Meeting Recaps

Meeting Recap: 9.13.16

Jenn Hulehan Meeting Recaps

Last Tuesday, Council met for a Business Meeting at 6:30 PM at City Hall.  Here’s a quick recap:

Citizen Comments: 1 citizen spoke about leaf and yard debris pickup. 1 spoke on One Simpsonville/Labor Day Festival. The owner of ACE Environmental spoke on the new sanitation services.

The following items were brought to Council from the Planning Commission: 

1st Reading of AXZ-2016-04, Portion of Tax Map #0566.01-01-002.07 (next to 700 Fairview Road). Mr. Knudsen reported on behalf of the Planning Commission, who reviewed the request to rezone this property to the B-G, Business – General District at their September 6, 2016, meeting. By a vote of 6-0, the Planning Commission recommends approval of the requested zoning for Ordinance AXZ-2016-04. Mr. Graham made a motion to pass 1st Reading. It was seconded by Mr. Cummings. It passed unanimously.

1st Reading of AXZ-2016-05, Portion of Tax Map #0574.03-01-022.00 (along Barker Road). Mr. Knudsen presented the report on Ivy Walk Subdivision’s request: The Simpsonville Planning Commission reviewed the request to rezone this property to the R-Mid, Residential – Medium Density District at their September 6, 2016, meeting. By a vote of 6-0, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the requested zoning for Ordinance AXZ-2016-05. Mr. Gooch made a motion to pass on 1st reading. Ms. Braswell seconded. Passed unanimously.

1st Reading of AXZ-2016-06, Portion of Tax Map #0574.03-01-011.01 (824 Neely Ferry Road). Mr. Knudsen reported that the Planning Commission reviewed the request to rezone this property to the ID, Innovative Development District at their September 6, 2016, meeting. By a vote of 5-0, the Planning Commission recommended approval of the requested zoning for Ordinance AXZ-2016-06. Ms. Braswell motioned to approve on 1st reading with Mr. Graham seconding the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The following items were brought to Council from the Committee of the Whole:

2nd Reading of Ordinance #2016-06, Adoption of 2015 Edition Building Codes. Mr. Graham made a motion to pass on 2nd reading. Mr. Cummings seconded. As previously explained, these changes are required, so there was no discussion. The motion passed unanimously.

2nd Reading of Ordinance #2016-07, Amendments to the Solid Waste Management Ordinance. The purpose of these revisions is to remove from the ordinance Public Works Policy that does not need to be included in the ordinance.  As an operational procedure of the Department, it should exist separately from the ordinance.  This will make it easier to revise as needed.  Further, it puts the operational policy back in the hands of the Department Head, where it belongs.  No other Department’s policy is included in ordinance or set by Council. I made the motion to pass on 2nd reading. Mr. Cummings seconded that motion. Motion passed on 2nd reading, with Mr. Graham opposed.

1st Reading of Ordinance #2016-08, Amendment to Section 6-81, Definition for Animal Control Officer. Our current ordinance puts responsibility for Animal Control in the Public Works Department. However, our Animal Control Officer is actually a Class 3 Police Officer in the Police Department. This change simply makes our ordinance match our practice. Other discussion regarding other components of our Animal Ordinance are ongoing and will be picked up at the next Committee of the Whole meeting. Mr. Gooch made the motion to pass on 1st reading. I seconded. Motion passed unanimously. 2nd reading will be at the October Business Meeting.

1st Reading of Ordinance #2016-09, General Bond Ordinance (Sewer System Revenue Bond) Until now, the City has approached the sewer rehabilitation project as pay-as-we go. However, it’s become clear that this is not working. Since July, staff has been analyzing the ability of the City to issue a sewer revenue bond to complete the outstanding rehabilitation needed for the City’s sewer system. To date we are considering a bond that will provide for sewer rehabilitation not exceeding $11 million. This is the maximum project size that could reasonably be supported by the current revenue stream. We have also used a 20-year amortization. This is the lowest amortization term that is feasible. Staff has determined that the sewer fund is in a position to support a revenue bond that carries these terms. Mr. Cummings made a motion to pass on 1st reading. I seconded that motion. The motion passed unanimously.

