Pickens County public meetings in 2021

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is holding a special-called meeting. The agenda includes an executive session to discuss applications for boards and commissions and an update on pending litigation. No other business is listed, and any actions from the executive session will be taken as needed.

• Executive session discussion of applications for boards and commissions
• Executive session update on pending litigation

The Pickens County Council held a special-called meeting on December 20, 2021, and unanimously approved appointments to numerous boards and commissions, including the Alcohol/Drug Behavioral Health Board, AOP Mental Health, and the Planning Commission. The council also unanimously appointed Chairman Chris Bowers as liaison for opioid litigation and authorized him to execute settlement documents to be held in trust by Harrison White. No action was taken on a legal personnel discussion regarding MRR.

• Approved appointments to 14 boards/commissions (6-0)
• Appointed Chairman as opioid litigation liaison and authorized settlement document execution (6-0)
• No action taken on legal personnel discussion re: MRR

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council will hold its regular meeting on December 6, 2021, with several significant items on the agenda. They will hear the FY2021 audit, receive a mid-year budget update, and consider resolutions on regional water solutions and redistricting criteria. The council will also vote on ordinances related to a joint industrial/business park with Oconee County, including an infrastructure credit agreement with Arial Mill Ventures LLC, and certifications of textile mill sites. An executive session is scheduled for contractual and board/commission discussions.

• Resolution 2021-25: Support for regional water solutions in Pickens County
• Resolution 2021-26: Adopt redistricting criteria based on 2020 U.S. Census
• First reading: Ordinance to certify vacant textile building at 225 Ruhama Rd, Liberty as textile mill site
• Resolution 2021-27: Certify property at 212 Rice Road, Easley as textile mill site
• First reading: Ordinances for joint industrial/business park with Oconee County (including Project Ruby Slipper) and infrastructure credit agreement with Arial Mill Ventures LLC

Pickens County Council approved allocating ARPA funds to pay Meals on Wheels' mortgage balance, despite opposition from two members. The council also approved resolutions supporting regional water solutions and adopting redistricting criteria, and tabled several items pending further information.

• Approved ARPA funds for Meals on Wheels mortgage balance (3-2)
• Approved Resolution 2021-25 supporting regional water solutions (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2021-26 adopting redistricting criteria (5-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance certifying vacant textile building at 225 Ruhamah Rd as textile mill site (5-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance for joint industrial/business park with Oconee County (Project Ruby Slipper) (5-0)
• Tabled agenda items #14, #15, #16 (including Arial Mill Ventures ordinances) pending further information
• Approved minutes from Nov 1 and Nov 15 meetings (5-0)
• Approved motion to use ARPA lost revenue for $750,000 bailer and $75,000 Clean Up Pickens refund (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is holding a special-called meeting with a single substantive item: an executive session to discuss legal matters related to opioid litigation. The meeting is otherwise procedural, with no other business on the agenda.

• Executive session on opioid litigation
• Legal matter discussion under S.C. Code 30-4-70(a)

The Pickens County Council held a special-called meeting and voted unanimously to authorize legal counsel to negotiate and accept a settlement with Janssen in the South Carolina opioid litigation. The council first convened in executive session to discuss the litigation, then returned to public session to take the action. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Authorized legal counsel to negotiate and accept a settlement with Janssen in opioid litigation (6-0)
• Convened in executive session to discuss opioid litigation (5-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is holding a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss several items, including a request for accommodations tax funding for Mile Creek Park, the fire revenue structure, American Rescue Act funding, the capital improvement plan, a shooting range ordinance, and Sunday alcohol sales. These are discussion items, not final decisions.

• Accommodations tax funding request for Mile Creek Park (Log No. 167-2021)
• Fire revenue structure discussion
• American Rescue Act funding (Log No. 177)
• Capital Improvement Plan (Log No. 183)
• Shooting range ordinance and Sunday alcohol sales (Log No. 181)

The Pickens County Council Committee of the Whole approved using lost revenue to purchase a recycling bailer for $750,000 and added a $75,000 refund for the Clean Up Pickens Program. They also approved creating a process for nonprofits to apply for ARPA funding (4-2). Fire rings at Mile Creek Park were approved for refurbishment, and the shooting range ordinance was tabled.

• Approved $750,000 recycling bailer purchase using lost revenue (6-0)
• Approved $75,000 refund for Clean Up Pickens Program (6-0)
• Approved creating ARPA nonprofit application process (4-2)
• Approved fire rings at Mile Creek Park using Jamestown Advance and staff refurbishing picnic tables (6-0)
• Tabled shooting range ordinance to next meeting (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council will consider changes to employee vacation and holiday pay policies, and discuss allocating American Rescue Act funds for first responders and county employees. They will also hear presentations on the Highway 11 corridor study and a textile mill site certification, and hold an executive session on a water authority update.

• Consideration of American Rescue Act funding for first responders and county employees
• Change in employee vacation policy
• Change in holiday pay policy
• Third reading of ordinance to certify Alice Manufacturing Company Arial Mill property as textile mill site
• Update on Appalachian Council of Government's Highway 11 corridor study

The Pickens County Council approved the American Rescue Act Funding compensation plan (5/25/2/1) for county employees, exempting council members, and approved changes to EMS holiday pay and vacation carryover policies. The council also approved the third reading of an ordinance to certify the Alice Manufacturing Arial Mill property as a textile mill site (5-1), and approved the 2021 Recreation Funding Request for Long Shoals Recreation Area (6-0).

• Approved ARPA compensation 5/25/2/1 plan, exempting council (6-0)
• Approved EMS holiday pay policy including part-time employees (6-0)
• Approved 72-hour vacation carryover limit for 24/48-hour EMS employees (6-0)
• Approved third reading of Alice Manufacturing Arial Mill textile certification (5-1)
• Approved 2021 Recreation Funding for Long Shoals Recreation Area (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including Capital Improvement Plan update, Clemson Paw Partners, medical control contract, fire fee revenue structure (6-0)
• Moved fire revenue structure review to next Committee of the Whole (6-0)
• Approved minutes of October 4, 2021 meeting (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is meeting as a Committee of the Whole to discuss several items, including recreation funding requests, an accommodations tax request for Mile Creek Park, an ordinance amendment on litter and property conditions, American Rescue Act funding, and emergency medical services. These are discussion items, not final decisions.

• Recreation funding request for District 3 (Log No. 166)
• Accommodations tax funding request for Mile Creek Park (Log No. 167)
• Ordinance amending code related to litter and property conditions (Log No. 182)
• American Rescue Act funding discussion (Log No. 177)
• Emergency Medical Services discussion (Log No. 169)

The Pickens County Council Committee of the Whole approved moving forward with a design and final budget for the Hampton Memorial Library expansion (3-2), and approved using American Rescue Act funds for the Blue Ridge Electric/Pickens County Broadband Initiative and twenty Solid Waste Containers (5-0). They also authorized the Administrator to negotiate with the City of Liberty for dispatch responsibility (5-0). No action was taken on the sewer system recommendation for the Grange Subdivision.

