The Fort Mill Town Council held its regular meeting on Monday, October 27, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting’s high points included a proclamation celebrating the 100th anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #43. The Council also held the First Reading and Public Hearing for a significant project: rezoning the old mill site property for a Mixed-Use Development. Key actions included the Second Reading approval of two budget amendments for the Fiscal Year 2026 and the First Reading approval of an ordinance updating the town’s Business License class schedule. The Council also discussed the town’s new solicitation website and concluded with an Executive Session regarding a contractual matter.
Detailed Agenda Item Summary
Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Invocation, and Public Comment
The meeting was called to order and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an Invocation. The Mayor asked for a moment of silence for those affected by Hurricane Melissa. The Council proceeded to Public Comment, where citizens were allotted three minutes each to speak on any municipal matter except personnel matters.
Presentations
- A proclamation celebrating the 100th anniversary of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #43: Mayor Savage presented a proclamation recognizing the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #43 for 100 years of dedicated service to the community, veterans, military personnel, and their families since its establishment on October 10, 1923.
Old Business
- Old Business Item #1: First Reading and Public Hearing: Rezoning Ordinance for Old Mill Site
- Action: Council held the public hearing (with no speakers) and the First Reading for an ordinance to change the zoning for approximately 15.9 +/- acres of the old mill site (the “white plant” later used by rugs.com).
- Change: The zoning is proposed to change from General Industrial (GI) & One Family Residential (R-10) to Mixed Use Development District (MXU).
- Proposal Details: The plan is to redevelop the site for a maximum of 225 multi-family residential units and a minimum of 20,000 to 25,000 commercial square feet.
- Key Project Updates: Changes made after working with the Council include the addition of a two-level parking deck to provide well over the required 426 spaces, converting Watson Street parking from parallel to diagonal parking, and resurfacing all adjacent streets (Link, Williamson, and Watson).
- Community Benefit: The developer committed to providing an apartment subsidy for town employees, first responders, and school district employees. This includes 11 apartments (5% of total units) reserved with a 10% discount off market rate and priority listing on the waitlist.
- Control Measures: New language was added to the development conditions to ensure that any major modification requires the applicant to come back before the Council for approval.
- Motion: Approved on First Reading (Vote: All in favor).
- Old Business Item #2: Second Reading: Budget Amendment #26-01
- Action: Second Reading of an ordinance amending the budget for Fiscal Year 2026.
- Purpose: This amendment re-appropriates funds to establish the capital project ordinance for contracts approved in FY25 but where the work will take place in FY26.
- Motion: Approved on Second Reading (Vote: All in favor).
- Old Business Item #3: Second Reading: Budget Amendment #26-02
- Action: Second Reading of an ordinance amending the budget for Fiscal Year 2026.
- Purpose: To establish a capital project ordinance for a $6 million gravity sewer line and waterline project. This is the Town’s top gravity sewer line priority in its Utility CIP and will connect to the recently approved lift station, allowing for multi-year appropriation.
- Motion: Approved on Second Reading (Vote: All in favor).
New Business
- New Business Item #1: First Reading: Business License Ordinance Amendment
- Action: First Reading of an ordinance amending the Business License Ordinance to update the class schedule.
- Purpose: Required by the South Carolina Act 176 of 2020 (Business License Standardization Act) to ensure all municipalities use the same class schedule, which ties to NAICS codes and fee schedules.
- Motion: Approved on First Reading (Vote: All in favor).
- New Business Item #2: Resolution to Appoint and Commission Emily Hawkins as Code Enforcement Officer
- Action: Approval of a resolution to appoint and commission Emily Hawkins.
- Purpose: This formality is required by code to authorize planner Emily Hawkins to serve as a Code Enforcement Officer for planning and zoning-related items.
- Motion: Approved (Vote: All in favor).
Information/Discussion
- Information/Discussion Item #1: Solicitation Website
- Discussion: Staff presented the town’s new website, fortmillsc.gov/solicitation, which outlines the rules and regulations for obtaining a solicitation permit and details how citizens can opt-out of solicitation using signs or stickers. The official ordinance and permitting process will go live on November 1st.
- Staff Highlight: The Mayor and Council praised staff for the exceptional response and communication during a recent, late-night waterline break, particularly noting the use of the new CivicReady alert system and GIS mapping for providing quick, accurate information.
Executive Session
The Council entered into Executive Session for a discussion incident to contractual matters relating to 123 N. White Street. No vote was taken upon returning to the regular session.
Adjourn
The meeting was adjourned.
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