City Council - Regular Meeting

This lady called earlier today. I was about to ask you a question. Okay. She's here. She's not here. She called today and wanted to know if you called her whenever you had a chance. Okay. All right.

This is I'm sure. So, good to meet I liked top of you. Yeah. Amen.

Can we bring Let us bring the uh city of Spartanberg City Council meeting to order. We're going to stand for a moment of silence. Then we're going to be led pledge of allegiance. Moment of silence.

Amen. Mayor Pro Tim, you mind lead us in the pledge. I pledge algiance 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. So, now we have a very exciting part on item three, the swearing in of our new city council person, member, [snorts] the Honorable Leslie Rogers, city council district number two, will stand to uh have her oath read by administered by Benjamin uh Rogers. And who's holding the Bible? It's a Rogers.

Awesome. Awesome. I, Lesie Rogers, I, Lesie Rogers, do solemnly swear do solemnly swear that I am duly qualified that I am duly qualified according to the Constitution according to the Constitution of the state of South Carolina of the state of South Carolina to exercise the duties of the office to exercise the duties of the office to which I have been appointed to which I have been appointed and that I will and that I will to the best of my ability to the best of my ability

discharge the duties thereof discharge the duties thereof and preserve protect and defend and and preserve protect and defend the Constitution of this state and the United States of America the Constitution of this state and the United States of America and and I do further solemnly swear And I do further solemnly swear that as council member that as council member for the municipality of Spartanberg for the municipality of Spartanberg I will equally fairly and impartially I will equally fairly and impartially to the best of my ability and skill

to the best of my ability and skill exercise the trust reposed in me exercise the trust reposed in me And I will use my best endeavors And I will use my best endeavors to preserve the [snorts] peace to preserve the peace. Support and defend the interests of the citizens of this city. support and defend the interests of the citizens of this city. And carry into effect according to the law and carry into effect according to the law the purposes for which I have been appointed. the purposes from which I have been appointed.

[applause] [applause] and take a seat. Thank you. Do I need a mic or is this okay?

Um maybe I'll just do this. Wow. Um I you know your signature changes a little bit when you're signing such an official paper. Thank you all for being here. Thank you. Um, I am deeply honored to stand here tonight, humbled by the trust that is placed in me to represent District 2 and to serve the city of Spartanberg. Over the past several months, and truly for many years, I've had the opportunity to listen, learn, and connect with members of this community. Those conversations will guide the work that I do on this council moving forward. As I begin this role, I am committed to working collaboratively with Mayor Rice and my fellow city council members and the dedicated city staff. I recognize that real progress happens when we move forward as a team openly, respectfully, and with shared commitment for the people of Spartanberg. My focus will be on a few core priorities. Supporting thoughtful growth that protects the character of our neighborhoods. addressing infrastructure challenges on the east side with long-term planning, strengthening public safety by supporting our police, fire, and emergency services, and being responsible steward of taxpayer dollars through transparent and efficient governance. Protecting Spartanberg's affordability and quality of life for current residents and future generations. I'd also like to take a moment to thank the volunteers, neighbors, friends, and community members that have shared their time, their voices, and their talents to help me get here. Your belief in this community and your commitment to civic engagement was what makes Spartanberg special. I come to this role not only as a business professional, but as a neighbor and a mom who loves the city. My children are

loved and thriving, and I want Spartanberg to be a place where all families can feel safe, connected, and proud to call Spartanberg home. Thank you again for this opportunity. I am ready to roll up my sleeves, listen, and get to work. Thank you. [applause] [applause] Congratulations and welcome, welcome, welcome. Your name plate has been ordered, so it is on its way.

Mayor, I'm going to ask. No. Awesome. Welcome and congratulations to you and your family. Thank you. Thank you. Where are we? Item four, approval of the minutes of the November 10th, 2025 city council meeting. So moved. Second. All in favor? Any that oppose? Eyes have it. Item five, approval of the agenda for the November 24th, 2025 city council meeting. So move. Second. All in favor? I.

Anyone opposed? Eyes have it. We have public comments. Uh, item six, as it is all uh has been stated, make sure you come up, give us your name, your address, even though I may say your name ahead of time. And once you give your name and your address, um, you have two minutes to state your concern. Al Snider, come on up. That's fine. Yes, sir. You can turn it. Yeah, that's okay.

All right. First of all, I'd like to say I'm an honorably discharged US Army veteran. I pulled duty on the DMZ and South Korea and North Korea. Just as a precursor. Oh, I'm sorry. Al Schneider, 127 Falcon Ridge Drive. Thank you, sir. Boiling Springs.

All right. Again, I'm an honorably discharged veteran, US Army, pulled duty on the DMZ on South Korea, North Korea border where President Trump visited their Kim Song or whatever. Anyway, for those of you who approved and participated, especially you, Mr. Mayor Jerome Rice, in this senseless demise and destruction of the downtown clock are nothing but despicable, greedy low lives. I say that, Mr. Snider, I cannot take the whole undue stress and anxiety you have caused this community is totally reprehensible.

Mr. Snider, we're not going to continue these name dragging our names through the mud, man. It's not going to happen. This is not free speech. It is, [clears throat] but you and I can take that up at a different time. You got If you're going to call out names like that, Mr. Snider, that's not the way it's going to work. All right, I'm done with that. I done I done my share. Okay, just to finish up here. Okay. Next year is the 250th anniversary of the celebration of America's Declaration of Independence. Okay. Every community across America will be exhaustively be preparing for this historic event. You however have seen to it that to Rob Spartanberg, Mr. Snider, thank you man. Thank you for your time. We can discuss that later.

Want to hear what I have to say. We we can discuss that later. All right. Thank you, Mr. Have a great day.

All right. Item um Autumn Williams. We don't have to worry about that gavvel with you, Autumn. Come on down. Okay. Um good evening. Give us your name, your address. Autumn Williams, 1788 South Lane, Boiling Springs. Hey. Um, I wanted to take a moment to speak about something that affects the safety and quality of life for many families in the area, and that's the lack of sidewalks for both inside and around several neighborhoods in Boiling Springs. Raise your mic just a little bit. Several Thank you.

several areas um in Boiling Springs. Right now, there aren't any safe walking paths. If someone wants to walk to 7-Eleven or near to a bus or nearby to a bus stop, they would have to walk alongside the shoulder of the road directly beside passing cars. This is especially dangerous for children waiting for school buses early in the morning or late in the afternoon where the traffic is heavy and the visibility is low. As Spartanberg continues to grow and welcome more residents, our infrastructure should grow with it. And adding sidewalks and pedestrian walkways throughout Boing Springs would make a meaningful difference. um not just for safety, but for connection and accessibility. If [snorts]

uh it would allow residents to move confidently and safely through their neighborhoods, whether they're walking, jogging, heading to work or school. Sidewalks may seem simple, but they represent something bigger, safety, care, and thoughtful city planning. They show that Spartanberg values the people who live there and wants to make sure everyone can move around safely. I respectfully ask the council to consider adding sidewalks and pedestrian routes in the Standing Rock area and throughout nearby neighborhoods in Boiling Springs as part of future infrastructure planning. Thank you for your time and for your continued commitment to making Spartanberg a safer and more connected community.

Thank you, Autumn. Jack Mabbury is the uh county council person, I think, and I will make sure Jack get this information. Okay. Thank you, Miss Sanchez. Hello, my name is Yara Sanchez. Um, I'm here to address a concern that affects mainly families in Spark, the safety of immigrant residents and the urgent need for clearer communication between the city and our multilingual communities. Our city has a significant immigrant population, especially within the Hispanic and Latino community. Many families work here, contribute here, and are rising the next generation here in Sparberg. [snorts] Improved communication improves trust in which many immigrants feel has the need about interacting with local agencies because they fear misunderstanding or not being able to communicate clearly. When the city offers translated materials such as safety reminders of of service forms, it shows that Spart values every resident and wants them to feel safe and formed and included. I want to emphasize that this request is not political and it is a practical, realistic and focus on safety, clarity, and equal access to information. Smile changes such as Spanish language emergency notices or bilingual updates on the city website would make a difference for many families. Spawnberg is growing and becoming more diverse every year. Um straining communication with immigrant residents is not just a courtesy. It is a shared responsibility that supports public safety trust and community unit. Thank you for your time, your service and your consideration of this important issue.

Thank you. and your address again just so I have it. Um, my address is 8514 Rob. Good. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for those updates.