• Approved library expansion design and final budget request (3-2)
• Approved ARPA funding for broadband initiative and 20 solid waste containers (5-0)
• Authorized negotiations with City of Liberty for dispatch responsibility (5-0)
• No action taken on Grange Subdivision sewer recommendation

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council will consider several actions, including moving forward with the library expansion design, using American Rescue Act funds for broadband and solid waste containers, and authorizing negotiations with Liberty for dispatch. The council will also hold votes on resolutions for sewer services in Central, recognizing October observances, and appointing constables, plus readings on litter, textile mill, and animal control ordinances. The meeting includes an executive session on economic development and water authority matters.

• Motion to use American Rescue Act funding for Blue Ridge Electric broadband and 20 solid waste containers
• Resolution 2021-21 to allow Town of Central to provide sewer services to Grange Subdivision
• First reading of ordinance amending litter and property conditions code
• Second reading of Ordinance 604 certifying Alice Manufacturing Arial Mill as textile mill site
• Third reading of Ordinance 603 amending animal control ordinance

The Pickens County Council approved a $1.32 million road paving project covering 14.8 lane miles (17.8 if City Lake Road is included), with bids to be advertised in October and awarded in November. The council also authorized the county administrator to enter negotiations with the City of Liberty for unified dispatch services, approved resolutions recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month and First Responder Month, and appointed five county employees as constables. An ordinance certifying the Alice Manufacturing Arial Mill property as a textile mill site passed second reading (5-1), and the animal control ordinance passed third reading unanimously.

• Approved $1.32M road paving project for 14.8 lane miles (5-0)
• Authorized negotiations with City of Liberty for unified dispatch (5-0)
• Approved resolution 2021-22 recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month (6-0)
• Approved resolution 2021-23 declaring First Responder Month (6-0)
• Approved resolution 2021-24 appointing county constables (6-0)
• Passed second reading of Ordinance 604 for textile mill site certification (5-1)
• Passed third reading of Ordinance 603 amending animal control ordinance (6-0)
• Amended and sent litter ordinance to committee (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is meeting as a Committee of the Whole to discuss four items: a request from the Library Board for expansion plans for Hampton Memorial Library, the allocation of American Rescue Act funding, a unified dispatch plan from staff, and a recommendation from the Public Service Commission regarding sewer service for the Grange subdivision. These are discussion items, not final decisions.

• Library Board request for Hampton Memorial Library expansion
• American Rescue Act funding allocation
• Unified dispatch plan from staff
• Public Service Commission recommendation for sewer for Grange subdivision

The Pickens County Council Committee of the Whole approved a motion for the Hampton Memorial Library to proceed with design and bring a final budget for its expansion project (3-2). The council also approved using American Rescue Act funds for the Blue Ridge Electric/Pickens County Broadband Initiative and twenty Solid Waste Containers (5-0), and authorized the administrator to negotiate with the City of Liberty for dispatch responsibility (5-0). No action was taken on the sewer system recommendation for the Grange Subdivision.

• Approved library expansion design and final budget request (3-2)
• Approved ARPA funding for broadband and 20 solid waste containers (5-0)
• Authorized negotiations with City of Liberty for dispatch (5-0)
• No action on Grange Subdivision sewer recommendation

Mid Month Meeting

Pickens County Council's Committee of the Whole will consider four items: a library board request for expansion plans at Hampton Memorial Library, American Rescue Act funding, a unified dispatch plan from staff, and a Public Service Commission recommendation to provide sewer service for the Grange subdivision. No final votes are scheduled; these are discussion items.

• Library board request for Hampton Memorial Library expansion plans
• American Rescue Act funding allocation
• Unified dispatch plan from staff
• Sewer provision recommendation for the Grange subdivision

The Pickens County Committee of the Whole approved a motion (3-2) for the Hampton Memorial Library to move forward with a design and bring a final, confirmed budget for its expansion project. Council also unanimously approved using American Rescue Act funds for the Blue Ridge Electric/Pickens County Broadband Initiative and twenty Solid Waste Containers, and authorized the Administrator to negotiate with the City of Liberty for dispatch responsibility. No action was taken on the sewer system recommendation for the Grange Subdivision.

• Approved (3-2) motion for Hampton Memorial Library to proceed with design and return with a final budget for expansion
• Approved (5-0) use of American Rescue Act funds for Broadband Initiative and twenty Solid Waste Containers
• Approved (5-0) authorizing Administrator to enter negotiations with City of Liberty for dispatch responsibility
• No action taken on Public Service Commission recommendation for sewer system in Grange Subdivision

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is meeting to set the annual millage rate for FY 2022, repeal the road user fee ordinances and replace that revenue with a tax levy, and discuss county mask requirements. They will also consider extending emergency COVID time off leave and hold a public hearing on certifying the Alice Manufacturing Arial Mill property as a textile mill site.

• Public hearing to establish annual millage rate for FY 2021-2022
• Third reading of Ordinance 602 repealing road user fee ordinances and amending FY22 budget to levy taxes
• First reading of ordinance to certify Arial Mill property as textile mill site under SC Textiles Communities Revitalization Act
• Discussion of county mask requirements
• Consideration of extension of emergency COVID time off leave

The council approved Ordinance 602, repealing the road user fee ordinances and levying taxes to offset the loss of revenue, providing $6 million in road funding with a reserve fund and no intergovernmental agreement. The council also set the millage rate at 63.3 (9.9 mils) for FY 2022. Additionally, the council approved a $3,000 allocation to the SC Entertainment Hall of Fame for the Performing Arts Center project, contingent on a match from the Performing Arts Center Foundation Board.

• Approved Ordinance 602, repealing road user fees and levying taxes for $6 million in road funding (5-1, Saitta opposed).
• Set the FY 2022 millage rate at 63.3 (9.9 mils) (5-1, Saitta opposed).
• Approved a $3,000 allocation to the SC Entertainment Hall of Fame for the Performing Arts Center project, contingent on a match from the Foundation Board (5-1, Saitta opposed).
• Approved first reading of an ordinance to amend the Animal Control Ordinance with proposed changes (6-0).
• Approved first reading of an ordinance to certify portions of the Alice Manufacturing Company Arial Mill property as a textile mill site (6-0).
• Approved third reading of Ordinance 601, accepting a 20-year lease for Long Shoals Roadside Park (6-0).
• Approved the extension of Emergency COVID time off leave, with costs deferred to ARPA funding where necessary (6-0).
• Approved the consent agenda, including the Unified Dispatch Plan, Capital Improvement Plan update, sewer recommendation for The Grange Subdivision, and Hampton Library expansion request (6-0).

