Tega Cay Council Proclaims Community Achievements, Advances Key Developments, and Modernizes Law Enforcement Ordinances

The Tega Cay City Council meeting on Monday, May 19, 2025, included numerous proclamations, updates from city departments, a discussion on proposed ordinance amendments related to law enforcement, and considerations for new business items. The meeting took place at 6:30 p.m. at the Tega Cay Glennon Center Lower Level, 15077 Molokai Drive, Tega Cay, SC.

The meeting was called to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence.

Presentations & Reports:

• 1.a. Proclamation Recognizing The Fort Mill High School Girls Lacrosse Team As Upper State Champions: Mayor Gray and the City Council recognized and congratulated the Fort Mill High School Girls Lacrosse Team and their coaching staff for being named the 2025 Upper State Champions. The team achieved a dominant 16-4 victory over Nation Ford High School, capping a perfect Region 3-5A record, and continued their streak with wins against Riverside (13-9) and T.L. Hanna (18-8). Their overall record was 9-8, ranking them No. 4 in South Carolina.
• 1.b. Proclamation Recognizing May 17th Through May 23rd As National Safe Boating Week: The City recognized May 17th through May 23rd, 2025, as National Safe Boating Week. The proclamation encouraged safe boating habits, such as wearing US Coast Guard-approved life jackets, using engine cut-off switches, and remaining alert and sober, and highlighted the importance of safety courses and free vessel checks offered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.
• 1.c. Proclamation Recognizing The Week Of May 19th As National Public Works Week: The week of May 19th was proclaimed National Public Works Week, recognizing the 65th annual observance established by the American Public Works Association. The proclamation honored public works professionals for their dedicated efforts in providing essential infrastructure, facilities, and services that contribute to public health, quality of life, and well-being.
• 1.d. Proclamation Recognizing May 2025 As National Tennis Month: May 2025 was recognized as National Tennis Month in Tega Cay. The proclamation noted the United States Tennis Association (USTA) as the largest tennis organization globally and highlighted the sport’s growth with a 46% increase in participation since 2019, reaching over 25.7 million players in 2024.
• 1.e. Proclamation Recognizing The First Saturday Of June As Friends Helping Special Friends Day: The first Saturday of June was recognized as Friends Helping Special Friends Day. This organization, established in 1996, provides various activities, including an annual lake day, for special needs children, who constitute 18.5% of American children under 18.
• 1.f. Presentation By The Catawba COG For Regional Workforce Housing Study: Elizabeth Morgan from the Catawba Regional Council of Government presented a proposed regional workforce housing study. The study aims to gather data on housing inventory, cost, and density for essential workers (80-150% of Area Median Income or AMI), such as teachers, firefighters, police, and military veterans. The goal for the study’s funding is $260,000-$265,000, with contributions sought from counties (major portion), the COG ($20,000 in staff time), COG development corporation ($15,000), private stakeholders ($25,000 committed so far), and municipalities ($5,000 each). The study is anticipated to begin in the fall of 2025 and conclude by spring 2026, providing data to help localities with policy and zoning decisions.
• 1.g. City Manager’s Report:
  • Administration: The City has launched a newly redesigned website.
  • Development Services: Main Street development received final approvals from SCDOT and anticipates a groundbreaking ceremony in early June for grading permits. The tech team approved the preliminary plat for River Falls contingent on E911 system approval of street and development names. Staff is working on a new code enforcement module with the Evolve software system, and public permit records are now searchable online through Evolve. A comprehensive plan steering committee meeting reviewed community feedback from surveys and an open house.
