December 8th-2025-Council Meeting Recap


Meeting Details


AGENDA RECAP

1. Call to Order Regular Meeting - Chairman Brian Carnes

  • [00:00:02] Chairman Carnes called the meeting to order and noted a quorum was present.

2. Welcome and Recognition - Chairman Brian Carnes

  • [00:00:42] Brief welcome remarks were made.

3. Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation - Council Member Steve Harper

  • [00:00:56] Council Member Harper led the Pledge of Allegiance and provided the invocation.

4. Approval of the Agenda

  • [00:02:07] Motion to approve by McGriff, second by Harper.
  • Vote: Unanimous approval.

5. Citizens Comments

  • [00:02:30] The following citizens addressed the Council:
    • Jean McCoy: Expressed concern regarding the lack of Q&A dialogue during council meetings.
    • Janine Clifton: Spoke on the Fort Mill Highway/Barberville Road construction project and UDO enforcement.
    • Libby Sweat Lambert: Shared a personal message of appreciation and Merry Christmas to the Council.
    • Jane Alford: Provided an update on the Lancaster County Arts Council’s programs.
    • Electronic Submissions: Clerk Sherrie Simpson read submissions from Yates Dunaway (regarding item 8D) and Natalia Peninsic (regarding the proposed Bridgepoint Charter School).

6. Special Presentations

  • a. Update on the Lancaster County Archives Center Project
    • [00:10:55] Presented by John Craig (Society of Historical Preservation).
    • Discussion: John Craig provided an update on the $1.945 million state grant secured for the project and detailed renovation plans, which include connecting the old library to the Clemson building via a new glass gallery. He highlighted the revitalization efforts on West Gay Street and the future vision for the historic jail as a visitor center. Council Member Luis and McGriff commended Craig and the Society for their leadership and the visual improvements to the area.

7. Consent Agenda

  • [00:21:55] Items 7a through 7d (minutes approval and third readings of Ordinances 2025-1999 and 2025-2005).
  • Motion: Mosteller moved to approve, second by McGriff.
  • Vote: Unanimous approval.

8. Non-Consent Agenda

  • a. Public Hearing and 3rd Reading of Ordinance 2025-2000 (Red Hill Road Rezoning)
    • [00:22:19] Rezoning of ~24.1 acres from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Rural Residential (RR).
    • Discussion: Planning Director April Williams confirmed that there have been no changes to the ordinance since the previous reading, aside from a title correction addressed in the second public hearing. No citizens signed up to speak during the public hearing portion of this item.
    • Action: Motion to approve by McGriff, second by Graham.
    • Vote: Passed 6-1 (Mosteller opposed).
  • b. Public Hearing and 3rd Reading of Ordinance 2025-2003 (Roundabout Agreement)
    • [00:24:56] Amendment to the roundabout agreement with KB Homes.
    • Discussion: Planning Director Williams noted that there have been no changes to the agreement since the first or second readings. The public hearing proceeded with no speakers signed up to address the council.
    • Action: Motion to approve by Neal, second by McGriff.
    • Vote: Unanimous approval.
  • c. Public Hearing and 2nd Reading of Ordinance 2025-2007 (Finding Serenity Lease)
    • [00:26:15] Lease of space at the Barnett Building to Finding Serenity (Women's Enrichment Center).
    • Discussion: Julie Walters from Finding Serenity detailed the non-profit's impact, citing specific examples of distributing over $48,000 worth of Amazon-donated goods to local organizations recently. Council Member Luis requested clarifications in the lease language regarding the rent amount, utility responsibilities, and provisions for hazardous materials. Administrator Marstall confirmed staff would refine the lease sections on use purposes and utilities before the final reading.
    • Action: Motion to approve by Harper, second by Graham.
    • Vote: Passed 6-0-1 (McGriff recused).
  • d. 1st Reading of Ordinance 2009 (The Exchange Development Agreement)
    • [00:43:26] Amendment to extend the agreement term by 5 years and adjust "Build-To-Zone" and parking requirements for specific lots.
    • Discussion: Planning Director Williams explained the developer's request for a 5-year extension and exemptions regarding "Build-To-Zone" placement and parking maximums, which staff recommended capping at three times the minimum with nitrogen mitigation. Council Member Luis questioned the necessity of the extension and emphasized that developers must start adhering to established deadlines rather than relying on future extensions. Williams clarified that the parking changes apply only to commercial parcels and will not increase residential density.
    • Action: Motion by Mosteller, second by Harper.
    • Vote: Unanimous approval.
  • e. 1st Reading of Ordinance 2025-2010 (Budget Amendment - EMS Garage Bay)
    • [00:52:42] Appropriation of $180,000 from General Fund balance for the completion of the EMS Garage Bay due to unforeseen contractor issues.
    • Discussion: Deputy Administrator Snowden explained that the $180,000 request stems from unforeseen costs related to contractor termination and necessary rework of the site. Council Member McGriff acknowledged the project faced delays outside the county's control, while Council Member Luis requested a full report on the incident to ensure transparency and prevent similar issues in the future.
    • Action: Motion by McGriff, second by Graham.
    • Vote: Unanimous approval.
  • f. 1st Reading of Ordinance 2025-2011 (The City of Light / Crossridge Setbacks)
    • [00:57:53] Request to reduce setbacks for the multi-family component (Crossridge) from 75 ft to 10 ft (and 0 ft for ponds).
    • Discussion: Council Members McGriff and Luis expressed strong concerns regarding the drastic reduction of setbacks, particularly the request for a zero-foot setback against the ponds. Developers explained that existing infrastructure, such as storm water ponds and roads, constrains the site, requiring these adjustments to achieve the planned residential vision. Council ultimately voted to postpone the ordinance and refer it to the Ad-Hoc Development Agreement Committee to negotiate terms that might better benefit the county.
    • Action: Motion by McGriff to postpone and send to the Ad-Hoc Development Agreement Committee, second by Neal.
    • Vote: Unanimous approval to postpone.

9. Discussion and Action Items

  • a. Appointments to Boards and Commissions
    • [01:16:28]Library Board: Deferred (District 2).
    • [01:17:33]Community Outreach: Kevan Waiters (District 7) and LaShawn Sassnett (At-Large) appointed.
    • [01:18:28]Health and Wellness: Cameo Green Coleman (District 7) appointed.
    • Discussion: Clerk Sherrie Simpson presented the current vacancies and applications to the Council. Council Member McGriff noted she would delay the District 2 Library Board appointment out of respect for the previous representative. Council proceeded to vote unanimously on appointments for the Community Outreach and Engagement Committee and the Health and Wellness Commission.

Farewell to County Administrator

  • [01:19:17] Council members offered farewell remarks and thanks to County Administrator Dennis Marstall, who is leaving for a new position in Wichita, KS.
  • Discussion: Council members took turns thanking Administrator Marstall for his four years of service, highlighting his leadership and professionalism. Marstall reflected on the county's achievements in workforce and financial systems, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve before his departure.

11. Executive Session

  • [01:24:49] Motion to enter Executive Session to discuss personnel matters related to the County Administrator's office.
  • Vote: Unanimous approval.
  • Following the executive session, a motion was made to authorize chair to negotiate a contract with interim county administrator. Motion passed 7-0. A motion was made to authorize chair to negotiate contract with current administrator in a consultant role. Motion passed 7-0.

12. Adjournment

  • The video feed ends as Council enters Executive Session.

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