AGENDA
 
CITY OF EASLEY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, August 9, 2010
7:00 P.M.
 
220 NORTHWEST MAIN, EASLEY, SC
LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER
 
1.  CALL TO ORDER - Mayor Larry D. Bagwell
           
2.  INVOCATION - 
 
3.  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
 
4.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES AS WRITTEN
                       
5.  REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS
 
6.  REPORT FROM ADMINISTRATOR
 
7.  CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS CITY COUNCIL
 
8.  PRESENTATIONS: None
 
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS :   Ordinance Second Reading:
Ordinance No. 2010-05:  Approving the financing of the improvements, extension and enlargement of the Combined Utility System of the City of Easley, S.C. Through the borrowing by the City of Easley not exceeding $2,700,000 from the state drinking water revolving loan fund, by agreement with the S.C. Water Quality Revolving Fund Authority, pursuant to title 48, Chapter 5, Code of Laws of S.C., 1976, as amended; providing for an agreement to make and to accept a loan; the execution and delivery of a loan agreement between the City and the S.C. Water Quality Revolving Fund Authority; the execution and delivery of a promissory not from the City to the S.C. Water Quality Revolving Fund Authority; and other matters relating thereto.
 
Ordinance No. 2010-06: To amend Title IX, Chapter 94 of the Easley Code of Ordinances Health and Sanitation within the City of Easley.
 
10.  New Business: (Ordinance First Reading): None
                       
11. Resolutions: 
Resolution 2010-14: To award a $45,500 contract to 84 Lumber to replace the roof at West End Hall in association with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.
 
Resolution 2010-15:  To award a contract to Landscape Perceptions for $57,500 to install planting and irrigation system at Highway 123 and Pendleton Street Interchange.
 
Resolution 2010-16: To proclaim August 20, 2010 as the Susan G. Komen
For the Cure Day.
 
Resolution 2010-17: To proclaim August 22-28, 2010 as Farmers Market
Week in the City of Easley

The City of Easley TIF Committee will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday September 2, 2010 at 8:30 am.  The meeting will be hold in the City Hall conference room at 205 North 1st Street, Easley, SC 29640

Mayor Larry Bagwell signed a Proclamation August 20, 2010 naming the day as Susan G. Komen For The Cure day. City employees joined in the spirit of support through giving, wearing pink and pink ribbons.

See Photos:
http://cityofeasley.net/Susan-G-Komen.htm

"Susan G. Komen fought breast cancer with her heart, body and soul. Throughout her diagnosis, treatments, and endless days in the hospital, she spent her time thinking of ways to make life better for other women battling breast cancer instead of worrying about her own situation. That concern for others continued even as Susan neared the end of her fight. Moved by Susan’s compassion for others and committed to making a difference, Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever.

That promise is now Susan G. Komen for the Cure®, the global leader of the breast cancer movement, having invested nearly $1.5 billion since inception in 1982. As the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists, we’re working together to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®, and generous contributions from our partners, sponsors and fellow supporters, we have become the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world." (Source: http://ww5.komen.org)

City Council Meeting Minutes, July 12, 2010

The Easley City Council met on July 12, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Law Enforcement Center. All members were present. Judy King served as the secretary recording the minutes.

The news media is notified in case of a called meeting.  All regular meetings are on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. and all of the media has been so notified.
Members of the media present were The Easley Progress, The Pickens County Courier and the Greenville News. 

Mayor Bagwell called the public meeting to order at 7:00. 

Councilman Chris Mann gave the invocation. Rev. Gregg Finley came in late due to the fact he didn’t know the meeting was in the LEC.  He also prayed over the meeting.

Then Mayor Bagwell asked for everyone to stand and pledge allegiance to the flag.

There were no corrections or additions to the minutes and they stand approved.

Mayor Bagwell called for reports from Council Members.
Ward 1 – Councilman Garrison – No report
Ward 2 – Councilwoman Dodson – No report.
Ward 3 – Councilman Mann – There will be a meeting tomorrow morning at 8:00 at City Hall of a sub committee of the Bicycle Committee.  It is a PR committee to get the word out about our efforts.  The committee received a grant to do a feasibility study on the Brushy Creek Greenway.
Ward 4 – Councilwoman Valentin – Thanked Lisa for all her hard work on the Farmers Market.  The Pie Contest was a big success with a good turn out.  There were 25 vendors at the market that day.  Mayor Bagwell commented on the good job Lisa is doing on the market.
Ward 5 – Councilman Wright No Report
Ward 6 – Councilman Watson –No Report

Mayor Bagwell called on Mr. Fox Simons, City Administrator, for his report.  The  bicycle lanes should be in on Russell St. and East 1st St.   The BLWS will begin in two weeks.

