The Lancaster County Council convened on January 13, 2025, to address a packed agenda that included community input, zoning discussions, and recognitions of exemplary county employees. Below is a comprehensive overview of the meeting proceedings.
Opening Formalities
The meeting began with Council Chair welcoming attendees and noting the presence of a quorum. Councilmember Stuart Graham led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an invocation emphasizing unity and wisdom in governance. Chair acknowledged recent council reorganizations and the challenges of leadership.
Agenda Amendments
An amendment was proposed and approved to reorder items in Section 9C, moving the reconstituted Board of Zoning Appeals discussion ahead of the Planning Commission item. This adjustment was unanimously adopted.
Public Comments
Several citizens expressed concerns and suggestions:
- Ken Beck (Sun City Carolina Lakes): Requested a formal system for responding to citizen questions raised during meetings and sought clarity on missing impact fees, citing a Lancaster News report indicating a discrepancy of $34.6 million in fees between 2021 and 2024.
- Bruce Cohen (Walnut Creek): Inquired about criteria for waiving impact fees and raised concerns about traffic and sewage infrastructure issues related to new housing developments along 521 and Van Wyck Road.
- Kathy Storm and Others (Various): Voiced strong opposition to new developments without corresponding infrastructure improvements, particularly citing traffic congestion, limited emergency services, and strained healthcare resources.
Employee Recognitions
County Administrator Dennis Marstall presented the 2024 Employee of the Year awards. Among those honored were:
- Public Safety: Sher Brady (EMS) was named Employee of the Year.
- General Government: Maryann Hudson, Election Director, received recognition for her contributions.
These employees, alongside quarterly winners from 2024, were commended for their dedication to the county’s operations.
Consent Agenda
The council approved the consent agenda items, which included routine matters requiring no additional discussion.
Public Hearings and Ordinances
- Height Limit Amendments for General Business Zones:
- The council discussed a proposal to amend the Unified Development Ordinance to increase height limits for properties in general business zones covered under the Highway Corridor Overlay. The amendment aims to accommodate a hotel development along Highway 521.
- After thorough deliberation and input from the Planning Department, an amended ordinance allowing buildings up to four stories or 55 feet was approved unanimously.
- Rezoning Requests:
- Rocky River Road Expansion: Approved the rezoning of adjacent property to expand a previously approved mini-storage development.
- 1972 Lynwood Drive: Approved rezoning from General Business to Medium City Residential to reestablish a residence on the site.
Workforce Development Plan
Amanda Baker from the Catawba Council of Governments presented the 2024-2028 Workforce Plan, focusing on addressing employment barriers and skills gaps while enhancing rural access. The plan is part of a regional initiative under the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act.
Boards and Commissions
The council made several key appointments:
- Reconstituted Board of Zoning Appeals:
- Gary Alden, Mark Bolan, Charles D’s, and James Falkenberg were appointed to staggered terms.
- Planning Commission:
- Lynette Henson and Frances Lou were confirmed as new members.
- Keep Lancaster County Beautiful:
- Leslie Sinclair and Nicole Bruski were appointed to address district-specific vacancies.
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