WINNSBORO – Fairfield County’s former planning director has
filed a wrongful discharge lawsuit, claiming in court papers he was subjected
to a hostile work environment, demoted and ultimately dismissed after refusing
to testify a certain way in the ongoing VC Summer lawsuit.
Fairfield County, however, has denied the allegations,
saying in a recent response that any sanctions taken were due to “poor
performance.”
Timothy Roseborough filed the suit Aug. 19, 2019. He had
been employed by the county until June 2018, when he was dismissed, the suit
states.
The suit requests a jury trial. It seeks unspecified
damages, legal fees and other costs to be determined by the court.
The case was removed to federal court on Oct. 14. A trial
date has not been set.
U.S. Magistrate Paige Gossett has set a deadline for all
motions of May 26, 2020, according to a scheduling order signed Oct. 15.
According to the suit, Roseborough was promoted twice during
his 20-year tenure with the county. He said there were never any issues during
his employment until a controversial rock quarry proposal arose in 2017.
“Plaintiff always got along well with his supervisors and
County Council until the first part of 2017 when he refused to look the other
way on a proposed rock quarry that did not comply with local zoning codes,” the
suit states. “Plaintiff then heard comments from his supervisors, in the form
of indirect pressure, that caused him to sense that certain powerful community
leaders held a grudge against Plaintiff for refusing to look the other way on
the proposed quarry’s zoning violation.”
After the quarry controversy, Roseborough stated that his
title was changed in January 2018 to community service manager. He said he
perceived this as a demotion, something the county denied since his salary did
not change, according to the suit.
At about the same time, the county hired Chris Clauson as
the new planning director. Roseborough claims in court papers that Clauson
asked him to resign.
“Right away, upon Clauson’s hire, Plaintiff began
experiencing what he perceived to be a racially hostile work environment,
including the removal of permission to attend trainings and trips, arbitrary
denials of paid time off, and a request that Plaintiff resign,” the suit
states.
Roseborough said in the suit he was ultimately dismissed
after refusing to testify that two unfinished reactors at VC Summer constituted
a public nuisance, according to the suit.
In its response filed on Oct. 14, the county denied the
allegations.
“Any adverse employment action and materially adverse action
taken against Plaintiff by Defendant was taken for non-retaliatory reasons,”
the response states.
“The actions taken by Defendant were made for legitimate
business reasons, in good faith, and without malice or intent to harm or
retaliate,” the response adds. “Defendant at all times believed it acted in
compliance with applicable statutes and their implementing regulations.”
The county in its response also states that Roseborough’s
suit “may be limited or barred under applicable statutes of limitations and the
doctrines of estoppel, waiver, and laches.”
The county’s response seeks dismissal of the suit, as well
as reimbursement for court costs and attorney fees.
BLYTHEWOOD – In a unanimous vote Monday evening, council
voted to amend two Town Center District ordinances – one to allow, in
perpetuity, several signs next to the Interstate up to 35 feet tall, and
another to loosen restrictions on the landscape ordinance for businesses.
The amendment to the sign ordinance will also allow the sign
faces of those signs to be changed should the business change. All new
businesses, including any new hotels, however, would be required to comply with
the more restrictive sign code written prior to Monday night’s vote, Cook said.
Monday night’s amendments dismantle sections of two key
ordinances put in place by a former council with the stated intent of creating
a more attractive Town Center District.
Former Councilman Tom Utroska told Council last month that
it would be inappropriate to amend the two ordinances at this late date.
Non-conforming Signs
The sign ordinance, passed in 2013, stated that all ground
mounted signs in the I-77 Sign Overlay District, including the three tall signs
on the interstate, be required to be brought into compliance with zoning by
Jan. 26, 2020.
Town Administrator Brian Cook said a fourth sign, an
off-premise nonconforming outdoor advertising sign for Exxon/Bojangles, could
arguably be covered under the SC Landowner and Advertising Protection and
Property Valuation Act, which in essence would call for just compensation’ for
removal caused by ordinance.
Cook said that on June 5, 2019, notices of sign
noncompliance were mailed to the Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn Express & Suites
and McDonald’s.
“These businesses were notified of the deadline to bring
their ground mounted/free standing signs into compliance with the sign
regulations,” Cook said in a memo to council.
While many of the businesses have since complied, Monday
night’s vote deleted those requirements for the businesses who have not complied.
Utroska commented last month that the affected businesses
had either five or seven years to comply with these ordinances.
“We’ve been making other businesses abide by it and now
we’re going to change the ordinance for these,” he said. “We shouldn’t do that.
“The ordinance shouldn’t be amended just because some
businesses haven’t complied in what I think has been a fair and reasonable
time,” Utroska said. “And, again, this was discussed with the chamber at the
time. Everybody discussed it, and we had a reasonable understanding with
everybody that this was going to occur, that it was appropriate and it was
done. They [businesses] were given time enough to depreciate it off as an asset
and take the write-off from the government and not suffer greatly from it.”
“If we can spend $85,000 to build a fence across the bridge
out here, we can figure out how to do whatever we have to do to take down the
extra Bojangles sign and paying what’s appropriate,” Utroska said.
Landscaping amendment
An ordinance put in place on July 27, 2015, required all
non-conforming properties located in the Town Center (TC) District to comply
with landscaping/buffer yard requirements within five years from the adoption
of the ordinance.
Council amended the ordinance Monday evening to eliminate
that requirement.
Cook said an alternative approach to the landscape ordinance
would be to work with the remaining business owners [who have not complied] on
matching façade/landscaping grants.
“Blythewood is still small enough that we can potentially
work with a landscape architect and our business community on a specialized
case by case plan for each business,” Cook said.
Two years ago council abolished an ordinance to require new
buildings to be pulled closer to the street with parking in the rear of the
buildings. The previous year it abolished an ordinance requiring mandatory
second stories on new builds in certain areas. Those ordinances, according to
former Town Councilman Paul Moscati, who addressed council on the issue in
2017, were designed to make the town more attractive and to promote walkability
in the town.
The Town’s Economic Development Consultant Ed Parler told
Council last month that the regulations for a more walkable community were a
hindrance to the economic growth of the town.