1st Reading of Ordinance #2016-10, 2016 Series Ordinance (Sewer System Revenue Bond) See explanation above. Mr. Cummings motioned to approve in 1st reading. Mr. Gooch seconded that motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The following item was brought to Council by the City Administrator:

Participation in the GLDTC Municipal Match Resurfacing Program

The Greenville Legislative Delegation Transportation Committee (GLDTC) has asked that the City make known its intent to participate in their Municipal Match Resurfacing Program (MMRP) during the summer/fall of 2017. The City has traditionally utilized this program to resurface roads within the City. In the past the GLDTC has typically matched City funds on a “dollar-for-dollar” basis; however, last year the GLDTC approved a reduced total for the County and the municipalities for resurfacing projects. The match approved by the GLDTC for Simpsonville was $107,602.06 for 2016.

In the past, the City has typically participated in this program in the amount of $150,000. In 2016 we contributed $150,000 to resurfacing projects even though it wasn’t fully matched “dollar-for-dollar” by the GLDTC. (Note: We originally indicated to the GLDTC last year that it was our intent to contribute $200,000 toward resurfacing projects if it would be matched dollar-for-dollar.)

The resurfacing needs throughout the City are great. The Public Works maintains a priority list of roads in need of resurfacing and, at present, there are 38 roads on this list (this list entails roads with a pavement condition rating of less than 80).

The amount of funding that the GLDTC will make available for 2017 is not yet known. In the event that it is more than last year, it would probably be wise for the City to take advantage. It is the recommendation of staff that the City apply for $200,000 in “dollar-for-dollar” matching funds. Participation in this program during the summer/fall of 2017 will affect the City’s budget for FY 2017-2018.

The GLDTC has asked for the City’s response in advance of their meeting on September 22, 2016.

Council authorized the City Administrator to engage the GLDTC for the purpose of participating in the Municipal Match Resurfacing Program with the intent to apply for $200,000 in “dollar-for-dollar” matching funds.

Council then went into executive session for discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements with Habitat for Humanity and proposed sale or purchase of property at Woodside Park. No votes were taken. No action was taken, and…

The meeting was adjourned.

Next meeting: Next Tuesday, September 27th at 6:30 PM, City Hall.

See you there!

Habitat for Humanity

Jenn Hulehan Affordable Housing, Meeting Recaps

As you know, at the last Business meeting, one of the items we voted on was Habitat for Humanity.  Here is a little more background on my vote:

Councilman Gooch originally brought this matter to our attention back in January of this year. At that time, some of us raised some questions regarding this project. I was one of them. Afterwards, one other city resident also approached me with some questions/concerns. Since then, based on those questions/concerns, I met with Mr. Free and other members of Habitat and the Golden Strip Coalition as well as with Habitat homeowners. I also reviewed the previous agreement, ordinance, and supplemental materials.

I’ve had the pleasure of getting more acquainted with Habitat over the last 6 months. I’ve met with Mr. Free to learn more about how the city and Habitat can work together. I attended the wall-raising and dedication ceremonies for the most recent build in Simpsonville and met with the Bouie family. I’ve seen first-hand how Habitat changes lives and communities. I intend to support those efforts to the best of my ability both as a citizen and a councilperson.

As I said the next time this project was brought up, I feel that my questions/concerns regarding the Woodside Mills Habitat project have been sufficiently answered. And that remains true, which is why I voted in favor of revisiting the agreement and moving forward with a new one.