Item seven, we have a proclamation declaring November the 22nd, 2025 as top ladies of distinction charter day in the city of Spartanberg. I did have the pleasure on this past Saturday of meeting these ladies uh at a lunchon along with Councilwoman Little John where they were officially uh chartered here for Spartanberg and we already have plans that they'll be working on with the mayor coming soon. So, Madame President, if you don't mind standing with me,

I'll present this and give you an opportunity for a few words. Uh again uh for the ladies of distinction. Whereas the city of Spartanberg proudly recognized the establishment of the Greater Spartanberg chapter of top ladies of distinction a nationally esteemed organization committed to service, leadership and uplifting of youth, family, and community. Whereas 42 outstanding women from across the upstate region have united in purpose and passion to become the newest members of the TL OD incorporated bringing them a legacy of excellence and compassion and uh civic engagement. So it goes on to say a few more things here but I wanted you all to hear what their uh the service leadership and uplifting of youth families and community and also this legacy of excellence and compassion and civic engagement that they will be working on. So, as I go to the bottom, therefore, I, Jerome Rice, by the virtue of authority vested in me as the mayor of the city of Spineberg, and on behalf of my fellow city council members, do hereby proclaim the 22nd day of November 2025 as top ladies of distinction character achar day. So again, thank you, Madame President, and uh we do look forward to working with the ladies. If you all do not mind standing. If you don't mind standing. Thank you. Thank you. So we all can see you. [applause] [applause] Good evening, Mayor Rice, members of the Spartanberg City Council, distinguished guest, family, and friends. I am Glory Harrison Boozer and I am

honored as the organizer and newly elected president of the top ladies of distinction in Spartanberg, South Carolina. Myself along with these distinguished ladies here are known as the Greater Spartanberg Upstate Gems. Okay, we have our crown with our gems in it and so we're the gems. These 42 extraordin extraordinary ladies were inducted on Saturday the 22nd here in Spartanberg, South Carolina. And we were elated. So tonight is a moment of both celebration and commitment. By recognizing these 42 accomplished ladies, we celebrate the expansion of a powerful legacy here in the city of Spartanberg, South Carolina. These ladies now carry forward the mission of Top Ladies of Distinction, a 5013C charitable organization founded in 1964 in Tyler, Texas by Lady Bird Johnson. The purpose was to uplift women, guide, and encourage youth. TLOD's work is anchored in our nationally recognized five thrust as mayor recognized and mentioned some of them. I'll just review all five so we will know what they are. The status of women promoting the advancement leadership and well-being of women in all aspects of life. senior citizens providing support, dignity, and meaningful engagement to our elders. Number three, community beautifification, enhancing the appearance, pride, and environmental health of our communities.

Number four, community partnerships. Collaborating with civic, governmental, educational, and nonprofit organizations to strengthen collective impact. And lastly, Top Teens of America, mentoring our youth through leadership, development, scholarship, service, and character building programs. And these youth we take on in middle school and follow them through high school. And so our next task mayor is to form the chapter of Top Teens of America and we will be taking them along with us to Nashville to the conference in uh March. So we are here to support community partnerships and work that you need done here in the city um to help make an impact. So these wonderful leaders in all ex aspects of life are here to assist.

Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you. [applause]

Hey, Maddie. [laughter] We have board and commission appointment design uh design review board, Miss Christy Lindsay. [clears throat] Good evening, mayor and council. um before you this evening with an appointment for our design review board. I had emailed you all the information on Mr. Brian Sanders earlier today. He is qualified and he um would like to serve on this board. So I will look to you for recommendation. We have any questions?

No. Well, do I I re uh do I hear a motion? I move that we accept Mr. spirit. Second. All in favor? I. Any that oppose? Eyes have it. Thank you very much. Consent agenda. May I make a motion we approve the consent agenda? Second. All in favor? I.

Anyone opposed? Eyes have it. This pen is not working. Right. Update from pal. Uh uh play advocate live well on trail system presenter is Laura Ringo executive director information only. Yeah. Yes.

Good. Good evening Mayor Rice, member of council. Thank you for the opportunity to be here. Congratulations, Council Member Rogers. Um I'm thrilled to be here and give you an update on PAL and what we've been doing for the last year. Um our partnership with the city is so important to the work that we do. We are so grateful for um your team and for this council and the partnership that we have. Um our why as to uh our mission is really about uh creating a healthy community. So when we look at the chronic diseases that face both our community and really our nation as a whole um cardiovascular disease, diabetes, heart disease, chronic diseases are a major cause of impact to lifestyle and also cause of death. And so we're trying to make it easy for Spartanberg residents to live a healthier lifestyle. Three of those chronic dise or those lifestyle habits that are so important are good phys or uh regular physical activity um nutritious food and um not uh partaking in tobacco. And so we are focused on two of those. The physical activity piece and the um healthy food piece. Um and we do that through a number of ways. one is to have um a lot of fun activities that incentivize our community to come out and be active. So, in honor of Thanksgiving this week, I say happy Thanksgiving to you. We host the Turkey Day 8K in um downtown Spartanber. This will be the 21st annual United Community Bank event. Um and we expect to have about 2,000 people downtown. It's a very happy um morning. I also want to just let you know how grateful we are to public safety. Um there are a lot of them there supporting this event. I'm sure they'd rather be in their bed on a holiday um but they're

there supporting their community and we are so so grateful for that partnership. We also um recently brought Hub City Farmers Market under our umbrella. Both PAL and the um what was the parent organization Hubity Roots were founded out of the same Healthy Spartanberg study um about 25 years ago. We've worked very collaboratively over a lot of years. Um, and as we expand our focus on not only physical activity but also um local nutritious food food, it made sense to join um join efforts and really try to build a one-stop shop where it's easy to choose health and wellness. Um we the farmers market has been thriving and we hope to um help it grow and even do better and have a greater impact in our community as we move forward. Um here's a couple of reasons why we think local food is so important. We know that food is healthiest when it's consumed closest to where it's grown and not shipped across the country or sometimes across the uh halfway across the world. So as much as we can eat local um it's uh typically the most nutritious. It also is important to support our local farmers. They are really important um part of our community. Um it strengthens the local food system. Um it's helps uh us take better care of our planet by um shipping less. Um and finally, we do a lot of work in processing. We process about $10,000 a month in SNAP um and matching of SNAP dollars at Hub City Farmers Market. We also um last year, thanks to a federal grant um donated almost $100,000 in local produce to um 14 different nonprofit community partners who distributed that. Um unfortunately that grant ended, but we are still doing um a good bit of food

donation trying to get our local healthy food out to people who need it. Um but really going to spend most of the time talking about trail development. We have worked handinhand with both the city of Spartanberg as well as Spartanberg County over the last 12 years building out a trail network. Um Spartanberg County Parks did a survey of the most popular or the most um needed and requested um parks and recreation facilities in the um in the county and both of the last two surveys which are done five years apart came back with trails as the number one requested amenity. And while that's the county, we think it's also reflected in the city um by the use of the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail and the River Birch Trail, the Mary Ride Greenway. Um I'll talk just a little bit more about use in just a minute, but our community is using them and um we think that shows demand for more. Um so great picture of Miles with the mayor and Councilwoman Little John on the Mary Wright Greenway. I spoke to our Y on the um improving health, but there are so many other reasons why um trails are really important. They improve quality of life. Um they're great outdoor recreation. Um they they help grow our local economy. We kind of joke in our office that we know every time Katherine O'Neal calls, it means we're going to a have to figure out another 3 to five mile trail connection to some great uh multifamily facility that she is uh bringing to town. Um it also highlights our history. The Southside Monument is a great example of that. Provides transportation options for those residents who either choose to not drive as often or um don't have a car. Um, it also is a great way to connect to our schools and major destinations in our community. We also

want it to be safe and more facilities makes it safer. Um, so this is we track trail uses, not users. So, um, we have infrared trail counters out on all of our different trail segments. So, this is looking at um, every two years of trail counts until you get to the end and then it's a one-year increment. Our goal is by 2028 to have a million annual trail uses, but it grows from 100 I'm trying to look at this backwards, 128,000 in 2017 to 766,000 uses last year. Um, so we feel like that says demand and that this community loves our trails. They use them. I mean, I'm telling you, a light bulb's out, something happens, and I've got like 12 text messages. So, our our commi community is really committed to um to our trail system. Um I wanted to share some pictures of some successes over the last um year. The top picture is um the river birch trail which is uh over in district 2 and it is we worked with Spartanber Water to decorate some of their sewer lines with art from local artists. We've got some additional art that is coming this spring which we're excited about. Um we asked the artists to focus on um Spartanberg, to focus on community and to focus on health. And so they brought their interpretation of that. Um the second picture um on the top right corner is um the recent opening of the Duncan Park Ecology Education Center. Um the that was a another great partnership with Spartanberg Water. um the city, of course, Kim and her parks team, um as well as a leadership Spartanberg group. And that came out of the um the community engagement process at Duncan

