Pickens County public meetings in 2024

Pickens County Council

Pickens County Council will consider an ordinance to develop a jointly owned industrial park with Greenville County and authorize fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreements with Carolina Handling, LLC, and SC Speedway 124, LLC. The meeting also includes approval of an anti-fraud policy and the purchase of seven gateway signs.

• Third reading of Ordinance No. 655 for joint industrial park with Greenville County
• Third reading of Ordinance No. 656 for fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreements with Carolina Handling, LLC, and SC Speedway 124, LLC
• Motion to approve enhanced anti-fraud policy for county operations
• Motion to approve purchase of seven gateway signs using local accommodations fee fund
• Discussion on City of Clemson TIF proposal

The Council approved using $7,651,783 in remaining ARPA funds plus $4,412,685 from the General Fund for the Emergency Services Public Safety Building. They also gave third reading to ordinances for a joint industrial park with Greenville County and fee-in-lieu agreements with Carolina Handling and SC Speedway 124. Several board appointments were made, but a motion to opt into the City of Clemson TIF died for lack of a second.

• Approved $7,651,783 ARPA and $4,412,685 General Fund for Public Safety Building (6-0)
• Approved third reading of Ordinance 655 for joint industrial/business park with Greenville County (6-0)
• Approved third reading of Ordinance 656 for fee-in-lieu agreements with Carolina Handling and SC Speedway 124 (6-0)
• Approved Anti-Fraud Policy for County Operations (6-0)
• Approved purchase of seven gateway signs for $17,700 each from Local Accommodations Fee fund (6-0)
• Approved moving County Road ordinance to second reading (6-0)
• Appointed 34 citizens to various boards and commissions (6-0)
• Motion to opt into City of Clemson TIF died for lack of a second

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council meeting will consider four agenda items. Council members will review a proposal to implement an enhanced anti‑fraud policy for county operations. They will discuss the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund’s existing programs and future processes. The meeting also includes a county road update with related ordinances and a proposal for Gateway signage.

• Log No. 244 – Consideration to implement an enhanced anti‑fraud policy for county operations
• Log No. 245 – Review of South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund existing programs and future processes
• Log No. 229 – County road update and related ordinances
• Log No. 227 – Gateway signage

The Pickens County Council approved an enhanced anti-fraud policy for county operations, moved a county road ordinance to second reading, and approved the purchase of seven gateway signs using Local Accommodations Fee funds. They also directed staff to collect applications for opioid recovery fund projects and bring recommendations back to Council. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved Anti-Fraud Policy for County Operations (5-0)
• Directed staff to collect opioid recovery fund applications and bring recommendations (5-0)
• Moved County Road Ordinance to second reading (5-0)
• Approved purchase of seven gateway signs using Local Accommodations Fee funds (5-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is holding a special-called meeting to discuss a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) proposal from the City of Clemson.

• Discussion on City of Clemson TIF proposal

Pickens County Council voted 4-1 to opt out of the City of Clemson's TIF (tax increment financing) proposal and to negotiate instead. Councilman Alex Saitta made the motion, seconded by Councilman Chris Lollis, with Councilwoman Claiborne Linvill opposed. The decision followed a detailed discussion with City of Clemson Administrator Andy Blondeau. The meeting was otherwise procedural, with no other substantive actions taken.

• Voted to opt out of City of Clemson TIF proposal and negotiate (4-1)
• Adjourned meeting unanimously (5-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council meeting will include a public forum, approval of prior minutes, and the administrator’s report. Council members will consider several resolutions and the first, second, and third readings of ordinances related to jointly owned industrial/business parks, fee‑in‑lie tax agreements, and amendments to the Unified Development Standards Ordinance. They will also review applications for 30% accommodations tax funding.

• First reading of Ordinance No. 658 to develop a jointly owned industrial/business park with Oconee County (Project Shaker)
• First reading of Ordinance No. 659 authorizing fee‑in‑lie tax and incentive agreements with SC Speedway Hwy 124, LLC
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 655 to develop a jointly owned industrial/business park with Greenville County at Highway 123 and Highway 124
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 656 authorizing fee‑in‑lie tax agreements with Carolina Handling, LLC and SC Speedway 124, LLC
• Third reading of Ordinance No. 629 to amend the Unified Development Standards Ordinance for RV parks, townhomes, and multi‑family residences

Pickens County Council gave third and final reading to amendments to the Unified Development Standards Ordinance (UDSO) covering townhomes, duplexes, apartments, and RV parks, with specific density standards set for each. The council also approved 30% Accommodations Tax funding for the Holly Springs Center and a joint Lake Hartwell Country/Upcountry project, and advanced several economic development ordinances involving fee-in-lieu agreements and a joint industrial park with Oconee County.