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is meeting as a Committee of the Whole to discuss four items: allocation of American Rescue Act funds, 2021 accommodations tax funding, a first reading of an ordinance to amend the animal control ordinance, and a discussion of the county road user fee and alternatives. No final votes are scheduled; these are discussion items.

• Log No. 177 – American Rescue Act funding discussion
• Log No. 167 – 2021 accommodations tax funding
• Log No. 176 – Ordinance 533, 1st reading in title only to amend animal control ordinance
• Log No. 139 – Discussion of county road user fee and alternatives

The Pickens County Council Committee of the Whole met and discussed American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, accommodations tax requests, an animal control ordinance amendment, and road funding. The committee voted to allocate $3,000 to the SC Entertainment Hall of Fame project at the Pickens County Performing Arts Center, contingent on a matching contribution from the Performing Arts Center Foundation Board. It also unanimously approved sending an amended Animal Control Ordinance to the next reading. No action was taken on ARPA funding or road user fees.

• Allocated $3,000 to SC Entertainment Hall of Fame project, contingent on Foundation Board match (5-1)
• Amended Animal Control Ordinance and sent to next reading (6-0)
• No action taken on ARPA funding proposals
• No action taken on County Road User Fee discussion

Mid Month Meeting

Pickens County Council's Committee of the Whole will discuss American Rescue Act funding, 2021 accommodations tax funding, a first reading of an ordinance amending the animal control ordinance, and a discussion of the county road user fee and alternatives. No final votes are scheduled; these are discussion items.

• Log No. 177: American Rescue Act funding
• Log No. 167: 2021 accommodations tax funding
• Log No. 176: Ordinance 533, 1st reading to amend animal control ordinance
• Log No. 139: Discussion of county road user fee and alternatives

The Pickens County Committee of the Whole met on August 30, 2021, and took action on two items. Council approved a $3,000 allocation to the Pickens County Performing Arts Center project with the SC Entertainment Hall of Fame, contingent on a matching contribution from the Performing Arts Center Foundation Board, in a 5-1 vote. Council also unanimously approved amendments to the Animal Control Ordinance, including changes to tethering and vicious animal definitions, to be sent for the next reading. No action was taken on American Rescue Act funding or the County Road User Fee, which were only discussed.

• Approved $3,000 allocation to Pickens County Performing Arts Center project with SC Entertainment Hall of Fame, contingent on Foundation Board match (5-1)
• Approved amendments to Animal Control Ordinance, including tethering and vicious animal changes, sent for next reading (6-0)
• No action taken on American Rescue Act funding allocation
• No action taken on County Road User Fee and alternatives

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council will hold its regular meeting on August 16, 2021, with limited seating due to COVID-19. Key items include a second reading of an ordinance to repeal road user fee ordinances and amend the FY22 budget to levy taxes, a third reading of a lease for Long Shoals Roadside Park, and a resolution requesting the state assume maintenance for certain roads. The council will also consider allocating funds for a sewer line extension in the Commerce Park and receive updates on the old jail repurposing.

• Second reading of Ordinance No. 602 repealing road user fee ordinances (295, 332, 365, 373) and amending FY22 budget to levy taxes
• Third reading of Ordinance No. 601 authorizing lease for Long Shoals Roadside Park
• Resolution 2021-20 requesting state maintenance responsibility for roads
• Allocation of funding for low bid on sewer line extension in Pickens County Commerce Park (Project Jericho)
• Resolution 2021-19 recognizing September 2021 as National Suicide Prevention Month

Pickens County Council held its regular meeting on August 16, 2021. The council passed the second reading of Ordinance No. 602, which repeals the road user fee ordinances and amends the FY22 budget to levy taxes to offset the revenue loss, following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed the fee illegal. The council also approved funding for a sewer line extension in the Pickens County Commerce Park (Project Jericho) and appointed Miranda Craig as Deputy Clerk to Council. Several items were discussed or tabled, including a third reading of a lease for Long Shoals Roadside Park, which was tabled to the next meeting.

• Approved second reading of Ordinance No. 602 repealing road user fee ordinances and amending FY22 budget to levy taxes (5-1)
• Approved staff recommendation to fund low bid for sewer line extension in Pickens County Commerce Park (Project Jericho) (6-0)
• Appointed Miranda Craig as Deputy Clerk to Council (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 2021-19 recognizing September 2021 as National Suicide Prevention Month (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 2021-20 requesting state maintenance responsibility for roads (6-0)
• Tabled third reading of Ordinance No. 601 for Long Shoals Roadside Park lease to next meeting (6-0)
• Approved minutes of July 12 and July 26 meetings as amended (5-0, with one abstention)
• Added 1st reading in title only of ordinance for Sunday alcohol sales referendum to agenda (5-1)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is holding a special-called meeting to consider an ordinance that would repeal the road user fee ordinances and amend the FY 22 budget ordinance to levy taxes to offset the revenue loss. This is a first reading in title only, meaning it is an initial step in the legislative process.

• First reading of ordinance to repeal Road User Fee Ordinances #295, 332, 365, and 373
• Amendment to FY 22 Budget Ordinance to levy taxes to offset revenue loss

Pickens County Council held a special-called meeting and approved first reading (3-2) of Ordinance No. 602, which repeals the road user fee ordinances and amends the FY22 budget to levy taxes to offset the estimated $2.3 million revenue loss. Councilman Alex Saitta opposed, stating he objects to using county revenue to pave city-owned roads. No final decision was made; the ordinance requires further readings.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance No. 602 repealing road user fee ordinances and amending FY22 budget (3-2)
• Councilman Saitta opposed, citing objection to county funds for city-owned roads
• Adjourned at 6:32 p.m. unanimously

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is meeting as a Committee of the Whole to discuss four items: allocation of American Rescue Act funds, 2021 accommodations tax funding, a first reading of an ordinance to amend the animal control ordinance, and a discussion of the county road user fee and alternatives. These are discussion items, not final votes.

• American Rescue Act funding allocation (Log No. 177)
• 2021 accommodations tax funding (Log No. 167)
• Ordinance 533, 1st reading to amend animal control ordinance (Log No. 176)
• Discussion of county road user fee and alternatives (Log No. 139)

The Pickens County Council Committee of the Whole met on August 30, 2021, and took action on two items. They approved a $3,000 allocation to the SC Entertainment Hall of Fame for the Pickens County Performing Arts Center project, contingent on a matching contribution from the Performing Arts Center Foundation Board, with a 5-1 vote. They also unanimously approved amendments to the Animal Control Ordinance, including changes to tethering definitions and vicious animal provisions, to send it to the next reading. No action was taken on American Rescue Act funding or the County Road User Fee discussion.