Park where people said they wanted more education opportunities and to learn about all the flora and fauna in Duncan Park. And so we followed up on that and are really proud and excited about that um facility. And then the bottom two pictures are um the wildflower way trail segment um extension. So if you are um at McCracken Middle School and p and park and walk down the hill, if you go to the right um that is uh the river birch trail. If you go to the left that takes you into spaces Edward Griffin, that's a lot of names. The Edward Griffin preserve. Um, and [clears throat] it is a paved path in there called Wildflower Way. So, if you stay right next to the creek, you are still on the natural surface Cottonwood Trail, but we also added a paved uh facility to uh reach people that may have mobility issues, that don't want to get their tennis shoes dirty, that have strollers, um, whatever the issue. Um, and we partnered with Hub City Animal Project to do this rainbow pet bridge. Um it is symbolic of when you lose a pet, they cross the rainbow bridge, eventually you are reunited, but um community members can go and clip their dog or cat collars to it. So it was a really beautiful special um place. We were like pets, the woods, trails, it's all the great things all wrapped into one. I should also note that on all of these projects, we did not use any city dollars. our partnership and implementing with the city was really critical. Um, but city dollars did not help pay for this. So, we're always looking for money to make our community better and try to try to limit our ask to you all. Um, certainly couldn't talk about successes over the last year without talking about the Mary Wright Greenway. Um, the picture on the left is the beautiful and spectacular cultural wall. We love that it is on the Mary Wright

Greenway and is at pedestrian scale for people to interact and enjoy. Um we'd love to see that replicated maybe on a smaller scale. Um but it's really um such a beautiful addition. So congrats to the city team on that. And then the picture on the right was taken this morning at the Mary Wright Greenway. There's nothing like some asphalt to get us excited in our office. So we were thrilled to see that um that project moving and thank council for your allocation of funds to make that happen. I'm going to briefly mention we also partnered um with two other nonprofits to purchase the Saluda grade rail line. I know that is not in the city of Spartanber. It starts in Inman and goes up just north of Saluda, North Carolina. But wanted to mention that our long-term dream and vision is to connect this down to the Daniel Morgan trail system. We've got about a 10 mile gap between Enman and USC Upstate that um which is kind of our northern terminus on the um Daniel Morgan trail system. And then if we can connect down to Crossstate Park and the 50 miles there, if we can connect north to the Acusta and Swamp Rabbit is not too far, all of a sudden you're talking about a regional network that is uh really rivals some of the big ones across the country. So there's lots of potential. Um, I'm going to spend a little bit of time talking about this map. There's a lot going on on here. So, this is the Daniel Morgan um, trail system. The solid green lines are trail segments that already exist. There are 24 miles of those. Um, and so far it's been about a $22 million investment to make all of those happen. That money has certainly not all come through PAL. The city has paid for some, the county has paid for some, other partners have built them, but collectively it's been about a $22 million investment.

The dashed green lines are trails that are in some form of progress. There are 24 miles of those. Um, and our goal is to get 20 of those on the ground by 2028. Um the one that says Fair Forest Creek 8 miles um that is a uh being paid for through a federal grant grant, the raise grant. The county is the fiscal agent for that. That is almost a $24 million grant. So that alone will double our investment in trails in this community. Um, if we implement the rest of all of that, that will that is uh that's highlighted in the dashed green that will total an investment of $54 million. So, this is something that our community has invested in significantly. And then finally, the blue lines are um trails that are something we aspire to build. We're not quite sure about routing yet, but got a little more work to do to get there. And I should say in total this would be about a 55 mile network. Wanted to touch very quickly on active spaces. So there are three different park projects where we've worked closely with Kim and the city team, Duncan Park, which I know you all are very familiar with, the railard community park with a Subaru bike park, and then finally Irwin Park. Our interest in these parks specifically has been their connection and tie into the trail system. Creating destinations along the trail system is so important, especially public spaces for people to gather and enjoy um the system. Uh Irwin Park, we've had the first um steering committee meeting. We're really excited that the gentleman

who led the Duncan Park um process with the national park system um he retired and so he has come back as a consultant to lead that process for us um on Irwin Park. So we're excited and very committed um to a public process for um creating a vision and master plan for Irwin Park and look forward to sharing that with you. Couple other quick things. We are constantly also trying to support um the grounds team, Josh Baker, all that is um happening to and Scott Paige all that they are doing to support um the trails that are on the ground. We have groups a group of retirees that meets every Tuesday to um clean up invasive plant species. We also have regular events on Saturdays. Um just last month we had about 50 uh high school kids out at Duncan Park working. So constantly trying to engage the community in um making our trails uh safer and uh thriving and less invaded by foreign plants. Um we also know of course that um trails are tied very much to economic development. We know that for every million dollars we spend at least leads to at least a $1.5 million economic benefit to the community. We also know that destinations are a major part of building out a trail system. So, you see a number of different um great local restaurants that have located along the system as well as multifamily uh developments that have come to town and have tied into the trail system. Um, and finally, we're always looking for ways to connect our community to PAL and the work that we're doing um in whatever capacity that that means. So, always looking for for folks to get involved. So, if you know of anybody that's interested, please send them our way. And with that, I'm glad to take any

questions. Any questions from Miss Ringo? I'm sorry. Go ahead. Thank you. I just want to say to Miss Ringo, thank you for the presentation, for the work you you were doing, and for all the aspirations and dreams that you are putting out there for everyone. And I think it's it's awesome. Thank you. Yeah, Laura, I too want to thank you for all of the work that you are doing. And I do have some questions, but I think that mine will go to Chris instead of you.

Great. Sure. [laughter] And and Laura, just echoing the sentiments of what uh Pal has has meant to Spartenberg and in the trails. Um uh it is a tremendous amenity that we have. And a lot of times when we talk to uh Katherine O'Neal, it is about, you know, the trails and and these amenities that we are trying to make Spartanberg a more walkable, playable uh uh uh city. Um but but one thing you said uh earlier about u the turkey run on uh Thanksgiving morning is not so much fun for us that run and not quite in shape. [laughter] So fair. It's fun to watch you. How about that?

No, we have a great time and thank you and thank you for all that you do for the city of Spart city and county of SP and the upstate. Thank you. I'm sorry. Go. Go. I'm sorry. Sorry. You seem to be a great person to ask my first question. Oh, please. Um, so tell me with the trails, it's it's all amazing and and I think you know how much our family truly loves the trail system. In in terms of the different segments, is there a segment that is more frequently uh utilized and then a segment that is not? So, as as council members, is there a segment that we could encourage participation and and and walk and and footsteps?

Yeah. No, thank you for asking that. And I would I'm glad to dig into more numbers if you are interested. So, certainly the Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail is the most popular and has continued to be and it was kind of the model when we started looking at this a little over 10 years ago of like this is an amazing example. How do we do more of this? Um, so, so it's definitely the the one that is kind of the most popular. Um, second behind that is the River Birch Trail. So, um, so far through October, the rail trail has about 150,000 uses so far this year. Um, the River Birch Trail is, uh, just over a hundred or right at a 100,000 uses. So, it's quickly catching up as another favorite. Um, we're hopeful that that Fair Forest Creek corridor is going to be just as beautiful as the uh as the River Birch section. Um, Duncan Park is still not utilized much, which was also part of our interest in helping uh support the parks team as we um enhance the park and the the experience. It's getting more, but I think there's still opportunity to to get more users out there. And we hope to really make that connection between the rail trail and Duncan Park more obvious. Um, SCOT is resurfacing or I don't know if they're doing it, the county, somebody is resurfacing Union Street and as part of that, SCOT did approve um some additional enhancements to crossings to try to make that connection more obvious.

Good. Thank you, Laura. Thank you. Do appreciate that. Item [snorts] 11, the resolution authorizing the city manager to implement the uh um raise a grant funded um enhancement to the Daniel Morgan Trail Network and the city of Spartanberg partnership with the with Spartanberg County and POW play act uh advocate live well resolution. Chris Story presenter.

