Spartanburg City Council Meeting - December 15, 2025

The City Council of Spartanburg, South Carolina, held its regular meeting on December 15, 2025, at 5:30 PM. The meeting included public comments, the presentation of a state parks award, approval of a street resurfacing contract, authorization of a property transfer for a new joint government center, and adoption of a 12-month moratorium on billboard permits. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (November 24, 2025): Approved without discussion.
• Approval of Agenda (December 15, 2025): Approved without discussion.
• Consent Agenda Items A & B (second reading): Approved without objection.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Miss Price (no address given): Invited council to a senior program on December 18 at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Mary H. Wright Christmas tree tradition. Mentioned Hazel Jackson, a 100-plus-year-old former student of Mary H. Wright, would attend.
• Monica Floyd (136 South Forest Street, new executive director of Spartan Soup Kitchen): Introduced herself and described the soup kitchen's programs (children's, men's, women's empowerment, Bible studies, summer program). She stated she would be soliciting financial assistance from the city.
• Don Bramlett (185 Mills Avenue): Expressed concern about the Board of Public Works appointing its own replacement for a retired board member, arguing that city council should retain that power. He noted conflicting language in the board's bylaws and requested a legal review and hold on the appointment. He also suggested the board should be expanded from three to five members and that single-member districts should be implemented for representation.
• Dr. Philip Stone (246 South Spring Street): Highlighted the 194th anniversary of Spartanburg's municipal charter (granted December 17, 1831). He encouraged the council to begin planning for the city's bicentennial in six years.

Discussion Items

• Presentation of 2025 Parks Excellence Award: Jim Hedley of the South Carolina Recreation Park Association presented the award to the city for the South Side Cultural Monument. He praised the monument for telling the story of historic injustices and the resilience of Spartanburg's Black community, particularly the former Liberty Street ("Black Wall Street") destroyed during urban renewal. A video was shown. Council members and staff recognized contributions from former Representative Price, Senator Glenn Reese, Representative Rosalind Henderson Myers, the African American Heritage Cultural Committee, and Parks Director Kim Brown.
• Street Resurfacing Phase Two Bid Award (Item 8): Public Works Director Jay Squires reported that Cherokee Landscaping and Grading Company was the low bidder at $2,038,464.79 for resurfacing multiple streets (including East Shore Drive, North Park, Otis, Pinecrest, Elderberry, Aspen Wood, Camp Place, Parring Drive, Dolphin, Airhead Circle, Peach Tree, and Mundro Drive). The project is funded by the county penny sales tax. Councilwoman Sally asked about the shoulder at Arrowhead Circle near Highway 29; Squires said staff would work with DOT to address it. The contract was awarded.
• Property Transfer for Joint Government Center (Item 9): City Manager Mr. Story explained the procedural step of transferring city-owned parcels to Spartanburg County for the new 215,000-square-foot administrative building, which includes a parking garage and a 130-foot clock tower. The project was approved by voters in 2017. The city and county will each own portions of the building, with shared spaces governed by an intergovernmental agreement. The ordinance was approved.
• 12-Month Moratorium on Billboard Permits (Item B): Planning Director Mr. Cole requested a one-year pause on issuing billboard permits while the city defends its interpretation of the 2011 sign ordinance against a legal challenge. The city interprets the ordinance as requiring replacement billboards to be in the same zone and location as removed signs; an applicant has a different interpretation and has appealed to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The moratorium will halt permit fees and applications during the appeals process. Councilman Foreman asked about the number of permits typically issued (very few). The moratorium was approved.
• Staff Updates (Item 10):
  • Housing: City Manager Story announced five new homeowners received down payment assistance through ARPA funds (addresses on Promised Land Drive, Vernon Street, Rigby Street, Arch Street, and Fremont Avenue).
  • Grants: In 2025, the city won 12 competitive grants totaling $3.9 million, with 14 awards from 23 submissions. Pending applications total $2.6 million.
  • Water System Governance: In response to Councilwoman Brown's questions about the Board of Public Works, Story clarified that Spartanburg Water is a distinct legal entity with its own elected three-member board; the city has no authority over its operations. Councilman Foreman noted a state law that allows the city council to enlarge the commission (add two seats), though there has been no interest historically. Brown requested a copy of that statute.
  • Mary H. Wright Greenway Extension: Councilwoman Smith asked about an extension across Calder Avenue; Story said he would check with staff on the status of permission.
  • Debris Cleanup at 304 Gameron Avenue: Fire debris remains; Public Works Director Squires said the owner has been notified and given 10 days to respond before the city can act.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All motions passed unanimously. The council approved minutes, agenda, consent agenda, the street resurfacing contract, the property transfer ordinance, and the 12-month billboard moratorium.
• Directives: Staff will work with DOT on the Arrowhead Circle shoulder; will provide Councilwoman Brown with the state statute on enlarging the water commission; will check on the Mary H. Wright Greenway extension permission; and will proceed with debris cleanup after the 10-day notice period.
• Awards: The city received the 2025 Parks Excellence Award for the South Side Cultural Monument.
• Next Steps: The billboard moratorium is effective immediately for 12 months. Construction on the joint government center continues (24-month timeline). The next regular meeting is expected after the new year.