The Lancaster County Council meeting was called to order by Chairman Brian Carnes. A quorum was noted, and public notice had been properly given. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an invocation from Council Member Stuart Graham.
Recognitions: Council acknowledged the Lancaster High School boys’ basketball team and the Andrew Jackson High School girls’ basketball team for winning their respective state championships. Plans were made to formally recognize them at a future meeting.
Approval of Agenda: The agenda was unanimously approved, with a note that the discussion of the Cresswind Development project was postponed to the March 24 agenda at the applicant’s request.
Citizens Comments: One resident, Logan Hedges, spoke about concerns regarding the Cresswind Development, emphasizing the strain on local emergency services and hospital resources due to rapid housing development. He urged the council to follow the Planning Commission’s recommendation to deny the rezoning request.
Recognition of Lancaster County’s 240th Birthday: Stephany Snowden presented plans for the county’s 240th birthday celebration, which included historical displays at the County Administration Building, local libraries, and a public celebration with cupcakes and a community birthday card signing.
Consent Agenda: The council approved minutes from the February 4 County Council Retreat, February 12 Committee of the Whole Retreat, and February 24 regular meeting.
Non-Consent Agenda:
- Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance 2025-1948 – Approved a new zoning classification for “Retreat Centers” in Agricultural (AR) and Rural Residential (RR) districts. Discussion focused on buffer requirements and parking regulations, with Council ultimately approving the applicant’s version, which removed buffer mandates.
- Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance 2025-1956 – Approved rezoning of 38.83 acres at 6872 Waxhaw Highway from Rural Neighborhood (RN) to General Business (GB) for a proposed business park. The applicant will present additional details at the second reading.
- Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance 2025-1957 – A rezoning request for a 2.1-acre site at Old Pardue and Camp Creek Roads to allow the construction of a Dollar General. The request was denied 6-0 following opposition from residents citing traffic concerns and oversaturation of Dollar General locations in the area.
- First Reading of Ordinance 2025-1950 – Approved amendments to a Fee in Lieu of Tax agreement with Keer America Corporation, aligning payment structures with tax billing processes.
- Public Hearing and Third Reading of Ordinance 2025-1949 – Approved budget amendments for the fiscal year 2024-2025, including:
- $25,000 for a property packaging and inmate clothing system for the Sheriff’s Office.
- $110,000 for juvenile detention costs.
- $21,500 for ambulance procurement overruns.
- Public Works waste tire disposal funding.
Discussion and Action Items:
- Appointments and Removals from County Boards and Commissions: Various reappointments and upcoming board vacancies were discussed.
- Road Projects: Updates were given on the Rise Lane and Cleveland Street improvement projects.
Executive Session: Council entered an executive session to discuss legal matters related to County Fire Services. No votes were taken in the session.
Adjournment: The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, passing unanimously. The next County Council meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2025.
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