One concern that has been raised by a councilmember is that the Woodside Mills site formerly served as a city dump and therefore it would be irresponsible for us to sell the land for the purpose of development by Habitat. I have found no evidence as to the truth of the claim that this served as a city dump. In fact, in the materials provided to this Council, we received a Phase I Environmental Assessment completed by K-Plus Environmental Services. That report specifically states “The property has been historically utilized as undeveloped woodland. No other past or current uses for the property were identified during this investigation. The report goes on to explain that this assessment “has revealed no evidence of recognized environmental conditions in connection with the property.”

Habitat, as is its practice, did its due diligence when we originally agreed to sell the land. Materials, thus, also include reports from the Army Corps of Engineers. There is information about the compaction of soil that would be required and has been brought up here. In addition, the original MOA contains clauses that clearly deal with some of the issues that have been raised. For example, it’s been suggested that somehow Habitat may be attempting to build homes that do not meet Federal, State, or city regulations or codes. Yet, the original agreement addressed that:

Section1, part c: “GCRA will monitor the completion of the subject property for compliance with all Federal, State, and City laws, regulations, ordinances, and other rules.”

Section 2, b: “Habitat will prepare a development plan for the subject property that includes a budget, specification for the construction of energy efficient Earthcraft housing which comply with all Federal, State, and City laws, rules, regulations and ordinances.

C: Provide with its partnership organizations and churches sufficient funds to develop, construct infrastructure and housing, and to maintain the subject property.

D: Oversee the development of the subject property to insure compliance with said laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances.

In Section 3, part a: The MOA provides that the City will assist with monitoring of the construction to insure compliances with City building codes.

And finally, in Section 4, part b: “All contracts, bidding, construction, and development activities shall comply with all Federal, State, and City laws, rules, regulations and ordinances.

Habitat is one of the number one home builders in this country. They do not do substandard work—nor would they be allowed to. They have to do exactly what any other builder would have to do.

Thus, the implied claim that future potential low income homeowners need us to protect them from Habitat doesn’t hold water. They don’t. What they need from us is to provide opportunity, to rebuild partnerships with organizations like Habitat.

An additional point was made that we shouldn’t enter into an agreement until such time as Habitat has built on other properties within the city it purchased. There are 3 lots near Simpsonville Elementary School (122 Boyd Avenue, 201 Boyd Avenue, and 203 Boyd Avenue) that Habitat for Humanity purchased from private citizens, not from the City of Simpsonville. Mr. Free indicated to me in a meeting earlier this year that they had only just closed on the last of those 3 properties, and stated that they planned to start building the homes there this Spring. And true to his word, they did. The first house was just completed. When I asked about the 2 additional lots, Habitat staff indicated they are preparing to begin those builds. First, they wanted to see about the feasibility of subdividing those 2 lots to make it possible to build 4 rather than just 2 homes there. My understanding is that was just recently settled (or will be soon), and they will now move forward with these properties. The progress on these builds shows their continued commitment to helping Simpsonville provide affordable, housing for low to moderate income families. And it certainly should not preclude us from moving forward on this other project.

The “Tebblewood mess” has also been raised as a point for not moving forward with this project. And certainly, that’s valid. The Tebblewood project, however, was not a Habitat project. It was a project of the Neighborhood Housing Corporation. And there’s a distinct difference in the way the two organizations operate. We cannot punish Habitat for the failings of another organization. Nor can we “throw the baby out with the bath water.” Yes, we had one bad experience with a low-to-moderate income housing development project. But we can’t just throw our hands up and effectively say, “Nope. No more. We’re not going to try to do anymore quality, affordable housing for low income families.”

Questions about water drainage and sewer were raised. I talked with Mr. Crawford about that. He said it shouldn’t be a problem to work in partnership with Habitat and the GCRA to get that work completed correctly and to ensure that work currently being done to alleviate the drainage problems in the Woodside Mills area would not be negatively impacted.