Candidates for Blythewood Mayor: former mayor Keith Bailey, councilman Bryan Franklin and councilman Malcolm Gordge answer questions from the audience during last week’s candidate forum. | Photos: Barbara Ball
BLYTHEWOOD – Annexation, traffic and striking a balance
between growth and preserving Blythewood’s rural character highlighted a
two-hour town hall forum featuring the town’s three mayoral candidates in the
first hour and four of five council candidates in the second hour Thursday
evening at Doko Manor.
Former Mayor Keith Bailey and incumbent council members
Bryan S. Franklin and Malcolm P. Gordge are all vying for the town’s top
elected post. Incumbent councilman Eddie Baughman, planning commission chair
Donald Beaton Brock, Jr., planning commissioner Sloan Jarvis Griffin, III and
former planning commissioner Marcus Taylor were featured in the hour for
council candidates.
Tracy Young Cooper moderated the mayoral town hall. Outgoing
Mayor J. Michael Ross moderated the town council debate. Councilman Barry
Belville, who’s also running for one of two available council seats, didn’t
participate in the panel.
The forum, hosted by The Voice newspaper, was conducted in a
town hall format with most questions coming from the audience. Two questions
for each group of candidates were prepared by the candidate forum committee.
Mayoral Candidates
During the mayoral forum, the candidates’ answers varied
when asked by Lenore Zedowsky to identify Blythewood’s biggest issue.
Gordge said addressing increasing traffic leads his list. He
said the town needs to be thinking 10 to 20 years in the future.
“Without a doubt, roads and road improvements are going to
be absolutely critical for safety and getting around town,” Gordge said.
Bailey said public safety is a growing issue. He identified
increasing breaking and entering and vandalism as the town’s top crimes, but
also thinks response times may be too slow, citing the Blythe Creek area as one
example.
“They expressed they had trouble with response times from
the County. We’ve got a substation less than two miles away,” Bailey said. “We
need to improve our relationships with the County Sheriff’s Department.”
Franklin said infrastructure is the town’s most pressing
need. He said while the state seems more preoccupied with building roundabouts,
he said as mayor he’d work to improve sports facilities, sidewalks and other
amenities.
The candidates were asked by Gena Dow, what plans the town
has to support youth football.
“I know there’s a big need for baseball but I feel youth
football gets forgotten – a lot. I feel like youth football is lost in this
town….Also, how can we bridge the disconnect between Blythewood and Westwood
high schools? My son will be going to that school and I see a definite deficit
in what the town does for Westwood as far as supporting athletics.”
All three candidates agreed that Westwood should be part of
Blythewood.
Franklin said he would like to see Blythewood annex all the
way down to Westwood.
“As we speak, I’m looking at 40 acres on Muller Road. The
county owns property adjoining Blythewood that possibly they would sell and
Blythewood could have its own park. Of course we would have to fund the
operating expenses. I’m all for that. We could put baseball, football, lacrosse
and soccer in there. If elected, I will do that.”
Gordge said that he, too, observes that Westwood High School
is not part of the town.
“But it makes perfect sense for it to be incorporated [into
the town]. We need to open the door. That should be part of our comprehensive
plan. Ball fields of all types are going to be featured in a major way in our
plans for the next decade. There’s not going to be anything overnight, but we
are following every possible avenue to bring that to life.”
Bailey said that particular subject [youth football] is near
and dear to his heart. He said he and another individual helped start the
Blythewood Youth Football and Cheer league several years ago.
“And we always had the same problems – where are we going to
play. We need to start having partnerships between the youth teams and the high
schools. In the past, the high schools actually sponsored some of our regional
playoffs. Youth sports is important to me, has always been important to me and
will continue to be,” Bailey said.
All three mayoral candidates said they feel annexation of
the outlying areas around Blythewood is important.
Bailey said he would like to see the town annex the existing
neighborhoods outside the town.
Franklyn said that if he is elected mayor, he will send
annexation information to all residents of the unincorporated 29016, “and make
it a voluntary decision.” But he said he favored forced annexation on the
Blythewood Farms subdivision, “before they put a stick in the ground,” just
outside the town limits.
Gordge said he would hold a series of town hall meetings to
sound out what the businesses and residents want concerning annexation. He said
he would also suggest working to build better relationships with the county in
making annexation plans.
Candidates for town council, from left, incumbent Eddie Baughman, Planning Commissioers Donald Brock, Sloan Griffin III and former Planning Commissioner Marcus Taylor.
Town Council
Candidates
Growth and infrastructure were common themes during the
council candidates’ debate as well, with most of the candidates wanting to
boost business without allowing residential growth to overrun the town.
Baughman said as a 35-year resident of the town, he’s in
touch with the community. He also touted his leadership and lifetime of
service, which includes serving as a petty officer in the U.S. Navy and also a
battalion chief in the Columbia Fire Department.
“I think I bring leadership to this council, I’ve been a
leader all my life,” Baughman said. “I love Blythewood. I’m vested in the
community.”
In the next five to 10 years, he said he wants Blythewood to
encourage business development while maintaining its small-town charm.
“We have opportunities to preserve the rural areas, our
historic areas,” he said. “But there are threats to that plan. Those threats
are poor planning and development that can destroy Blythewood’s sense of
identity and sense of purpose we have here in the community.”
Brock touted his experience on the planning commission as
well as his financial background working on Wall Street and also the S.C.
Retirement System.
He said Blythewood is at a crossroads and that the town
needs leaders with experience.
“You need someone with experience, someone who works every
day in a field that has an attention to detail. I am that candidate,” he said.
“Numbers is what I do. No one is going to work harder for this town to make
sure we are fiscally responsible.”
Griffin thinks the town should revamp its comprehensive and
master plans, particularly as it relates to public safety partnerships. The
town, he said, needs to find ways to improve police, fire and EMS response
times.
He also voiced support for “conservation subdivisions,”
which preserve greenspace by blending environmental elements into residential
developments.
“We need to have smart growth. We need to study these
traffic patterns,” he said. “Moving forward, we can have a plan on paper, but
we really need to start studying traffic patterns during the right time of the
year.”
Taylor touted his previous 13 years of service on the
planning commission, which he said would serve him well on the council.
In matters of public policy, Taylor said he’s a good
listener and would generally be deferential to what Blythewood residents want.
“The only changes are only what the community comes to us
and asks us to change,” Taylor said. “The community has to come out and tell us
what they want.”