  • Fire Department: The department is now at full staff with the addition of Brian Heheart. They recently held “Firehouse Stories” on May 17th and will participate in the Memorial Day celebration at Memorial Gardens on May 10th (with a rain location if needed).
  • Parks and Recreation: The Beach and Swim Center pool is officially open for the summer, with weekday hours starting May 22nd and a 7-day-a-week operation beginning Memorial Day. Pickleball court renovations are underway, with new courts open and resurfacing continuing on old ones. Recreation sports season is wrapping up, with All-Star tournament schedules to be posted soon. Registration for the July 4th land and boat parades is open, and nominations are being accepted for the 2025 Grand Marshall. Caroline Hasty reported on the “Best Dam Food Festival,” which saw an estimated 7,000 attendees during peak hours, 22,000 website views, and 6,000 mobile access points.
  • Police Department: In April, the department conducted 453 traffic stops (up 37% year-to-date), completed 1,963 property checks (up 40%), and responded to 441 calls for service (up 28%). Officers made 30 arrests (up 8%), issued 134 citations (up 48%), and gave 354 warnings (up 40%). Notably, 79 parking citations were issued (a 3,000% increase), with 45 at Windjammer and 17 at Pit Karen. The department participated in or hosted five community events. They are currently short-staffed with several open positions.
  • Public Works: The Backhoe Rodeo is scheduled for May 30th at Pit Karen Park. A stormwater project on Cilantro Court was completed, including a new drainage swell. Free mulch is available at Runy Park on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • York County Recreation Tax Discussion: City Manager Funderburk provided an update on York County’s proposed changes to the recreation tax. The County is eliminating a 1.5 mil special tax district on unincorporated properties and replacing it with a countywide 1.5 mil tax increase to fund their new park department. This change would result in municipalities receiving approximately 50% less funding. Fort Mill Township, including Tega Cay, has no county parks but has existing recreational amenities through the Town of Fort Mill and Springs Greenway. The county has offered a $75 stipend per unincorporated resident for youth sports programs only, with no definition of “youth sports” provided and no clarification on rules or restrictions. Funderburk suggested a special council meeting around June 9th to discuss adjusting parks and recreation fees, as non-resident registration begins July 1st. He also noted that the county council will have a third and final reading on the budget and this ordinance on June 2nd at 6 PM.
• 1.h. Committee/Commission Reports:
  • Planning Commission: Chairman Nick Amico reported that new officers were elected on April 7th (Nick Amico as Chair, Alice Dobleske as Vice Chair). They discussed rezoning for annexation and the final plat of River Falls, with the next meeting scheduled for May 5th. Councilman Carter stated the Planning Commission approved the minutes from April and discussed the River Falls map 4 final plat approval and the rezoning of the property seeking annexation into Tega Cay, supporting both.
  • Economic Development Commission: Mayor Pro Tem Miller reported that the commission met, primarily discussing the “Business Connect” meeting from the previous month and planning for the remainder of the year.
  • Stormwater Committee: Heather Jones reported on the May meeting, where new officers were appointed (Heather Jones as Chair, Alice Dobleske as Vice Chair, Lauren Cole as Secretary). They are reviewing educational materials for the community, refining maps, and looking into establishing a social media presence and connecting with residents.
  • RFATS (Rock Hill Fort Mill Area Transportation Study): Mayor Gray reported that RFATS voted on the long-range transportation plan for 2015, which includes initiatives for better commutes and traffic management. Updates were given on current projects, including the Mason’s Bend/New Grey Rock to Catawba Park sidewalk (awaiting right-of-way procurement) and the planning stages for rectangular rapid flashing beacons on Tega Cay Drive crosswalks. Major improvements are underway at the 160 site, with girders being flown this week and next, and drivers were advised to avoid the area due to traffic pattern changes.