Mr. Mr. Mayor, members of council, Laura's presentation uh helped to see the the context for for this. As she mentioned, the raise grant is the single largest one, you know, at one time investment in our trail network, $24 million grant um that PAL and the county um sought together and the county's the fiscal agent on and they've been good great partners through us uh with us. um over the years as it relates to this and I believe it's eight miles of it uh traverse the city. Those eight miles will um connect uh neighborhoods that need these amenities. Um Wazel, West Main Street, uh Park Hills, the Highland neighborhood, Irwin Park, CC Woodson connecting all back to the Marriage Wright Greenway and the existing infrastructure. So, that's a massive quality of life uh enhancement for a number of our neighborhoods that we're very excited about. The resolution before you does several things. One, u it affirms our support for this activity as a a as a primary quality of life enhancement to to take place and be implemented in 2026. Uh secondly, it it affirms because the question continues to to come forward that the that our expectation is that we'll maintain the sections that are that are in the city limits just as we maintain River Birch and Mary Black Foundation uh um rail trail and and the other amenities that are currently in use. And finally, it directs me to to um engage more deeply in the property acquisition um uh that's necessary mostly in the form of easements. We have found and it's been our experience in in in in the projects that have been

developed to date that um trails are um like a lot of infrastructure enhancements and that they are a win-win [snorts] type of u investment that they that they have positive um use benefits to properties nearby, but they also have positive economic um impact um on properties nearby. So, it's often very simple, straightforward to um uh to acquire the easements. But in this case, with a ticking clock on a federal grant um we're going to move more quickly if if we have your support uh uh on this resolution. Um and and attempt to wrap up the the property acquisition u easements and and rights of way that are necessary to fully implement the project. Um, so certainly welcome any questions you have. We just this this resolution moves us a step further towards realizing and completing out that vision.

Questions of Mr. Story? Yeah, Christo, uh, as I understand it, the county has adopted a similar resolution. They have. Yeah, they have.

Um, and then as also, as I understand it, the many of the the required easements have already been secured. uh and we've just narrowed down to a very few in scope. Um and of those um the the the remain the outstanding u you know easements that are needed um don't pro you know in any way adversely affect the property the property owner the property owner's rights to to use that property in any way they deem uh appropriate and is and is largely non- evvasive.

That's that's correct. There's no there's no structures u impacted. Um there are there's no uh properties that the nature and use of would change. We're we're talking oftentimes a matter of of feet here or there. Um and uh it's it's important. I don't want to create the impression that there's that there's significant diff difficulty towards making this happen because there's not. but it's often times difficult to get folks attention to it. And so that's one of the things that this resolution would help us do.

And this resolution and scope is limited to the property acquisition uh or the easement acquisition of those identified through this raise grant. Yes, sir. Yes. And not beyond. That's correct. Mr. Mayor. Sure. Chris, if we needed to take further [clears throat] action, those would come before us. This just gives you the tools to get the attention. This gives me a public mandate essentially is one way. If we needed to take further action on a particular easement, that would be an individual action before us.

That's Yes, ma'am. We approach it that way. Oh yeah, Chris, I went out today go with Leah and I just wanted to see firsthand, you know, where the trail would go and the amount of property that would be taken and uh should it comes to that and uh I think about the most that would be taken from anyone property would be like 20 ft. But I think the thing that some people are concerned about and you have to think about this because of urban renewal because you know a lot of people you know that's the first thing that came to their mind urban renewal you know you came in you took the property and the people go were not compensated and um I am hoping that we do not have to use intimate domain to get the property although it's just a few feet but you know it's a few feet is somebody else's property is just a few feet but if it's mine is my property and that's the way that we have to look at it and I am hoping that we will approach this gently

yes ma'am and not go in and just force people to do something by using intimate domain because I do believe that the majority of the people that own the properties I don't think that they would give you a hard time but this is just me talking because it's not my property but um I do hope that uh if you have to give them a few dollars they give them a few dollars you know if you can get them to give up that little land that are you needing?

Yes, ma'am. We have uh independent third party uh appraisals. Um and uh those those we'll make those offers uh assuming you authorize me to go forward. I'll we'll make those offers at the fair market value appraisal. We think um that is a a direct uh calculation based on the the small uh pieces of land involved. What it doesn't capture or reflect is that when we have these infrastructure improvements and these amenities, it tends to attract businesses. I think we're all familiar with um the Mary Black Foundation rail trail has has seen a number of complimentary or positive businesses that have chosen that location for proximity,

right? Um and there's an economic component to that uh uh that you know we we really approach this as as sort of a triple bottom line win. uh uh a win for the property owners, a a win for the community, and a win for future business activity. Uh you know, Chris, uh I would say this from what I got from Leah, from what I got from Leo today, uh I think that this is going to be a plus, but it's not my property. as I'm saying, you know, use a gentle Yes,

way of going about it because you're not to force people into doing something. And Chris, to that point though, as I understand it, I I think um Laura, Leah, and and Ned working in conjunction with the city staff, have been working diligently to to uh acquire the parcels that they've already gotten the easements for, and that's all been a collaborative process. There have been workarounds that have been created uh to accommodate some of those concerns and they're really taking very careful a very careful approach to ensuring absolutely minimizing any adverse effect that there would be on any property owner. Is that is that your understanding?

That's absolutely our intent. Our goal is winwinwin on all ends. All right. Any other questions? Do I hear a motion? Mr. Mr. Mayor, I make a motion that we adopt resolution. What is that one? A 11 A [laughter] 11 A second. All in favor?

I need not oppose. Eyes have it. We're at B. Um Mr. living the resolution approving the purchase of property uh at Homes and Hart Street bearing the tax map uh map parcel number 7-16-6-289.00 and 7-16-6-315.00 resolution Mr. Livingston community development director. Yes, sir.

Good evening, Mr. Mayor, members of council. staff has requested approval of a resolution to uh purchase two properties near Home and Hart Street. Uh these properties we hope will be used for for housing, but they're also going to be used for the infrastructure for the PAL Trail. Uh the the properties were per will be purchased from Cornerstone Baptist Church and this was a voluntary transaction and I'll answer any questions you may have. Mayor Martin, as I understand it in the packet, we own the property on either side, right? Already.

We own the property in the middle. We're purchasing properties on the other side. Okay. So, this now will make one larger parcel. Yes. So, so Martin, that little triangle, do you see the triangle as I'm looking at it to the to the right? Yes. Whose property is that? We own that triangle. Okay. That's what I thought. So, we'll have all of that. Good. The middle. Yeah. We own the middle. We're trying to acquire it. We're No, we own the middle. We're trying to acquire both sides. Okay. So that it can diagonally across the property. That's correct. Yeah. And the funds used to purchase this are CBDG funds.

That's correct. CDBG funds. We can use it to acquire it acquire properties for infrastructure and for housing. And so the trail would connect um from Home Street over to Hart Street. Home Street to Home Street Extension where the triangle is located. Okay. But I'm sure Pal will bring will share that information in a future date. Good. And Martin does um is that Terrence Hall's Enterprises? Okay. He um Next one. Yeah. Oh, did I Yeah. Is he working with this group too? Not on this lots. Okay. Not on these lots. We don't have any plans necessarily for these. Not currently having

Not yet. We're working with the planning department to develop some plans, but but this would not preclude that or the existence of the trail. That's correct. Well, it'll allow for the trail to be developed on the lower portions of the lots and then um we believe that we can develop some housing later on. Okay. Awesome. All right. Do I hear recommendation? I make a motion that we accept. Move. Second. All in favor? Any that opposed? Eyes have it. Thank you, Mr. Livingston. Thank you.

Item 12, ordinance. Ordinance authorizing the city manager execute agreement for the transfer of scattered site properties located in the Farley, Saxon, neck, north side, and South Converse neighborhoods. First reading. Mr. Livingston, back up.

Uh, Mr. Mayor, members of council, staff is requesting approval to allow for an ordinance and for the city manager to execute a development agreement with Haw Enterprises LLC to develop on seven lots that will produce nine houses in the city. Uh the development agreement allows for the the developer to build single family housing for home ownership purposes uh with a price range anywhere from $200 to $240,000. Uh back earlier this year, staff implemented a request for proposals on city lots to build housing and we received several proposals um from developers working with Lisk Upstate. uh Haw Enterprises was chosen as one of those developers and so we're bringing before you a development agreement to allow him to proceed with a development on these seven lots to produce nine single family home ownership units and I'll answer any questions you may have.