Vance Sharp provided the sound system/microphones and patriotic music.
Abhi Sailesha, Blythewood High academic standout, served as timekeepper.
Gina Dow was one of eight audience members who asked questions of candidates in the town hall format.
With the evening’s moderator Mayor J. Michael Ross, Kesha Bolt – $100 of fuel from Blythewood Oil
Christy Coggins – $100 of plants from Reese’s Plants, Frankie McLean – $100 of groceries from IGA & Food Lion
Dave Clark – $100 for High Tea for 4 from Laura’s Tea Room, State Constable Mike Norris – $100 of service plus oil change from Pope-Davis Tire Service and Buddy Price – $100 Pizza party from Papa John’s. The prizes were donated by the merchants and several exceeded the $100 value.
The candidate forum committee included Jamie Harkness, left, Michael Watts and Traci Cooper. Committee members were chosen for their backgrounds in community activism.
Listening intently to the candidates are town hall employees Hazel Kelly and Julie Emory. Behind them are Mayor J. Michael Ross and (standing) Craig Plank.
Audience members posed questions to the panel of candidates.
Forum Committee: Traci Cooper, Jamie Harkness, Michael Watts
Emcee: Mayor J. Michael Ross
Sound/Music: Vance Sharp
Time Keeper: Abhi Sailesha
Lobby volunteers: Hazel Kelly, Margaret Kelly, Saralyn Yarborough
Blythewood Gloriosa Florist – floral
$100 Gift Card Sponsors
Blythewood Oil, Reese’s Plants, Laura’s Tea Room, Pope-Davis Tire Co., IGA/Food Lion and Papa John’s
Green: School Board will revote Promise funding issue next month
WINNSBORO – All Fairfield County high school graduates are
not currently able to receive free college tuition funds contributed by the
Fairfield County School District as promised last summer under the newly minted
Promise Program.
A school board vote last week left Promise Program tuition
funding for private, charter and home schoolers to the county.
As initially conceived, the Promise Program called for the
school district and county council each to pledge $75,000 annually, or $150,000
altogether, to the program administrated by Midlands Technical College.
In September, Green announced that the district moved
forward with its version of the Promise Program, noting that 24 students made
up the initial group of students receiving free tuition.
While the school district opted for lump sum payments to
Midlands Tech, some council members, saying they desired greater
accountability, preferred to be billed after qualifying students successfully
met eligibility requirements.
Thus, the school district and county ended up signing
separate Memorandums of Understanding agreements with Midlands Tech. There was
no indication in either agreement, however, that any of the designated
graduates would not be allowed to draw funds from both contributors.
Last week, during its regular monthly board meeting, the
Fairfield County School District board of trustees voted 6-1, with trustee
Paula Hartman against, to revise its Memorandum of Understanding. One of the
revisions eliminated previously eligible graduates of private schools, charter
schools and home schools from receiving tuition from the portion of the Promise
Program funded by the Fairfield County School District.
The revised agreement states, under Student Eligibility:
“Must be a Fairfield County resident with a valid high school diploma (or GED)
from Fairfield County School District,” with no mention of funding for the
private, charter and homeschooled students.
The change in the district’s funding contradicts initial
promises from District Superintendent Dr. J. R. Green that graduates of
private, public and home schools as well as Fairfield County School District
graduates (and with GEDs) would be eligible for free tuition to attend Midlands
Technical College.
Asked by The Voice why the district had decided to reserve
its funds for Fairfield County School District students, Green replied via
email, “The Promise Initiative still accommodates charter school, home school,
and private school students in the county.
As you know there are now two separate agreements with MTC. One with the county and one with the school
district. Funding for those students is
covered in the county MOU.”
While those students would be eligible for funds contributed
to the program by county council, the contract signed by the county and
submitted in July to Midlands Tech has not yet been ratified by Midlands Tech.
Without that ratification the county’s agreement is invalid, essentially
leaving the private, charter and home schooled graduates currently with no
Promise funding.
When contacted on Monday, County Council Chairman Neil
Robinson, County Administrator Jason Taylor, Headmaster of Richard Winn Academy
(Kristen Chaison) and Midlands STEM Institute Principal Cynthia Prince said
they were unaware of the revision in the district’s agreement.
“I have not discussed that specific change with Dr. Green,”
Taylor said. “I wasn’t aware that a change had occurred, but that’s the school
district’s choice.”
In addition, the county is still waiting on feedback and
final signoff from Midlands Tech, Taylor said.
Over the course of several email exchanges on Monday between
The Voice and Green, he did not change his position on the revision.
By Tuesday, however, Green told The Voice via email that the
school district would revisit the MOU at the board’s next meeting which is set
for Nov. 19, according to the district’s website.
“I will present the Fairfield County School Board of
Trustees with a revised MOU that includes home school, charter school and
private school students from Fairfield County,” Green wrote.
Endowment Option
In addition to restricting who is eligible for free tuition,
the district inserted verbiage into the MOU that alters the Fairfield Promise
from a pure scholarship program to an endowment.
Green said doing so creates tax benefits for businesses that
may wish to contribute. It also allows the district to use interest earned to
further subsidize the program.
“We would use interest to help fund the program. Therefore
you don’t need to count on a line item in the budget on a year-to-year basis,”
he said.
Under the new MOU, the district can make annual
contributions of $75,000 for five years up to $350,000.
“We have the option to continue contributing up to $75,000 a
year. Or if the district decides somewhere between now and the conclusion of
those five years, that they want to pay the balance of the $375,000, they have
the option as well,” Green said. “That just gives the district flexibility to
fund it differently.”
The deal commits Midlands Tech to raising at least $125,000
over five years to augment the endowment. Midlands Tech is designated as the
fiscal agent for the endowment.
“An endowment provides for long-term sustainability as we
strive to establish the Promise initiative to students who are in kindergarten
now,” Green said. “We need to provide long term funding for those programs.”
Midlands Tech must submit a report at the end of each
academic term stating the name and number of recipients and “other reportable
information (in compliance of applicable laws) that is agreed to by the
district and the college,” the MOU states.
WINNSBORO – They actually did vote for the $521,000 before
they voted against it.
At its Oct. 14 meeting, the Fairfield County Council
inadvertently voted to award $521,000 in matching funds for the Fairfield
County library in Ridgeway.
