Spartanburg City Council Meeting – March 23, 2026
Spartanburg City Council Meeting – March 23, 2026
The Spartanburg City Council held its regular meeting on March 23, 2026, with Mayor Jerome Rice presiding. The meeting included approval of prior minutes and agenda, public comments, appointments, a second reading of a code enforcement ordinance, and a presentation on proposed improvements to Barnett Park and the relocation of the downtown clock tower. The council also recognized the retirement of City Attorney Bob Kohler.
Consent Calendar
- The council unanimously approved the minutes of the March 9, 2026 meeting and the agenda for the March 23, 2026 meeting.
- Council members Sally and Rogers were appointed to the Hospitality Tax Committee by unanimous vote.
Public Comments & Testimony
- James Jones, a candidate for South Carolina's 31st House seat, urged the council to adopt a resolution requiring a balanced study of power, water, and environmental impacts before approving any new large data centers near the city. He also requested that the council honor a commitment to meet with Save Our Towers proponents before acting on the clock tower. He emphasized that engaging meaningfully with the public is essential to maintaining trust.
- Laura Coggins, a lifelong Spartanburg resident, expressed concern over the removal of approximately 300 parking spaces, which she said harms local businesses. She criticized what she perceived as a lack of care for resident feelings and noted that other cities are restoring historic features. She stated that the city had not monitored the court order regarding the clock tower.
- Wesley Stoddard, a lifelong resident and attorney (his father was mayor from 1962 to 1973), detailed the clock tower's history: built in 1979 following his father's campaign that involved 20,000 schoolchildren donating $10,000, moved in 1989, and now a beloved landmark. He presented 3,000 online signatures in favor of preserving it in its original location and cited an Attorney General opinion that the Heritage Act protects such monuments. He pleaded for preservation.
- Dr. Brigley Lee Price, representing the South Side, South Cumber Street Neighborhood Association, thanked the council for supporting community projects. He highlighted a recent event that brought neighbors together and encouraged continued support for local initiatives.
Discussion Items
Code Enforcement Ordinance Amendments (Item 7) Assistant City Manager Limehouse and City Attorney Bob Kohler presented amendments to the city code. The amendments: (1) strengthen the definition of "structure"; (2) require removal of fallen tree limbs and trunks; (3) include rubbish and rotting food in removal requirements; (4) establish a one-year notice for repeat offenders; (5) prohibit storage of unhitched trailer coaches on streets; (6) revise the picketing and protest ordinance by removing the blanket ban on amplified sound, instead regulating it under the noise ordinance when it becomes an unreasonable intrusion.
Council members discussed enforcement, communication, and the noise provision. Councilwoman Rogers questioned the communication plan for residents. Councilwoman Monsour asked if school buses were covered (they are not, but oversized vehicle rules may apply). Councilman Bob raised concerns about officer training to distinguish noise from speech. Councilwoman Rogers also expressed ongoing concerns about loud vehicles and the noise provision. After discussion, a motion to adopt carried. Councilwoman Rogers later confirmed she voted "nay" because of the noise provision.
Barnett Park Improvements and Clock Tower Relocation (Item 8) City Manager Chris Story and Deputy City Manager Mitch Kennedy presented proposals to upgrade the Zimberling Amphitheater (opened 2001) and move the clock tower to serve as its grand entrance. Story clarified the settlement agreement regarding the clock tower, stating the city intends to far exceed its promises and that public input would guide the location choice. He also noted that a separate clock tower feature on the new government building is under construction.
The presentation identified two obstacles to consistent amphitheater use: inadequate sound/lighting/staging infrastructure and lack of professional booking expertise. Anonymous donors have pledged resources for infrastructure upgrades, and Roger Newton (CEO, Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium) offered programming expertise to book acts for what he called a "boutique amphitheater" (5,000–6,000 capacity). Newton warned of competition from six similar venues planned in the market over the next three years.
Architect William Gray (McMillan Pazdan Smith) showed renderings of the redesigned stage house and the proposed clock tower at Barnett Park. The tower would be wider and taller than the original, with an illuminated interior displaying the bell (purchased 1881, recently restored). The design preserves original plaques, bricks, and the bell, and allows unrestricted public access. The bell will be exhibited temporarily at the Spartanburg County Public Libraries.