• Approved $3,000 for SC Entertainment Hall of Fame project, contingent on Foundation match (5-1)
• Amended Animal Control Ordinance with discussed changes, sent to next reading (6-0)

Mid Month Meeting

The Pickens County Council is meeting as a Committee of the Whole to discuss two items: a staff plan for FY2022 compensation adjustments using previously allocated funds, and a discussion of the County Road User Fee and alternatives. No final votes are scheduled; these are discussion items.

• Consideration of FY2022 compensation adjustments using 1% funds previously allocated by Council
• Discussion of County Road User Fee and alternatives

The Committee of the Whole approved staff's recommended plan for FY2022 compensation adjustments, funded by the 1% previously allocated by Council. The plan targets Roads and Bridges, Solid Waste, EMS, Recycling, and Misc. areas, with details on position changes and costs. The motion carried unanimously (5-0). No action was taken on the County Road User Fee discussion.

• Approved FY2022 compensation adjustment plan as recommended (5-0)
• No action taken on County Road User Fee discussion

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council will hold a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss several items, including accommodations tax funding requests, solid waste needs, a possible county road user fee, and a plan for FY2022 compensation adjustments using previously allocated funds. These are discussion items, not final decisions.

• 2021 Accommodations Tax Funding Requests (Log No. 167)
• Solid Waste Needs (Log No. 133)
• Discussion of County Road User Fee and Alternatives (Log No. 139)
• FY2022 Compensation Adjustments within existing plan using 1% previously allocated funds (Log No. 179)

The Pickens County Council Committee of the Whole approved $157,915 in accommodations tax funding for 18 local organizations and events, with amendments adding $8,650 for the Veterans Appreciation Show, $5,000 for the Mountainview Americana Art Show, and $2,000 for the Dacusville Farm Show. The committee also voted unanimously to move forward with first reading of an ordinance to eliminate the county's road user fee, replacing it with $2.2 million in funding for roads and bridges. No action was taken on a proposed FY2022 compensation adjustment plan, with staff asked to provide more salary information.

• Approved $157,915 in accommodations tax funding for 18 organizations, including $30,000 for the Green Crescent Trail Connector and $25,000 for Hagood Mill Foundation's Glamping project
• Amended funding to add $8,650 for the Veterans Appreciation Show at Pickens County Performing Arts Center
• Amended funding to add $5,000 for the Mountainview Americana Art Show with Foothills Art Foundation
• Amended funding to add $2,000 for the Dacusville Farm Show with Dacusville Heritage Association
• Pulled SC Entertainment Hall of Fame Transition to Pickens and Rensing Artists Program from funding for further discussion
• Voted unanimously to move forward with 1st reading to eliminate the road user fee and allocate $2.2 million to roads and bridges
• Took no action on FY2022 compensation adjustments, requesting more salary data from staff

Mid Month Meeting

The Pickens County Council is holding a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss several items, including 2021 accommodations tax funding requests, solid waste needs, a possible county road user fee and alternatives, and a staff plan for FY2022 compensation adjustments using previously allocated funds. These are discussion items, not final decisions.

• 2021 Accommodations Tax Funding Requests (Log No. 167)
• Solid Waste Needs (Log No. 133)
• Discussion of County Road User Fee and Alternatives (Log No. 139)
• FY2022 compensation adjustments within existing plan using 1% previously allocated funds (Log No. 179)

The Committee of the Whole approved $157,915 in accommodations tax funding for 18 organizations, with amendments adding $8,650 for the Veterans Appreciation Show and $5,000 for the Mountainview Americana Art Show, and $2,000 for the Dacusville Farm Show. Two projects—the SC Entertainment Hall of Fame Transition and the Rensing Artist Program—were pulled for further discussion and received $0. The committee also voted to move forward with first reading of an ordinance to eliminate the road user fee and allocate $2.2 million to roads and bridges, following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed the fee illegal. No action was taken on FY2022 compensation adjustments.

• Approved $157,915 in accommodations tax funding for 18 organizations, as amended.
• Amended to fund Veterans Appreciation Show at Pickens County Performing Arts Center for $8,650.
• Amended to fund Mountainview Americana Art Show with Foothills Art Foundation for $5,000.
• Amended to fund Dacusville Farm Show with Dacusville Heritage Association for $2,000.
• Pulled SC Entertainment Hall of Fame Transition to Pickens for further discussion, funding set to $0.
• Pulled Rensing Artist Program with The Rensing Center for further discussion, funding set to $0.
• Moved to proceed with 1st Reading in Title Only to eliminate the road user fee and allocate $2.2 million to roads and bridges.
• Took no action on FY2022 compensation adjustments; requested more salary information.

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council will hold its regular meeting, addressing several items including a resolution for National Immunization Awareness Month, a staff plan for FY2022 compensation adjustments using previously allocated funds, and final readings of ordinances for a roadside park lease and a joint industrial/business park with Oconee County. Public comments are limited due to COVID-19, with voicemail and YouTube options available.

• Resolution 2021-19 recognizing August 2021 as National Immunization Awareness Month
• FY2022 compensation adjustments within existing plan using 1% funds
• Third reading of Ordinance No. 601 for Long Shoals Roadside Park lease
• Third reading of Ordinance No. 600 for joint industrial/business park with Oconee County (Project Rise)

Pickens County Council voted 2-4 against Resolution 2021-19 recognizing August 2021 as National Immunization Awareness Month, after amendments to remove vaccine-related language also failed. The council unanimously moved the FY 2022 compensation adjustment plan to committee for further discussion, and postponed third reading of the Long Shoals Roadside Park lease to the next meeting. Third reading of Ordinance 600 for a joint industrial park with Oconee County passed unanimously.

• Resolution 2021-19 (Immunization Awareness Month) failed (2-4)
• Amendment to remove flu and COVID vaccine language from resolution died (3-3)
• FY 2022 compensation adjustment plan moved to committee (6-0)
• Third reading of Ordinance 601 (Long Shoals Roadside Park lease) postponed to next meeting (6-0)
• Third reading of Ordinance 600 (joint industrial park with Oconee County) approved (6-0)
• Property Rights Resolution added to consent agenda and approved (6-0)
• Minutes of June 3, 7, and 14 meetings approved with amendment (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is holding a special-called meeting to conduct the third and final reading of Ordinance No. 599, which sets the property tax levy for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021, and directs how the funds will be spent. This is the final step before the ordinance is adopted.