Later in the meeting, the council voted to reconsider the library vote, meaning the county now is not awarding any funds. The do-over vote passed 5-2, with council members Moses Bell and Mikel Trapp opposing.
The library vote paradox unfolded when council members
considered a proposal to spend $521,000 to match a Community Development Block
Grant, or CDBG, for the “purchase, renovation and future operations” of the
Ridgeway library.
The county’s administration and finance committee had
recommended disapproval of spending the money.
When Council Chairman Neil Robinson asked for a motion,
Councilman Jimmy Ray Douglas promptly stated, “I make a motion that we don’t do
it.”
A few minutes of discussion followed.
In calling for the vote, Robinson simply asked “all those in
favor?” Nobody replied.
“Opposed?” Robinson asked.
“Nay,” all seven council members answered, a majority of
them believing they were voting against the money. In reality, they voted for
it.
“That’s a win,” Trapp stated.
“That’s a win,” Bell affirmed. “It makes no difference,
we’ve taken that vote.”
“The nay was a winner,” Trapp added.
A period of confusion followed before the meeting continued.
Councilman Douglas Pauley introduced the motion to reconsider later in the
meeting.
Pauley’s motion came following a legal opinion from Tommy
Morgan, the county’s attorney, who said any council member was entitled to
bring the matter up for reconsideration.
“There was a double negative that was used, ergo the seven
nay votes that all voted against not taking action ended up voting to take
action,” Morgan said.
As it stands, the money is not being awarded.
County Administrator Jason Taylor said conditions of the
CDBG match would have required the county to keep the library open 40 hours a
week, which is not currently the case. Taylor said finances proved problematic
as well.
“We also had a situation where the library had committed to
a portion [one half] of the purchase,” Taylor said. “We’d have to purchase the
building for $180,000, and they withdrew that support of $90,000, or half. That
left us with a situation where we had to pay $521,000.”
Robinson said he reconsidered approving the money until the
library backed off its commitment to pledge $90,000 toward the project.
“When the library withdrew their $90,000, it kind of led me
to a little hesitation as far as, ‘do we need to go through this project?’” he
said.
Taylor said the Ridgeway area has great potential, but noted
that infrastructure remains the county’s top priority.
“Water and sewer is one of those things we have to
concentrate on. Growth follows water and sewer,” Taylor said. “The library is
something we hoped we could do. It is an area we need to concentrate on.”
I am a retired battalion chief. I am married to the former
Donna Miller, and we have 2 grown children and 4 grandchildren. My son and his family also live in
Blythewood.
I graduated from Spring Valley High School, class of
1977. I continued my education
throughout my Naval and Fire service careers, attending Midlands Technical
College.
I was first elected to town council in 2014 to fill an
unexpired term, and re-elected in 2016.
These last 6 years have been rewarding and challenging.
It’s been my pleasure to serve the residents of Blythewood
these last 6 years.
I started my service career in 1977 enlisting in the United
States Navy serving as a petty officer assigned to Fighter Squadron 101, a
fleet replacement squadron responsible for the training of naval aviators and
ground crews for the F14 Tomcat, Naval Air Station in Oceana Beach VA.
After my honorable discharge, I continued my service with
the City of Columbia as a firefighter attaining the rank of Battalion Chief. As
command officer I directed the daily activities of 9 fire stations and 60
firefighters. For 26 years I served the citizens of Columbia and Richland
County.
After retirement I continued my service with the South
Carolina Baptist Convention at the White Oak Conference Center in Winnsboro SC,
where I assist with the booking of church groups and nonprofit originations and
all their conference and retreat needs.
I hold membership in the International Association of
Firefighters, AMVETS post 33 and the VFW. I am a board member of the Doko
Meadows Park Foundation which has been very rewarding bringing to life the
Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union Amphitheater.
Many accomplishments have been achieved while I served on
council these last few years such as passing zoning ordinances on lot size,
reducing some new neighborhoods from high density too low to medium density
thus maintaining the beauty we have all come to expect here in our small
community.
Addressing the traffic issues we continue to face, economic
development that benefits our businesses and residents alike. A resident of Blythewood for 35 years, I’ve
seen and felt the burden of uncontrolled growth.
We have many issues to address to maintain balance here in
Blythewood. If re-elected I will continue to push for better emergency response
by continuing to pressure Richland county for upgrades to our fire station,
adding six more full time firefighters to bring Blythewood in line with other
northeast neighborhoods.
Blythewood is still the premier northeast location to raise
a family, and we need to continue to welcome new residents while lessening the
burden on our infrastructure.
If elected to town council I will continue to work
diligently for our residents and business community alike, striving to maintain
a balance to control growth and bring the infrastructure in our town to a level
that will lessen the burden on our commute times, allowing us quality time with
our families.
Barry Belville, 38
Belville
My name is Barry Belville, and I am running for Town
Council. My wife and I have lived in Blythewood for the past 5 years. We live
in Cobblestone Park with our 3 children.
I am the current Assistant Athletic Director for the
Lexington County Recreation & Aging Commission. I have served in this role the past 7 years,
overseeing one of the largest Athletic Programs in the state. Before working in Lexington County, I worked
with the Richland County Recreation Commission for 6 years as an Athletic
Coordinator and Park Manager at our local Blythewood Park. These jobs have
given me the opportunity to work and serve the public on various projects and
events. I have gained valuable experience that will be very helpful as I serve
as your Town Council member.
In addition to my work experience, I also serve on the HOA
advisory board for Cobblestone Park. I have served in this role for 3 years.
This role has given me insight into the growth that is coming to Blythewood in
the next decade. It has showed me the importance of planning for growth so our
current community can handle the changes it will bring.
There are three main issues for Blythewood that I believe
are important to focus on in the coming years.
Dealing with the expected growth and development over the next 5-10 years.
There is no doubt that Blythewood is a growing town. Growth
is a great thing for the community and the surrounding area. However, I believe
we need a plan in place to handle this growth. Right now the infrastructure we
have in the Town of Blythewood will not be able to handle the amount of
projected growth. Even with the planned
projects from the Penny Tax, our roads and infrastructure in Blythewood are not
capable of handling 2-3 more massive subdivisions and 1,300 acres of industrial
development. We need to address our infrastructure before we move forward with
the growth that is planned.