• Adopted UDSO amendments for townhomes/duplexes (5-1, Linvill opposed)
• Adopted UDSO amendments for apartments (5-1, Linvill opposed)
• Adopted UDSO amendments for RV parks (6-0)
• Approved 30% ATAX funding for Holly Springs Center and joint Lake Hartwell/Upcountry project (5-1, Lollis opposed)
• Approved first reading of ordinance for joint industrial park with Oconee County (6-0)
• Approved first reading of fee-in-lieu agreements with SC Speedway Hwy 124 LLC (6-0)
• Approved second reading of ordinance for joint industrial park with Greenville County (6-0)
• Approved second reading of ordinance for property conveyance to 'Project Pigeon' (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council met as a Committee of the Whole. Members reviewed Log No. 231 concerning 2024 ATAX applications, including the 30% ATAX groups Lake Hartwell Country and Discover Upcountry. They also examined Log No. 141 for the UDSO, covering RV parks, townhomes, multi‑family residential projects, and impact fees.

• Log No. 231 – 2024 ATAX applications (30% ATAX groups: Lake Hartwell Country and Discover Upcountry)
• Log No. 141 – UDSO: RV Parks
• Log No. 141 – UDSO: Townhomes
• Log No. 141 – UDSO: Multi‑family Residential
• Log No. 141 – UDSO: Impact Fees

The Pickens County Council unanimously approved the 2024 Accommodations Tax (ATAX) proposals from Lake Hartwell Country and Upcountry South Carolina, and opened the application process for remaining 30% ATAX funds. The council also advanced several Unified Development Standards Ordinance (UDSO) amendments to third reading, including new density rules for townhomes, apartments, and duplexes, and RV park design standards. A motion to table impact fee discussions indefinitely passed 5-1, and a motion to request more information from DTA on the impact fee study passed unanimously.

• Approved 2024 ATAX proposals and opened 30% ATAX application process (6-0)
• Tabled impact fee funding discussion indefinitely (5-1)
• Requested more info from DTA on impact fee study (6-0)
• Adopted Greenville County RV park design standards with 5-10 acre minimum/maximum (6-0)
• Struck 'graded and/or' from UDSO Section 302(b)1a (6-0)
• Adopted townhome density: 4 units/acre on sewer in Appalachian/Agricultural, 20 units/acre in gateway areas (4-2)
• Adopted apartment density recommendations with community center areas mirroring municipal standards (5-1)
• Adopted duplex density matching townhomes on sewer (5-1)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council will consider a resolution recognizing Mobile Integrated Healthcare Week and a first reading of an ordinance to develop a jointly owned industrial park with Greenville County. The meeting also includes an executive session to discuss employee benefits and a Milliken FILOT investment period extension.

• Resolution recognizing Mobile Integrated Healthcare Week
• First reading of ordinance for joint industrial/business park with Greenville County
• Executive session: Employee benefits
• Executive session: Milliken FILOT investment period extension
• Update on Gateway Signage

The Pickens County Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to develop a jointly owned industrial/business park with Greenville County, located at Highway 123 and Highway 124. The council also approved a resolution recognizing Mobile Integrated Healthcare Week and made several agenda changes, including adding discussions on transaction fees and a moratorium, but took no final action on those items. The council convened in executive session and unanimously adopted a resolution regarding the Milliken FILOT investment period extension.

• Approved first reading of ordinance for joint industrial/business park with Greenville County (6-0)
• Approved resolution recognizing Mobile Integrated Healthcare Week (6-0)
• Approved minutes of September 9 and September 30 meetings (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda item on opioid recovery fund (6-0)
• Adopted resolution on Milliken FILOT investment period extension (6-0)
• Changed agenda item 11A to Safety Building Project (6-0)
• Added Community Input Committee to executive session agenda (6-0)
• Added discussion on transaction fees and moratorium to agenda (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Council is holding a special-called meeting to receive a storm update from Pickens County Emergency Management regarding Hurricane Helene.

• Helene storm update from Pickens County Emergency Management

Pickens County Council met in special session to receive updates on Hurricane Helene response, including road closures, park damage, and damage assessments. Council unanimously voted to extend the county's state of emergency for an additional 30 days. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting focused on situational updates and discussion.

• Extended state of emergency for 30 days (6-0)
• Adjourned to attend storm briefing call (5-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Committee of the Whole will meet to review 2024 ATAX applications and hold a round table discussion regarding the UDSO with the Planning Commission.

• Review of 2024 ATAX applications for Lake Hartwell Country and Discover Upcountry (30% ATAX Groups)
• Round table discussion with Planning Commission regarding UDSO (Log No. 141)

Mid Month Meeting

The Pickens County Committee of the Whole will review 2024 ATAX applications and hold a round table discussion regarding the UDSO with the Planning Commission.

• Review of 30% ATAX Groups: Lake Hartwell Country and Discover Upcountry
• Round table discussion with Planning Commission regarding UDSO

Pickens County Council

The special‑called Pickens County Council meeting was suspended. The council will conduct a first reading (title only) of an ordinance that would authorize fee‑in‑lieu and incentive agreements with a company identified as Project Pigeon. The ordinance would allow the county to accept negotiated payments instead of ad valorem taxes and to approve reimbursements of project costs.