Questions Martin? He [clears throat] there there are no chosen owners at this point though. This is just to transfer those over for him to develop. That's correct. It's all speculative at this point. Families that would be interested in this will work with local partners on affordable uh down payment assistance and that sort of thing as well.

So that's correct. Some of the funding that will be involved in this this development will include some American Rescue Plan funding to make the units available and affordable to families. Uh there are some properties in the north side and north side has their own down payment assistance program and the city has its own program that can be used throughout the city as well. All these locations are eligible locations. So if the developer has a time zone to do this project,

so the development agreement extends to uh December of 2027, but must be completed a majority of the construction must have begun by December of next year because our funds may be involved in some of these lots. And what happens to those properties? Let's say he does two. Does that satisfy the the agreement or if he stalls after two, does that uh then return the outlying lots to the city? So all the lots will have a lean uh a mortgage attached to them. So if he only does two, the rest of the lots will be returned to the city. And that's by the 2027 date. Uh December 2027.

Okay. And so this is a you know $2 million investment um with how much invested from our ARPA dollars? 450,000 we think. 450. So 450,000 leverage gives us another.6 million which adds to our number of 3.5 million deployed so far with uh an investment of 55 million7 million. That's already added in. This number is already added into those totals. So, okay, we're looking for trying to pad numbers for you. [laughter] Keep it going, Jamie. Thanks for being Don't pad numbers. I know. [laughter]

But I do think, you know, always take the opportunity to make the point that this is what we talk about with those AR dollars and seeing those dollars go Yeah. uh farther is is in the benefit in in the best interest of of our community and it's a story we need to tell more. uh often and and maybe amplify that.

And I'm sure the city manager will provide more information as we move along with those projects. Some of those projects are coming out of the ground as we speak. Uh and so you'll hear more about that, those projects over the next couple of months. Um H has provided a few of these drawings showing the designs of the homes. Um he's building single family one-story and twotory homes. uh throughout on those lots. We have one development that will require some infrastructure, sewer and sidewalks. Uh working with the planning department, we've come up with this design in the South Congress neighborhood. Um these are the all the lots and their locations uh throughout the city. And then again, this chart shows you the income ranges that we're serving. We're trying to serve families at 120% or less of area immunity and income. The offer funds allows us to do that. Uh but the goal really is to get families at 180% of median income uh within that income range. And so HO has been successful in doing that um over the years trying to get families at 80% of median income. uh this program and all of our housing programs meet these goals for um meet several city goals and action plans including several from the comprehensive plan uh the consolidated plan and as soon as we adopt this city strategic plan will meet some of the city strategic plan goals as well.

Martin, you mentioned that there were several developers that that uh responded to your RFP. Um, does that is that a higher number than we've historically seen and do you think that indicates continued interest in Spartanberg and and health and the the overall process? It was significantly higher than what we've seen in the past. Uh, we had about 13 or 14 submitters.

Uh, four four submitters uh received uh recommendations for funding. We did move one developer Habitat over to home funds to allow them to proceed with their project and funded the others uh funded recommended funding for the others. But it was a significant number and um two two or three were out of town, out of the area region. Uh one runs through Greenville, another from Colombia. Great. Martin, you said two of these sites were in the north side area. Uh yes, two. Which Preston, help me with the segment. I know Preston. Uh, Short Hill. Is that right?

Preston and Short Hill. Short Hill. And what made me think of it was um David Summer's presentation just uh last week and and talking about how they're transportation. Yeah. and and but how they're financing houses and we need to get on board and making sure we're talking to NDG and David in particular. You know, I [snorts] say we as in some of our potential uh homeowners here. I made him aware of it. Yeah. Good. I'm sure you did. It was it was just reiterating his piece. The southside where are they going to be built on the southside?

Uh got it. The streets are Marian and Maxwell. that intersection on Marian. What about on Marian? All the ones that Oh, that's right. The vacant lot that you have on Marian. Okay. Martin, Everett and Sunny. Everett and Sunny as well. Yeah. Okay. Um I believe we've asked this question before about similar projects and maybe this isn't the correct term, but is the the land deed restricted to affordability for a certain period of time? Yes. For how long?

So, we have a deed restriction. So, it's uh for every year it's $1,000 for every year. So, when we provide down payment assistance $20,000, it's 20 years. And so, we're looking at um for the $50,000, we're looking at keeping that at 50 years. That's great.

So, it's a deed restriction, restrictive covenant. And and I would say that the wonderful thing about some of these programs that we have with, you know, NDG and and other opportunities for down payment home assistance, it's really given folks an opportunity to own a home that wouldn't otherwise have an opportunity to own a home. So, I think the goal is to is to, you know, pass these homes down from generation to generation to create generational wealth. Um, which is what we're, you know, we we see in the north side, in the south side. Um, and you know, one of the things we talked about last week with with this study presentation we went to was, you know, how do we create more opportunities for new folks but also keep folks in their neighborhoods um that currently, you know, have properties as well. So, this is this is good stuff.

Awesome. Any other questions? Do I hear a motion? I make a motion that we approve. Second. All in favor? I. Any that opposed? Eyes have it. Mr. Story, an ordinance authorizing the city manager to execute documents related to the sale of properties located at northwest corner of Church Street and St. John's. Baron Tax Map number 7-12 uh- 17-016.00. Mr. story. City manager first reading.

Uh uh this is a transaction aimed at uh uh facilitating the highest and best use of a small uh bit of property that the city now owns so that it might become uh part of a larger uh redevelopment site. Um, this is the northwest corner of North Church Street and St. John Street. It is a small uh uh lot that is used uh for public parking at the moment. It is um we recently acquired it through a complex transaction that played out over several years uh from the federal government, the General Services Administration, the federal government. Um and the action before you would allow us to convey it as part of an agreement to um pursue mixeduse development on that corner, which we think is important. This is the location immediately across um Church Street from the Montgomery building. We think it is um uh a prominent corner um that for many many years, as long as I can recall, um uh been underutilized, undeveloped small parking lot and the opportunity for it to be um for that corner to be anchored by multi-story mixeduse development is uh something of strategic interest to the downtown. Um the transaction before you is a fair market value transaction fully covering the cost of our recent acquisition of the site. Um um and it has a couple of provisions that are atypical u for a conventional land sale. one is um the

the purchaser um has agreed to begin the development process um um and they the that'll play out over several years um uh but to to begin planning a development of that site and if they are unsuccessful in that we can reacquire the property. Uh the second unique consideration is that at no charge to to us or to the public, it would be uh available for public parking during that time. So nothing would physically change um um in um in the interim as our planning and economic development staff worked with the new owner to identify the highest and best use redevelopment possibilities and to bring those to reality. So I recommend your uh approval of this. We think it's consistent with our economic development strategies and our and our and our plans for the um most uh vibrant and economically thriving downtown we can achieve. Mayor

Yes. Um Chris, refresh my memory. I know this came before council a couple of years ago when we were committing the funds uh as part of the the threeparty uh triangular uh relationship uh with GSA. Yes. Uh to make I think improvements to the the federal courthouse here as I recall and and it was it was initiated in part as uh at the request of the of the acquirer.

Correct. Um and and so like we we entered into that with the assumption that this is how this was going to play out provided all the different um you know um promises were made and met and um it it would explain why this wouldn't be a piece of property that we would just take to market and seek a competitive you know bid process or anything like that.

We Yes, sir. with uh that's 100% correct and we um we believe that the highest and best use for this corner involves um planning an approach that because it is such a small footprint, planning an approach that involves some adjacent property. And so the same ownership group um um has adjacent properties and that allows for larger uh footprint and something that is more appropriate for that corner. And they would not have been able, nobody else would have been able to acquire this from the federal government except for for for the city because typically GSA or the federal government doesn't seed land easily, right? Cool.

Absolutely. In fact, my uh my first reaction uh to the concept to the initial idea of incorporating this this property into the adjacent property and planning a a mixeduse development was sounds great. Go forward. And they said, "Oh, but we actually need a local government to to be an intermediary and uh to to achieve the the outcome." So, that's how we got to this point. Good. Any gonna make a motion. Waiting on you. All right. I make a motion that we approve the ordinance. Second.

Do I hear a second? I'm behind, guys. Um, all in favor? I. Any that opposed? Eyes have it. Mr. Story, stand up for staff updates.