Renewal of the water contract with Winnsboro.
The Town of Blythewood’s current water contract is coming up
for renegotiation with the Winnsboro Water Department. This current contract
was signed about twenty years ago. I would love to see Blythewood review what
we currently pay and research to see if there are other water sources
available. We currently pay out of
county rates to the Winnsboro Water Department. I believe we should look for a
way to lower our fees for water with our next contract.
Hospitality Tax and Accommodation Tax and the events they support
Blythewood has a Hospitality and an Accommodations Tax to
help support our town and community events.
I want to see these used to continue to provide new events to meet the
needs of our growing community. I would
like to have committees to review the support for events and make necessary
changes. By celebrating old traditions
and creating new lasting memories we will make Blythewood strong as we move
into the future.
As your town Council Member, I will work hard for the Town
of Blythewood.
Donald Brock, 39
Brock
When my family moved to Blythewood a few years ago, we moved
to a community. We moved into a
community that takes pride in their town, one where people are friendly and
helpful; a community that welcomed us with open arms and has given me an
opportunity to serve the common good. As
a father of three, my children are being raised in Blythewood, establishing
their roots in a community that appreciates integrity, hard-work and family
values, and for me, there are no better qualities for a community to have. I was fortunate enough to be appointed to the
Blythewood Planning Commission in September 2016 and in December 2017, I was
elected Chairman. While I truly love
this opportunity to serve the town, I would like to take the next step and
serve as a member of Town Council.
As a member of Town Council, it is without question my duty
to protect this community. It is my duty
to protect Blythewood from those who would seek to profit at the community’s
expense. Whether it’s national builders
who want to develop high density neighborhoods or County Council looking to rob
Blythewood of the qualities that make it wonderful, we all need leaders who are
willing to draw a line in the sand and say “No, this will not happen in our
town!” The last two years as Planning
Commission Chairman show that I am willing and able to draw that line. Blythewood has a charm and elegance that we
must not allow to be lost to overdevelopment.
As a member of Town Council, it’s imperative that we
maximize the use of one of our finest assets:
Doko Meadows. We have an amazing
park, amphitheater, and one of the best facilities in the northeast, Doko
Manor. Doko Meadows can be a key piece
in the growth and prosperity of the town, hosting world-class concerts,
festivals and family-friendly events that will attract visitors from beyond the
greater Blythewood area. I look forward
to working with local event promoters, such as Bravo Blythewood and the
Blythewood Chamber of Commerce, to increase visibility of current events and
bring new and exciting events to our town.
As a member of Town Council, I feel it is my responsibility
to advocate for a top-notch health, recreation and wellness facility, one
that’s owned and controlled by the Town.
I envision an all-in-one complex, one that includes sports and recreational
activities that will be beneficial for all residents, not just our youth.
As One Blythewood, we need to oversee our town and our
town’s future, not relinquish control to outsiders who would simply use us as a
profit engine. We have to develop a
top-notch health, recreation and wellness complex to serve the greater
community. Finally, we must continue to
enhance the resources we have by supporting the current events at Doko Meadows
and promoting new events and opportunities that can truly showcase Blythewood’s
true charm. I am asking for your support
to make these visions a reality.
As One Blythewood, we need to oversee our town and our town’s future, not relinquish control to outsiders who would simply use us as a profit engine. We have to develop a top-notch health, recreation and wellness complex to serve the greater community. Finally, we must continue to enhance the resources we have by supporting the current events at Doko Meadows and promoting new events and opportunities that can truly showcase Blythewood’s true charm. I am asking for your support to make these visions a reality.
Sloan Griffin, 33
Hello, my name is Sloan J. Griffin III, and I’m seeking your
support for Blythewood Town Council. My wife, our Pomeranian and I are
residents of Cobblestone and we attend church at The Brook. I worked in
Blythewood during the 2015 floods while deployed with FEMA and ate every day at
Lizards Thicket, Carolina Wings and Scotties. I said after returning home, one
day I’ll move to Blythewood buy my first home and start a family. Here I am
today a proud resident of Blythewood, married, expecting our first child and
serving you all as a member of the Blythewood Planning Commission.
I started my professional career in public service as a
firefighter in June of 2005. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency
Management (Magna Cum Laude) from Kaplan University. Currently employed by
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control as an Emergency
Preparedness Coordinator II and currently serving on the Town of Blythewood
Planning Commission.
September, 2016 I was awarded the SCDHEC’s highest
operations award for “Excellence in Leadership and Service” and honored by
Governor Nikki Haley during a private luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion. The
award wa for training and designing an emergency management system for our
federal and state-recognized Native American tribal nations.
In addition, throughout my career I have served our great
citizens in other capacities as a Firefighter, Fire Marshal, Fire Captain, Operation
Chief, Public safety officer, and with the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) as a Planning Section Chief Reservist, Since 2005 I’ve responded to
thousands of emergency calls, trained hundreds, deployed over 10 times with the
state of South Carolina (Latest one Hurricane Dorian) and over 6 times
nationally with FEMA (most recent deployment to Hurricane Harvey to lead
strategic operational planning as Planning Section Chief for Houston, TX)
I hope to continue to serve you by taking the next step and,
with your vote on November 5, OUR goals are:
Public Safety Improvements
Environmental & Clean Energy Policies
Arts & Culture
Smart Growth & Jobs Creation
Open Transparency
It’s time for a better and smarter Blythewood, a Blythewood
that listens and delivers. Let’s make Blythewood safe and environmentally
friendly, let’s celebrate our history of arts and culture, let’s create jobs
that provide growth in our homes, and let’s have a local government that
responds to your needs. With my willingness to not only listen but to get
results and my outlook to drive for a smarter future puts me in the perfect
position to serve you all as your next Town Council member.
I invite everyone to visit www.SloanGriffin.org and like my
Facebook page. Vote for Sloan J Griffin III “Blythewood Town Council” or
contact me at (864) 377-2120 and email at sloanjarvisgriffin@yahoo.com.
Thank you for your support.
Taylor
Blythewood Town Council candidate Marcus Taylor did not respond to The Voice’s request for comments for this issue.
WINNSBORO – On Feb. 11, at the third council meeting of
2019, County Councilman Moses Bell listened intently to a presentation about a
new farmers market.