• Third reading of Ordinance No. 599 for the FY2021-22 tax levy
• Ordinance covers fiscal year July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022
• Meeting held at Council Chambers, 222 McDaniel Ave, Pickens, SC

The Pickens County Council held a special-called meeting and gave third reading to Ordinance No. 599, the county's budget for fiscal year 2021-22, passing it unanimously (6-0) after several amendments. The council approved rolling unused recreation funds into next year's budget, automatically adjusting library millage to meet the local commitment, fully funding a deputy coroner position, and hiring an Alliance Pickens employee. A motion to reallocate $61,000 from Upstate Alliance to pay for the new position failed for lack of a second, but a later motion to use that money for Alliance Pickens passed (4-2). The council also discussed but did not finalize cost-of-living pay increases, and tabled a decision on fixing a bathroom leak at Hagood Mill to the Committee of the Whole.

• Approved Ordinance No. 599, the FY2021-22 budget, on third reading (6-0)
• Approved rolling unused recreation funds into next year's budget (6-0)
• Approved automatically adjusting library millage to meet the local commitment (6-0)
• Approved fully funding a deputy coroner position (6-0)
• Approved hiring an Alliance Pickens employee (5-1)
• Failed to reallocate $61,000 from Upstate Alliance to pay for the new position (no second)
• Approved using $61,000 from Upstate Alliance for Alliance Pickens (4-2)
• Tabled decision on fixing Hagood Mill bathroom leak to Committee of the Whole (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is meeting to consider several significant items, including second readings of ordinances for a budget amendment, the FY 2021-2022 tax levy, a lease for Long Shoals Roadside Park, and a joint industrial/business park with Oconee County (Project RISE). They will also discuss recreation funding requests and a solid waste committee recommendation to purchase a shredder and temporarily place plastics in regular MSW. The meeting includes a public forum and an executive session for personnel and legal matters.

• Second reading of Ordinance 598: budget amendment for FY 2020-2021
• Second reading of Ordinance 599: tax levy for FY 2021-2022
• Second reading of Ordinance 601: lease for Long Shoals Roadside Park
• Public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 600: joint industrial/business park with Oconee County (Project RISE)
• Solid waste committee recommends purchasing shredder from reserve funds and temporarily adding plastics to regular MSW

The Pickens County Council approved multiple amendments to the FY2022 budget, including a $3.4 million local commitment to the library (5-1), $200,000 for a City of Easley fire engine, and $130,878 for two Litter Control Officers. The council also approved a $275,000 county-wide wayfinding signage project, funded through ATAX and general funds, and approved 2021 recreation funding requests totaling over $213,000. Several items, including a 2% COLA increase for employees, were deferred for further discussion at third reading.

• Approved $3.4M local commitment to library (5-1)
• Approved $200,000 for City of Easley fire engine (6-0)
• Approved $130,878 for 2 Litter Control Officers from Sheriff's budget (6-0)
• Approved $275,000 wayfinding signage project, funded via ATAX and general fund (6-0)
• Approved 2021 recreation funding requests totaling $213,800.52 (6-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 599 (FY2022 tax levy) (6-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 600 (joint industrial park with Oconee County) (6-0)
• Deferred employee COLA increase decision to third reading (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is holding a budget work session to discuss the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget. The agenda contains only this single discussion item, with no specific budget details or proposals listed.

• Budget discussion for Fiscal Year 2021-2022

The Pickens County Council held a budget work session for FY 2021-2022, making several funding decisions. They approved $15,607.52 in recreation disbursements for District 6, committed $3.2 million to the library, reallocated $130,878 from the Sheriff's Office budget for two litter control officers, and approved a 2% COLA increase. They also directed staff to develop a plan for moving EMS dispatch to the county level.

• Approved $15,607.52 in recreation fund disbursements for District 6 (Summit Soccer Dacusville $9,528.52, Dacusville Recreation Association $6,079.00) (6-0)
• Approved lawn maintenance at county-owned land without lease/agreement (5-1, Saitta opposed)
• Committed $3.2 million to library funding, above state requirement (4-2, Feemster and Costner opposed)
• Reallocated $130,878 from Sheriff's Office budget to fund two litter control officers (6-0)
• Directed staff to create plan for moving EMS dispatch to county level by next budget cycle (6-0)
• Approved 2% COLA increase, with 1% for department pay adjustments (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is meeting as a Committee of the Whole to discuss several items, including the results of an employee survey, an update to the Parks and Recreation Plan, and a first reading of an ordinance to amend the Animal Control Ordinance. The council will also review its own rules and communication procedures, and hold a budget work session.

• Log No. 173: Results of Employee Survey
• Log No. 174: Overriding Parks and Recreation Plan
• Log No. 175: Council Rules/Council Communication
• Log No. 176: Ordinance 533 – 1st Reading to Amend Animal Control Ordinance
• Log No. 172: Budget Work Session

The Pickens County Council Committee of the Whole met on May 17, 2021, and received presentations on the employee survey results, a parks and recreation master plan, and a proposed animal control ordinance amendment. Council also discussed council communication rules under FOIA. No formal action or votes were taken on any item during this committee meeting.

• No action taken on employee survey results (Log No. 173)
• No action taken on parks and recreation plan (Log No. 174)
• No action taken on Ordinance 533 animal control amendment (Log No. 176)
• No action taken on council communication policy (Log No. 175)
• Motion to adjourn carried unanimously (6-0)

Mid Month Meeting

The Pickens County Committee of the Whole met on May 17, 2021, and received presentations on the employee survey results, a parks and recreation plan, and a proposed animal control ordinance amendment. Council discussed these items but took no formal action, instead scheduling follow-up meetings and requesting more information. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• No action taken on employee survey results (Log No. 173)
• No action taken on parks and recreation plan (Log No. 174)
• No action taken on animal control ordinance amendment (Log No. 176)
• No action taken on council communication policy (Log No. 175)
• Scheduled meeting with Sheriff's Office regarding animal control enforcement
• Councilman Saitta to research ordinance and propose changes on vicious and hunting dogs
• Adjourned meeting at 8:27 p.m. (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is holding a budget work session to discuss the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget. The agenda includes only the budget discussion and adjournment, with no other items listed.

• Budget discussion for Fiscal Year 2021-2022

The Pickens County Council held a work session to discuss the FY 2021-2022 proposed budget, covering topics such as dispatch funding, litter enforcement, library funding, road paving, and fire equipment purchases. No formal decisions or votes were made during the session; it was a discussion-only meeting. The meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.

• No formal decisions or votes taken during the work session

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is meeting to discuss and vote on several items, including a joint industrial/business park with Oconee County, a budget amendment, a tax levy ordinance, and establishing guidance for American Rescue Plan Act funds. They will also consider resolutions supporting Keep Pickens County Beautiful and recognizing individuals and service weeks. Public comments are limited due to COVID-19, with voicemail and YouTube options available.