• First reading (title only) of ordinance authorizing fee‑in‑lieu agreements with Project Pigeon
• Approval of reimbursements for costs associated with Project Pigeon

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council will consider several resolutions, including design work for Warpath Landing on behalf of Duke Energy and a pedestrian traffic study for the detention center. A public hearing will be held to establish the annual millage rate for the fiscal year July 1 2024 – June 30 2025. Additional items include a software update, infrastructure updates, and policy revisions.

• Public hearing to establish the annual millage rate for FY 2024‑2025
• Resolution authorizing site design and engineering for potential county operation of Warpath Landing for Duke Energy
• Resolution authorizing a pedestrian traffic study for the Pickens County Detention Center
• Consideration of Civic Plus agenda management software for council and administration offices
• Staff update on bridge and culvert replacement on Rocky Bottom Rd

Pickens County Council approved four new School Resource Officer positions for the next budget cycle, including up to three within City of Liberty boundaries and one additional for Daniel High School. Council also directed staff to draft language for multi-family residential zoning changes, tabled RV/tiny home discussions for further research, and approved moving forward with a design-build for the Rocky Bottom Rd bridge replacement. Several resolutions were passed, including recognizing Suicide Prevention Month and the SC State Guard, and authorizing a pedestrian traffic study at the Detention Center.

• Approved 4 new School Resource Officer positions for next budget (6-0)
• Directed staff to draft language for multi-family residential zoning changes (6-0)
• Tabled RV/tiny home discussion pending staff research (6-0)
• Approved design-build for Rocky Bottom Rd bridge replacement (6-0)
• Approved purchase of Civic Plus Agenda Management Software (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda: updated capitalization policy and anti-fraud policy (6-0)
• Authorized moving forward with development agreement for Speedway Business and Technology Park (6-0)
• Authorized pursuing ARC Grant for Speedway Industrial Site and first reading of Project Pigeon ordinance (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council Committee of the Whole will meet on August 19, 2024. Council members will discuss Log No. 242 concerning the Pickens County Regional Joint Water System. They will also review Log No. 241 about SDPC School Resource Officers. Additionally, Log No. 141 will cover UDSO matters including multi-family residential, RVs, stormwater, and a planning commission recommendation on building setbacks.

• Log No. 242 – Pickens County Regional Joint Water System
• Log No. 241 – SDPC School Resource Officers
• Log No. 141 – UDSO discussion on multi-family residential, RVs, stormwater, and setbacks

The Pickens County Council approved adding four new School Resource Officer positions for the next budget cycle, including three within City of Liberty boundaries and one additional for Daniel High School. The council also directed staff to draft language for multi-family residential zoning in several heritage and community areas, and tabled discussion on RVs and tiny homes pending further research. No action was taken on the Pickens Regional Joint Water System update.

• Approved 4 new SRO positions for next budget cycle (6-0)
• Directed staff to draft language for multi-family residential areas (6-0)
• Tabled RV/tiny home discussion for staff research (6-0)

Pickens County Council

Pickens County Council will hold a public hearing on an ordinance to develop a jointly owned industrial park with Oconee County. The meeting will also include a consent agenda and an executive session to discuss potential contracts.

• Public hearing on Ordinance No. 644 for joint industrial park with Oconee County
• 2024 Recreation Funding Applications
• Executive session to discuss contracts for ~29 acres adjacent to HWY 93
• Executive session to discuss real property on Garvin Street and judicial operations
• Executive session to discuss Project Flap

Pickens County Council approved the purchase of 208 Garvin Street in Pickens for $850,000 from fund balance, plus closing costs, for county judicial purposes. The council also approved third reading of Ordinance No. 644 to develop a joint industrial/business park with Oconee County (Project Turn), and approved District 5 recreation funding totaling $75,572.35. No action was taken on two other executive session items.

• Approved purchase of 208 Garvin Street for $850,000 from fund balance (6-0)
• Approved third reading of Ordinance No. 644 for joint industrial/business park with Oconee County (6-0)
• Approved District 5 recreation funding: City of Easley $46,679.02, Pickens County YMCA $3,333.33, Meals on Wheels $25,572.35 (6-0)
• Approved consent agenda including Magistrates and Municipal Courts, Consolidation of County Facilities, SDPC School Resource Officers, and Pickens County Regional Joint Water (6-0)
• Approved minutes of July 22, 2024 meetings (5-0, Wilson absent)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council will discuss the development of two jointly owned industrial/business parks in Oconee County. The body will also consider resolutions regarding a pedestrian traffic study and a lease renewal with Duke Energy.

• Public hearing and third reading of Ordinance No. 642 for Project Red industrial park
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 644 for Project Turn industrial park
• Resolution for a pedestrian traffic study for the Pickens County Detention Center
• Resolution to authorize a renewed lease from Duke Energy
• Executive session regarding a contractual agreement with Realtylink for Speedway Industrial Park expansion incentives

Pickens County Council approved a $500,000 ARPA grant to the YMCA of Easley for renovations to convert an old building into a childcare facility, passing 3-2. The council also approved over $288,000 in recreation funding across multiple districts and $175,691 in accommodations tax funding. Several ordinances related to joint industrial parks with Oconee County advanced through readings.