When the presentation ended, Bell voiced his support for the
farmers market work and praised County Administrator Jason Taylor for the
county’s participation in it.
“The building, Mr. Taylor, is a really nice building. I’ll
tell you what, all that work that’s gone on at that building is just really
representative… a really good job,” Bell said.
“When I was talking to the people there, they were saying
that it might be [used] for some other activities,” Bell continued. “Talk a bit
about that piece because I think the county needs to know. That’s a good deal.”
At Monday’s meeting, however, Bell’s tone shifted
dramatically.
Instead of showering the farmers market with praise, he
sided with two former county employees, Jackie Workman and Tony Armstrong,
calling for an investigation into how the market was funded and accusing Taylor
of missuse of funds.
The farmers market expenditures totaled about $162,000,
though $30,000 came from a Walmart donation for economic development.
Bell said he thought Taylor should have secured council
approval before spending any county money. He accused Taylor of circumventing
procurement rules by funding the farmers market incrementally instead of as a
lump sum project.
“It appears that our county administrator may have spent
money on the farmers market, over $130,000, without council approval,” he said.
“It appears our county administrator may have also violated procurement code policies
right under the nose of this county council.”
No Violation of Rules
But according to documents obtained by The Voice through a
Freedom of Information request and Fairfield County’s own procurement code,
Taylor didn’t violate any rules.
The procurement code does not require council approval for
any purchases under $25,000. Only two farmer’s market-related purchases
exceeded $10,000 and none came close to $25,000, documents show.
“Purchases in amount [sic] up to $15,000 – can be approved
by Director of Procurement,” the code states. “Purchases in excess of $25,000
must be approved by the County Council.”
The code does not specify who’s responsible for authorizing
expenditures between $15,000 and $25,000, nor does it prohibit the county
administrator from unilaterally making individual purchases for the same
project.
“So the administrator can spend up to $25,000 without
approval?” Trapp asked Council Chairman Neil Robinson.
“We brought this up in the past, about two years ago to
amend that [procurement code] to say ‘projects’ over $25,000 instead of
‘purchases’ over $25,000. We can clear up a lot of things if we want to change
it,” Robinson said.
“So you were within your authority according to the
procurement manual?” Robinson asked.
“Yes,” Taylor answered, “but I would suggest you might want
to change that. We could recommend any project exceeding $25,000 has to come
before council.”
“Well, I guess we could get together and work on changing
that,” Robinson said.
Trapp Claims Racism
Money wasn’t the only
thing driving farmers market opposition Monday night.
Councilman Mikel Trapp also attacked the farmers market,
which he said had promoted racial profiling, though he did not elaborate.
“It is not for everyone. It is for a select few,” Trapp
said.
Other council members disagreed, throwing their support
behind the farmers market.
“The farmers market is used by everyone,” said Councilman
Jimmy Ray Douglas. “It’s not used by a certain family or sect. It’s used by
everybody, and everybody loves it. I don’t understand why such a big thing is
being made of it. That’s not right. This thing needs to be put to rest.”
Councilwoman Bertha Goins said uproar over the farmers
market reminds her of verbal attacks made against Brandt Jean, the 18-year-old
Texas man who hugged the police officer recently convicted of killing his
brother.
On both instances, she said, people are being unjustly
attacked for doing the right thing.
“I want to thank the administrator,” she said, turning
toward Taylor. “Not long ago, people were saying ‘thank you. We appreciate you.
You’re doing a good job,’” Goins said. “But when they don’t agree with you, the
knives come out.”
Trapp said he didn’t even know about the farmers market
until the ribbon cutting ceremony in May. But that’s also not true.
He can be seen in attendance on the video of the Feb. 11
council meeting when the farmers market was discussed for approximately 15
minutes.
Trapp also attended a county council retreat on April 13,
where Taylor gave another report about the farmers market, and members of
council also discussed it at length. There are other videos of council meetings
as well where the renovation of the market building was discussed openly.
“Economic development brings jobs. Community development
makes people who get those jobs want to stay here and spend their paychecks
here. And that’s what the Farmers Market and the Market parking lot are about,”
Taylor said at the retreat.
The candidates for Blythewood mayor present their plans and platforms.
Bailey
Keith Bailey, 60
A Blythewood resident for 23 years, I was born in
Nassawadox, VA. I am a military child with roots all over the world. I received a B.S. Degree in Business
Management from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University) in Hampton, VA, in
1981. As a commissioned second
lieutenant in the United States Army, I served honorably as an active duty
officer for over 22 years, receiving several commendatory awards including
qualification status for Airborne Ranger.
I’ve served in several public service offices here in South
Carolina, including: Mayor of Blythewood
(2008-2012); Blythewood Town Council (2004-2008); Deputy Director for A Better
Way’s “Project G.O.” (Gang Out), an
organization focused on cleaning up gang activity in SC neighborhoods; Vice
Chair of the Board of Directors for Hopes of Higher Education, a non-profit
organization that bridges the educational gap from high school to college for
foster children who reached age of maturity; Co-founder of the Blythewood Youth
Football and Cheer League, an organization that teaches leadership,
followership and team building to youth between the ages of eight and twelve
and served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Francis Burns United
Methodist Church.
I am proud of my record as a public servant of Blythewood.
During my term as mayor, the town government:
Planned and implemented what, today, is Blythewood’s crown jewel – The Manor and Doko Meadows Park
Assisted in transitioning the Blythewood Business Coalition into the Greater Blythewood Chamber of Commerce.
Assisted in establishing the Blythewood Historical Society.
Brought the Rodeo and the Diamond Invitational Baseball Tournament to Blythewood
Welcomed five new businesses to town due to economic enterprise
Beautified Exit 27 (bridge area over I-77) with trees and flowering shrubs.
Negotiated a $450,000 settlement for the Town with SCE&G
Annexed the Google property and over 2000 additional acres into Town limits
Established a recycling point in the town
Developed walking trails in the park
Brought attractive directional signage to the town
Created kiosks on Main Street and at Town Hall to promote town events
During my time as mayor of Blythewood, many of the major
attractions and events in the town were implemented, and many traditions were
started. There is more to governing a municipality than making legislative
decisions pertaining to zoning and ordinances.
I feel it’s important to make life better, more enjoyable and more
fulfilling for those who live, work and play here.
