read all the comments. I've I've listened to to a lot of people and and the problem when you listen to everybody that when you don't agree with somebody, you're accused of not listening. And and and and I can assure those that feel that way, that is simply not the case. We have listened very carefully. We have heard you. We understand your perspectives, but ultimately at the end of the day, not everybody agrees. And and so when you have distinctly different perspectives, um you know, somebody would be left feeling like they weren't listened to. And and I can assure you that is not the case. And and as Erica pointed out, as a council, we don't always agree, but but but um we do so with civility and respect and and an understanding and appreciation for the fact that everybody here is trying to do what's right for our community. and and that is the underlying uh motivation that that we all share I truly believe and and I think it's fair to judge our result hold us accountable uh to those results uh and I am confident that once we get the clock tower rebuilt and we celebrate it and we show the the history associated with it uh and it becomes a vibrant new

element to our downtown I think people will be pleased with that and and I'm comfortable I've lost a lot sleep over the issue, but but I am uh comfortable in sleeping well over what we have come up with and the solution that we've arrived to. And and you know, I I have been disappointed in some of the the the discourse associated with this debate. It's not unique to this debate. It's a it's a broader symptom of our society. But I I I would implore people to remember um you know, and I've said this a lot, that that not only are we elected to represent the citizens of Spartanberg, but we're also your friends and neighbors. You know, we also have families. Uh and and and you know, showing that level of respect and that level of consideration to one another is the is the bedrock of a fully functioning democracy. And I would uh implore everybody now that this is over to take a deep breath and and then let's work together on issues that matter things the children's cabinet um you know things like that what we're doing on affordable housing uh all of the other good work that we're doing. Let's let's stay engaged and let's keep working.

Thank you for those comments Jamie. I I really do appreciate that. Really that means a lot. Yes, Mayor Pro Tim. First of all, I want to apologize for my phone going off. No one heard it. One of the first things that I learned um that during the time I went through the the municipal association is that you're supposed to turn off your telephones. You're not supposed to use your phones during council meetings. And mine went off, so I apologize.

Who was it? It was you. You were using that. And then again, I want to say that if I ever had to plead a case on something, I'm going to call Councilwoman Smith. I want you on my side if I ever have to plead a case on something. Um, and then the bell tower. I was down at the park on Saturday and I drove by and I got a lot of remarks from friends that are saying that this is going to make a great location for the bell to be the bell tower to be. And I think so too and my name was not in there but so uh I know yours was in there.

Yeah. Um to yours.

Yeah. Probably so. Probably so. I'll say that. Okay. And then another thing, let me say this, and this is the last thing that I'm going to say. My um city mail. I have not been getting my city mail on um my city account for several days. So, if you have sent me mail through my city account, please send it to my Gmail because I've had a problem and I'm convinced that Christy is going to take care of me. I'm convinced she's going to take care of me. So, please, if you have sent me something since the 18th, go resend it because I've not gotten anything on my city mail cuz since the 18th.

That's it. All right, that's it.

Thank you. Thank um it was mentioned earlier that Strongtown Spartanberg did host the uh Miles with the mayor this past Saturday. I do want to thank uh Liv and the rest of the team for uh uh sponsoring that and and and being a part. I I like and I think and I shared this with them. I like strong Spartenberg, but it is strong town Spartenberg. Now, um um also Saturday, I mean, not only do we have the crit on Friday, but Saturday we have the uh uh burger cook off uh cribs uh burger cook off that that sponsors uh the children's cancer um here in Spenberg. So, major fundraiser for our uh kid uh children cancer cancer victims as well. Um, also on Saturday, Spineberg High School, Viking Nation, May 2nd from 10 until 3. Um, there will be a vendor fair. Over 60 local vendors will be there. Uh, food trucks included. So, come out and this helps Spunberg High School PTO, a big uh vendor fair from 10 until 3. Uh uh deputy city manager Mitch Kennedy is not here but he did mention um before that his fraternity uh was here for their uh national conference and they had over 1,200 men 1,200 men in purple he would say he and Chief Brutin uh were here this past weekend and had an outstanding time and uh I was invited to several events where where we were recognized as a as a city and doing some good things, but also a local guy, Bernard Willer. I want to say congratulations to Bernard Willer. He did win the uh assistant keeper of finance for the sixth district. I think that's a national position, but I'm not

a part of that organization. Uh but but that was pretty major for him. So, congratulation to Bernard Willer. Um I think that is it on my notes. Uh, do I hear a recommendation for executive session? Make a motion we move into executive session. Second. Um, all in favor? Any that oppose? Eyes have it. Thank you. Thank you all for being here. Thank everyone that participate in