The Mayor called on citizens to address council.

Carolyn Watt owner of Small World.  Concerned about the sign ordinance.  She has owned this business for 25 yrs.  She serves on many state boards for child care.  There are loop holes in the law, if you keep kids for less than 4 hours you don’t have to be licensed.  Summer camps fall into that also because it is short term.  Properly owned businesses pay taxes to support the city. Signs all over Easley indicate that the Easley Recreation Dept. offers 4 camps from 7 a.m to 6 p.m.  She has talked to Gregg about this.  The cost is $65.00 a week.  The sign ordinance allows for the recreation dept. to have signs every where. Please review the ordinance and make things fair for all businesses. All children should be in regulated care.  The advertised fees on the signs all over town are unfair.

Presentations: Jon Humphrey with the BLWS.  We start playing baseball on July 28th.  The committee members are the same as last year along with 100’s volunteers.  The BLWS is part of Little League International out of Williamsport, Penn. It is a non-profit organization. There will be 5 international teams and 5 US teams and our local host team, SC District 1, 16-18 yr olds. Each team will have 17 players and 3 coaches.  The fan fest will be the 27th of July in cooperation with B93.7.  They are running commercials for the “just show up show”.  The first band is Cartel, an up and coming band and the second is Boys like Girls.  Last year if you will remember we had Justin Beiber who is now a big superstar. When he was on Oprah they showed some clips from last year’s concert.
The championship will be on Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m. live in prime time on ESPN.
S.C.  is being recognized as home of BLWS.

Unfinished Business: Ordinance Second Reading: None

New Business: Ordinance First Reading:

Ordinance No. 2010-04:  Approving the financing of the improvements, extension and enlargement of the Combined Utility System of the City of Easley, S.C. Through the borrowing by the City of Easley not exceeding $2,700,000 from the state drinking water revolving loan fund, by agreement with the S.C. Water Quality Revolving Fund Authority, pursuant to title 48, Chapter 5, Code of Laws of S.C., 1976, as amended; providing for an agreement to make and to accept a loan; the execution and delivery of a loan agreement between the City and the S.C. Water Quality Revolving Fund Authority; the execution and delivery of a promissory not from the City to the S.C. Water Quality Revolving Fund Authority; and other matters relating thereto. Councilman Mann made a motion to approve with a second from Councilwoman Valentin.  The motion passed unanimously.

Ordinance No. 2010-05: To amend Title IX, Chapter 94 of the Easley Code of Ordinances Health and Sanitation within the City of Easley. Councilman Mann made a motion to approve with a second from Councilwoman Dodson.  The motion passed unanimously. 


Resolutions:

Resolution No. 2010-13: To award a $15,650 contract to 84 Lumber for Insulation Improvements to West End Hall in association with the Energy Efficiency and conservation Block Grant. Councilman Watson made a motion to approve with a second from Councilman Garrison.  The motion passed unanimously with Councilman Mann abstaining.

Mayor Bagwell recognized Mr. Youngblood he is a former resident that has returned.

Councilman Watson made a motion to adjourn.

The meeting was adjourned.

Zoning Board of Appeals
May 18, 2010


The Board of Appeals met on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 in the Council Chambers at Easley City Hall. The following members were present: Chairman; Jim Stuckey, Ken Rackley, LaTeresa Gilstrap, Roy McCall, Kim Welborn, and Tommy Holcombe; Building Official Carey Beard was absent from the meeting.