While our previous
accomplishments continue to enhance the town, there is work still to be done.
We do not have enough ball fields. We have traffic congestion and uncontrolled
residential growth. We need to continue working toward road and infrastructure
improvements. And we need to make the best use of our gift from travelers that
keeps on giving – the A-tax and H-tax revenue.
Governing the town is not a new experience for me. If I am
fortunate enough to be elected to serve again, I will continue a vision and a
plan that have proven successful.
With your vote and my experience, together we can continue
to move Blythewood forward.
Franklin
Brian Franklin, 51
I was raised in Blythewood and attended Richland School
District 2 schools here. I graduated from The Citadel as a Distinguished
Military Graduate in 1990, and became an Army Officer. I served for 24 years,
deployed to combat three times, was awarded a Combat Action Badge and two
Bronze Stars, and after serving honorably, retired back to my hometown. Although we met thousands of people around
the world, the unbeatable character, hospitality and hard-working people of
Blythewood called us back home to raise our kids. Of our eight children, five
are still at home with us here in Blythewood (not for too much longer!).
After earning two Master’s Degrees [in Health Administration
(Chapman University) and Strategic Studies (U.S. Army War College)], I turned
to public service. I served on the Blythewood Planning Commission, was elected
Chairman, and later became elected as a Town Councilman (2014-2019). Today, I
proudly serve you as a Councilman, and I now want to employ my leadership to
accomplish my five-pillar vision for Blythewood as your next Mayor:
Engineer smart growth. We must own the new Richland County industrial park expansion, widen our local roads, keep developers in check, and get our traffic problem under control now. We must be vocal and involved in all construction in the Greater Blythewood Area.
Build Partnerships. We must reestablish our relationship with the Greater Blythewood Chamber of Commerce to work with area businesses to build a better future with public-private partnerships. Better relations with the County Council and Recreation Commission are also paramount.
Provide for our Citizens. Now is the time to procure land and build a state-of-the-art sports complex. This facility will also host many family and senior activities which are badly needed in Blythewood today. Simultaneously, we have to build sidewalks to connect our neighborhood and facilities. As I see it, a person living anywhere in town should be able to walk, bike or drive a golf cart all the way to Town Hall on a safe, lighted sidewalk.
Be disciplined. I will enforce our ordinances. If a developer tries to shortcut a project, or clear-cut acres of land only to let it sit idle, there must be consequences. “Woods” are what make Blythe“wood” unique and must be properly maintained when possible within these subdivisions.
Act boldly. I propose we put a referendum on next year’s ballot and offer our neighbors a voluntary opportunity to join us in the Town of Blythewood. Blythewood should include nearly all of the 29016 zip code boundary. Join together or prepare for the City of Columbia to move northward as the population continues to grow.
Ladies and Gentlemen, we must stand up and control our
growth while modernizing our facilities and services. Together we can build a
great new vision on our already solid foundation (kudos to outgoing Mayor Mike
Ross for a job well done). I would appreciate your vote on November 5th– Vote
Bryan Franklin for Mayor of Blythewood.
Call or text 803.800.3922. Thank you.
Gordge
Malcom Gordge, 71
Four years ago I was honored to be elected as a member of
Blythewood Town Council. It has been an extraordinary and rewarding experience
for me and I feel I can build upon that experience and serve Blythewood’s
residents as its Mayor.
My career with Spirax Sarco as Engineering Manager gave me
the opportunity to travel throughout the world giving me a broad perspective of
life and interacting with people to identify opportunities and solve
problems. Since retiring, I have found
that my life-time of experience has been of value in serving the Town as a
Councilman and chairing the Planning Commission before that. I also serve my
local neighborhood as a director of Ashley Oaks HOA and both my wife Emily and
I volunteer our time to the School Improvement Council for Muller Road Middle
School.
Having lived in Ashley Oaks since 2004 I have seen the
effect of unprecedented growth in the Blythewood area and this was the main
issue that concerned me and my neighbors and caused me to become active in the
affairs of the Town. I am not against development per se but it should achieve
at least one of two things: fulfill a need of the Town or improve the quality
of life for the residents of Blythewood.
In my view, Blythewood has far exceeded reasonable
residential growth and is at risk of losing the very assets that make
Blythewood a great place to live in, raise families and appreciate one another.
As Mayor I will do whatever is possible to preserve our
rural zones. The Town’s Zoning Ordinance is in need of simplifying and updating
and I will ensure that review takes place with your input.
I have been an active member of the Transportation Penny
Advisory Committee for Richland County to ensure that the $29 million allocated
to Blythewood is realized for the road improvements that will benefit everyone
using the roads in our Town.
In addition to the Richland Penny Program, I represent the
Town at the Central Midlands Council of Government and negotiated a cost
sharing study for a Traffic Improvement Plan for the Blythewood area which looks
at the road improvements needed for the traffic volume we are likely to see in
twenty years time.
Our Comprehensive Plan is due for an overhaul as we approach
the next decade and I am excited about driving that initiative forward. This is
particularly important with the 2020 Census approaching. Every resident needs
to complete the census so that Blythewood receives the full Federal funding it
is entitled to and make it work for us.
My vision is for an inclusive Blythewood that values its
cultural history and recognizes the value of all citizens. I have been proud to
chair the Committee for Black History month for the last three years and have
seen the value of this event which will continue to grow and develop.
As Mayor, I shall work diligently for you and for the good
of Blythewood.
BLYTHEWOOD – After much discussion among town and county
officials, the five members of the Blythewood Town Council voted unanimously
Wednesday to approve zoning for the remainder of a 1,300-acre site that
Richland County plans to turn into an industrial park.
The project site, located just west of Interstate 77 with
access points in the heart of Blythewood, has spurred controversy because of
anticipated traffic congestion and other impacts. But the council members said
they and county officials had reached a good compromise in a series of meetings.
“This is the way America should work,” said Mayor J. Michael
Ross shortly after the meeting began, referring to the process that he said
took into account both localities as well as the concerns expressed by the
public. “I’m proud of the town of Blythewood working this way – unlike
Washington, D.C.”
The vote took place Oct. 2 in a Wednesday morning special
called meeting. It was rescheduled after it had been announced at a prior
meeting that the vote would be taken on Monday, Sept. 30. Significantly fewer
opponents of the project were in attendance at the Wednesday meeting than had
attended previous regularly scheduled meetings on the issue.
