Greenville County

The regular meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. A proclamation was presented recognizing National Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals Week, with members of the Coroner's office present. Discussions included proposed land use changes, specifically addressing concerns regarding townhome placement, traffic impact studies, and runoff related to existing tennis courts. Several public hearings were held concerning Project Cherry, involving a special source credit agreement and an amendment to the Anderson Greenville Multicounty Industrial Business Park Agreement. The public hearing for the Project Pioneer fee in lieu of tax agreement was cancelled and rescheduled. The consent agenda was approved. Resolutions included the call for a public hearing regarding the issuance of general obligation bonds for the Greenville Arena District. Several ordinances were presented for third, second, and first readings, covering zoning changes (CZ-2025-067), Greenville Arena District bonds, intergovernmental agreement amendments related to accommodation fees, and hospitality tax revenue bonds.

The meeting commenced with the opening of the Screamville County Council Governmental Affairs Committee and Public Communication Forum, including an invocation. The presentation from the Department of Transportation regarding the gas tax and revenues was postponed until February. Public comment featured several residents. One speaker provided positive updates on local animal welfare ordinances enacted in May, noting reduced intake at Animal Care due to Spartanburg County opening its pet resource center, increased media coverage on animal welfare, and improved enforcement capabilities regarding pet identification and cost of care provisions. Another speaker expressed strong disapproval regarding the council's decision to grant a 4% raise and 18-month contract extension to the County Administrator, criticizing the lack of a performance review or plan for a national search. Concerns were also raised about unbridled growth overwhelming infrastructure, and constituents demanded council members address their reasoning for the vote. A third speaker opposed a rezoning proposal for Pebble Creek Drive, arguing that replacing tennis courts with 24 high-density rental townhomes conflicts with the South Carolina Enabling Act provisions concerning open space, overcrowding, community harmony, and recreational areas. The final speaker acknowledged the experience of the council members and their unified interest in areas like reducing overtime, responsible community development, and infrastructure improvement. This speaker suggested utilizing the budgeted funds for performance evaluation to assess employee time management, on-site building code inspections, and the use of AI in permit completion, advocating for a 'no man left behind' policy regarding technology adoption.

The special called meeting addressed the county administrator contract following an executive session and committee of the whole discussion. A motion was made to adopt the committee's action authorizing the Chairman to sign the contract renewal or new contract for Joe Cornell. A council member expressed reservations regarding the process, citing perceived 'shoddy work' by the council in not completing a performance review for the administrator prior to this action, although the council member ultimately voted in favor of the motion for renewal/new contract.

The meeting addressed subdivision applications and associated variance requests, including PP2024-109 Owens Glenn, a proposed 288-lot rural conservation subdivision. Key discussion points centered on the proposal's density (2.37 units per acre), which conflicts with the Greenville County comprehensive plan's 'rural living' designation (recommended density of one dwelling per two acres). Concerns were raised regarding inadequate road infrastructure, specifically Flat Rock Road's capacity to handle the projected 2600 daily vehicle trips. A variance request was also discussed, seeking relief from landscape screening requirements due to an existing overhead power easement. Staff recommended approval with several conditions, including flood plane panel number correction, installation of left turn lanes on North Flat Rock Road, and traffic improvements upon recording 40 lots. Opponents strongly argued against the development, citing violations of land use policy, public safety risks due to narrow roads, and the negative impact on the rural character of the community. The developer's representative noted an appeal had been filed with the circuit court regarding a previous decision.

Key discussion topics for the meeting include the Consent Agenda, which covers draft minutes from December 4, 2025, November and December dashboards, a Med Error Report, and approval of several policies (100-1, 100-3, 100-5, 100-7, 200-1). Further action items involve the Annual Conflict of Interest Policy 100-7, Room and Board Rates, review of the November and December 2025 Financial Reports, and the Election of Officers. The agenda also includes the Executive Director's Report and an Executive Session for a legal matter.