Another point raised has been “why new construction, why not rehabbing existing homes?” That is, in fact, something that Habitat can help with. Which is why rebuilding a mutually beneficial relationship with them is in the best interests of this city and its citizens. The message we’ve sent to Habitat in backing out of the original agreement and failing to revisit the idea is simple: we’re not interested in working with you. And that’s not the message we need to be sending. We need, instead to be asking, how can we work together? We’re ready, willing, and able. How can we make this happen? For its part Habitat has indicated a willingnesss to work with us on a new agreement. And has said its willing to include for any reasonable provisions we’d like. For example, the issue of “green space” has come up. When I asked Mr. Free about that, he indicated that’s something we could discuss further. Would we want some walking paths through the neighborhood, for example? These and many other details are things that can be worked out as Mr. Dyrhaug, Mr. Holmes work with Habitat to hammer out a new agreement. Thus, if councilmembers have those kinds of specific concerns, they should provide them to the City Administrator and City Attorney, so they can address them as they work on the agreement. This is about partnership—about mutually beneficial relationships—about making Simpsonville a better place for all its residents. And it’s time to start.

 

Meeting Recap 8.9.16

Jenn Hulehan #Jenn4Ward3 Motions, Affordable Housing, Council Rules, Meeting Recaps, Uncategorized

Last night, Council met for a Business Meeting at 6:30 PM at City Hall.  Here’s a quick recap:

Father Mike Flanagan of Holy Cross Episcopal Church prayed before the meeting began.

Scott Elliott, a local Boy Scout working on earning a merit badge, lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Citizen Comments:

10 people spoke during the Citizen Comments portion of the meeting.  Of those, 6 spoke to encourage Council to vote in favor of the Woodside Mills Habitat for Humanity project that was on the agenda.  One spoke about his concerns with the project and urged Council to consider several environmental impacts if we were to move forward with the project. 2 spoke to concerns they have regarding the new privatized solid waste collections procedures. 1 spoke requesting more transparency in the publication of ordinances under consideration by Council.

Council Rules:

I made a motion that Council adopt on 2nd Reading Ordinance 2016-05, Council Rules.  This was seconded by Councilman Gooch. Several subsidiary motions followed. Councilman Graham moved to amend the motion, asking for a public hearing.  Given this was a 2nd Reading after more than 6 months of public discussion and consideration, the amendment failed 4 (Gooch, Hulehan, Cummings, Curtis)-3 (Graham, Braswell, Lockaby).  Councilman Gooch moved to amend the motion with 4 updates, most of which were just adjustments to wording for the purpose of clarification.  The only substantial change was to strike from 1.93B the words that indicate there is no limit to the number of times a Councilmember may speak.  This was discussed in a previous Committee meeting where 2 or 3 Councilmembers voiced concerns about allowing unlimited speaking opportunities, which could decrease meeting efficiency.  Councilmember Lockaby with a second by Councilman Graham motioned to table the matter. This motion failed 4-3.  The next motion was to table the matter to Committee.  This motion also failed.  Council then voted on the motion as amended by Councilman Gooch.  This motion passed 4-3.  Finally, Council voted on the original motion, which carried, also 4-3.  Opposed (to both the Gooch amendment and original motion): Graham, Braswell, Lockaby. I am very grateful that after 7 months of discussion and work & multiple drafts and revisions, Council Rules will finally be in place to increase efficiency, productivity, and civility.  Read more about Council Rules in previous blog posts here. Read the Ordinance here.

Building Codes:

Staff asked Council to approve on 1st Reading Ordinance 2016-06, a revision to the Adoption of Building Codes.  This update is mandated because we have to match updated International Building Codes, so there was little to no discussion. Approved unanimously. Read the Ordinance here.

Solid Waste Management Revisions:

Staff asked Council to approve on 1st Reading Ordinance 2016-07, Solid Waste Management Revisions.  The purpose of these revisions is to remove from the ordinance Public Works Policy that does not need to be included in the ordinance.  As an operational procedure of the Department, it should exist separately from the ordinance.  This will make it easier to revise as needed.  Further, it puts the operational policy back in the hands of the Department Head, where it belongs.  No other Department’s policy is included in ordinance or set by Council. Passed on 1st Reading 5-2, with Gooch and Graham opposed. Read the Ordinance here.

