Oconee County

The committee discussed and finalized the scores for the I-85 Sewer Expansion Project, approving the scores as presented. A significant discussion centered on the disbandment of the Infrastructure Advisory Commission (IAC) and a resulting motion to recommend amending the CPAC enabling ordinance. This amendment proposed replacing the IAC seat with a member from one of the active Chambers of Commerce in Oconee County, establishing a rotating schedule, one-year terms, and a maximum of three consecutive terms for any appointee. The committee also reviewed the Capital Improvement Project Listing (CIP v2015.01), noting four unscored projects and potential future additions, and agreed to review and amend the CIP listing at the September 2015 meeting.

This document presents a detailed listing of capital improvement projects for Oconee County, South Carolina, compiled by the Capital Project Advisory Committee. It outlines various projects across multiple departments, including Economic Development, Facilities, Sheriff, Solid Waste, and Library, specifying their descriptions, estimated costs, and current status. The listing incorporates projects aligned with both short-term and ongoing/long-term economic development goals, providing a comprehensive overview of the county's planned investments in infrastructure and services.

The committee conducted a final discussion and scoring session for the Oconee County Public Libraries (OCPL) project. Following a review of the Draft Project Scoring summary sheet and a discussion of scoring variances, the Committee unanimously approved forwarding the Project Scoring Sheet and associated materials to the Planning Commission for their review and subsequent recommendation to Council. The next meeting was scheduled for August 28, 2013.

The special called meeting included an Executive Session to discuss an economic development contractual matter. Following the Executive Session, Council approved a motion for Oconee County to enter into a negotiated Fee In Lieu Of Tax (FILOT) agreement with the developer of Project Star, described as a high-end hotel. This agreement is contingent upon the developer's attorney providing customary documentation for an economic development agreement, which includes a negotiated FILOT, a special revenue credit, and a bond or grant of $1 Million to the City of Seneca for the project, to be paid out incrementally based on construction progress. Council subsequently adjourned the meeting.

The Committee discussed recommendations from the Sub Group regarding the Capital Project Improvement Listing (CIP). Key recommendations included providing the Planning Commission with an "opinion" coversheet detailing project alignment with county goals and reviewing/revising the prioritization questionnaire for clarity. Discussion also covered cost-benefit analyses and differentiating between brick and mortar versus economic development projects. A revised prioritization method centered on Health & Safety, Current Maintenance/Public Needs & Short Term Economic Development Goals, and Long Term Economic Development Goals was proposed by Ms. McPhail, with the Secretary tasked to refine these categories for the next meeting. Review of the current CIP listing was tabled until the new prioritization method is established. Discussion regarding the Project Presentation Flowchart and adoption of new forms was also tabled. The 2011 Appalachian Council of Government Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) report was distributed for review at the next meeting.