The Fort Mill Town Council meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025, covered a range of topics including a fire department promotional ceremony, updates to development impact fees, acceptance of new subdivision streets, a proposed moratorium on residential development, and discussions regarding a York County recreation tax, concluding with multiple items discussed in executive session. The meeting took place at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at 205 N. White Street, Fort Mill, SC 29715.
The meeting was called to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation.
Minutes: The minutes from the April 28, 2025, Council Meeting, and the May 5 and May 12, 2025, Council Workshops were approved as submitted.
Public Comment:
No citizens had signed up to speak during the public comment period. The procedure for public comment was reiterated, stating that citizens must sign in prior to the meeting and are allotted three minutes to speak on any municipal matter except personnel matters.
Presentation:
- Presentation #1: Fort Mill Fire Department Promotional Ceremony – Chief Wilkerson
- Chief Wilkerson recognized recent administrative and operations staff promotions, including Deputy Fire Marshal Wolfram, Captain Thomas Varjabian, Captain Christopher Jones, Captain Quinton Harris, and Battalion Chief William Jenkins.
- The Chief explained the responsibilities of each position, highlighting the critical role they play in public and responder safety, commercial occupancy inspections, fire hydrant maintenance, and overall community risk reduction.
- This ceremony establishes a new tradition to recognize promotions within the department.
Old Business:
- Old Business Item #1: Public Hearing and Second Reading: Ordinance amending the Code of Ordinances for the Town of Fort Mill: Chapter 2, Administration; Article IV, Finance and Taxation; Division 4, Development Impact Fees
- Purpose: To update the development impact fees as mandated by the South Carolina Development Impact Fee Act.
- Public Hearing: The public hearing was opened, and with no speakers, it was closed.
- Action/Outcome: The ordinance was approved for a second reading. The effective date was changed from “immediately” to June 1st to allow staff time for paperwork.
- Old Business Item #2: Public Hearing and Second Reading: Ordinance adopting the Capital Improvements Plan for projects eligible for development impact fee funding
- Public Hearing: The public hearing was opened, and with no speakers, it was closed.
- Action/Outcome: The ordinance was approved for a second reading with no changes.
New Business:
- New Business Item #1: Resolution accepting the streets within the Nims Village subdivision into the Town of Fort Mill Street Maintenance System
- Purpose: To formally accept the streets in the Nims Village subdivision into the Town’s street maintenance system, as the neighborhood is built out and all criteria have been met.
- Discussion: Council members inquired about future funding for road maintenance, communication with the Homeowners Association (HOA), and specific non-standard pavement and landscape features within the subdivision. It was clarified that the Town would only accept roadways that meet Town standards and that the HOA would be responsible for the maintenance of non-standard features like brick pavers and street trees.
- Action/Outcome: The resolution was approved.
- New Business Item #2: Ordinance establishing a temporary moratorium on the acceptance and processing of applications for rezoning or annexation of new residential developments
- Purpose: To implement a temporary pause on new residential rezoning and annexation applications until December 31, 2025. This allows staff time to complete the comprehensive planning process, downtown master plan, and parks and recreation master plan, ensuring future developments align with the town’s vision.
- Discussion: Exemptions were clarified to include non-residential applications, residential developments that have already received entitlements or approvals, and amendments to existing approvals that do not increase dwelling units. The temporary nature of the moratorium and its purpose to align with planning efforts were emphasized.
- Action/Outcome: The ordinance was approved on its first reading. A second reading and public hearing are scheduled for the next business meeting, with an anticipated start date of late June.
- New Business Item #3: Resolution opposing the proposed changes to the York County recreation tax
- Purpose: To express opposition to proposed changes by York County to their recreation tax.
- Discussion: Concerns were raised regarding the proposed elimination of a 1.5 mil tax on unincorporated areas and the imposition of a countywide 1.5 mil general tax, which could result in a dual taxation for Fort Mill residents and a significant cut in funding for Fort Mill’s recreational programming. The lack of written information from York County regarding the proposal and the potential administrative requirements for receiving future funding were also discussed.
- Action/Outcome: A motion was made and approved to defer this item to the next business meeting to allow time for clarification and receipt of official documentation from York County.
- New Business Item #4: Ordinance amending the budget for the Town of Fort Mill, South Carolina for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2024 and ending September 30, 2025. Amendment #25-14
- Purpose: To appropriate $6 million from the general fund balance to the capital projects fund to complete renovations of the Town Hall facility, including $350,000 earmarked for 123 North White Street.
- Discussion: The finance director confirmed confidence in the allocated amount covering the remaining renovations for both buildings. Council requested a detailed schedule with milestones for tracking progress and ensuring adherence to budget and timeline.
- Action/Outcome: The ordinance was approved on its first reading. The second reading is scheduled for June 16th.
Information/Discussion:
- Information / Discussion Item #1: Comprehensive Plan Update – Penelope Karagounis
- Update: Significant progress has been made on the comprehensive plan, including focus groups, an initial open house, and a survey that remains open until June 13th. As of the meeting, 505 people had completed the survey, with a goal of reaching 1,000 participants. A second open house is scheduled for June 11th from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM at Fort Mill Elementary School.
- Action/Outcome: Council encouraged all citizens to participate in the survey via the Town’s website (www.fortmillsce.gov/ourpathforward) and emphasized the importance of public input.
- Information / Discussion Item #2: Downtown Master Plan Update – Penelope Karagounis
- Update: The Downtown Master Plan is set to begin in June, with the selection of a steering committee underway. Public engagement events are planned for July 15th-17th, and a dedicated survey for the downtown plan will launch from June 11th through July 18th.
- Action/Outcome: Council discussed strategies to maximize public participation, including social media advertising and outreach to local radio stations, Rotary, churches, and scout organizations. It was also noted that paper copies of surveys are available at the Town Hall Annex for those without internet access.
Executive Session:
The Council entered into executive session to discuss the following items:
- Negotiations incident to proposed purchase of real property.
- Negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements relating to the leasing of the Town’s 111 S. White Street facility.
- Negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements relating to the leasing of the Town’s 123 N. White Street property.
- Negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements with the City of Rock Hill.
- Negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements for the design of the Town’s Operations Center Campus.
- Receipt of legal advice relating to potential claims.
It was noted that Council might take action on these items upon returning to public session, but no votes would be taken during executive session.
Adjournment: The Council exited executive session, with the record reflecting that no votes were taken. A motion was made and approved to adjourn the meeting.
