Spartanburg City Council Meeting - April 27, 2026

The Spartanburg City Council met on April 27, 2026, at 7:27 PM (ET) to address a range of topics including a proclamation for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, approval of the consent agenda, appointments, a presentation on the Spartanburg Children's Cabinet, a resolution for a development agreement with Axos LLC, and a lengthy discussion on the location of the Bicentennial Clock Tower. The meeting concluded with council updates.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes of the April 13, 2026, City Council meeting were approved unanimously.
• Consent Agenda: The council approved the consent agenda, which included routine items, with a unanimous vote.
• Appointment to Hospitality Tax Committee: The council appointed Janine Scott to the Hospitality Tax Committee, following a recommendation from the interview committee. The motion was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Stanley Case (attorney): Expressed support for placing the Bicentennial Clock Tower on the county courthouse property, citing its historical significance related to the Battle of Cowpens and the upcoming 250th anniversary of the nation.
• Robert Starter Jr.: Advocated for the clock tower to be on the courthouse grounds, noting high daily foot traffic and the courthouse lawn's popularity for events like prom pictures.
• Kimberly Branch: Clarified that the settlement agreement with the city does not require the clock tower to be built on city-owned property. She also reported that her group had requested the county council to pass a resolution approving reconstruction on the courthouse lawn. She opposed the Barnett Park proposal, arguing it would diminish the tower's history.
• Wesley Star (son of former Mayor Stoddard): Spoke emotionally about the historical importance of the clock tower, noting that 20,000 schoolchildren donated money for its construction in 1976. He urged the council to place it at the courthouse.
• Andy Drott: Thanked the council for their thoughtful approach and expressed support for the Barnett Park plan, describing it as a compromise that honors the park's potential.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation: Sexual Assault Awareness Month: The council adopted a proclamation declaring April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Spartanburg, presented in partnership with Project Rest, which serves sexual assault survivors.
• Ordinance: Spartanburg Children's Cabinet (Item 9, changed to staff presentation): Marilyn and John Tavia from Spartanburg Academic Movement (SAM) presented a proposal to establish a Children's Cabinet. The cabinet would initially focus on youth engagement and workforce pathways, and early childhood education workforce. It is planned to have 24 members countywide, phased in with 12 city members first. A Mayor's Youth Council will also be created. The ordinance will be brought back for final approval after minor amendments. Council members expressed support and asked about financial implications; staff clarified that no immediate funding is required, and the cabinet will coordinate resources.
• Resolution: Development Agreement with Axos LLC (Item 10): City Manager Chris Story and Assistant City Manager Kelvin Limehouse presented a resolution authorizing a development agreement with Axos LLC for a corporate aviation headquarters at the Spartanburg Downtown Airport. The project includes 20,000 square feet of hangar space, 1,000 square feet of office space, and a minimum $4 million investment. Axos has already created 37 local jobs with an average salary of $71,000. The resolution was approved unanimously.
• Clock Tower Discussion (Item 11): City Manager Chris Story provided an update on the Bicentennial Clock Tower. The bell has been restored and is on display at the Spartanburg County Library. Staff's recommendation is to locate the clock tower at Barnett Park as part of a multi-element refurbishment, citing criteria such as high visibility, downtown location, unrestricted public access, and city ownership. Story reported that public comments were split: 45 supported Barnett Park, 45 wanted the courthouse, and 40 others offered various suggestions. He explained that the courthouse option is not feasible due to the city lacking legal rights to build there and the county's long-term planning for a building pad on the corner of Library and Magnolia Streets. Council members debated the location: Councilwoman Rogers expressed support for Barnett Park; Councilwoman Smith asked about other locations (Richardson Park, train depot, Morgan Square) and was given reasons against them; Councilwoman Brown opposed the location, arguing it should be in a more civic, high-foot-traffic area; Councilwoman Smith offered historical reflections on Mayor Stoddard's legacy. The council voted on a motion to proceed with Barnett Park.

Key Outcomes

• Proclamation: Adopted unanimously.
• Appointment: Janine Scott appointed to the Hospitality Tax Committee (unanimous).
• Children's Cabinet: Presentation received; ordinance to be brought back for final approval after amendments.
• Aviation Development Agreement: Resolution approved unanimously, authorizing the city manager to finalize the agreement with Axos LLC.
• Clock Tower Location: The council voted to approve the motion to proceed with the Barnett Park location. The vote was 6-1, with Councilwoman Brown casting the only dissenting vote. The city manager will proceed with the next phase of design and include construction funds in the next fiscal year budget.
• Council Updates: Council members announced upcoming community events: Community Tennis Festival (May 2), Fastest Night in Spartanburg criterium (April 30), Race for Wellness 5k (May 3), and a vendor fair at Spartanburg High School (May 2).