Greenville City Council‘s first meeting back after a month-long break began on Aug. 9 with an update on rising COVID-19 numbers. Earlier in the day, the city announced it was requiring all employees and visitors to city offices to wear masks in line with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
Bon Secours St. Francis’ chief clinical officer Dr. Marcus Blackstone updated the council on the situation in the Upstate. “I’d love to give you better news but the reality is we’re here. And we’ll continue to work through it.” He said 85% of hospitalizations were of unvaccinated people while 15% were vaccinated. Further, he said about 10% of that 15% were not completely vaccinated — that is, they have only gotten one dose.
Approved – First Reading
A proposed change in the city’s land management ordinance to update the neighborhood meeting standards for public hearing applications. The city’s proposal expanded the meeting requirement in the ordinance to not only include rezoning requests and major subdivision creation but for multi-family constructions and any project that borders a single-family home. Council Member Dorothy Dowe introduced an amendment to also include a 10-day requirement for neighborhoods to be informed by mail of the meetings.
Approved – First Reading
Council approved $3,000,000 in funding in support of affordable housing. The funding is part of GVL2040, a comprehensive plan used to steer the city’s growth and evolution over the next two decades.
Approved – Resolution
Council approved a resolution allowing the city to negotiate with companies that have submitted a bid to create pedestrian bridges for the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Additionally, the council recognized Greenville Fire Department Chief Steve Kovalcik who recently announced his upcoming retirement from the department after serving as chief for 10 years. Council member John DeWorken told Kovalcik, “Under your leadership, it’s really been about caring about our community. And, just from someone who has been the recipient of your services, it’s also about providing relief to parents when you guys show up under your leadership.”
