The Lancaster County Council Meeting on November 12, 2024, covered several key agenda items, which I will summarize below:
- Opening Formalities: The meeting commenced with a call to order by Chairman Steve Harper, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Jose Luis and an invocation.
- Agenda Approval: Council members approved the agenda unanimously.
- Citizen Comments: Residents expressed appreciation for Election Director Maryann Hudson’s role in running a well-organized election. Additional concerns included calls for a 180-day housing development moratorium due to school overcrowding and infrastructure issues, and specific property tax issues.
- Special Presentation – ARPA Update: Stephany Snowden provided an update on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Lancaster County received $19 million, of which $12.6 million was spent on completed projects. Eight projects are in progress, including a building expansion for EMS headquarters and recreation area improvements.
- Consent Agenda: Council approved minutes from previous meetings and the third readings of several ordinances regarding zoning amendments.
- Non-Consent Agenda:
- Third Reading of Ordinance 2024-1929: Approved amendments to backyard pen and coop regulations, with restrictions added on exotic animals.
- Second Reading of Ordinance 2024-1917: Rezoning of 26.94 acres from business to residential near Hwy 9 Bypass, including discussions on property easements and agreements with local families.
- First Reading of Ordinance 2024-1933: Approved the acquisition of a property on Catawba Street through a cashless transaction with Founders Federal Credit Union.
- First Reading of Ordinance 2024-1939: Approved an amended tax agreement with Project Maple, which failed to meet initial investment targets but will provide tax clawbacks to Lancaster County.
- Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance 2024-1931: Discussed an amendment to regulations on shooting ranges, focusing on allowing archery and BB gun programs for youth recreation.
- Appointments and Calendar: Council also approved appointments to various committees and adopted the 2025 calendar for council and committee meetings.
- Executive Session: The council entered an executive session to discuss personnel matters related to the County Administrator’s Office, a contractual matter regarding property acquisition, and another matter related to the Sheriff’s Office.
- Adjournment: The meeting concluded after addressing the agenda items and discussing executive session topics.
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