The Clover Town Council held its first regular meeting of 2026 on January 12, marking a significant transition for the town’s leadership. The meeting was highlighted by the swearing-in of newly elected Councilwoman Kathy Rae Brewer and the re-election of Teresa Hurst as Mayor Pro Tempore. Beyond leadership appointments, the Council took decisive action on several governance resolutions, including a Civility Pledge and the renewal of professional lobbying services. Significant progress was reported on the Gwynn Street parking lot project, which is nearing completion, and a new RFP was announced for the Clover Community Park Fieldhouse.
Detailed Agenda Summary
1. Call to Order and Opening Ceremonies
The meeting commenced with an opening prayer led by the Mayor, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The Council confirmed compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for all proceedings.
2. Swearing In of New Council Member
In a formal ceremony, Kathy Rae Brewer was sworn into office. She pledged to fairly and impartially exercise her duties as a council member for the Town of Clover, defending both the state and federal constitutions.
3. Public Address, Awards, and Presentations
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Public Praise: Citizen Kathy Bell addressed the Council to commend the tireless work of Town employees—specifically Mark Gouge, Kenneth Jackson, Laramie Parker, Gabe, and John—for their three-day effort to resolve property issues.
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Board Recognitions: The Council honored two outgoing members for their volunteer service:
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Johnny Dulin: 12 years on the Planning Commission.
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Eric Cellucci: 5 years on the Board of Zoning Appeals.
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4. Approval of Minutes
The Council unanimously approved the minutes from the previous regular meeting held on December 8, 2025.
5. New Business: Leadership and Appointments
Following the general election, the Council addressed several mandatory organizational items:
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Mayor Pro Tempore: Councilwoman Teresa Hurst was reappointed to the position for a two-year term.
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Town Officers: The Council reappointed the following municipal officers:
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Beth Faulkner: Town Attorney
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Phillips Dunbar: Town Clerk
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Joanna Medlin: Town Treasurer
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Administrator Contract: The Council reaffirmed the employment contract of Town Administrator Zach Lester, which remains in effect through October 31, 2028.
6. Resolutions and Agreements
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R26-01 Civility Pledge: Adopted as a voluntary values-based statement to promote professionalism and mutual respect during public debate.
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R26-02 Safe Work Environment: Formally recognized the town’s commitment to proactive safety practices and loss prevention for employees.
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R26-03 Alcohol Sales at Events: Authorized the sale and consumption of alcohol at specific 2026 events, including the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Food Truck Thursdays, and Fall Fest. Discussion focused on ensuring the Police Department continues to keep these beverages in designated areas away from children.
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Lobbyist Agreement: Renewed the contract with Parker Poe Consulting LLC ($3,000/month) through December 2025 to represent the town’s interests in Columbia.
Staff and Project Updates
Town Administrator Zach Lester provided a comprehensive update on town operations and ongoing capital projects:
Economic Development: The Bailey Bill
Lester clarified his recent efforts to encourage York County to adopt a “Bailey Bill” pilot program. This program allows developers to renovate historic properties while keeping property taxes frozen at the pre-rehab value for a set period, incentivizing the preservation of Clover’s older structures.
Infrastructure Progress Report
| Project | Current Status |
| Gwynn Street Parking Lot | Utilities are now underground. Completion is conservatively targeted for April 2026, though “substantial completion” may happen by mid-March. |
| Sewer Rehab (Division I) | Contract awarded to Hinterland; meetings scheduled for January 14 to address system “hot spots.” |
| Community Park Fieldhouse | A 30-page RFP has been finalized and is scheduled for public posting to solicit bids. |
Hurricane Helene Recovery
The town was awarded $17,000 by FEMA for costs related to roadway clearing. Lester noted that while this was less than requested, an appeal may not be worth the resources required.
Council Comments and Final Business
The Mayor and Council welcomed Councilwoman Brewer and thanked Town staff for their efficiency. The Mayor also noted upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day events, including a parade in York on January 18 and a breakfast on January 19, which coincides with the Town offices being closed.
Executive Session: The Council entered executive session to discuss personnel matters (Town Administrator’s annual evaluation) and security devices, but no formal action was reported immediately following the session.
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