Here is a recap of the Simpsonville City Council meeting on April 8.
Tabled: Ordinance to finalize old City Hall property sale
Council voted 4-3 to table an ordinance to finalize the sale of the old City Hall property at 118 N.E. Main St. to Blue Ridge Land Holdings LLC for $840,000.
The developer plans to combine the parcel with the old Truist Bank and a portion of the adjoining property to create a mixed-use development.
During a discussion about the property sale, multiple council members expressed concerns about the plans for the property not meeting the city’s needs. They requested a development agreement be in place before the sale could move forward.
Final approval: Amended rules for city administrator hiring
Council approved an amended ordinance that would change the required votes from five to four when hiring or firing the city administrator and other department heads.
Current City Administrator Dianna Gracely announced in January she would retire June 30. Gracely’s replacement was named March 25 when Council unanimously approved Tee Coker to succeed her. Coker was awarded a four-year contract and will work concurrently with Gracely, beginning May 19.
Approved: Parking lot lease negotiation
Council approved plans for Gracely to negotiate a parking lease agreement for three lots at the corner of North Maple and West Curtis streets with a counter offer to pay $1,000 each month. For several years, the city has been leasing and maintaining the lots, which consist of around 55 public parking spaces, for $650 a month.
The property owner, D. Byron Verdin, Jr., as “Trustee of Trust U/A of D. Byron Verdin Jr. Dated Nov. 6, 2019,” and Eloise W. Verdin, as “Trustee of Trust U/A of Eloise W. Verdin Dated Nov. 6, 2019,” initially requested the city agree to pay $1,800 per month.
Approved: MetroConnects agreement
Council approved an intergovernmental agreement with MetroConnects to provide sewer service to Kemet.
The city-owned sewer line that connects to Kemet runs under Interstate 385 and would cost $1.5 million to repair if Simpsonville is able to obtain clearance from the South Carolina Department of Transportation to do the work. The city’s only other option for connecting sewer service to Kemet would go through a MetroConnects area, Gracely said.
Under the agreement, MetroConnects will pay to establish sewer service at Kemet and the city will pay less than $100,000 to abandon the sewer line under I-385 and plug it on both sides.
Initial approval: Rezoning for apartments
Council approved a rezoning request for properties at 101, 103 and 16333 E. College St. The applicant, BTA Enterprise LLC, plans to redevelop the garage into two attached apartment units and keep the commercial businesses open facing College Street. This item will go before the City Council for final approval May 13.