• First reading of ordinance for joint industrial/business park with Oconee County (Project RISE)
• Public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 598 (budget amendment for FY 2020-21)
• Public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 599 (tax levy for FY 2021-22)
• Resolution 2021-11 establishing guidance for American Rescue Plan Act funds
• Resolution 2021-09 supporting Keep America Beautiful and establishing Keep Pickens County Beautiful committee

Pickens County Council adopted a policy allowing alcohol consumption on county property, to be administered by staff, with a 4-2 vote. The council also approved first reading of ordinances for a Long Shoals Roadside Park lease and a joint industrial park with Oconee County, and tabled second reading of the FY2021-22 tax levy ordinance. Several resolutions were passed, including establishing a Keep Pickens County Beautiful committee and recognizing Paul West's service.

• Adopted alcohol policy on county property (4-2)
• Approved first reading of Long Shoals Roadside Park lease ordinance (6-0)
• Approved first reading of joint industrial park with Oconee County (6-0)
• Tabled second reading of FY2021-22 tax levy ordinance (6-0)
• Approved second reading of budget amendment ordinance 598 (6-0)
• Approved resolution 2021-09 establishing Keep Pickens County Beautiful committee (6-0)
• Approved resolution 2021-10 recognizing Paul West (6-0)
• Approved resolution 2021-11 for ARPA funds guidance (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is holding a special-called meeting to conduct a public hearing and third reading of Ordinance 597, which authorizes a lease for property at the Pickens County Airport. The council will also enter executive session to discuss economic development under Project Farmhouse, with possible action afterward. The meeting is open to the public, and comments on the ordinance can be left by voicemail.

• Public hearing and third reading of Ordinance 597 for airport property lease
• Executive session on economic development (Project Farmhouse)
• Public comments accepted via voicemail at 864-898-5242

The Pickens County Council held a special meeting on April 28, 2021, at Alliance Pickens. They approved Ordinance 597, authorizing a lease for property at the Pickens County Airport, on third reading with a unanimous 5-0 vote (Councilman Henry Wilson absent). The council also convened in executive session for economic development discussions and subsequently voted unanimously (6-0) to move forward with Project Farmhouse, an economic development initiative.

• Approved Ordinance 597, authorizing a lease for property at Pickens County Airport (5-0, Wilson absent)
• Moved forward with Project Farmhouse, an economic development project (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is holding a budget work session to discuss the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget. The agenda contains no specific budget details, only the discussion item itself. No votes or decisions are listed on this agenda.

• Budget discussion for Fiscal Year 2021-2022

The Pickens County Council held a budget work session to discuss the FY 2021-2022 proposed budget, focusing on Fire, EMS, and Rescue. No formal decisions were made; the council asked staff to propose adding rescue to Emergency Management and scheduled another work session for library and roads topics.

• Asked staff to propose adding rescue to Emergency Management
• Scheduled another budget work session for library and roads topics
• Adjourned meeting (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is holding a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss three items: council rules, the policy behind reserving county property, and a budget work session. These are discussion items, not final decisions.

• Log No. 161 – Council Rules
• Log No. 135 – Discuss Policy behind reserving County Property
• Log No. 172 – Budget Work Session

The Committee of the Whole voted unanimously to remove Section 3.5(C) from the Council Organizational Rules, replacing it with Section 2.2(E), which aligns with state law. No final action was taken on alcohol policy or recreation funding; staff will develop a proposal for alcohol permits and another budget work session is scheduled.

• Removed Section 3.5(C) from Council Organizational Rules, replaced with Section 2.2(E) (6-0)
• Amended Issaquenna Composite request to add $15,135.50, total $30,271 (6-0)
• Amended Pickens County Airport request to $63,693 for ADA playground (6-0)
• Amended City of Easley Parks & Rec funding to $23,163 (6-0)
• Amended Pickens County YMCA funding to $5,000, split $2,500 from District 5 and $2,500 from District 6 (6-0)

General

The Pickens County Council is holding a Committee of the Whole meeting to discuss three items: Council Rules (Log No. 161), the policy behind reserving County property (Log No. 135), and a budget work session (Log No. 172). These are discussion items, not final decisions.

• Discussion of Council Rules (Log No. 161)
• Discussion of policy for reserving County property (Log No. 135)
• Budget work session (Log No. 172)

The Committee of the Whole voted unanimously to remove Section 3.5(C) from the Council Organizational Rules and replace it with Section 2.2(E), which aligns with state law regarding council interaction with county employees. No final action was taken on alcohol policy at county facilities or recreation funding; staff will bring back proposals and recommendations at a later meeting.

• Removed Section 3.5(C) and replaced with Section 2.2(E) in Council Organizational Rules (6-0)
• Amended Issaquenna Composite request to add $15,135.50, total $30,271 (6-0)
• Amended Pickens County Airport request to $63,693 for ADA playground (6-0)
• Amended City of Easley Parks & Rec funding to $23,163 (6-0)
• Funded Pickens County YMCA $2,500 from District 5 and $2,500 from District 6 (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is holding a special-called meeting to conduct a second reading of Ordinance No. 597, which authorizes a lease for property at the Pickens County Airport. The council will also receive an update on the county's litter program. No other substantive actions are listed on the agenda.

• Second reading of Ordinance No. 597 authorizing a lease for property at Pickens County Airport
• Update regarding the litter program

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is holding a budget work session to discuss the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget. The meeting follows a special-called meeting and is dedicated solely to budget discussion. No specific budget figures or allocations are listed in the agenda.

• Budget discussion for Fiscal Year 2021-2022

The Pickens County Council held a work session to discuss the proposed FY 2022 budget. The presentation highlighted a balanced budget with no tax increases, a 3% COLA adjustment for employees, and the addition of one full-time position in Solid Waste, plus upgrades of two part-time positions to full-time in Probate Court and Coroner. Capital funding of $9,093,798 was recommended, and a $1,925,000 loan for fire districts was discussed. No formal votes were taken; the session was for discussion only.

• Discussed FY 2022 proposed budget with no tax increases
• Discussed 3% COLA adjustment for all employees
• Discussed adding 1 FT position in Solid Waste and upgrading 2 PT positions to FT in Probate Court and Coroner
• Discussed $9,093,798 capital budget recommendation
• Discussed $1,925,000 loan for fire districts
• Discussed moving Emergency Services Director to Fire Districts
• Discussed EMS overtime increase of $150,000
• Discussed reducing General Fund millage by .2 mils and increasing capital millage by .2

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council will hold its regular meeting on April 5, 2021, with a primary focus on the upcoming fiscal year. They will receive a 2021-2022 budget overview and hold first readings on ordinances for a budget amendment and the county tax levy. The council will also consider a motion to allocate $358,400 from fund balance for a Solid Waste Capital Project, and will enter executive session to discuss economic development (Project Arnold) and a Public Service Commission appointment.