The following item were presented to the board:


Variance Request

Mr. James H. Payne, 308 Southway Street, Easley, South Carolina made application for a variance of 352 square feet on a 32 x 36 =1152 sq ft detached garage. Mr. Payne, home owner spoke to the board members is requesting a personal detached garage he wants to build on his property and the total square footage is the need to house old antique cars and lawn equipment. Mr. Payne also stated he does not want to remove the fish pond that is there. The square footage of 800 square feet and the height of 19 feet is the maximum allowed by the City of Easley.  Tommy Holcombe, Building Official stated that a couple questions have come up on this matter and the first one is the setback from the road which the City of Easley takes responsibility for that the “old” code which did not have a maximum sq ft for buildings which stated at 600 sq ft you build 10 feet from the property line so when we changed the code to go to 800 square feet the setback was suppose to be changed and was not so we will be making that change in the new zoning book.

The second matter is the estimate also for the 10 foot variance based on a conversation Mr. Holcombe had with Mr. Payne based on the building being 800 sq ft and that was a mis-communication of the building being 800 square feet because that is the City of Easley’s maximum, and some of the neighbors thinking that the City of Easley has told a story about this garage and what type it was going to be because they were under the impression that it was going to be brick and  Mr. Payne told myself and the building inspector that the garage was going to be a brick color. That was a mis-understanding that it was going to be brick, but it is going to be a metal building with a brick color. Mr. Holcombe told some of the neighbors that it was going to be a brick garage and he said he mis-understood Mr. Payne. The variance is still granted at 10 ft because that is what we told him when he came in the office to discuss the garage based on the 800 square feet. Tommy verified that the setbacks are 10ft on the side and 10 ft on the back of the property lines. Mr. Payne said he has already graded the land to a 10 x 10 set back and has spent a lot of money on dirt and getting this ready to build. Mr. Payne said he was never told the size of the building and he said it was his fault to for never asking. This building is an expensive building and is not going to look like junk. He said the building was going to be $20,000.00. Mr. Payne stated there is nowhere in the code on the construction type of the building.

Mr. Payne spoke to say it is going to be a wooden structure covered with metal and it will not be brick red, Mr. Payne said he talked with a neighbor Parker League and it might look better with a white building and a dark roof and he passed around pictures to show the board and the people at the meeting what it would like with this change.  Kim Welborn, board member asked the height of the building and Mr. Payne said under 19 ft., he estimated 16 ft. Tommy said the maximum height is 19 feet.

The neighbors wanted to speak:

Mr. John Cleveland-lives on Grigsby Avenue he wants to object to the 10 ft variance. He said the area is zoned R-10 and this house/garage is on a corner lot and he feels it should be 30 ft from the road of Grigsby Avenue. He would like to suggest it is lined up even with the house. The building is just unsightly for this neighborhood.

Mr. Parker League-(859-6225) lives at 102 Grigsby Avenue and wants to know from Tommy how many buildings can be on a lot. Mr. Payne has two other building on his lot.
Tommy said on a Garage it is one and we are getting with the City attorney on the definition of out buildings. Tommy also stated that when he talked with Mr. Payne he was tearing a building down and was under the impression that was the only building on his property and the one in question he is looking into. Mr. League also stated he is concerned about the location of the building being built.

Mr Fierson-lives at 305 Southway Street stated that South way is a city street and Grigsby is a state road what are the rules for this road. Tommy said an encroachment would have to be given if it is coming off a state road for a driveway. He also brought up a past neighbor on this street that built a building that changed the way the ordinance was written on a building that was not built to the standards of the city.

Mr. Ken Rackley, board member made a statement that we have a size issue with the building and the location of the building. Ms. Kim Welborn, board member stated that Mr. Payne is requesting a size of a 3rd larger than what is allowed. A considerably larger building then what is allowed in the City of Easley. Ms. Welborn is really concerned about in this neighborhood and the 352 square footage. That is a lot of square footage than what’s allowed and for storage. Ms. Welborn asked if the 352 square feet accounted for that 20 extra feet of setback. Tommy said he will make a big difference. Mr. Payne told the board member he is storing old cars in the building and two wooded boats and he wanted to be able to just drive in his lawnmower in the garage. Tommy made a statement that just because he made a mistake in telling Mr. Payne that he could build this garage based on the information he read and received, it is the Zoning and Variance Board’s final decision on the variance request. Tommy made a suggestion to try and take some time to re evaluate the garage and how it will be located on the property to try and compromise the size and location to satisfy the neighbors. Once the board makes a decision it is final.

After a lengthy discussion, on the variance request of a setback on the property line and square footage of the building.  Tommy suggested to the board that the setback needs to be approved before the square footage of the building.

