The York County Council Meeting on January 21, 2025, covered a wide range of topics, including personnel recognitions, public forum concerns, zoning ordinance amendments, rezoning cases, and new business.
Personnel Recognitions:
- Deputy Ray Feer: Recognized for his 33 years of service with the York County Sheriff’s Office, particularly his 17 years as a School Resource Officer. He was praised for his positive impact on children and his dedication to community safety.
- Sheriff Kevin Tolson: Honored for his 33 years of service to York County, including his time as a patrolman, investigator, and Sheriff. He was commended for his leadership, particularly during challenging times like Detective Dodd’s death and the COVID-19 pandemic. He was also recognized for his numerous public service contributions.
Public Forum:
- Ray Weber: Chairman of the Lake Wylie Marine Commission, addressed the council about the need for funding to combat an invasive species in Lake Wylie. He estimated the cost to be approximately $18,000 per year for at least four years.
- Ashley Horn: Expressed concerns about the development of a heavy industrial plant near new schools in Fort Mill. She argued that the plant poses a safety hazard and violates zoning regulations.
- Sandy Brown: Requested a family exemption to allow her daughter to build on her property.
- Pam Massie, and Lori & Bob Lucky : Spoke in favor of case number 2459, a proposed rezoning for a dredging business on Lake Wylie. They cited the need for dredging services to maintain the lake’s quality and accessibility for boat owners.
Zoning Ordinance Amendments:
- Parking & Storage of Vehicles: The council approved an amendment to allow tractor-trailer trucks and containers to be stored outdoors for use in bona fide farming operations in agricultural, cultural residential, and urban development districts. This change aimed to address concerns raised by farmers regarding storage restrictions.
- Land Development Code: The council approved an amendment to clarify the level of service requirements for different street classifications and modify the minimum level of service for egress movements. This aimed to address concerns that the existing requirements were too stringent.
Rezoning Cases:
- Case 2452 (Tax Map Number 464-000019): Approved rezoning from AGC to RUD for a 3.02-acre parcel in District 2.
- Case 2457 (Tax Map Number 257-000008): Approved rezoning from AGC to RUD for a 7-acre parcel in District 3, with discussion about family exemptions and the potential for future changes to the zoning ordinance.
- Case 2458 (Tax Map Number 529-00061): Approved rezoning from AGC to RUD for a 5.2-acre parcel in District 4, with discussion about consistency in applying the comprehensive plan and potential impacts on neighboring properties.
- Case 2459 (Tax Map Number 561-00022): Approved rezoning from RMX2 to LI for a 1.47-acre parcel in District 2, with a condition to add a deed restriction limiting the use to dredging and compatible activities.
- Case 2461 (Tax Map Numbers 713-000143 through 216): Deferred rezoning from RSF40 to RMX1 for two parcels totaling 71 acres in District 7.
- Case 2462: Approved rezoning 48 parcels to one zoning district to remove their existing split-zone status in District 3, with discussion about non-conforming uses and communication with property owners. (This case appears to involve multiple parcels along Sandifer Road, between Turkey Creek and Chester Highway.)
New Business:
- Pennies 5 Progress: The council approved a $20 million loan from the general fund to jump-start Pennies 5 progress, with the goal of expediting road resurfacing projects.
- Parks & Recreation: The council approved additional personnel and capital expenditures related to the funds allocated in the fiscal year 25 Parks administrative budget. This aimed to implement the recommendations of the Parks Master Plan and ensure adequate staffing for existing parks.
The meeting concluded with committee reports, council member comments, and executive session discussions.
