Travis Lathren

The meeting addressed several key agenda items, including the recognition of the Police Officer of the Year. Public hearings were conducted regarding multiple zoning map amendments for properties located on Cambridge Avenue East and Bypass 72 NW. New business matters included a proposal for a zoning map amendment, the adoption of a new City Code, and the recognition of National Fair Housing Month. Additionally, the council considered authorizing a contract for design services for the city operations facility, the approval of the Greenwood County Transportation Committee paving list, and a re-appointment to the Board of Architectural Review.

Key discussions included the second reading and unanimous approval of Ordinance No. 26-001, which amends the Zoning Ordinance concerning tattoo parlors, body piercing, and ABC package stores by clarifying distance requirements and use allowances. Following this, the Council recognized a resident regarding neighborhood roadside trash dumping issues. Police Chief Chaudoin presented the 2024 SLED Crime Statistics Report, noting a decrease in crime compared to the previous year. The Council also unanimously approved the appointment of Dr. Jumelle Brooks to the unexpired term on the City's Board of Architectural Review. Furthermore, the Council approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 26-006, which allows for alternative procurement delivery methods, including Construction Manager-at-Risk. Authorization was granted for the City Manager to apply for a CDBG-DR Mitigation Buyout Grant to purchase and restore the Fox Hollow Townhouses property as a floodplain. An executive session was held to discuss contractual arrangements, property transactions, and legal advice related to potential claims, reconvening without further action taken.

The legislative business meeting involved several key agenda items. A public hearing was scheduled to consider an ordinance amending the city's Purchasing and Procurement division. Unfinished business included the first reading of two separate ordinances concerning the rezoning of land parcels from General Commercial to other designations. New business involved considering a funding request from the Greenwood Genetic Center, as well as the first reading of three additional ordinances for zoning map amendments, one of which rezones property from Residential Medium Density to Residential High Density. The council also planned to consider a resolution reaffirming the importance of on-the-job safety and an executive session to discuss contractual negotiations, property transactions, and legal matters protected by attorney-client privilege.

The special meeting addressed two ordinances. The first involved the second reading and final approval of Ordinance No. 25-024 to levy tax and adopt the budgets for the City of Greenwood in 2026, which required an additional public hearing due to an advertising error, although no changes were made to the ordinance itself. The second item was the first reading of Ordinance No. 26-005, which proposed a non-forgivable loan of $371,178, with a 20% contingency and 3% annual interest, to the Greenwood Community Theatre for structural repairs. Discussion centered on the City acting as a lending institution and setting a precedent, though the support was justified by the Theatre's role in the Uptown Greenwood Emerald Triangle area slated for Capital Projects Sales Tax funds.

The City Council meeting involved several key discussions and actions, including the approval of the consent agenda. Major considerations included the second reading and approval of an ordinance rezoning approximately 1.13 acres at 1010 Coleman Drive from R10 to GC, and the second reading and approval of an ordinance amending the Business License Ordinance as required by Act 176 of 2020. The Council also approved the second reading of an ordinance authorizing the City Manager to issue CPW Revenue Bond Anticipation Notes in 2026. Regarding the 2026 budget, the Council approved the levy and adoption of the budget, which balanced at $23,140,275 without a tax increase, funding a deficit primarily caused by a fire engine purchase using the City's Capital Fund. Additionally, the Council approved an ordinance addressing criminal conduct motivated by prejudice. A resolution was passed approving city funds, not to exceed $105,000, for half of the Federal Building roof repairs, pending grant and county contributions. The Council also considered, but decided to resend to the Planning Commission for reconsideration of a lesser zoning, an ordinance related to rezoning commercial property on Cambridge Avenue East. Other actions included postponing a complex rezoning request for 1423 Bypass 25 SE, approving a loan to the Greenwood Community Theatre, and updating the contract for City Attorney and City Prosecutor duties.