Solid Waste Operation Policy:

Staff asked Council to approve the new policy.  The purpose of the new policy is to match the contractual agreement Council already approved with ACE for the collection of solid waste.  Again, it was noted that Department policy really shouldn’t be decided upon by Council, but Mr. Crawford, Director of Public Works, wanted Council approval since it was associated with such a major change.  Several Councilmembers expressed a desire to keep an eye on the possible negative ramifications of key points of the policy (some of which had been brought up in Citizen Comments). It was agreed we would remain open to possible changes, and as I pointed out, because the policy is no longer part of the ordinance, Public Works can make changes as needed.  So as we roll out the new solid waste services, we can adjust. The policy passed by a 5-2 voted with Graham and Lockaby opposed.

Chief Judge Salary:

Council unanimously voted to approve an adjustment to the salary of our Chief Judge.  This was previously discussed in Executive Session.

Unity Meal:

This motion, made by Councilman Cummings, came from Committee. Councilmember Braswell asked that it be renamed “Unity/Inclusiveness Meal.”  Other discussion revolved around finding a date.  Motion carried unanimously.  The City Administrator will organize the event and post details publicly.

Habitat for Humanity Development Proposal at Woodside Park:

Councilman Gooch brought this motion, which he’d introduced in the previous Committee meeting. It passed to this Business Meeting by a 4-3 vote, with Graham, Braswell, and Lockaby opposed. In opening discussion on the topic, Councilman Gooch asked those in attendance who had come to support the proposal to stand. The room was full, and nearly every person stood.  Much discussion followed; every Councilmember spoke. Ultimately, the motion carried 5-2 with Graham and Lockaby opposed.The crowd applauded this outcome.  For the discussion, please refer to the mp3, which should be posted on the City’s website today.

A-Tax Committee:

Staff asked Council to appoint the new A-Tax Committee. The Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee is tasked with making recommendations to the city council on the expenditure of revenues generated in Simpsonville from the state accommodations tax. This committee is made up of seven members who must be business people whose business operates within the city limits of Simpsonville per the committee bylaws. Per state law, at least four of the seven members must be selected from the hospitality industry of the city. At least two of these four members from the hospitality industry must be from the lodging industry. At least one of the seven members must represent the cultural organizations of the city. Council appointed the following members via a series of ballot votes:

  1. Carol Bettencourt, owner Artisan Dance (cultural organization)
  2. Sherrie Crawford, General Manager, Comfort Suites Simpsonville (lodging)
  3. Rory Curtis, Owner, Carolina Olive Oil (hospitality)
  4. Ben Duncan, Owner, Simpsonville Ace Hardware (at-large)
  5. Jason Hucks, Owner, Hucks Financial Services (at-large)
  6. Raj Patel, Owner, Holiday Inn Express & Suites (lodging)
  7. Julia Scholz, Owner, Stella’s Southern Bistro (hospitality)

 

Daytime Trial Judge:

Our Chief Judge, the Honorable Rick Moore, has made some adjustments to improve the efficiency of our municipal court, including reducing the number of days that court is held from three to two days per week. Judge Moore will also be re-instituting a domestic violence court that will be conducted one day per month. Judge Moore has indicated that he will be able to conduct the domestic violence court as well as the municipal court one day per week. This means that the City is in need of appointing an assistant judge who could conduct municipal court the other day each week. Consistent with the City’s policy, Ms. Phyllis Long has advertised this position internally. Ms. Barbara Ferguson, who is one of the City’s on-call assistant judges, has applied for this responsibility in addition to her current on-call duties. Judge Moore has reviewed her application and finds her duly qualified to take on the responsibilities of a daytime trial judge. She has extensive experience in court and practicing law including being licensed as an attorney. Judge Moore has expressed that he would fully support her appointment. Per Ms. Long, it has been the general policy of the City that when it finds a qualified internal candidate that candidate is given preference and typically the position is not opened up to external candidates. Staff asked Council to consider the appointment of Ms. Ferguson to these additional responsibilities or to direct staff to open up the position to external candidates.

