By: Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer
Woodruff City Council members approved the second reading of a proposed agreement with Duke Energy and the first reading to annex eight new parcels into the city for another proposed housing development.
City Manager Lee Bailey brought the second reading of an item to approve a municipal service agreement with Duke Energy. The agreement would provide the utility with access to rights-of-way and conduct work on city streets to repair lines, run new lines, and conduct other routine maintenance without getting approval from the city.
As part of the 10-year agreement, the city will receive a five percent franchise fee from Duke Energy of all gross sales within the city limits. The agreement is in line with other municipalities in the upstate and the previous agreement between Duke Energy and the city. Council members unanimously approved the agreement, which will move forward.
In other business, the council unanimously approved six items related to the same potential project. The council approved two items to accept a petition for annexation for a parcel on West Georgia Street and seven parcels adjacent to the first.
According to Bailey, the parcels are under contract to a developer planning a housing development on the land. The parcels were heard separately as there are two different current owners of the properties.
In addition to the annexation petition, council members also unanimously approved the first reading of the annexation ordinance and the zoning request for the eight parcels, which will both return to the council for second readings at their May meeting.
During business updates, Bailey shared information with the council regarding the city’s efforts to redevelop part of the property near the former Mills Mill. According to the city manager, bids for demolishing the church on the grounds and building a playground came in above expected due to the presence of asbestos that will have to be safely abated. Bailey told the council that the funds currently available for the project were provided by a federal grant. Staff is looking into adjusting the grant to apply it toward the demolition and abatement. The playground development will be put on hold until further funds can be found.
The next city council meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, May 25, and Tuesday, June 29, at 5:30 p.m. at city hall. If you are interested in presenting at the meeting, fill out the request to appear form on the city’s website at http://www.cityofwoodruff.com/woodruff_city_council.
Author: Tracy Sanders