• Approved $500,000 ARPA grant to YMCA of Easley for childcare facility renovations (3-2)
• Approved $23,616.59 in District 1 recreation funding (5-0)
• Approved $50,000 in District 2 recreation funding (5-0)
• Approved $65,403.31 in District 3 recreation funding (5-0)
• Approved $42,589.06 in District 4 recreation funding (5-0)
• Approved $106,528.31 in District 6 recreation funding (5-0)
• Approved $175,691 in accommodations tax funding (5-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 644 for joint industrial park with Oconee County (5-0)

Pickens County Council

The Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss three specific log items. The session focuses on workforce task forces and funding applications for recreation and accommodations taxes.

• Log No. 217 – Childcare Workforce Task Force
• Log No. 230 – 2024 Recreation Funding Applications
• Log No. 231 – 2024 Accommodations Tax Applications

The Pickens County Council Committee of the Whole approved a $500,000 ARPA grant to the YMCA of Easley for renovations to convert an old building into a childcare facility, passing 3-2. The council also approved 2024 recreation funding applications for districts 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6, totaling over $288,000, and approved a new Accommodations Tax funding process along with 65% ATAX funding recommendations totaling $175,691. A substitute motion to redirect the $500,000 to a Medic 1 EMS Station failed (1-3-1).

• Approved $500,000 ARPA grant to YMCA of Easley for childcare facility renovations (3-2)
• Substitute motion to allocate $500,000 to Medic 1 EMS Station failed (1-3-1)
• Approved District 1 recreation funding totaling $23,616.59 (5-0)
• Approved District 2 recreation funding totaling $50,000 (5-0)
• Approved District 3 recreation funding totaling $65,403.31 (5-0)
• Approved District 4 recreation funding totaling $42,589.06 (5-0)
• Approved District 6 recreation funding totaling $106,528.31 (5-0)
• Approved new ATAX funding process (5-0) and 65% ATAX recommendations totaling $175,691 (5-0)

Pickens County Council

The council will hold a public hearing and third reading of Ordinance No. 643. This ordinance authorizes Fee in Lieu of Tax and incentive agreements with Project Hydro. The measure includes negotiated payments in lieu of ad valorem taxes and industrial park benefits.

• Third reading of Ordinance No. 643 regarding Project Hydro incentives
• Public hearing for Fee in Lieu of Tax and incentive agreements

Council held a public hearing and third reading of Ordinance No. 643, which authorizes fee-in-lieu-of-tax and incentive agreements between Pickens County and a company identified in the ordinance as Project Hydro. No one spoke at the public hearing. Council amended the motion to replace "Project Hydro" with the company name Elringklinger, then approved the ordinance 5-0. Councilman Henry Wilson and County Administrator Ken Roper were absent.

• Approved third reading of Ordinance No. 643 authorizing fee-in-lieu-of-tax and incentive agreements (5-0)
• Amended the ordinance to change "Project Hydro" to the company name Elringklinger (5-0)
• Adjourned the meeting (5-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Committee of the Whole will discuss airport hangars and aircraft tax rates. The meeting includes a work session for the FY 24-25 budget, specifically regarding the Library Board budget. Council will also consider resolutions to participate in state property, liability, and workers' compensation trusts.

• Pickens County Airport hangars and aircraft tax rates
• FY 24-25 Budget work session
• Library Board budget discussion
• Resolution of intent for SC Counties' Property and Liability Trust
• Resolution of intent for SC Counties' Workers' Compensation Risk Financing and Risk Sharing Trust

The Pickens County Council Committee of the Whole approved a motion to fund the Library with last year's budget plus a 3% increase and compensation study raises, rejecting a proposal to move the Library out of the millage. The Council also unanimously approved resolutions of intent to participate in two South Carolina counties risk trusts for property liability and workers compensation. A briefing on airport hangars and tax rates was given, but no action was taken on that item.

• Motion to move Library off millage failed (2-4)
• Motion to fund Library with prior budget plus 3% and raises carried (4-2)
• Resolution of Intent for SC Counties Property and Liability Trust approved (6-0)
• Resolution of Intent for SC Counties Workers Compensation Trust approved (6-0)
• No action taken on Airport Hangars & Tax Rate briefing

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council will hold a special-called meeting for third readings of two ordinances. These include a budget amendment for the 2023-2024 fiscal year and the establishment of a tax levy for the 2024-2025 fiscal year.

• Third reading of Ordinance No. 640 (budget amendment for FY 2023-2024)
• Third reading of Ordinance No. 641 (tax levy for FY 2024-2025)

The Pickens County Council voted to fund the library budget for next year at last year's amount plus 3% and compensation study raises, after defeating a motion to remove the library from millage. Council also approved resolutions of intent to participate in state property/liability and workers' compensation trusts. Additionally, Council passed the third reading of the FY 2024-2025 county tax levy ordinance with an amendment adding $64,800 for Tri-County Technical College, while tabling discussion on a recreational activities millage.