• Motion to approve $358,400 for Solid Waste Capital Project (Log No. 133)
• First reading of ordinance for 2021-22 tax levy for ordinary county purposes
• First reading of ordinance for budget amendment for FY 2020-21
• Resolution recognizing April 2021 as National Donate Life Month
• Executive session: Project Arnold (economic development) and Public Service Commission

Pickens County Council approved moving $220,000 from fund balance for a solid waste capital project (trailer and sorting area), after removing $125,000 for landfill closure. They also directed staff to create a litter program with a goal of cleaning 25% of roads by Labor Day, but deferred setting a funding amount. Council approved first readings of the FY2022 budget and tax levy ordinances, and made appointments to the Public Service Commission.

• Approved $220,000 for solid waste trailer and sorting area (6-0)
• Removed $125,000 for landfill closure from solid waste allocation (6-0)
• Directed staff to create litter program, goal 25% roads clean by Labor Day (6-0)
• Approved first reading of FY2022 budget ordinance (6-0)
• Approved first reading of FY2022 tax levy ordinance (6-0)
• Appointed Cameron Farrish, James Ratner, Eric Rodgers, Tom Hunter to Public Service Commission (6-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance for airport lease (Project Arnold) (6-0)
• Approved resolutions for Donate Life, Fair Housing, and Telecommunicators months (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss several items, including solid waste needs, an emergency services update, a proposed ordinance to add penalties for illegal litter and dumping, support for 501(c)(3) boards, and potential changes to council rules. These are discussion items, not final decisions.

• Log No. 133 – Solid Waste Needs
• Log No. 169 – Emergency Services Update
• Log No. 171 – Ordinance amending Chapter 34 to provide remedies and penalties for illegal litter and dumping in unincorporated areas
• Log No. 170 – 501(c)(3) Boards that Pickens County is currently supporting
• Log No. 161 – Council Rules (Section 3.5, Rule 2, and Section 4.3)

The Pickens County Council approved moving $358,400 from fund balance to this year's budget for a solid waste capital project, including a road and scale house reconfiguration. They also approved a motion to create a formal application format for county funds, and made changes to council rules regarding officer terms and vacancies. A discussion on removing a section of council rules was tabled until the next meeting.

• Approved $358,400 from fund balance for solid waste capital project (6-0)
• Approved staff to create formal application format for county funds (6-0)
• Approved council rules changes: limit Chair/Vice Chair to two terms, Vice Chair automatically becomes Chair on vacancy (6-0)
• Tabled discussion on removing Section 3.5(C) until April meeting (6-0)

General

The Pickens County Council Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss several items, including solid waste needs, an emergency services update, and a proposed ordinance that would add remedies and penalties for illegal litter and dumping in unincorporated areas. The council will also review the county's support of 501-C3 boards and proposed changes to council rules. This is a discussion session, not a final vote.

• Log No. 133 – Solid Waste Needs
• Log No. 169 – Emergency Services Update
• Log No. 171 – Ordinance amending Chapter 34 to add penalties for illegal litter and dumping
• Log No. 170 – Review of 501-C3 boards supported by the county
• Log No. 161 – Proposed changes to Council Rules (Sections 3.5 and 4.3)

The Pickens County Committee of the Whole approved moving $358,400 from fund balance into this year's budget for a solid waste capital project, addressing the C&D landfill at capacity. Council also approved a formal application format for county funds and made changes to Council Rules regarding officer terms and vacancies. A discussion on removing a section of Council Rules was tabled until the April meeting.

• Approved $358,400 from fund balance for solid waste capital project (6-0)
• Approved staff creating a formal application format for county funds (6-0)
• Approved Council Rules changes: Chairman/Vice Chairman on agenda calls, 4-year term limit for Chairman, Vice Chairman auto-succeeds vacancy (6-0)
• Tabled discussion on removing Section 3.5(C) until April meeting (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council will hold a public hearing and third reading on an ordinance to lease the Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC. The council will also consider a resolution authorizing a study of Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway 11, hear an annual update from the Appalachian Council of Governments, and discuss 2021 goals. Several items are on the consent agenda, including recreation and accommodations tax funding requests.

• Public hearing and third reading of Ordinance No. 596 to lease the Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC
• Resolution 2021-05 authorizing Appalachian Council of Governments to study Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway 11
• First reading of ordinance amending Chapter 34 to add remedies and penalties for illegal litter and dumping
• 2021 Recreation Funding Requests
• 2021 Accommodations Tax Funding Requests

The council approved third reading of Ordinance 596, leasing the Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC, by a 4-2 vote. The council also approved a resolution authorizing the Appalachian Council of Governments to study the Highway 11 corridor for preservation and use, and moved an ordinance on illegal litter and dumping to committee for further discussion.

• Approved Ordinance 596 leasing the Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC (4-2).
• Approved Resolution 2021-05 authorizing ACOG to study Highway 11 (5-1).
• Gave first reading to an ordinance on illegal litter and dumping, then sent it to committee.
• Approved the consent agenda, including recreation and accommodations tax funding requests.
• Appointed Michael Utley to the Beautification Committee.
• Approved the February 1, 2021 meeting minutes.
• Added 501-C3 boards supported by the county to the consent agenda.

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is meeting as a Committee of the Whole to discuss several items, including a proposed ordinance to lease the Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC, and other matters such as UDSO, a scenic highway overlay, and the Committee of 99. No final votes are scheduled; this is a discussion session.

• Ordinance No. 596: lease of Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC
• Log No. 141: UDSO (details not provided)
• Log No. 157: Scenic Highway Overlay
• Log No. 163: Committee of 99

The Pickens County Council Committee of the Whole voted 4-1 to recommend Ordinance No. 596, leasing the Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC, for third reading. Councilman Alex Saitta opposed. The committee also received briefings on the OnePickens County Comprehensive Plan update, a potential scenic overlay ordinance for SC Highway 11, and the formation of a local Committee of 99 for the American Revolution Sestercentennial, but took no action on these items.

• Recommended Ordinance No. 596 (PAC lease to JWPR Holdings) for third reading (4-1)
• No action on OnePickens County Comprehensive Plan update briefing
• No action on SC Highway 11 scenic overlay ordinance discussion
• No action on Committee of 99 appointment method discussion

General

The Pickens County Council is meeting as a Committee of the Whole to discuss several items, including a proposed ordinance to lease the Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC. Other items on the agenda include the UDSO, a scenic highway overlay, and the Committee of 99. The meeting is a discussion session, and no final votes are scheduled.