Mr. Payne wanted to make one last statement he said let him have the 800 square feet, he will face it toward Southway Street, lower the grade keep the building low and put shrubbery along side of the building and brick wall, and he still needs the 10 feet setback otherwise he won’t be able to drive in through the garage doors because of the pond in the yard.

Kim Welborn made first motion based on what Mr. Payne stated; she wants to rule on the square footage first. Kim’s motion is this building on this property is confined to 800 square feet which is the city code. Ken Rackley made a second motion, it was decided that the building is 800 square feet. 3, 4, 2 abstained. The variance requested of 352 square feet was not allowed.

Ken Rackley made 1st motion to allow the 10 foot setback requested from the property line and the property line will be determined by the City of Easley. Roy McCall made second motion, 3, 4, and 2 against. The setback variance requested was allowed.
 
Mr. Roy McCall made a statement to encourage the residents of Easley to attend more Zoning Board of Appeal meetings because the decisions made affect them.


There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.


______________________
Tommy Holcombe
Building Official
City of Easley

cc: to file
cc: to Board of Zoning and Appeals Book
cc: to Tommy Holcombe

There will be a Planning and Zoning Meeting on Monday, August 16, 2010 at 5:30 pm in the Planning and Development office conference room.

The following item will be discussed:

Mr. Leonard Hooper-annexation to General Commercial-752 Rolling Hills Circle-2.9 acres

Mr. Chip Bentley from ACOG will also be here to discuss the changes to the zoning ordinance book.

City Council Meeting Minutes, June 14, 2010
 
The Easley City Council met on June 14, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Law Enforcement Center. All members were present. Lisa Garrett served as the secretary recording the minutes.
 
The news media is notified in case of a called meeting.  All regular meetings are on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. and all of the media has been so notified.
Members of the media present were The Easley Progress and the Greenville News.  
 
Mayor Bagwell called the public meeting to order at 7:00.  
 
Rev. Jason Wilson, with New Image Revolution gave the invocation.  Then Mayor Bagwell asked for everyone to stand and pledge allegiance to the flag.
 
There were no corrections or additions to the minutes and they stand approved.
 
Mayor Bagwell called for reports from Council Members.
Ward 1 – Councilman Garrison – No report
Ward 2 – Councilwoman Dodson – No report.
Ward 3 – Councilman Mann –The Bike Committee met and decided to meet every other month.  A sub-committee was formed and will meet on the off months to handle any press releases and notify the community of the efforts being done.  Most recently the bike lanes.
Ward 4 – Councilwoman Valentin –The Farmers Market is going well.  Each week new vegetables and fruits are coming in.  Encourage all to vote for us in the Favorite Farmers Market Contest.  Gave information about the Pie Baking Contest on July 3rd.  
Ward 5 – Councilman Wright No Report
Ward 6 – Councilman Watson –No Report
 
Mayor Bagwell called on Mr. Fox Simons, City Administrator, for his report.  Within the next 30 days the new bike lanes will be marked.  Next week is a GPATS meeting.
 
The Mayor called on citizens to address council. There were none.
 
Presentations: None
 
Unfinished Business: None
 
New Business: Ordinance First Reading: None
 
Resolutions:
 
Resolution No. 2010-10: To award a contract to Earth Materials Grading,
Inc., for $45,000 to make Stormwater Improvements along Tortuga Lane.
Councilman Mann made a motion to approve, with a second from Councilman Garrison.
Councilman Watson opened for discussion.  He commented that we need to be cautious in working on a property that is not deeded to the City.  At this time it not a city street. The developer can not be found and it is unknown who the road belongs to. Question was called for, the resolution passed unanimously.
 
Resolution No. 2010-11: To award a $98,960 contract to AAA Heating
and Cooling for HVAC Improvements to West End Hall in association
with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.
Councilman Watson made a motion to approve with a second from Councilwoman Dodson. The motion passed 6-0 with Councilman Mann abstaining from the vote.
 
Resolution No. 2010-12: To award a $38,590 contract to Easley Electrical
for Lighting Improvements to West End Hall in association with the
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant. Councilman Watson made a motion to approve with a second from Councilman Garrison. The motion passed 6-0 with Councilman Mann abstaining from the vote.  
 