Yes, Mr. Mayor. I'll be brief. I just want to highlight a couple of uh things. Um u you know, it's been a long-standing goal of of ours to have all authorized and available positions in our police and fire departments filled. Um it's constant, you know, uh effort um uh to do so. And if you've done any reading about those professions um across the country, it's been a very common uh uh challenge for communities to attract and retain particularly younger generations into those important professions. Um and so I wanted to to take a minute to to give a shout out to our police chief and fire chiefs for their recent unique efforts uh to fill their application pipelines. um big victories in both of those uh places. Uh we started out in fire with uh with the largest candidate pool at one time we've had um at least in a decade and um uh at last had nine working their way through the process uh which is a it's a really good number um uh for us and the scale of that department and 41 um individuals um in response to some outreach efforts from the from the police department have taken the first steps in what is a multi-step process to potentially become a police officer. So, I'm just really appreciative of those efforts and uh proud of of those two teams. The best recruiters uh we we find for folks to join police and fire are policemen and firefighters. uh they do the best job of explaining it and they open their doors to the to the community to do those things and have been successful. Um the

second piece of progress I'd like to uh to highlight um is um relates to our pilot that is ongoing for our microtransit system known as Sparta Go. uh as we've discussed here, we we've been working through um the process to sort of uh design that and let that let that pilot um evolve as it needed to. And then and out of response to the volumes we were seeing and the requests we were seeing come in through the app um and um in conversation about points and destinations. we've been able to expand that footprint to uh reach out um to the what I think of as the sort of east side retail areas now included in the service and that also includes Spartanberg High School um and uh some of the medical facilities um in in that part of the community. Um, so it's significant footprint expansion for Spartago, continued success in that pilot. Um, and uh, we're pleased with the direction that that is heading and appreciate the team's flexibility on on making that work. So with that, Mr. Mayor, I'll certainly welcome any questions you have, but I did want to share those two updates.

All right, any questions? Chris, um, Councilman Fulmer and I were just talking earlier today about our police and recruitment efforts. So, I'm interested on your update when you say they have filled their application pipeline. So, let's say we have I'm so glad you asked because I I realized I that could have we are still taking applications in both of those departments. Uh, okay. Because I was going to ask if we have spots or budget budgeted for 130 positions, we we he always likes to say then we need to overshoot and you know get applications for 180 because it's going to

right you know the process is going to weed itself down. But what what I would be curious to know is we have such wealth in our of age in in so many of our officers and we have recently lost a few of our older more experienced officers to the county.

And I'm curious if the majority of these applicants are brand new, super young, great. We want everyone that we can take, but we really need to retain our officers that have years and years of experience because if a lot of them, you know, we we've had this conversation, [clears throat] I hope that we can keep our eyes on two prizes of recruiting but then also retaining our folks that have the experience because it's one thing to lose someone with 20 years, right? It's not apples to apples if you're hiring someone who this is their first year on the force, right?

So, I mean, in both fire and police, we need to keep both of those things at the at the forefront. And if that means I I don't believe we have it now, if that means that we start some sort of recruitment incentives, um, like you see other departments doing, whether that's for a second language, for military experience, for bachelor's degrees, associates degrees. And I do not believe that we do that right now as a department. So if if we need to, you know, continue to up our Annie, I think we have been a very supportive council and we want to know what we can do to keep and recruit the best out there because our our folks deserve that. Sure. Um so, you know, please from from the chief, let let us know what what they need.

Absolutely. In order to to keep that pipeline [clears throat] full, right? and hired. Yes, ma'am. And I I feel like we're in a in a good place uh at the moment and uh but certainly noted and and I expect I I don't think we've lost a lot of our officers. We have lost some when when we say a lot, right? Administration and and uh we they're doing a a a good job with recruitment and incentivizing, but we can do better. I definitely hear you loud and clear that if there's something that we are missing out there, but we we you know, it's just a hard place to be. Council,

yeah, we have no more important responsibility to the people that have elected us and the people that we serve than to provide, you know, excellent uh top protection, both police and fire, as well as quality city services. And so, I don't think we can spend enough time on on those issues. And I think it's always important to make sure that with the resources that we're entrusted with that we're allocating those to get the job done. Yes, sir.

Chris, um sort of relates to this p public meeting. Um we've had in the past couple folks who have come and give public comment. Um I see one young lady in the back here. Um, and then I've recently received, I don't believe it's from the same individual, but an email um, request um, for folks who um, might have mobility issues and making certain accommodations for those who it might be a little bit more difficult for them to come to the front um, to give their public comment. I know that we are a very welcoming um, city and I've sent you guys a couple updates. It should not be something that would be that difficult and I don't want it to be a situation where it's based on in that moment we make an accommodation. Um so my question is I know that the young lady had made comments about that. What what do we offer to folks who may have mobility issues who may want to still come and participate in the public process of these meetings? Um, it's extremely frustrating to me when I email a constituent back and say, you know, this should be something easy that we should be able to get back to you on, and then I send several emails and I don't get a response. You know, I know that

you on this topic last week. I I don't have that email. Okay. I don't have that email. If you can find it and forward it to me, I you know, that'd be great. I'd be happy to. Um but if you can update us so that we know

we don't hold public meetings in spaces that aren't fully ADA compliant. Um and u uh any public comment provisions uh at this meeting are u fully fully ADA compliant um spaces uh here with plenty of uh room. And so uh we we believe that u this this space and certainly any other space that we might meet in meets meets those standards. If council would like to undertake um consideration of remote meeting participation in meetings different than live streaming, I would I would encourage that to be a a much more careful study. But as far as making public comments, uh I believe we can reach at least a third of the room uh with the equipment we have.

Um can I just piggy back on what Councilwoman uh Brown has stated about the disability? You do have people that are deaf that [snorts] would like to express themselves as well. So while you're looking into her situation about the contact within the room, making sure that we have other accommodations for them.

Sure. And I think that in in that case um uh of course you're you're all if if the matter is um simply if the objective is simply to communicate information um folks don't need to wait for council meetings to do that. They can do that in written form um in email form anytime. But if the objective is also to have that part of the public discourse, um our practice is to allow uh someone else to to read into that record and utilize the public comment time um so that it's heard uh by others. So that that would be an acceptable means if if someone wanted did wasn't able to come up here, they could have someone read something on their behalf.

Yeah, I think that has occurred before and that's certainly council's subject to council policy. Staff uh doesn't have any restrictions on that. Is that something that's being contemplated in the design of the new municipal complex? Um well all all of those spaces will be will be ADA ADA compliant. Get that. But but in terms of accommodating uh you know public input in the in the chamber rooms um you know I think they ought to at least make sure that they're they're thinking through those accommodations that may be necessary to participate. It it'll be better equipped and more modern than this space for sure.

Can I ask one last question, Chris? Um, the last time we had a cold snap, uh, we saw once again issues rise up at Robert Smalls regarding some of the heating, uh, units. Have those issues been completely resolved and are are we prepared at Robert Smalls for an uh, approaching cold snap? We uh the well as always I think it's important to clarify the city doesn't have a direct role in the management and uh of Robert Smalls apartments. They are privately owned and managed. They are subject to the same codes that uh affect all dwelling units um in the city and that requires heat being available. Um and

are they up to code? What's that? Are they up to code?

Every unit that we are aware of a unit number uh has been provided heaters. Now I have heard in the in social media and other things references uh but of course for us to do a code enforcement action we need a unit number and we need to you know we need to ability but we have been present on the site multiple days with multiple teams um and um uh to our knowledge each tenant h that doesn't have functioning central heat has been offered safe space heating equipment.

Chris, I will uh ask just an update uh with the uh clock tower and uh where we and uh as well as the bricks that could possibly be used again for the tower. Well, as as far as the the staff is looking at the the feasibility of several locations for uh replacement of the clock tower. Um the contractors that we have uh had discussions with to date believe that that both structurally and aesthetically we'd be better off to to predominantly use new material um on that that the historic elements and um and some of the material from the current clock as as uh I mean from the current vertical part of the tower structure. um can um uh be part of that, but predominantly it's going to have to be new material on the vertical part of the of the tower structure. Uh the bell and clockworks are being refurbished as we speak. Um and uh I think we'll be in a position in early 2026 to have a discussion about best long-term location for that because I think as we've learned now twice uh the loca the long-term of the of of the location is important um to to to find one that will be suitable for uh you know the foreseeable future and beyond. And that's that's important. So we we want to get that right. [snorts]

Good. Can we just say permanent? [laughter] The next location be permanent. We can never say we don't know what's going to happen. Generations and it's so and we'll have a clock that will work, right? [laughter] Yes, ma'am. Thank you, Mr. Story. That was a low insight. [laughter] Thank you. Um I don't want to start you. You ready? Leslie, you can give another update. Uh, you want me to start on the other end? You can have that. Start on the other end. All right. Down here with Mr. Sally. All right. Councilwoman Sally.