• Failed motion to take the Library off millage and put it back in the general budget (2-4)
• Approved funding the Library with last year's budget plus 3% and compensation study raises (4-2)
• Approved Resolution of Intent to Participate in the SC Counties Property and Liability Trust (6-0)
• Approved Resolution of Intent to Participate in the SC Counties Workers Compensation Risk Financing and Risk Sharing Trust (6-0)
• Approved third reading of Ordinance No. 640 for FY 2023-2024 budget amendment (6-0)
• Approved amending the FY 2024-2025 budget ordinance to include an additional $64,800 for Tri-County Technical College (6-0)
• Tabled discussion on adding a one-mill tax for recreational activities to the next Committee of the Whole meeting (6-0)
• Approved third reading of Ordinance No. 641 for the FY 2024-2025 county tax levy and expenditures (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is considering resolutions to grant fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreements to Project Hydro and Pacesetter Inc. Additionally, the body is taking the first reading of an ordinance to establish a jointly owned industrial park with Oconee County, known as Project Turn. The meeting also includes public hearings on the FY 2023-24 budget amendment and the FY 2024-25 tax levy.

• Resolution for fee-in-lieu-of-tax arrangement for Project Hydro RE and Project Hydro ME
• Resolution amending fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement with Pacesetter Inc.
• First reading of Ordinance No. 642 for a joint industrial/business park with Oconee County (Project Turn)
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 643 authorizing fee-in-lieu-of-tax and incentive agreements for Project Hydro
• Public hearing on Ordinance No. 641 for the FY 2024-25 tax levy

The Pickens County Council unanimously approved a compensation study implementation plan costing $3.36 million and passed resolutions for fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreements with Project Hydro and Pacesetter Inc. The Council tabled the vote on the $4.2 million Library budget until state aid funding amounts are confirmed. Additionally, the Council appointed Ashley Teal to the WorkLink Board and advanced several industrial park and tax ordinances.

• Approved Class Year Parity Implementation ($3,356,017.30) (6-0)
• Tabled Library Budget vote ($4,216,886) for later review (6-0)
• Approved Inducement Resolution for Project Hydro Re/Me (6-0)
• Approved amendment to Fee-in-Lieu-of-Tax agreement with Pacesetter Inc. (6-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance No. 643 for Project Hydro tax agreements (6-0)
• First reading in title only of Ordinance No. 642 for Oconee County industrial park (6-0)
• Appointed Ashley Teal to WorkLink Board (6-0)
• First reading in title only of Project Lyft contractual matter (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council met in Committee of the Whole to discuss the FY 24-25 budget. The agenda included a presentation from Evergreen Solutions on a compensation study, discussions by elected officials, and a review of the library budget. No final votes or decisions were recorded in this agenda text.

• Presentation from Evergreen Solutions regarding Compensation Study
• Discussion on the Library Budget
• FY 24-25 Budget Work Session (Log No. 233)

In a May 28, 2024 budget work session, Pickens County Council unanimously approved the Class Year Parity Implementation tied to the Evergreen Solutions compensation study, at a total implementation cost of $3,356,017.30, and agreed to revisit the study in one year. Council also discussed the library budget, including a proposed $4,216,886 budget that included an estimated $328,000 in State Aid Funding, but ultimately voted to table it for revisiting before the end-of-the-year budget discussion. No elected officials attended the scheduled presentation/discussion from elected officials, and no action was taken on that item.

• Approved Class Year Parity Implementation and revisit of the Compensation Study in one year (6-0)
• Total implementation cost for Class Year Parity recorded as $3,356,017.30
• No action taken on presentation/discussion from elected officials (none present)
• Library Budget as presented ($4,216,886, including estimated $328,000 State Aid Funding) tabled to be revisited before end-of-year budget discussion (6-0)
• Adjourned at 9:28 p.m. (6-0)

Pickens County Council

Pickens County Council is holding public hearings and readings on ordinances regarding land use and industrial development. The body is discussing a six-month moratorium on certain residential and RV park applications and the creation of joint industrial parks with Oconee and Greenville counties.

• Third reading of Ordinance No. 639: six-month moratorium on multi-family residential, RV park, and campground applications
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 641: levy of taxes for the 2024-2025 fiscal year
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 640: budget amendment for the 2023-2024 fiscal year
• Ordinances for joint industrial parks: Project Red, Project Seneca Mills, and projects on Cartee Road and Chastain Road
• Public hearing on amendments to Section 302 of the Unified Development Standards Ordinance regarding RV parks and campgrounds

Pickens County Council advanced several ordinances for industrial park developments and a multi-family residential moratorium to third reading. The Council also approved funding for a vehicle engine replacement and appointed a new member to the Behavioral Health Board.

• Approved $30,000 for 2010 rollback wrecker engine replacement (6-0)
• Appointed Mary Babb to the Behavioral Health Board (6-0)
• Advanced moratorium on multi-family residential and RV park applications to third reading (5-1)
• Advanced Project Seneca Mills industrial park ordinance to third reading (6-0)
• Advanced Greenville County joint industrial park ordinance to third reading (5-1)
• Advanced Oconee County joint industrial park ordinance to third reading (5-1)
• Approved first reading of Project Hydro incentive agreement (6-0)
• Created ad-hoc committee to study Boggs Mountain land (5-1)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council met on April 23, 2024, for a budget work session. The agenda consisted solely of a discussion regarding the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget. No other substantive items, votes, or decisions were listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget

The Council held a work session to discuss the FY 2024-2025 proposed budget. The only formal action taken was the addition of a budget request from Tri-County Technical College to the annual budget. Other items were discussed without recorded formal decisions.

