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Estill council assigns ‘Project Green Spark’ to UHGI despite mayor’s dissent
Summary
The Estill Town Council voted 3-1 on Sept. 11 to assign Project Green Spark investment outreach to UHGI after investors presented; Mayor K. Wiley voted against the resolution and asked that the document be revised to include signature lines for all council members.
The Town of Estill council voted 3-1 on Sept. 11 to approve Resolution 2024-04, allowing UHGI to pursue private investment opportunities on behalf of the town for "Project Green Spark." Mayor K. Wiley cast the lone dissenting vote and asked that the resolution be revised to include signature lines for every council member before final execution.
Town Administrator Dr. Tiffany Cooks introduced the matter and said the council’s approval would authorize investor representatives to explore funding options but would not obligate the town to accept or expend funds. "The town is not on the hook for anything," Dr. Cooks said, describing the vote as an authorization for outreach rather than a binding commitment.
Frederick James, introduced as CEO of the investor group presenting by Zoom, told the council the investors have substantial private capital available and are adding projects in South Carolina. James said the group has "two billion dollars" of private developer capital and requested written authorization for UHGI to represent the town in fundraising. Council members asked whether any town funds would be required at any stage; James replied the authorization itself does not obligate town funds.
Mayor K. Wiley raised a substantive drafting concern: she said earlier versions used the word "explore," while the current draft used "partnership," which she viewed as a materially different commitment. The mayor asked the town attorney to prepare a revised resolution with signature lines so all council members could sign; the council approved the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-04 with that revision (motion by Mayor Pro-Tem T. Solomon; second by Councilman J. Williams). The vote was 3 in favor, 1 opposed.
Next steps: the town attorney and administration will circulate a revised resolution with the requested signature lines; the authorization allows UHGI to pursue investor conversations but does not bind Estill to accept funding or spend town resources unless and until formal agreements are approved by the council.