Council voted unanimously to appoint Ms. Ferguson.

Council then moved into Executive Session for the following:

1) Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements for the Fair at Heritage Park.

2) Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements for the management of the amphitheater.

3) Discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements for the supply of recyclable materials.

Upon returning to open session, the following actions were taken:

  1. Motion to approve the extension of the event agreement for the Fair at Heritage Park for a period of 4 years and authorize the City Administrator to sign the agreement on behalf of the City. Motion carried unanimously.
  2. Motion to extend the management agreement for the Amphitheater for a period of 1 year and authorize the City Administrator to sign the agreement on behalf of the City. Motion carried unanimously.
  3. Motion to approve the proposed contractual arrangements for the supply of recyclable materials and authorize the City Administrator to sign the agreement on behalf of the City. Motion carried unanimously.

Meeting adjourned.

Meeting Recap 7.26.16

Jenn Hulehan #Jenn4Ward3 Motions, Affordable Housing, Meeting Recaps

Here’s a recap of Tuesday’s (7-26-16) Committee of the Whole meeting…

Proclamation recognizing Dianne Carson for her contributions to the City of Simpsonville:

Ms. Carson founded the Simpsonville Farmer’s Market in 2010. At that time, it had 6 vendors and was located by The Loom. Under her leadership, the market flourished, and in 2012, it moved to its current location at City Park. Today the market boasts 50 vendors. In addition, in 2012, Ms. Carson founded the Harmony Garden and served as its Master Gardener. Read more about Harmony Garden here. We’re fortunate to have someone as dedicated to the City of Simpsonville as Ms. Carson is. Citizens like her help make this city a better place. Read more about why the Farmer’s Market is so important to our community here.

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Chamber Update:

Ms. McGarity provided an update on recent and upcoming Chamber activities. Of note is Friday night’s Low Country Boil, which she reported will have around 530 attendees. Also of note: Ms. McGarity reported on the success of the Police Department Appreciation packages initiative, which was a joint effort between the Chamber and the City. Thanks to donations from local businesses and private citizens, they were able to deliver 60 bags to the PD and stock the breakroom with water, tea, and Gatorade for the officers to share.

The following matters referred by staff were moved to the Business Meeting on August 9th for official vote by full Council:

  1. Adoption of latest International Building Codes. This update is mandated, so there was little to no discussion.
  2. Revision to Code of Ordinances, Chapter 30. Solid Waste Management. The purpose of this revision is to adopt changes that will make the ordinance match our new privatized sanitation services. Little to no discussion.

The following matters referred by Council were moved to the August 9th Business Meeting for a final vote:

  1. Unity Meal. This was presented by Councilman Cummings. Discussion revolved around finding a day/time that works for everyone. Unanimous vote to recommend to full council.
  2. Habitat for Humanity Development Proposal at Woodside Park. This matter was brought by Councilman Gooch. This matter was moved to the Business Meeting by a majority vote with the following members voting no: Graham, Braswell, Lockaby.

Read about the most recent Habitat for Humanity project in Simpsonville in this article article in The Greenville News and in my 6-month check-in post here.

The following matter referred by Council was moved to the August 23rd Committee of the Whole Meeting:

Update to Code of Ordinances, Chapter 6. Animals. Councilman Gooch brought this matter on behalf of Mayor Curtis. The motion was for one councilmember and the Mayor to review Chapter 6 and bring recommended changes to the August 9th Business Meeting for a vote. In my opinion, as voiced at the meeting, there was a misunderstanding about the motion. What ensued was a series of amendments and even an amendment to an amendment (out of order but not called). The end result is that all of Council will review the ordinance and bring recommended changes not to the Business Meeting on August 9th but to the next Committee of the Whole Meeting at the end of August. Assuming Council reviews and recommends changes in a timely fashion, the matter should then be moved to the September Business Meeting for First Reading. Second Reading would take place at the Business Meeting in October.