• Added Tri-County Technical College Budget Request to the annual Budget (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council met on April 15, 2024, to hold a Committee of the Whole session. The agenda lists two specific items for discussion: Log No. 232 regarding Boggs Mountain and Log No. 141 regarding UDSO. No other substantive business, votes, or decisions are detailed in the provided text.

• Discussion of Log No. 232 – Boggs Mountain
• Discussion of Log No. 141 – UDSO

The Pickens County Council unanimously approved the creation of an ad-hoc committee to determine next steps for Boggs Mountain land and outdoor recreation. The Council also discussed the order of topics for future Unified Development Standards Ordinance (UDSO) meetings but took no formal action on the ordinance itself.

• Approved creation of ad-hoc committee for Boggs Mountain (6-0)
• No action taken on UDSO discussion topics

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is considering a resolution to authorize competitive bidding and construction for an emergency services building on McDaniel Avenue. This facility would house unified dispatch, EMS headquarters, and emergency management logistics.

• Resolution for emergency services building on McDaniel Avenue
• Construction of unified dispatch, EMS headquarters, and emergency management logistics

The Pickens County Council unanimously (6-0) approved a resolution authorizing competitive bidding and construction of an Emergency Services Building on McDaniel Avenue in Pickens. The building would house Unified Dispatch, Emergency Medical Services headquarters, and Emergency Management logistics operations. Council also met in executive session for legal advice regarding the Pickens County Library System but took no action. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

• Approved resolution authorizing competitive bidding and construction of an Emergency Services Building on McDaniel Avenue (6-0)
• Convened in executive session for legal advice regarding the Pickens County Library System (6-0)
• No action taken after executive session on the library system
• Adjourned the meeting (6-0)

Pickens County Council

Pickens County Council will hold a special-called meeting to discuss ordinances regarding RV parks and multi-family residential developments. The body will also enter executive session to discuss a contractual update for Project Hydro.

• First reading of amendments to Section 302 of the Unified Development Standards Ordinance regarding RV parks and campgrounds
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 639 for a six-month moratorium on multi-family residential developments (including townhomes) and RV parks
• Executive session regarding a proposed contractual update on Project Hydro

The Council approved a six-month moratorium on accepting applications for townhomes, with a provision for a 90-day extension. The Council also conducted a first reading of an ordinance regarding RV parks and campgrounds.

• Approved second reading of Ordinance No. 639 for a six-month townhome application moratorium (5-1)
• Approved amendment to remove 'RV Power Connections' from Ordinance No. 639 (6-0)
• Approved first reading of ordinance amending RV parks and campgrounds standards (5-1)
• No action taken on Project Hydro and Project Lift contractual updates

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is meeting for a budget work session. The body will discuss the budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.

• Budget discussion for Fiscal Year 2024-2025

The Pickens County Council held a work session to discuss the FY 2024-2025 proposed budget. No substantive decisions, approvals, or votes on budget items were recorded during the session. The meeting concluded with a unanimous motion to adjourn.

• Adjournment motion carried unanimously (5-0)

Pickens County Council

The Council will consider several ordinances, including a six-month moratorium on townhome applications and various industrial park developments. Discussions also include budget amendments, tax levies, and multi-county business park agreements.

• Six-month moratorium on townhome applications (Ordinance 639)
• Budget amendment for fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023 (Ordinance 640)
• Tax levy for ordinary county purposes for fiscal year 2024-2025 (Ordinance 641)
• Industrial park development with Greenville County on Cartee Road (Ordinance 636)
• Industrial park development with Oconee County on Chastain Road (Ordinance 637)

Pickens County Council gave third reading to parts of Ordinance 629 amending the Unified Development Standards Ordinance, approving conventional subdivisions, open space subdivisions, RV parks, parking lots, stormwater updates, traffic study policy, and land use application changes, while Section 302 (RV Parks) was struck and Section 505 (Open Subdivisions) and the map were voted separately. Council also gave first reading to Ordinance 639, a six-month moratorium on townhome applications, amended to include multi-family, condominiums, apartments, triplexes, RVs, RV parks, RVs as dwellings, and tiny homes. Several industrial park ordinances with Greenville and Oconee counties advanced, and routine resolutions and purchases were approved.