Okay. Well, thank you all for being here and welcome. Glad to have you with us. Um, let's just say I have to put my glasses on writing. Um, last week I believe we celebrated uh the Coca-Cola plant which is Mr. Joel Davis. uh was so nice to uh build for us with his construction crew. It is a lovely building. It's been used by the from money's funds from the historical grants help refurbished the building and I think whenever the vendors get in, it's going to be awesome. Uh it is a nice building and it's very presentable for the west side of town that councilwoman uh Smith and I shared. And also I want to say that I spent most of last week getting ready for my husband's presentation. He was honored with as a hall of famer for CloudFlund University. I'm very proud of him and um he doesn't know his name being thrown or his his his uh recognition is being thrown around tonight,

but my husband is Roland Sally for those who do know him. Also, I want to say thank happy Thanksgiving to each one of you. Next week, oh no, I'm sorry. Thursday is the Thanksgiving. Yeah.

Um but tomorrow night is community day for giving which is going to be held at Macedonia uh church. uh starting at 6:00. So come out and support South Carolina um Spart County Foundation with that. And then on Thursday morning, 7:30 is Turkey Day with PAL. So get out there and do your running. Um, last but not least, I'm going to see if since Chris didn't say it to see if the mayor is going to say it because we got another busy week before we get to our next council meeting.

Yeah, we'll see. Someone else may say it before then. I was definitely going to mention Roland uh and in his induction into the Hall of Fame of Claplin. So, I I'll let him know eventually I see him out. Uh beat him in some space and congratulate him. All right. Thank you, Councilman Foreman.

Sure. Uh congratulations, Roland. That's an exciting uh exciting announcement. Um congratulations and welcome, Lesie. We're glad to have you uh on council and was impressed with your boys as they helped to administer the oath and more impressed with the fact that they've stayed through this long meeting. [laughter] Former boys have never stayed this long. helps me. Um, and so I'm I'm impressed by that. Um, also want to congratulate uh the Walford volleyball team on its third consecutive Southern Conference championship. Coach uh coach Lindsay Roose and and her team do a phenomenal job. I think they were bitten by the injury bug throughout this year, but they were still able to pull off an impressive feat up in Asheville this weekend. Um Jamie mentioned Jay Davis and the work they did uh refurbishing the Coca-Cola building on behalf of some investors out of Greenville. Um, but most importantly, we went and celebrated their investment in Spartanberg by opening an office here. And and I hoped everybody could have heard or I wish everybody could have heard the positive comments that they made about their investment in Spartanber and how bullish they are about coming to this community and how welcome they they feel and and so I think that's another feather in our cap to have investment like that. And then a few of us today spent part of our morning at the site of the new Jesse Boyd on Weber Road where they broke ground on the new elementary school. And and I think that represents an exciting new future for for children in District 7 and is part of a larger plan to improve the facilities and and create uh an education system that is housed in in state-of-the-art facilities for the future. And so that's an exciting thing. And of course, everybody, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We look forward to seeing you in December.

Mayor Pro Tim.

Uh Mr. Mayor, uh congratulations, Councilwoman Rogers. We're really excited to have you. We are now a complete family again. So, are looking forward to um your vision and your ideas and and partnerships that we will continue to make this city a great place to be. Um yeah, I saw the the Wford Women's. That's pretty great. You know, when I was there, we weren't really great in many sports at all. So, it's nice to see the the athletic teams really getting the the talent that they're bringing to Spartanberg. Um, the pickle ball courts in Duncan Park are open. I received several messages over the weekend with pictures. Kim, thank you for all your hard work. So exciting. I mean, people were lined up waiting to get on these courts. Had a little bit of feedback, which I'll send send you in an email. Um but everyone was so excited and they were just so thankful that you know this is an area that we um find important for you know playing in our communities and uh promoting wellness and um very excited to get out there myself. Um last week had the opportunity I believe a number of us were there to attend the gentrification discussion at the in over in the north side uh the the shei institute for sustainable communities and Dr. Kim Cobb uh spent the last year doing a study um data driven. It was highly data driven. my brain has been like I I you have to take a minute to step back because there's just so much data. Um but really what we're trying to do is to ensure you know we've seen a lot what happens in other communities. We've seen what's happened in Asheville. We've seen what's happened in Greenville um with with f with non-intentional it's not intentional growth. And so because of that we've seen a number of communities and folks get pushed out of their communities. Um,

some of the big takeaways that I took from that discussion was, you know, we have 84.4% of residential units in the north side or rentals. Um, so that does create a serious risk for folks who could potentially be displaced. Um, but they also talked about community resilience and how um how that is bolster bolstered by home ownership. So through different partnerships um with NDG um and with the city and funding to help folks um with down payment assistance and really putting their work into individuals who are um interested in home ownership. Um that is how we keep our communities whole and let allow people to stay where they are. The other piece that was really important, um, you know, we're all kind of I don't know about the rest of y'all, but just like one paycheck away from, you know, not having a roof over our head and and struggling sometimes to make ends meet um despite what's out there on the internet. I don't know where these bags of money are for me, but um and so um you know, emergency repair assistance, you have a lot of folks in the north side who are older homeowners who rely on social security. Um and you know, a hole in a roof can completely displace, you know, whether or not they can maintain ownership of their home. So, um I do appreciate, you know, my colleagues your vision on, you know, what kind of partnerships and leveraging funds that we can, um come up with to, you know, create these programs to to really invest in people. And that's what we're really about. Um the last thing I'll say, and it's just a point of frustration, Mr. Mayor, I think I've shared this with you before, you know, um Chris, as you mentioned, you know, it's about Robert Smalls and everyone is is is has to uphold our city

ordinances. Um the same thing, you know, to me applies with code enforcement. Um you know, we have um some properties in the city which are well beyond disrepair. I mean, they are at this point a public safety hazard. Um, you can't miss it over on Oakland Avenue. This has been a property that I have been begging and pleading and pushing and working on and I know Kevin is so tired of hearing from me and I apolog um and um you know this this piece of property is it is a it is a public safety hazard and we have been working on this but it seems often that we don't apply our ordinances in a way that for everyone should be equal for everyone. If we're we're expecting residents to maintain their yards and pick up after this, the same should apply to property owners um whose properties have gone into I mean this isn't just a window. I mean that there is an actual visible gaping hole in the top of this property and if anyone walks through it or sneaks in there, whatever, we're going to have really big problems. And so I hope in this next year as we are um looking at you know really um shoring up our ordinances and our zoning and and everything else that we can start being a little bit more consistent with how we apply our ordinances not just to property owners commercial property owners but also you know the residents. I we we do hear this often from residents sometimes they don't feel like they are treated the same. um you have some folks on this side of the city that don't think that they are treated the same way as someone who might live on the east side of the city um in terms of

ordinances and I think that we just need to be consistent. We need to be follow the rules and it is what it is. It's we can't just, you know, bend them here and bend them there and okay, we'll give you more time and all of these things and then not do the same things for others. um because I think it just sets a terrible message um that we um will continue to be taken advantage of. So, thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Councilwoman Lud. Oh, you you [clears throat] going? Well, I want to congratulate Leslie and all of you except for me and Megan. That's right.

Go on there. Well, congratulation and welcome to and everybody else that were reelected. Congratulations. Um, I want to congratulate the um uh let me hold on just one second. Make sure I get it right. The top ladies of distinction and the um president Dr. Boozer for all of the work that you did bringing this together. And I was there on Saturday and all these beautiful ladies. I was so happy gosh to see how this turned out. Thank you go for all of the work that you've done to bring this together. Uh and then uh the um epsilon beta chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and the five beta I mean the alpha alpha fraternity served meals to the JC Borga residents on the 18th and these were delicious. I mean this food was good. This was some delicious food cuz so I'm sure that the residents there enjoyed the meals that were delivered to them. The ones that were not able to come out, it was delivered. Um, also I want to congratulate Miss Evelyn Parks who celebrated her retirement over the weekend on the 21st. She'd been there 50 years and four months. Can you imagine? I mean, I was only 10 years old when she went. [laughter]

We all laugh. [laughter] She I mean, 50 years and four months, that's a long time to be on a job because she she enjoyed it and we're going to miss her there. Evelyn Parks worked at the library. Yeah. I just wanted you to say it. Yeah.