Council then moved into Executive Session, where a number of items (see agenda) were discussed. No votes were taken. No action was taken. Upon returning to open session, a number of motions and votes occurred. All passed unanimously to the August 9th Business Meeting for a vote. Those matters are as follows:

  1. Motion to adjust the salary of the Chief Judge.
  2. Motion to enter into an agreement for the Fair at Heritage Park.
  3. Motion to move forward with an agreement with TRZ Management for the management of the amphitheater.
  4. Motion to enter into a contract with Pratt Industries for the supply of recycling materials.

All of these items will appear on the Business Meeting agenda August 9th and will be presented to Council for a vote.

Meeting Recap

Jenn Hulehan Community Development, Council Rules, Economic Development, Meeting Recaps, News, Public Works , , , ,

Here’s a quick recap from last night’s meeting in case you were’t able to attend.  Also, the MP3 will be up later today, and it’s only 30 minutes long, so you may want to check it out!

Mayor Curtis issued a proclamation recognizing and honoring Daniel Madriaga.

Daniel Madriaga is the owner of Black Belt Attitude ATA Karate School.  He has 3 schools in Greenville County with 2 of them being in Simpsonville (one on NE Main Street and the other in Five Forks).  On June 29, 2016, Daniel Madriaga will be elevated to the rank of Master in the ATA Karate.  His is currently a 6th degree black belt.  He has been studying karate since he was 10 years old and became a black belt at the age of 12.  He began teaching Taekwondo at the age of 15 years old.  In 2004, he was teaching in the Miami FL area.  In 2011, he decided to open his own karate school and began looking at different places to move and open a school.  He considered GA and NC and found SC to be the best fit and opened his first school in Simpsonville, SC.  The school will celebrate 5 years on June 24-25, 2016.  Under Daniel Madriaga’s leadership, his schools are teaching Simpsonville citizens life skills such as discipline, self respect, self-defense, honesty and self esteem development.  He has saidthat “The classes are not just about kicks and punches.  It also teaches students how they should behave everywhere and helping them do better.”

Daniel Madriaga will become the 3rd karate Master in Greenville County and the 1st in Simpsonville.  This is a high honor for him, his schools and the City of Simpsonville.  His schools will have a Belt Promotion Ceremony on July 23, 2016, and the students and parents will be recognizing him for reaching such a high goal.

The Leadership Simpsonville Class of 2016 was again present at our meeting to give some additional information about their upcoming projects. Check them out on Facebook here for additional info.  Council voted unanimously to approve these projects.

Council voted unanimously to charge City Administrator David Dyrhaug with developing a strategic action plan for ongoing community and economic development.  Read more here.

Council voted 4 (Gooch, Hulehan, Cummings, Curtis)-3 (Graham, Braswell, Lockaby) to approve on 1st reading Ordinance 2016-03, which is the ordinance commonly referred to as “Council Rules.”  We’ve been working on this since the first of the year.  The next vote will take place at the August business meeting.

The Sewer Loan was moved to an upcoming meeting because it requires more analysis per City Administrator.

Council voted unanimously to appoint Mr. Jay Crawford as Public Works Director.  Mr. Crawford has been serving as Interim Director since January, and he’s been doing a great job.  We are lucky he’s willing to take on this role permanently.

Council voted unanimously to approve the appointment of Ms. Christine Furino as City Treasurer for the remainder for the current term of office (ending December 31st, 2017).  Ms. Furino recently accepted the job as Finance Director. Ms. Furino has been with the City of Simpsonville since late 2013 as the City’s Senior Accountant Supervisor.  We are grateful she is willing to serve in this additional role.