• Approved third reading of UDSO Ordinance 629 items (conventional subdivisions, open space subdivisions, RV parks, parking lots, stormwater updates, traffic study policy, land use application) (6-0)
• Approved Section 505 (Open Subdivisions) and map for third reading (5-1, Linvill opposed)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 639, six-month townhome moratorium, amended to include multi-family, condos, apartments, triplexes, RVs, RV parks, RVs as dwellings, tiny homes (5-1, Linvill opposed)
• Approved Resolution 2024-11 amending joint industrial park agreement with Oconee County (Project Efficiency) (5-1, Saitta opposed)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 636 joint industrial park with Greenville County (5-1, Saitta opposed)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 637 joint industrial park with Oconee County on Chastain Road (5-1, Saitta opposed)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 638 joint industrial park with Oconee County (Project Seneca Mills) (6-0)
• Approved third reading of Ordinance 635 fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement for Project Efficiency (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council will hold a special-called meeting to discuss the budget for fiscal year 2024-2025. The council will also address a request for emergency recreation funding.

• Budget discussion for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
• Emergency recreation funding request

In a special-called meeting on March 18, 2024, Pickens County Council heard a budget overview for fiscal year 2024-2025 from Finance Director Ralph Guarino, but no budget decisions were made. Council approved a $5,000 emergency recreation funding request from the School District of Pickens County to help middle school students with disabilities attend the 2024 Special Olympics, with $1,000 coming from each of the six council districts. The meeting adjourned at 6:27 p.m. to move to a Committee of the Whole meeting.

• Approved $5,000 emergency recreation funding for Special Olympics, split $1,000 per district (6-0)
• Amended original motion to split funding six ways instead of three districts (6-0)
• Adjourned special-called meeting to move to Committee of the Whole (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss one specific item. The agenda is limited to the review of Log No. 141 – UDSO.

• Discussion of Log No. 141 – UDSO

The Committee of the Whole met with the Planning Commission to discuss the Unified Development Standards Ordinance (UDSO). Members voted 6-0 to add parking setback language and RV park management plan and E911 requirements to the UDSO. A substitute motion by Councilman Alex Saitta to vote separately on listed items and move a townhome moratorium out of committee for first reading carried 4-2, with Chairman Chris Bowers and Vice Chairman Roy Costner opposed. Items not voted on remain in committee for further discussion.

• Approved adding parking setback language to UDSO (6-0)
• Approved requiring RV park management plan in land use application (6-0)
• Approved adding E911 as component to RV park land development (6-0)
• Approved substitute motion to vote separately on specified UDSO items and move townhome moratorium to first reading (4-2, Bowers and Costner opposed)
• Adjourned meeting at 9:11 p.m. (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is holding a special-called meeting. The primary purpose is to enter an executive session to discuss a nomination to the Pickens County First Steps Board.

• Nomination to Pickens County First Steps Board

The Pickens County Council met in a special-called session to address board nominations. The council voted to appoint one individual to the Pickens County First Steps Board.

• Appointed Kate Wiltrout to the Pickens County First Steps Board (5-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss two specific log items. The agenda focuses on library programming and media policy as well as UDSO.

• Log No. 226 – Library Programming and Media Policy
• Log No. 141 – UDSO

The Committee of the Whole discussed library programming and media policy, including book selection and safeguards for adult sections. Council voted to move the UDSO discussion to the next meeting.

• Moved UDSO discussion to March 18 meeting (5-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council is reviewing ordinances to establish jointly owned industrial and business parks with Greenville and Oconee counties. The body is also considering tax incentive agreements for 'Project Efficiency' and updates to county codes regarding substandard properties and road maintenance.

• Ordinance 636: Joint industrial park with Greenville County including Pickens County Commerce Park and property on Cartee Road
• Ordinance 637: Joint industrial park with Oconee County for property on Chastain Road
• Ordinance 638: Joint industrial park with Oconee County and City of Seneca for Project Seneca Mills
• Ordinance 635: Fee in lieu of tax and incentive agreement for Project Efficiency
• Ordinance 633 and 634: Code amendments for substandard property conditions and county road system maintenance

Pickens County Council approved first readings for three joint industrial park ordinances with Greenville and Oconee counties. The Council also directed the Planning Commission to further research impact fees and housing setbacks. Several ordinances regarding property conditions and road maintenance were moved to committee for further discussion.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance 636 for joint industrial park with Greenville County (5-1)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 637 for joint industrial park with Oconee County (5-1)
• Approved first reading of Ordinance 638 for Project Seneca Mills with Oconee County (6-0)
• Approved third reading of Ordinance 632 for Project Galt in Oconee County (6-0)
• Approved second reading of Ordinance 635 for Project Efficiency; public hearing moved to third reading (6-0)
• Directed Planning Commission to research law enforcement impact fees (5-1) and housing setback matrices (6-0)
• Designated area north of Saluda Dam Road to Hwy 183 and east of Hwy 135 to county line as Agricultural Heritage Area (6-0)
• Appointed Les Hendricks, Mary Ann Hunter, and Drake Curry to Indigent Medical Board (6-0)

Pickens County Council

The Pickens County Council Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss two specific items. The agenda includes discussions regarding Log No. 141 – UDSO and Log No. 226 – Library Programming and Media Policy.