• Ordinance No. 596: lease of Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC
• Log No. 141: UDSO
• Log No. 157: Scenic Highway Overlay
• Log No. 163: Committee of 99

The Committee of the Whole recommended Ordinance No. 596, which would lease the Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC, to move forward for a third reading. The motion carried 4-1, with Councilman Alex Saitta opposed. No other formal actions were taken; other agenda items were informational discussions only.

• Recommended Ordinance No. 596 (lease of Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings) for third reading (4-1)
• No action taken on UDSO Comprehensive Plan update presentation
• No action taken on Scenic Highway 11 overlay discussion
• No action taken on Committee of 99 appointment method discussion

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council will hold its regular meeting, including a second reading of an ordinance to lease the Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC, and a public hearing and third reading of an ordinance authorizing a fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement with Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative. The council will also consider resolutions recognizing American Heart Month and supporting renaming the Pickens post office, plus a recreation fund request. Public comments are accepted via voicemail due to COVID-19 restrictions.

• Second reading of Ordinance No. 596: lease of Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC
• Public hearing and third reading of Ordinance No. 595: fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement with Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, Inc.
• Resolution 2021-03: recognizing January 2021 as American Heart Month
• Resolution 2021-04: supporting renaming the Pickens post office in honor of Specialist Fourth Class Charles Johnson Jr.
• Recreation fund request for District 4

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is holding a work session to discuss council goals and objectives and the county administrator's contract. The meeting is open to the public with limited seating due to COVID-19.

• Discussion of council goals and objectives
• Discussion of administrator's contract

The Pickens County Council met in a special work session to review 2020 goals and discuss priorities for 2021, including operational efficiency, emergency services, and employee initiatives. No formal decisions were made during the session. The council entered executive session to discuss the administrator's contract but took no action on it.

• Entered executive session to discuss Administrator's Contract (5-0, Wilson abstaining)
• Adjourned meeting at 3:35 p.m. (5-0)

Mid Month Meeting

The Pickens County Committee of the Whole will discuss several items, including a proposed ordinance to lease the Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC, and an ordinance to abandon maintenance responsibilities for a section of Old Route 28 to Clemson University. They will also review mental health services, options for a shred truck, and E911 matters. The meeting is open to the public with limited seating due to COVID-19.

• Ordinance No. 596: Lease of Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC
• Ordinance No. 592: Abandoning maintenance of Old Route 28 right-of-way to Clemson University
• Discussion on mental health services
• Shred truck options
• E911 update

The Committee of the Whole recommended Ordinance No. 596, leasing the Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC, for second reading by a 4-2 vote. Council also unanimously approved discontinuing county shredding services and contracting them out. An ordinance to abandon a road right-of-way to Clemson University was tabled pending resolution of ownership disputes. No action was taken on mental health and E911 updates.

• Recommended Performing Arts Center lease to JWPR Holdings for second reading (4-2)
• Approved discontinuing county shredding services and contracting out (6-0)
• Tabled road abandonment ordinance for Clemson University pending ownership dispute resolution
• No action on mental health update
• No action on E911 status report

Pickens County Council

Pickens County Council is meeting as a Committee of the Whole to discuss several items, including a proposed ordinance to lease the Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC for continued operation. The council will also discuss mental health services, options for a shred truck, abandoning maintenance of a road right-of-way to Clemson University, and E911 services. No final votes are expected at this committee meeting.

• Ordinance No. 596: lease of Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC
• Discussion of mental health services (Log No. 134)
• Shred truck options (Log No. 164)
• Ordinance No. 592: abandon maintenance of Old Route 28 Road right-of-way to Clemson University, near 105 Old Greenville Highway and 201 Sunset Avenue, Clemson
• E911 discussion (Log No. 105)

The Pickens County Council Committee of the Whole voted 4-2 to recommend Ordinance No. 596, leasing the Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC, for second reading. The council also voted unanimously to discontinue county-provided shredding services and contract out the work. An ordinance to abandon a road right-of-way to Clemson University was tabled pending resolution of a property ownership dispute.

• Recommended Performing Arts Center lease to JWPR Holdings for second reading (4-2)
• Approved discontinuing county shredding services, contracting out instead (6-0)
• Tabled road abandonment ordinance for Old Route 28 pending ownership dispute resolution

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council will meet to consider several items, including a resolution recognizing National Blood Donor Month, approval of the 2021-2022 budget calendar, a recreation fund request for District 4, and board/commission chair appointments. They will also hold first reading of an ordinance to lease the Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC, and second reading of an ordinance authorizing a fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement with Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, along with a related resolution identifying a project for investment expenditures. The consent agenda includes shred truck options and the administrator's contract, which will be discussed at a retreat/workshop.

• First reading of ordinance to lease Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 595 authorizing fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement with Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative
• Resolution 2021-02 identifying a project for Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative's investment expenditures
• Approval of budget calendar for 2021-2022 budget cycle
• Recreation fund request for District 4

Pickens County Council approved second reading of Ordinance 595, a fee-in-lieu-of-tax (FILOT) agreement with Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative, and Resolution 2021-02 identifying a project for the agreement. Council also gave first reading to an ordinance to lease the Pickens County Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC, committing it to the Committee of the Whole for further discussion. A recreation fund request for District 4 was tabled pending more information.

• Approved second reading of Ordinance 595 (FILOT agreement with Blue Ridge Electric) (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 2021-02 identifying project for FILOT eligibility (6-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance to lease Performing Arts Center to JWPR Holdings, LLC, committed to Committee of the Whole (6-0)
• Tabled District 4 recreation fund request for City of Liberty and airport playground until more info provided (6-0)
• Approved budget calendar for 2021-2022 with amendment adding Council Budget Workshop on Jan 30 (6-0)
• Approved Resolution 2021-01 recognizing January 2021 as National Blood Donor Month (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including shred truck options and administrator's contract (6-0)
• Approved minutes of Dec 7, Dec 14 (x2), and Jan 4 meetings (5-1, Whitehurst abstaining)

Pickens County Council

This is a ceremonial meeting for the swearing-in of Pickens County Council elected officials. The agenda includes a welcome, invocation, and administration of oaths of office, with limited public access due to COVID-19.

• Swearing-in of Alex Saitta
• Swearing-in of Roy B. Costner, III
• Swearing-in of Chris Bowers
• Swearing-in of Henry Wilson

Pickens County Council

This is the annual organizational meeting of the Pickens County Council. The council will elect a Chair, Vice Chair, and Vice Chair Pro Tempore, make chair appointments, and set the meeting schedule and retreat. Public access is limited due to COVID-19, and residents are encouraged to watch online.

• Election of Chair
• Election of Vice Chair
• Election of Vice Chair Pro Tempore
• Chair Appointments
• Council Meeting Schedule and Council Retreat