No vote was taken on this item. The council opened public input via email (clocktower@cityofspartanburg.org) through April 13, 2026. Council members offered initial reactions: Councilwoman Ludigon praised the location's visibility; Councilwoman Rogers supported the amphitheater upgrades but questioned the clock tower location due to lower foot traffic; Councilman Fall appreciated the gateway concept; others expressed interest.
Staff Recognition and Updates
City Attorney Bob Kohler announced his retirement after nearly three decades of public service, including about a decade with the city. Multiple council members expressed gratitude for his professionalism, responsiveness, and dedication. City Manager Story praised Kohler's ethical approach and community orientation.
Council Member Reports
- Councilwoman Rogers reported on a "Caffeinated Conversations" event at the fire department highlighting fire safety programs, a walk with the mayor in District 2 exploring trails, and feedback on downtown parking.
- Councilwoman Smith thanked Kohler and urged a constructive approach to the clock tower discussion, emphasizing creating solutions over criticism.
- Councilwoman South described the unveiling of a flag mural on Duncan Street and her participation with the mayor at the National League of Cities, praising the mayor's presentation on the 2020 census.
- Councilman Fall reported on a listening session at Duncan Park and noted the active use of tennis and pickleball courts.
- Mayor Pro Tem (name not specified) shared a proclamation for a sorority at Wofford College and announced a front porch briefing by police in the South Converse neighborhood.
Key Outcomes
- Unanimously approved minutes of March 9, 2026, and the March 23, 2026 agenda.
- Unanimously appointed Councilmembers Sally and Rogers to the Hospitality Tax Committee.
- Adopted the code enforcement ordinance (Item 7) with one dissenting vote (Councilwoman Rogers) due to concerns about the amplified sound provision.
- No vote taken on the Barnett Park/clock tower proposal; public comment period opened through April 13, 2026, with a future vote anticipated.
- Recognized City Attorney Bob Kohler's retirement with thanks from the council.
Meeting Transcript
We're gonna stand as our survey, don't see any boy scouts, stand for a moment of silence, and then we'll be led by Pledge of Allegiance. Amen. Mayor Pro Tim, would you lead us in the pledge, please? I graduated to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands one nation under God and the visible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you. We have item three, prove of the minutes for the March 9th, 2026 City Council meeting. So I moved. Second. All in favor? Aye. Any that opposed, eyes have it. Item four, approve of the agenda for the March 23rd 2026 City Council meeting. So moved. Second. All in favor? Aye. Any that opposed, eyes have it. We have public comment. We have uh few here. Uh and the way it works, guys, you don't have to give your address any any longer. Just come up and restate your name as I call you up, just so we know that that is you. So we're gonna start off, Mr. James Jones. You have two minutes after you give your name, please. Good afternoon, James A. Jones, uh candidate for South Carolina's 31 house seat. Mr. Mayor, members of council. Sparnberg deserves government that not only listens but learns from its people and with its people. The decisions before you shape our economy, our environment, and our shared identity. They're not abstract choices, they touch every home and every heartbeat in the city. So first I urge you to adopt a resolution requiring a balanced expert research and full public input before another large data center is put anywhere near our city. These vast facilities may promise investments, but they also raise serious questions about the demand for power and water and their effect on our environment and our health and other costs to our residents. A thoughtful study must come before any commitment from any other officials in this area. Anything that touches our water, our health, our environment, they touch the city. The second thing I ask you to do is to honor your request to meet with and cooperate with the Save Our Towers proponents before making any other movements toward the rebuilding and restructuring of the downtown clock tower. I understand you have something on the agenda tonight about that, but I also understand you didn't meet with us. You gotta keep your promise. Council members, the consequences of failing to properly engage meaningfully with the people is more than just public frustration. It's the erosion of public trust. When residents lose faith in your leadership, they lose faith in government itself. Once that trust is gone, it's kind of painfully hard to rebuild. True leadership, Mr. Mayor, invites scrutiny. It welcomes questions, it honors its commitments. Thank you. Thank you, sir. All right, guys. Let's uh try to keep everything civil. We usually just go through the public comments.
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