"As Greer is expanding we need to look for opportunities to offer our citizens expanded services. Parks and Recreation needs land and this is an opportunity for us to acquire it," Mayor Rick Danner said.
Should Greer purchase the property, adjustments will have to made to the 2011-2012 fiscal budget since it is a new expenditure.
Greer is showing signs of growth outside the city perimeter. "We must anticipate that growth," Danner said.
Ann Cunningham, Director of Parks and Recreation, last month presented her 2011 report on her department which described parks and recreation facilities and programs being at or near 100 percent capacity.
There were six state tournaments held in Greer last year. Cunningham reported there were approximately 140,000 visitors with an estimated economic impact of $265,000 to the city. Athletic participation was up to 2,000 with baseball at its ceiling. Soccer was up to five divisions from its previous three.
JUSTICE OK'S REDISTRICTING: During council's regular session City Administrator Ed Driggers reported the Justice Department returned the city's redistricting plan without objections. That moves city elections, postponed last November for redistricting, forward. Municipal elections appear to be headed toward July or August. The June primary prohibits local elections to be held that month. Greenville and Spartanburg counties will decide when funding allows council and mayoral elections.
DISCHARGING FIREARMS REVISITED: Councilman Jay Arrowood reopened discussion on the ordinance prohibiting discharging firearms in the city. A property owner requested a moratorium or amendment to the ordinance to eliminate squirrels on his property interfering with his harvesting of his pecan trees. Arrowood suggested council consider means to control other wild animals declared as nusiance or threatening homeowners.
Councilwoman Judy Albert said she saw a coyote near Century Park, suggesting more wild animals are roaming the city. Last year there were two bear sightings near Wade Hampton Blvd.
Council did not suggest any new amendments but agreed to reopen discussion at a later session.
"CITIES MEAN BUSINESS": Allen Smith, President and CEO of the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce, and John Mansure, Board Chairman, received a proclamation from council declaring February as "Cities Mean Business" month. Smith reviewed the chamber's 2011 accomplishments and 2012 goals. Smith mentioned the "Keep the Green in Greer" gift cards have produced $47,610. That money guarantees purchases will be made to businesses who are Greer Chamber members.
In other action Council approved:
• Resolution to update the City of Greer Bloodborne Pathogene standard to comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements. 6-0. Kimberly Bookert absent.
• Fire Chief Chris Harvey's application for a personnel grant providing funding for the salaries and benefits of up to four additional fire personnel without any obligation the first two years. The federal funding likely wouldn't start until the city's 2012-2013 fiscal year. Harvey said the grant requested him to check a block that read: Have you discussed the grant with your governing board. 5-1. Lee Dumas voted no. Kimberly Bookert, arriving late, abstained.
• Resolution finding that redevelopment projects for the Suber Road Soccer Complex, Town Center Drive, and the Piedmont Plaza are of benefit to the Chick Springs Road Redevelopment Project Area and should be included as part of the Chick Springs Road Redevelopment Plan.
• Hanging 20 banners throughout downtown in August in recognition of Greenville Technical College's 50th anniversary. 7-0.
• Intergovernmental agreement with Spartanburg County to answer 911 calls on parcels of land adjacent to city of Greer. These parcels are not annexed in the city but receive city services. 7-0.
• Intergovernmental agreement with Spartanburg County to answer 911 calls in Victor Mill area. This area is not within the city limits.