Project details are spelled out in a declaration of
covenants, conditions and restrictions that includes what town leaders call a
key concession – veto power for a town representative (appointed by town
council) over several areas of the project. This person will sit on the
project’s design review committee along with two people appointed by the
county.
“Two members appointed by Richland County and one by the
town council. But this member gets a veto authority on eight different line
items,” said Town Councilman Bryan Franklin.
He said the veto power is important, as it represents an
assurance that Blythewood will have a say in the project as it moves forward.
He said the plan agreed upon was a compromise of “mutual respect.”
Richland County Councilman Calvin “Chip” Jackson was in
attendance and addressed the town council, expressing confidence that the
project as currently conceived would protect the livability of the Blythewood
community while building for the future – and that the industrial park would be
as good as any anywhere.
“I chair the economic development committee for Richland
County Council,” he said, “and in that role and that capacity, I want to make
sure that any development that’s occurring anywhere in our county represents
the best interest of development, it represents the best interest of our
county, it represents the best interest of our citizens and also of our
community.”
A couple of audience members also spoke against the project
during the public comment portion of the meeting, the final reading for
approval of the project which had previously divided the council 3-2.
“A disaster awaits the residents,” warned former town
councilman Tom Utroska. “I’ve done traffic planning for 45 years, and this is
not well thought out.”
Before voting for approval, the town council members spoke
about it in the context of broad issues: Blythewood’s past planning and current
growth trajectory, both of which they say dictate this type of development for
a site that’s for sale and well-situated in relation to infrastructure and transportation.
Town Councilman Malcolm Gordge said the town’s master plan
has included development of the site for a decade – and, as an opportunity and
economic climate emerged that enabled a plan to solidify, town officials had to
take a hard look at what kind of development would bring the biggest advantage
to the town.
“We don’t know what’s going to be within the park itself,”
he said, “but with the indications from the economic development council, the
plan looks far, far better to me than an intense residential development that
could add another 2,000 homes in that area, which would be the worst of all
things.”
Town Councilman Larry Griffin echoed the reality: whatever
type of development is done on the land – whether business or residential – it
will increase traffic. But Griffin, a lifelong Blythewood resident, said
ultimately growth has been a good thing.
“This is not perfect,” he said of the plan, “but I want you
to understand – you talk about change, and you talk about growth – you’re
talking to the wrong person here, because I’ve seen changes and growth that you
can’t believe.
“When you say, ‘I want to see Blythewood the way it used to
be’ – no, you don’t,” he said. “You want to see Blythewood the way you see it
and the way you moved to it. That’s not what it used to be…. Somewhere along
the line, you’ve got to trust this council that we may be doing the right
thing.”
In reference to the traffic issue, Ross said the potential
traffic snarl near Exit 27 will be solved by common sense, as both truck drivers
and employees who work in the park choose a different entrance and exit point
less bogged down by Blythewood commuters accessing the Interstate.
Also, he said, a planned road widening project will include
a traffic circle in front of the Cobblestone Park community to keep traffic
flowing smoothly.
“This is not going to be Killian Road,” he said. “There’s
not going to be car dealerships on these corners. There’s not going to be a
Walmart. You can’t put those there. We have ordinances against that.”
WINNSBORO – Fairfield Promise, a program designed to allow
qualifying students to attend college at no cost, is moving forward without
participation from Fairfield County Council — at least for the time being.
At last week’s Fairfield County school board meeting,
Superintendent Dr. J.R. Green announced that 24 students are participating in
the inaugural Promise Program class.
Twenty-one graduated from Fairfield Central High School. Two
from Richard Winn Academy and the other from a virtual charter school.
“I anticipate we’ll see the number of students [attending]
even higher next year,” he said, calling this year’s class “an excellent
start.”
Green has previously estimated that it would cost $150,000
to launch the Promise Program. The initial vision was for the county and school
district to each pitch in matching $75,000 appropriations.
On July 8, the school district, the county council and Midlands Tech signed a Memorandum of Understanding, or MOU, pledging to work together to craft a formal joint agreement.
In the end, however, the school district and county signed separate agreements with Midlands Tech.
The school district had already put together its version of
the Promise Program agreement, voting June 4 to fund it and finalizing its
approval on July 16.
Fairfield County approved its version of the contract on
Aug. 12, voting to “approve the [school district’s] Promise Program agreement
with amendments,”
The county’s contract has not yet been approved by Midlands
Tech.
Neil Robinson, chairman of Fairfield County Council, said
that while the school district is doling out a $75,000 lump sum payment, the
county has asked to be billed as needed.
“We’re pulling money from two different pots (the school
district and the county},” Robinson said. “From the council’s perspective, a
majority of us wanted more accountability.”
“The main thing here is kids are going to school for free,”
Robinson said.
The Voice sought a copy of the county’s version of the
contract under the state’s open records law, but the county said it couldn’t
comply, citing the lack of final approval [by Midlands Tech.]
“The Promise Program contract has not been executed by all
parties,” County Attorney Tommy Morgan wrote in a response letter. “Therefore,
the County is unable to provide those documents at this time pursuant to [state
law].”
Councilman Douglas Pauley said he supports the pay-as-you-go
method as opposed to paying a lump sum.
“We have not given our $75,000 yet,” Pauley said. “When they
send us a bill with how many kids they’ve got, then we’ll cut them a check.”
Green said the district moved forward on its own. He
wouldn’t discuss the school district’s position on the county’s amendments, but
acknowledged the county isn’t yet bound by the contract until it is approved by
Midlands Tech.
“I will defer to the county on their positions on specific
amendments,” Green said.
A recent Fairfield County school newspaper article stated that Green said the
Promise Program wouldn’t require taxpayer support.
Green said the school newspaper was in error.
“A student journalist covered the meeting and incorrectly
stated that tax dollars would not be used to fund the program,” he said via
email.
At the May 14 school board meeting, during second reading of
the 2019-2020 budget, the district announced the inclusion of $75,000 for the
Promise Program, according to school board documents.
Green has previously said he hoped the district could
establish an endowment to fund the Promise Program.
“Ultimately, we may try to get to that point,” Green said.
“But initially we [the school district and county] are funding it through our
respective budgets.”
