City of Gaffney officials off to Greenville for three-day workshop
By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com

"I'm looking forward to this with great anticipation. I'm going with a positive attitude." - Gaffney Mayor Henry Jolly

Instead of squabbling, Gaffney Mayor Henry Jolly hopes Gaffney City Council members can come together in a spirit of cooperation at a 3-day workshop in Greenville.

"I'm looking forward to this with great anticipation," Jolly said. "I'm going with a positive attitude."

Jolly said the purpose of the workshop is to "prioritize council projects to improve the quality of life for city residents."

Council members are expected to have a healthy debate on a number of topics, including the proposed performing arts center and the installation of security cameras at city parks.

In February, the Building and Grounds Committee agreed to acquire two buildings to renovate them into a cultural events center with the Gaffney Little Theater as the primary tenant.

But, by a 4-3 vote, council voted down the recommendation to the chagrin of Gaffney Little Theater supporters who packed council chambers. Council members will discuss the issue again at Thursday's session of the workshop.

The Ledger reported earlier this month that city officials were eyeing deploying security cameras at city parks. Jolly has said he would like to see the city deploy the security cameras in the downtown area as well.

Gaffney Administrator James Taylor is expected to present a cost estimate for the security devices during his presentation on the topic at 11:35 a.m. Thursday.

Jolly welcomed council members to the workshop during his opening remarks today at 10 a.m.

After an update on council's priorities during 2006 and 2007, council members received a community development update from city engineer Scott Keller.

Keller also addressed council on the city's stormwater system in an afternoon session.

Council heard from Appalachian Council of Governments planner Chip Bentley on the creation of an architectural review board and standards before adjourning for dinner at 5 p.m.

The workshop resumes Thursday at 9 a.m. with a briefing on the old post office building project. The busy morning session also includes updates on the city's hospitality tax, the drought and the proposed security cameras project.

The afternoon session highlights include a legal opinion from city attorney Fulton Ross concerning sexually oriented businesses and tattoo and piercing parlors, a report on the Clemson University downtown study and a discussion of future projects, such as the construction of bike paths and building of the Stuard Street Extension.

The workshop concludes Friday with a wrap-up session and report from Greenville City Police Department Corporal Craig Gardner on gang-related activity.