Spartanburg City Council Meeting - November 24, 2025

Opening

Mayor Jerome Rice called the meeting to order at 22:27. The council observed a moment of silence and recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The main event was the swearing-in of Leslie Rogers as the new City Council member for District 2, administered by Benjamin Rogers. Ms. Rogers took the oath of office and delivered brief remarks, emphasizing collaboration, thoughtful growth, infrastructure, public safety, and fiscal responsibility.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes of the November 10, 2025 City Council meeting were approved unanimously.
• Agenda for November 24, 2025 was approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Al Snyder (127 Falcon Ridge Drive, Boiling Springs) – Expressed strong opposition and anger regarding the removal of the downtown clock tower, calling council members “despicable, greedy low life.” Mayor Rice interrupted, stating such name-calling would not be tolerated.
• Autumn Williams (1788 Southwold Lane, Boiling Springs) – Spoke about the lack of sidewalks in Boiling Springs, especially near Standing Rock area, posing dangers for children and pedestrians. Requested council to include sidewalks in future infrastructure planning.
• Yesara Sanchez (8514 Rob Saving – address unclear) – Addressed safety concerns of immigrant residents, requesting improved communication from the city through translated materials (e.g., Spanish-language emergency notices) to build trust and inclusion.

Proclamation

• Mayor Rice proclaimed November 22, 2025 as “Top Ladies of Distinction Charter Day” in Spartanburg, recognizing the new Greater Spartanburg chapter of Top Ladies of Distinction (TLOD), a 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1964. The chapter has 42 members dedicated to service, leadership, and youth mentoring (Top Teens of America).

Discussion Items

1. Board Appointment – Design Review Board

• Council appointed Mr. Brian Sanders to the Design Review Board without opposition.

2. Update from PAL (Play Advocate Live Well) on Trail System

• Laura Ringo, Executive Director of PAL (formerly Partnership for Active Living), presented an update. PAL focuses on physical activity and healthy food access. Key points:
  • Turkey Day 8K: 21st annual event on Thanksgiving morning 2025 expecting 2,000 participants.
  • Trail usage: Grew from 128,000 uses in 2017 to 766,000 in 2024. Goal is 1 million annual uses by 2028.
  • Recent projects: River Birch Trail art, Duncan Park Ecology Education Center, Wildflower Way paved path, Rainbow Pet Bridge, Mary Wright Greenway expansion.
  • Daniel Morgan Trail System: 24 miles existing (solid green), 24 miles in progress (dashed green), aiming to complete 20 miles by 2028. Total investment so far is $22 million. The RAISE grant ($24 million via Spartanburg County) will fund 8 miles of Fair Forest Creek trail, doubling overall investment. Ultimate vision: 55-mile network connecting to Saluda Grade Rail Line and beyond.
  • Active Spaces: Partnerships on Duncan Park, Rail Yard Community Park (Subaru bike park), and Irwin Park (master planning underway).
  • Economic impact: Every $1 million spent on trails yields $1.5 million economic benefit.

3. Resolution 11A – RAISE Grant Trail Enhancements

• City Manager Chris Story presented a resolution supporting implementation of the RAISE grant-funded Daniel Morgan Trail network enhancements within city limits (8 miles). The resolution affirms the city's commitment to maintain those trail segments and authorizes the city manager to expedite property/easement acquisitions necessary for the federally funded project.
• Council discussion emphasized voluntary acquisitions and fair market value appraisals. Councilwoman Littlejohn expressed hope that eminent domain would not be used. Councilwoman Brown noted many easements already secured. The resolution passed unanimously.

4. Resolution – Purchase of Properties on Home and Heart Streets

• Martin Livingston, Community Development Director, requested approval to purchase two parcels (tax map 7-16-06-289.00 and 7-16-06-315.00) from Cornerstone Baptist Church for $450,000 using CDBG funds. The properties will be used for trail infrastructure (connecting Home Street to Heart Street) and future housing. Council approved unanimously.

5. Ordinance – Development Agreement with Hawes Enterprises LLC

• Martin Livingston presented a development agreement for seven city-owned lots to be developed into nine single-family homes for homeownership. Hawes Enterprises was selected via RFP. Funding includes $450,000 in ARPA dollars to ensure affordability at or below 120% area median income, with deed restrictions for 20-50 years based on subsidy amount. Construction must begin by December 2026 and be completed by December 2027. Council approved the ordinance on first reading unanimously.

6. Ordinance – Sale of Property at NW Corner of Church and St. John Streets

• Chris Story outlined the sale of a small city-owned parking lot (acquired from GSA) to a developer for mixed-use redevelopment, at fair market value. The purchaser will allow continued public parking at no cost until development begins. If development does not proceed, the city can reacquire the property. Council approved the ordinance on first reading unanimously.

Staff Updates

• Chris Story reported:
  • Police and fire recruitment: Fire department has largest candidate pool in a decade (9 in process); police received 41 initial applications from outreach efforts. Retention remains a priority.
  • SpartaGo microtransit: Pilot expanded to include east side retail areas, Spartanburg High School, and medical facilities. First four rides free, then $2 per ride.

Key Outcomes

• Swearing-in of Leslie Rogers as District 2 Councilmember.
• Proclamation issued for Top Ladies of Distinction Charter Day.
• Board appointment: Brian Sanders to Design Review Board.
• Resolution 11A (RAISE grant trail enhancement) adopted unanimously.
• Property purchase for trail/housing (Home/Heart streets) approved.
• Development agreement with Hawes Enterprises for 9 affordable homes approved.
• Ordinance for sale of Church/St. John property approved on first reading.

Council Comments

• Councilmembers thanked staff and community for Thanksgiving events, noted the Coca-Cola building renovation, Wofford volleyball championship, new Jesse Boyd school groundbreaking, and Duncan Park pickleball courts opening.
• Councilwoman Smith strongly condemned the tone of public comment from Mr. Snyder, recounting personal experience of children feeling targeted. Mayor and others echoed the need for respectful discourse.
• Council discussed accessibility for public comment, including for those with disabilities; city manager noted ADA compliance and options for others to read statements.
• Questions raised about code enforcement consistency at properties like Oakland Avenue; councilwoman Brown pressed for equal application of ordinances.

Adjournment

The council moved into executive session at the end of the public meeting.

Meeting date: November 24, 2025. Meeting called to order at 22:27.