Taylor A. Jeffers Gray

The City of Newberry's Urban Forest Master Plan (UFMP) focuses on maintaining tree canopy cover for current and future generations. The plan addresses the need for long-term urban forest management, alignment with the city's goals, and anticipated development impacts. Key goals include securing resources for a proactive urban forestry program, preserving urban tree canopy through development, and providing community members with resources and opportunities for engagement. Recommendations involve annual planting programs, enhanced data collection, tree permit processes, mature tree protection, incentive programs, and community engagement initiatives to enhance the urban forestry program.

The transportation element focuses on developing transportation infrastructure to accommodate present and future needs, improve safety, efficiency, and accessibility through multi-modal transportation systems. It supports local and regional transit options, maintains accessible walkways and bicycle paths, and implements transportation corridor enhancements. The plan also addresses coordination with the County and State agencies, seeks funding for roadway improvements, encourages connected street systems, and supports the development of parallel arterials to protect the Interstate's level of service.

The agenda includes an executive session to discuss appointments to various committees (Accommodation Tax Committee, Housing Authority, Zoning Board of Appeals), a contractual matter related to the Newberry Opera House Foundation, property acquisition, and a contractual matter with PMPA. Employee recognition will be given. The meeting will also cover the financial report, updates on a Brownfields Assessment Grant and the City Manager's report. Key agenda items include amending the zoning map, authorizing a lease-purchase of public works equipment, authorizing check signing, supporting a request to the state legislature for nursing home security cameras, considering a contract with the Newberry Opera House Foundation, approving revised by-laws for the foundation, allowing alcohol in designated event areas, amending the zoning map for 1128 Turner Street, and accepting a contract with McClam & Associates, Inc. for a SCIIP grant.

The Newberry City Council agenda includes an executive session to discuss economic development, contractual agreements with Piedmont Municipal Power Agency (PMPA), personnel matters related to the City Manager, a contractual matter related to Parkview Estates Development, and an appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals. The meeting will also cover the financial report, announcements including a Juneteenth proclamation and scholarship recipients, and an update on a US EPA Brownfields Assessment Grant. A public hearing will be held on several ordinances related to amending rates for electrical, water, and sewer services, and adopting the budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25. First readings of several ordinances will be considered, including those related to establishing a comprehensive fee schedule, amending residential development incentives, establishing rates for energy credits, amending the zoning map for several parcels, and amending the zoning ordinance to address automotive repair and maintenance. Finally, the council will consider a request to authorize a design-build amendment for the Newberry Recreation Complex Expansion, adoption of amended employee guidelines, another appointment to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Interim City Manager's report.

The council reviewed the financial report for the period ending October 31, 2024, noting an increase in cash on hand. The mayor shared highlights from around the city and issued a proclamation declaring Newberry the Cross Country Capital of South Carolina.