Greenwood City Council approves sanitation fee increase, temporary RV housing ordinance, bench-dedication policy and appoints BZA member

Greenwood City Council voted unanimously Thursday to adopt several measures including a 26% increase to commercial sanitation fees, a temporary zoning allowance for RV and camper use on hurricane-damaged residential lots, a new policy for dedicating commemorative benches, and the appointment of Dewanda Sales to the City-County Board of Zoning Appeals.

City staff presented Ordinance 25-001, described in the meeting as an amendment to sections 30-4-9 and 34-11 of chapter 34 of the Code of Ordinances, that adjusts sanitation fees to “reflect a 26% increase, which will eliminate the subsidy that city council has been carrying for the delivery of commercial sanitation.” The council held a public hearing; no members of the public spoke for or against the ordinance. A motion to approve was made by Mr. Buzz and seconded by Ms. Huddl; the motion carried unanimously.

The council next considered Ordinance 25-002, an amendment to the zoning ordinance (chapter 6) that adds Article 11, titled “temporary emergency housing.” The change allows the temporary placement of recreational vehicles or campers on residential properties that sustained damage from Hurricane Malene; the ordinance is written to automatically sunset on Dec. 31, 2025 unless the council extends it. A city staff member said the ordinance “gives some people some flexibility while they’re making repairs to their homes” and that staff had not yet received inquiries from affected residents. Mr. Dean moved approval and Mr. Miller seconded; the motion carried unanimously, with second reading scheduled for the council’s February meeting.

Councilmembers also approved a city policy and procedures for dedicating commemorative benches. According to the proposal presented by staff, the program requires a $1,200 donation that “covers the installation and the purchase of a bench,” carries a 10-year dedication term and offers a 10-year renewal for $500; after 20 years the bench may be rededicated to someone else. Staff said the inventory of benches includes several without plaques and identified candidate locations including Grey Street Park, Magnolia Park and Foundry Park. Mr. Bass moved approval; Ms. Huddl seconded and the motion carried unanimously.

On a separate vote the council appointed Dewanda Sales to serve the unexpired term on the City-County Board of Zoning Appeals. Council discussion noted Sales is “a resident of board 1” and a Greenwood High graduate who attended Lander and Piedmont Technical College. Ms. Huddl moved the appointment; Mr. Dean seconded and the nomination passed unanimously. The oath of office was administered at the meeting.

Near the end of the meeting the council voted to enter executive session for two reasons described on the record: discussion of employment matters, including police-department personnel issues; and receiving an update from Retail Coach regarding proposed business location/expansion matters. The motion to go into executive session was made by Mr. Fattis, seconded by Mr. Miller, and carried unanimously; the council noted it could take action afterward if required.

Votes at a glance - Consent agenda: motion by Mr. Miller, second by Mr. Dean; carried unanimously (7-0). - Ordinance 25-001 (amend chapter 34, sanitation fees): motion by Mr. Buzz, second by Ms. Huddl; carried unanimously (7-0). Public hearing: no speakers for/against. - Ordinance 25-002 (chapter 6, add Article 11 — temporary emergency RV/camper housing for Hurricane Malene damage; sunset 12/31/2025): motion by Mr. Dean, second by Mr. Miller; carried unanimously (7-0). Second reading scheduled for February meeting. - Commemorative Bench Dedication Policy (application, $1,200 fee, 10-year term, $500 renewal for second 10 years): motion by Mr. Bass, second by Ms. Huddl; carried unanimously (7-0). - Appointment — Dewanda Sales to City-County Board of Zoning Appeals: motion by Ms. Huddl, second by Mr. Dean; carried unanimously (7-0). Oath administered. - Motion to enter executive session (personnel matters and Retail Coach update): motion by Mr. Fattis, second by Mr. Miller; carried unanimously (7-0).

The council’s actions were procedural and unanimous; staff repeatedly noted that some items (for example the temporary housing ordinance) could be acted on administratively for individual residents who approach staff before the formal second reading.

The meeting record includes the formal citation that the agenda was posted in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act (chapter 4, title 30, Code of Laws of South Carolina, 1976).