The Public Works, Buildings and Grounds Committee of Spartanburg County Council met on Monday, July 24, 2000, in Conference Room Two of the County Administrative Office Building. The following were in attendance: Honorable Frank Nutt, Chairman; Honorables Jeff Horton and Rock Adams, Committee Members; along with the Honorables Karen Floyd, Ken Huckaby, Johnnye Code Stewart and David Britt, Council Members. Also in attendance were Mr. James K. Hartmann, County Administrator; Mr. Bill Dennis, Deputy County Administrator; Mr. Glenn Breed, Assistant County Administrator; and Mr. Edwin Haskell, Assistant County Attorney.

In compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, notice of this meeting was provided in advance to local news media and other interested parties.

Chairman Nutt called the meeting to order.

1. Mayor White of the Town of Cowpens appeared relative to paving Courtney Road. The Mayor stated that he needs an additional $13,000 to fund this project. Courtney Road is located within the Town of Cowpens, but is county maintained. After discussing this matter, the Mayor was referred to the County Transportation Committee to inquire about funds that might be available to assist him with this project.
2. Mr. David Pepper appeared to request that the Palmetto Landfill be granted a variance to the tonnage limit. If Council approves this request, it must also be approved by DHEC. Mr. Pepper stated that the size of the landfill will not increase, that the life of the landfill will be shortened slightly, and the odors will be no worse if this request is approved. He stated that he does not anticipate an increase in truck traffic, nor does he anticipate an increase in dust. Mr. Pepper stated that 60% of the trash that goes to the landfill is generated within Spartanburg County. Ms. Floyd stated that she is opposed to the variance request because it would set a poor precedent; because it would only shorten the life of the landfill by one month; and because there is too much out of county and out of state waste being brought in.

Mr. Gary Poliakoff appeared on behalf of the residents in the area of Palmetto Landfill. He stated that this request is detrimental to the County and to the two neighborhoods surrounding the landfill. He said that County Council is being asked to create the largest dump in the state. No other dumps in the state are in residential areas. Mr. Poliakoff stated that although there will be no increase in the size or height of the landfill, the stench would be much worse. The methane rate would be more than double the allowable rate. He also noted that Palmetto has purchased more property in the vicinity and he believes they have plans to expand. He reviewed numerous documents provided by DHEC that he believes show that the Palmetto Landfill is a sloppy operation.

Due to a lack of time, this item carried over to full Council at 5:30 p.m. meeting.

3. This item carried over to full Council at 5:30 p.m. meeting.
4. This item carried over to full Council at 5:30 p.m. meeting.
5. Information was received regarding activities of Public Works Departments. No action taken.