Yes. the Spartanberg downtown library. Yeah. Gosh. And they did a reception for her um Friday a Friday afternoon. And then the CC Woodson. I want to thank um uh Kim and Kathy and their whole team that were down at CC Woodson this morning delivering meals to people. I mean, and these were big turkeys they were giving away. My goodness. Big turkeys. Because so these were nice meals that they were giving out, you know, but to people who had come to pick up meals. So if you all had gone, I'm sure that we would have handed you one, too. So [laughter]

320. I think 320.

I know. Yeah. Lots of meals there. And thank you. Um, everybody that were involved in that. Um, I am excited about the trail extension that is going through and I do hope that we can work something out there. Uh, I want to commend at Jay Squires. Jay Squires, I am just going to pat you on the back. And um um [snorts] Jay and um uh Oh, sh Martin. Jay and Martin are on the ball gush and they are just working so hard that cuz sometimes that I wish that there was a way that I could give y'all a raise and Mitch and Kevin I mean the whole Spartanber team the whole Spartanber team cuz we have a great team y'all a great team here in Spartanber and I am excited and Chris I take that smile I mean that frown off your face because when I said I I wish I could give them a raise I saw Chris frown

[laughter] Okay. And I want to congratulate uh Roland and Joetta for their accomplishments, the Hall of Fame. Thank you. All right. Uh Councilman Smith,

thank you all for being here to support Leslie. Congratulations. I think one of the things that makes us a strong council is each of us brings a unique perspective and background both from our lived experience but also professionally and Leslie I think you from both areas fill a hole that we don't have. So I think we're stronger with you up here and we have a lot to learn from you and maybe you'll learn something from us. So um I did just want to address Mr. Schneider though. Um because we haven't yet and I I've

Okay. Well, you can too, but I'm going to as well because it's one thing to be extremely passionate and to and to have emotions and to care really strongly about something and it's another thing to um spew vitriol and call people names. And frankly, I'm really tired of it as a council person. And we somehow have this thought that just because we sit up here, we are allowed to endure whatever the public thinks of us. And that might be the case, but I don't think that that should be true. We live in a time where people have become so desensitized in the way that we talk to each other. And that should not be true. That should not be true of who we are as a city. And I continue to believe that we can be better and that we can hold a higher standard for each other. When one of the leaders of the the group that Mr. Schneider's a part of said that she received uh calls um saying, you know, bullying calls, we said that that was unacceptable and that no one should be treated that way. And I would hope that the folks of that movement could say the same things about us. When we come came home from a football game on Saturday, I asked my son to get the mail. We were right there and there was something weird on the mail box. It was probably bird poop. I don't know what it was. But my son, my son says, "Someone threw poop on our mailbox because of what you did to the clock tower." That's my son's reaction. I see you shaking your head back there, but that is the lived

reality that we have had. And the vitri hall that has been said and spewed about us up here online is unacceptable. We can have differences. We can have different opinions about the direction of the city. But no children should believe that someone has come and desecrated their house because of a vote their mother took. I don't want to live in that city. I don't want to raise my child in that city. I don't want your child to live in this that city either. So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am thankful that we can have disagreements in the spirit of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. We can have strong disagreements where we argue with each other about what is the best way to move our country and our city forward. That is exactly what the founding fathers did. But we don't have to believe the worst about each other. We don't have to call each other names. We don't have to think that we're scum of the earth or traitors. I don't believe that about people who think differently than I do. And I don't think that someone should think that way about us either, just because we choose to sit up here and to serve our city. So, happy Thanksgiving everybody. We'll see you in December. Hope to see you at Dickens of a Christmas. It's going to be a lovely jolly time. Thank you. Thank you. Uh Leslie, one thing you uh figure out, you might want to go first. So [laughter] you kind of forget, you know what you were about to say. You could look at my sheet here and I'm just looking jotting things down. But no, welcome and the

floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Thank you. Um, I'm wholeheartedly appreciate all of your all of your words of support and and um congratulations. And I think to to just balance your words, um I learned that I have this honor of sitting in this seat Tuesday uh last week um late in the evening and it was absolutely a testament to the community that we talk about living in and wanting to build. Um people coming together. I see I see members in the audience here that are just here to support and participate. So I very much witnessed the Spartanberg that I hold dear in my heart and that I know that we are continuing to build to to to give balance. Um but I I think in this past week I want to thank um Chris Story and Christy Lindsay for just quickly getting me up to speed being available. Council members, Mr. Mayor S. um and I look forward to um participating and seeing everyone at the Turkey Trot. I will be walking. Please join me. Um

yes, walking. Um but it is it is an honor to be here and I look forward to bringing my my skills and talents and support to the community. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Um and and to that we we've uh talked a lot about some of the same events that have gone on. Uh Sparta go is is is tremendous if you do not know about it. It's the new u um transit system we have and and having the opportunity to see it. Bringing some kids to school that may have missed the bus really took me over the top when I'm like, man, this thing is really unique. So, if you haven't used it, you get four free rides as everybody out there listening that the first four rides are free. Okay. And then we figure it out after that. I think it's $2 after that. Um, so Spartigo is a is a tremendous um um asset to the city. Uh Roland CC CC Woodson uh we fed the community last week uh there for their Thanksgiving meal. Also, uh today as uh Councilwoman Little John mentioned, there were 350 320 turkeys with fixing given uh given away. And that was from a Spartanberg native. Uh I'm not going to say, but I know she graduated from Dormund and I know her full name, but I'm going to give her that. And uh Triumph uh Collective CEO joined with several community sponsors to donate the 320 turkey. So, thank you. And again, that's just our community coming together for a a common goal and and doing something good for our uh people here. We know Miracle Hill will feed. We have the Soup Kitchen always feeding, but there are several organizations and several nonprofits that are uh feeding uh our community and being thankful for our community. Uh Laura, thank you and pal for all that you guys do. uh as well. Uh ladies of distinction, I did have the privilege uh

Saturday as well as to today. Thank you, Dr. Boozer. Madame President, um Coke being open. Uh Bill Brashaw, for you guys that are Spartanberg folk, Bill Bradshaw had a lot to do with that comment here. And we talked a lot about the old days of of Spartanberg. Uh parade parade is uh Tuesday the the 9th uh the 9th. We will not have a council meeting before. So come out and join us uh at the parade on uh Tuesday, December the 9th. You mentioned Dickens of a Christmas is the second.

The 2nd. Um anything else I'm missing as far as community? Anything coming up? Nope. Nope. Nope. Uh, and also to Mr. Snyder, echo um, uh, Megan and Councilwoman Smith. Guys, the the way we do business, this is a team. You mentioned team a couple times. We had our strategic planning meeting last week with uh staff and uh uh directors and managers. And if I heard team once, I heard it a hundred times. And teammates don't always disagree. I mean, don't always agree on everything, but we're still part of a team. Megan mentioned that she didn't want to raise her children here in Spartanberg if this is what we're going to do. I'm telling you, my kids will be raised here in Spartanberg. So, we have to get better. We're not going to tolerate that stuff. We can disagree and we will disagree. But Mr. Snyder was out of hand. Okay. to me to counsel stuff on social media is what you do. That's up to you. But we shouldn't. And I hate that your kid thinks that. I know your sons. They mean something to me. I hate that they would see something like that. And to go through this stuff, it's not acceptable. It's not acceptable. And we're not going to have it. As the mayor and council here, you're not going to come and just talk about us and point fingers. We can hear what you have to say, but we're not gonna hear you just bashing and lying on things that are going on. Um, U Mayor Pro Tim mentioned the money bags. Where's the money bag? I'm missing something. Excuse me. [laughter] Excuse me. I'm missing something. But again, that

is not how we do business here in Spartanberg. It's not. and it's not gonna uh continue. And that might be my wife calling. [laughter] Guys, thank you all for being here today. Congratulations again. Look forward to working with you for the next uh four two years here. And um happy Thanksgiving to you all. We have a quick executive session so they can quit breathing hard. I'll make a motion we move into executive session. Second. Thank you all. Happy Thanksgiving everybody. Happy Thanksgiving.