• Log No. 141 – UDSO
• Log No. 226 – Library Programming and Media Policy

The Committee of the Whole met on February 26, 2024, with all six members present, to discuss the Unified Development Standards Ordinance (UDSO). Members voted to send the impact fee study and setbacks language back to the Planning Commission for further research, and to have staff work with the County Engineer on road site requirements. The committee also changed part of the Development Areas Map to Agricultural Heritage Area and asked planning staff to report on the financial impact of density decisions. A library programming and media policy item was moved to the next meeting.

• Moved impact fee study back to Planning Commission to research why law enforcement is not in the impact fee chart (5-1, Saitta opposed)
• Sent setbacks language back to Planning Commission to create a matrix for all housing forms (6-0)
• Asked staff to work with County Engineer on site requirements for roads, curb cuts, and feeder roads (6-0)
• Changed area north of Saluda Dam Road to Hwy 183 and east of Hwy 135 to the county line into Agricultural Heritage Area (6-0)
• Requested planning staff report on financial impact of varying density decisions (4-2, Saitta and Lollis opposed)
• Moved Library Programming and Media Policy (Log No. 226) to next Committee of the Whole meeting (6-0)
• Adjourned at 9:01 p.m. (6-0)

Pickens County Council

Pickens County Council will discuss ordinances regarding substandard property conditions, road system maintenance, and a fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement for Project Efficiency. The body is also considering a joint industrial park with Oconee County and an extension of a residential land use moratorium.

• Motion to allocate $104,555 from ARPA funding for the temporary Medic 1 station
• Public hearing and second reading for a joint industrial/business park with Oconee County (Project Galt)
• Third reading of Ordinance No. 630 to extend the moratorium on residential land use and development applications
• Third reading of Ordinance No. 631 to convey real property near the old Central Roller Mill to Issaqueena Mills, LLC
• First reading of an ordinance for a fee-in-lieu-of-tax and incentive agreement for Project Efficiency

Council approved funding for administration roof repairs and a new EMS facility using ARPA funds. The body also extended a residential land use moratorium to April 1, 2024, and appointed a new member to the Planning Commission.

• Approved up to $365,000 for administration roof repairs (6-0)
• Approved ARPA funding for a new EMS facility to replace a flooded station (6-0)
• Extended residential land use and development moratorium to April 1, 2024 (6-0)
• Approved third reading of ordinance conveying property to Issaqueena Mills, LLC (6-0)
• Appointed Danny Garrett to Planning Commission District 3 seat (6-0)
• Approved 'Review of Library Programming and Materials Policy' via consent agenda (5-1)
• Recognized Carl Hudson, Randy Williams, Tom Turner, and Ronnie Hall with Citizenship Awards (6-0)
• Approved resolutions congratulating D.W. Daniel High School band, golf, and football teams

Pickens County Council

The Committee of the Whole will meet to discuss several administrative and operational items. The session focuses on reviewing county systems and employee guidelines.

• County Radio System (Log No. 80)
• Emergency Services (Log No. 220)
• Employee Handbook (Log No. 208)
• Review of County Holidays (Log No. 225)
• UDSO (Log No. 141)

The Committee of the Whole met on January 22, 2024, with all six members present. It approved a recommendation to fund a "Satisfaction" House costing $104,555, located by the amphitheater, using ARPA funding; the motion carried unanimously (6-0). No action was taken on the County Radio System update, the employee handbook and county holiday review, or the UDSO discussion. The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.

• Approved $104,555 "Satisfaction" House funded through ARPA (6-0)
• No action taken on County Radio System update (Log No. 80)
• No action taken on Employee Handbook and County Holidays review (Log No. 208/225)
• No action taken on UDSO discussion (Log No. 141)
• Adjourned at 8:32 p.m. (6-0)

Pickens County Council

Pickens County Council will discuss a joint industrial park project with Oconee County and a budget calendar for fiscal year 2024. The body is also reviewing ordinances regarding residential land use moratoriums and unified development standards to address growth issues.

• First reading of ordinance for jointly owned industrial/business park with Oconee County (Project Galt)
• Public hearing and second reading of Ordinance No. 631 to convey property near Old Central Roller Mill to Issaqueena Mills, LLC
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 630 extending the moratorium on residential land use and development applications
• Public hearing and third reading of Ordinance No. 629 amending the Unified Development Standards Ordinance
• Resolution 2024-01 approving the Fiscal Year 2024 budget calendar

Pickens County Council approved funding for emergency medical stretchers and ambulances, as well as an information systems proposal. The council also advanced a joint industrial park project with Oconee County and appointed three members to county boards.

• Approved $364,729.29 from Fund Balance for EMS stretchers and ambulances (6-0)
• Approved $89,702.78 for Information Systems Department proposal (6-0)
• Recommitted UDSO Ordinance No. 629 to Committee for further discussion (5-1)
• Approved first reading of ordinance for joint industrial park with Oconee County (6-0)
• Approved 30-day moratorium on certain residential land use applications (6-0)
• Approved FY 2024 Budget Calendar with amendments (6-0)
• Appointed Andy Sevic, Darrell Cook, and Bob Fedder to county boards (6-0)
• Approved design-build method for Hampton Memorial Library renovations (5-1)