The City of Lancaster City Council convened for a Work Session on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, to review an upcoming resolution regarding a major community event and hear concerns from a citizen regarding council member attendance. Mayor DeVenny presided over the meeting, which was called to order at 7:00 P.M..
Red Rose Watch Party Seeks Approval for Alcohol Consumption
The most significant item on the agenda was Resolution R25-21, which seeks to authorize the public possession and consumption of beer and wine at the inaugural Red Rose Watch Party-Carolina vs Clemson. Events & Promotions Manager Miss Roddey and Slate King of King’s Mobile Media presented the details for the event, which is scheduled for Saturday, November 29, 2025.
The watch party aims to be a family-friendly atmosphere, free to the public, featuring the high-stakes football rivalry game displayed on two large digital screens at the Old Post Office Parking lot. The event is a significant undertaking, having received a $34,000 grant from the City’s A-Tax Grant Program. Organizers anticipate drawing large crowds.
The resolution is necessary to temporarily suspend Section 3-2(a) of the City’s Code of Ordinances, which prohibits the consumption of alcoholic beverages in public places, to create a designated special event area. This area would span from Dunlap Street to Elm Street/Chesterfield Avenue and from Catawba Street to White Street. Within this area, beer and wine would be sold and consumed only from four lawfully licensed downtown business establishments—Totto’s, Southern Dish 101, LA Tap Room, and 521 BBQ. Attendees must show ID, receive a wristband, and use special clear plastic cups for consumption, with outside alcohol strictly prohibited.
To ensure safety, event organizers confirmed that both Police Chief Roper and Administrative Lieutenant Massey support the request, and arrangements have been made for increased police presence and a dedicated EMS truck to be on standby for the entire day. The Watch Party is strategically planned to lead into the City’s Christmas Tree Lighting, leveraging the anticipated enthusiasm to promote other upcoming holiday events.
Action Taken: As this was a Work Session, the Council did not take a vote on Resolution R25-21. The official recommendation from staff is to approve the resolution.
Citizen Expresses Concern Over Council Member Attendance
During the Citizen Comments section, Charlene Hunter of District 5 addressed the Council regarding non-attendance, specifically referencing Council Member Taylor. Ms. Hunter stated that the Council Member had attended only 20% of meetings since being elected in 2022 and had not attended any in 2025.
Ms. Hunter urged the Council to impose fines for non-attendance, citing city ordinances, and suggested that the Council Member should forfeit the office for lack of ability to attend meetings and perform constituent work. The citizen stated that District 5 requires representation on issues such as crime, overdevelopment, and infrastructure.
Minutes of Previous Meeting Approved
The Council approved the minutes from the Regular Meeting held on October 28, 2025. The minutes were approved with an amendment to the roll call to correct the record and reflect that Council Member Hood was present at the October 28th meeting.
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