2. Public Comments:

• Heather Jones: Thanked the City, including the Fire and Police Departments, for their support of Tega Cay Elementary School (TCES), specifically for Career Day and the Blue Ribbon Parade. She provided an update on the successful first-year golf tournament, which raised $7,000 to complete an outdoor classroom.

3. Approval Of Minutes:

• 3.a. April 14, 2025, Regular Meeting: The minutes from the April 14, 2025, Regular Meeting were approved as presented.

4. New Business:

• 4.a. Consideration Of Awarding The Bid For Sidewalk Repairs:
  • Purpose: To award the bid for sidewalk repairs across the city.
  • Action/Outcome: A motion was made and approved to award the bid for sidewalk repairs to BET Trucking Inc. for an amount not to exceed $60,000, and to authorize the City Manager to issue the notice to proceed. There are approximately 137 sections of sidewalk throughout the city to be repaired, ranging from panel replacement to small lifts.
• 4.b. Consideration Of The Performance, Labor, And Materials Surety Agreement And Letter Of Credit For River Falls Map 4:
  • Purpose: To approve the necessary agreements for Taylor Morrison to proceed with the final plat for Map 4 of the River Falls development. This includes a Performance, Labor, and Materials Surety Agreement and a Letter of Credit to cover remaining infrastructure improvements, such as the final asphalt lift, sidewalks, and street trees. The estimated cost for these improvements is $122,960.00, with a required total performance bond/surety of $153,700.00 after applying the City’s 125% multiplier.
  • Action/Outcome: A motion was made and approved to approve the Performance, Labor, and Materials Surety Agreement and Letter of Credit for River Falls Map 4.
• 4.c. Consideration Of The Introduction And 1st Reading Of An Ordinance To Annex By 100 Percent Petition Method, Tax Map Number 645-00-00-027 (2320 Vineyard Road) And Rezone From RSF-40 In York County To R-40 In The City:
  • Purpose: To introduce and have the first reading of an ordinance to annex 2320 Vineyard Road (Tax Map #645-00-00-027) into the City of Tega Cay and rezone it from RSF-40 (York County) to R-40 (City). A public hearing was held on April 14th, and the Planning Commission recommended approval on May 7th. The property currently has a single-family home and the owner seeks a driveway connection to Hubert Graham Way within the River Falls subdivision. This annexation is consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map.
  • Action/Outcome: A motion was made and approved for the introduction and first reading of the ordinance.
• 4.d. Discussion Of A Potential Ordinance To Repeal, Amend, And Or Adopt Various Sections Of Chapters 26, 34, And 46 Of The City’s Code As It Relates To Law Enforcement Matters:
  • Purpose: To discuss proposed amendments to the City’s Code to align local ordinances with current state and federal laws, streamline language, and enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement. Chief Crosby presented proposed changes to sections including:
    • Sec. 26-21 (Special Police): Proposed for repeal as state law covers mutual aid agreements.
    • Sec. 34-48 (Trespassing): Proposed for repeal as state law covers trespassing.
    • Sec. 34-49 (Graffiti): Proposed for repeal as state law covers destruction of property and illegal graffiti violations.
    • Sec. 34-50 (Entering Vehicle): Proposed for repeal as state law covers burglary and entry into a vehicle.
    • Sec. 34-75 (Hindering Officers in the Line of Duty): Proposed to be replaced by new language in 34-97 to provide clearer definitions of interference and obstruction.
    • Sec. 34-95 (Disorderly Conduct): Proposed to strike language regarding “open profanity” (protected speech) and “intoxication in public” (requires specific criteria for violation), replacing it with language mirroring Supreme Court rulings on “fighting words”.
    • Sec. 46-1 (Display or consumption of beer, wine, or other alcoholic beverage in public): Proposed to update vague language and clearly define “alcoholic beverage” and “open container”. The definition of “open container” would be amended to specify a “broken seal” or “where some contents have been removed”.
    • New Sections Proposed for Adoption:
      • Sec. 34-96 (Resisting arrest; physical interference with law enforcement officer in the performance of public duties): Provides clearer definitions of physical interference with law enforcement.
      • Sec. 34-97 (Physical interference with public officials and employees): Extends the concept of interference to public employees.
      • Sec. 34-98 (Giving false name and address): Makes it unlawful to provide false identifying information to law enforcement.
      • Sec. 34-99 (Public intoxication or impairment): Provides a clear definition of “intoxicated or impaired condition” and “public place” for enforcement purposes.
      • Sec. 34-100 (Trespass enforcement authorization program): Establishes a voluntary program allowing business or property owners to authorize the police department to enforce trespassing on their behalf through an affidavit and signage. This would allow police to act without immediate owner notification at specified times.
      • Sec. 34-101 (Public urination and defecation unlawful): Creates a specific ordinance for public urination and defecation.
      • Sec. 34-102 (Loitering with harmful purpose or effect; loitering for the purposes of prostitution and loitering for the purposes of drug trafficking): Defines loitering with harmful purpose, for prostitution, and for drug trafficking, providing specific behaviors that would warrant investigation and enforcement.
  • Action/Outcome: This was a discussion item, and no vote was taken. The proposed changes were well-received by the Council, who thanked Chief Crosby for his thoroughness and proactive approach.

5. Council Comments:

Council members offered various comments, including congratulations to the Fort Mill High School Girls Lacrosse Team, appreciation for City staff (especially Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and Emergency Services), and recognition of community events like the Best Dam Food Festival. Councilman Carter highlighted the 4th of July celebrations and encouraged participation in the land and boat parades. Councilman Hyslip praised the Public Works and Utility staff for their essential work. Councilman Shirley thanked the pickleball club and USA Court Builders for the pickleball court renovations and again urged citizens to contact county council members regarding the recreation tax. Mayor Pro Tem Miller emphasized pedestrian safety, praised the new city website, and reiterated appreciation for City staff and volunteers. Mayor Gray echoed appreciation for City staff, encouraged safe summer activities, particularly boating safety, and congratulated all graduates.

6. Executive Session:

• 6.a. Discussion Of Contractual Matters As It Relates To American Tower:
  • Action/Outcome: The Council entered into executive session to discuss contractual matters relating to American Tower.

7. Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned after returning from executive session with no votes taken in executive session.