York County Council Approves Fire Services Framework, Incentives for New HQ; Development Concerns

The York County Council held its regular meeting on September 15, 2025, covering major initiatives and public concerns. Key actions included the unanimous adoption of a 10-year countywide fire services framework, final approval of incentives to attract Riverstone’s headquarters (formerly referred to as Project Cross), and the swearing-in of new board and commission members. Public forum participants raised strong concerns about hazardous chemicals at the Silfab Fort Mill facility, residential density in the Lake Wylie area, and the placement of storage units near neighborhoods. Council also received updates from the Lake Wylie Marine Commission and formally recognized Maria Cabrera for her 18 years of service with the Solicitor’s Office.

Detailed Summary by Agenda Item:

1. Invocation & Pledge

Councilman Tommy Atkins delivered a prayer focusing on national unity and spiritual renewal. The Pledge of Allegiance followed.

2. Oaths of Office – Boards & Commissions

New appointees were sworn in for various county boards and commissions, including:

Planning Commission: James Wallace
Airport Commission: Richard Simeon
Board of Zoning Appeals: Kyle Eller
York County Forever: Jack Knight and Jennifer McAdams
Keep York County Beautiful: Christina Love
Convention & Visitors Bureau: Megan Nelson
Catawba Regional Workforce Investment Board: Sharon Reed
Culture & Heritage Commission: Annie Lori Wheat

3. Recognition – Maria Cabrera

Solicitor Kevin Brackett recognized Maria Cabrera for her 18 years of service, during which she launched and led the bad check recovery program and expungement services. She was credited with recovering millions for small businesses and county services. Cabrera will continue part-time to train her successor and provide Spanish interpretation support.

4. Lake Wylie Marine Commission Annual Report

Neil Brennan provided updates on:

Water Quality: Continued support for river sweep cleanups and E. coli swim testing.
New Jet Ski Regulation: South Carolina now requires rental operators on Lake Wylie to carry commercial insurance and provide safety training.
Invasive Cyanobacteria (“Lingbya”): Treatment efforts are ongoing, with York County’s support. Lake Wylie now has over 9 acres affected.
Sedimentation Issues: Continued advocacy for local ordinances and cross-jurisdictional coordination.
Boathouse Construction: Gaston County will move forward with a police boathouse on the lake, supported in part by the commission.

5. Public Forum

Frank Chernac (Fort Mill): Spoke against hazardous chemicals stored at the Silf facility near Flint Hill Elementary and Middle Schools. Called for enforcement of zoning laws and safety inspections.
Dorothy Johnson (Clover): Urged council to preserve the Lake Wylie overlay and limit residential density.
William Kurton: Opposed the installation of storage units in his neighborhood and urged denial of related rezonings.

6. Consent Agenda

Approved with the exception of Item 8 (rezoning case), which was pulled for discussion.

7. Public Hearing: Project Cross (Riverstone HQ)

Council held a public hearing and gave final (third) reading approval to an incentive agreement supporting Riverstone’s relocation of its headquarters to Rock Hill. The project involves:

Fee-in-lieu of tax agreement
Special source revenue credits
Multi-county industrial park inclusion

Later in the meeting, Riverstone’s leadership expressed appreciation for the county’s support and shared the company’s commitment to community engagement.

8. Old Business

Rezoning Case 25-24 (7.2 acres from ID to GC, District 4):
Denied. Councilman Rodi cited strong community opposition to proposed storage units.
Rezoning Case 25-36 (302 acres from RSF 40 to RMX 20, District 2):
Approved. Council members noted this was part of a prior settlement agreement and does not increase density.

9. New Business

Fire Services 10-Year Framework and Strategy
Approved Unanimously.
Council adopted the “One York Fire” plan to unify and standardize fire protection countywide. The plan calls for:
- A single tax district
- Consistent funding
- Professionalized (trained) volunteer and career staff
- Equitable service across urban, suburban, and rural areas
- Common training standards and governance oversight
  Council emphasized that local fire departments would retain their community identities. A three-year action plan will guide initial implementation.
Item Pulled from Consent (Rezoning Case 25-35, District 2):
Approved on second reading. Council members discussed procedural concerns around including non-unanimous rezonings in the consent agenda.

10. Committee Reports

Planning & Zoning Committee (Chair: Debbie Cloninger)
- Recommended ordinances to increase height limits in GC zones and revise wall sign allowances.
- Supported maintaining the Lake Wylie overlay as-is.
- Requested input from council on potential zoning language updates for industrial districts.
Finance & Operations Committee (Chair: Tom Audette)
- Appointed members to the reestablished Economic Development Board for all districts.
- Approved allocations from District 6 for:
  - Christmas Rock Hill ($1,000)
  - Defend a Father ($1,500)
  - Pathways Community Center ($1,000)
  - Keystone Substance Abuse Services ($500)
  - Safe Passage ($1,500)
- Recommended appointments to Boards of Appeals and Stormwater Appeals.

11. Other Discussions & Referrals

Council members shared remarks emphasizing civility and community values.
JPS Committee was formally charged with:
- Evaluating Tier 2 hazardous chemical reporting fees.
- Reviewing the Motorola communications contract (expiring June 2026).