The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.

The 2010 (To Date) City of Easley Construction Permit Report download by clicking on the 2010_PERMITS_ISSUED_TO_DATE.pdf link below 

City Council Meeting Minutes, May 10, 2010

The Easley City Council met on May 10, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Law Enforcement Center. All members were present with the exception of Dave Watson. Lisa Garrett served as the secretary taking the minutes.

The news media is notified in case of a called meeting.  All regular meetings are on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. and all of the media has been so notified.
Members of the media present were The Pickens County Courier, the Easley Progress, and the Greenville News. 

Mayor Bagwell called the public meeting to order at 7:00.  The public meeting was for any discussion on the City Operating Budget.  There was no discussion and the public meeting was closed at 7:05. 

Councilman Chris Mann gave the invocation.  Then Mayor Bagwell asked for everyone to stand and pledge allegiance to the flag.

There were no corrections or additions to the minutes and they stand approved.
*Included minutes from July 4th meeting, Budget Work Session, and Special Called Meeting.

Mayor Bagwell called for reports from Council Members.
Ward 1 – Councilman Garrison – No report
Ward 2 – Councilwoman Dodson – No report.
Ward 3 – Councilman Mann – No Report
Ward 4 – Councilwoman Valentin – No Report
Ward 5 – Councilman Wright No Report
Ward 6 – Councilman Watson –Absent

Mayor Bagwell called on Mr. Fox Simons, City Administrator, for his report.  There will be a bid opening on May 25th at 10:00 a.m. for repairs to West End Hall.

The Mayor called on citizens to address council. Jean McMorris wanted to ask that something be done with the house next door to her.  It is in bad shape, yard grown up, a real eye sore.  Tommy Holcombe to find out who owns it and get in touch with him and he will be in contact with Ms. McMorris.

Presentations: None

Unfinished Business: Ordinance Second Reading:
Ordinance No. 2010-03: Officially naming a gazebo at the new Easley Downtown park the M.E. “Chris” Christopherson Gazebo. Councilman Mann made a motion to approve with a second coming from Councilwoman Dodson. The motion passed 6-0 with Councilman Watson being absent. 

New Business: Ordinance First Reading:

Ordinance No. 2010-04: To provide for the adoption of City Operating Budget, it execution and effect, for the fiscal period July 1, 2010 through June 20, 2011.  Councilman Mann made a motion to approve with a second coming from Councilman Garrison.  The motion passed 6-0 with Councilman Watson being absent.

Resolutions:

Resolution No. 2010-08: To permit the 2010 July 4th Celebration a variance to
hold a multi-day event on Pendleton Street and in Old Market Square. Councilman made a motion to approve with a second coming from Councilman Wright.  The motion passed 6-0 with Councilman Watson being absent.

Resolution No. 2010-09: To endorse the month of May as national Bike Month and the Week of May 17th-21st as Bike-To-Work-Week.  Councilman Mann made a motion to approve with a second coming from Councilman Garrison. The motion passed 6-0 with Councilman Watson being absent.
   
The meeting was adjourned at 7:18 p.m.

AGENDA

CITY OF EASLEY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, June 14, 2010
7:00 P.M.

220 NORTHWEST MAIN, EASLEY, SC
LAW ENFORCEMENT CENTER

1.  CALL TO ORDER – Mayor Larry D. Bagwell
   
2.  INVOCATION –   Jason Wilson, Pastor at New Image Revolution

3.  PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

4.  APPROVAL OF MINUTES AS WRITTEN
      
5.  REPORT FROM COUNCIL MEMBERS

6.  REPORT FROM ADMINISTRATOR

7.  CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS CITY COUNCIL

8.  PRESENTATIONS: None

9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS :   Ordinance Second Reading: None
         
10.  New Business: (Ordinance First Reading): None

11. Resolutions: 
     Resolution No. 2010-10: To award a contract to Earth Materials Grading, Inc., for $45,000 to make Stormwater Improvements along Tortuga Lane.

     Resolution No. 2010-11: To award a $98,960 contract to AAA Heating and Cooling for HVAC Improvements to West End Hall in association with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.

     Resolution No. 2010-11: To award a $38,590 contract to Easley Electrical  for Lighting Improvements to West End Hall in association with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant.