Tega Cay Council Meeting: Nighttime Golf Cart Use Approved, Community Recognitions Highlighted

At its June 16, 2025 meeting, the Tega Cay City Council celebrated several community achievements and took key legislative actions. The Council honored the Fort Mill High School Girls Track & Field Team for winning the 5A Division II State Championship and recognized two police officers for outstanding DUI enforcement. Notable actions included the final approval of an ordinance allowing golf cart operation at night and the introduction of an ordinance updating the city’s law enforcement code. Public comments focused heavily on support for the current operator of the Shore Club ahead of a potential contract change, and city staff provided updates on recreation fees, upcoming budget workshops, and Fourth of July preparations.

Key Highlights:

The Council recognized Fort Mill High School’s Girls Track & Field Team for winning the 5A Division II State Championship.
Two Tega Cay police officers received South Carolina DUI Enforcement Awards.
The second reading of ordinances on annexation and golf cart regulations passed unanimously.
The first reading of a law enforcement code amendment ordinance was approved.
Public comments focused on support for the Shore Club operator amid an expiring contract.
Council discussed public safety, recreation funding, and July 4th event preparations.

Detailed Summary:

Item 1: Presentations & Reports

A. Proclamation: Fort Mill HS Girls Track & Field

Team recognized for winning the 2025 SC 5A Division II State Championship.
Mayor highlighted individual accomplishments and praised coach Lee Whitaker.

B. South Carolina DUI Enforcement Awards

Officer Josh Bowling and Officer Presley Mayo were honored for making 25 DUI arrests each in 2024.

C. Tree City USA Recognition

Item tabled for a future meeting.

D. City Manager’s Report (Charlie Funderburk)

Parks & Rec Fees: Meetings with municipalities and the County to finalize changes before July 1 registration; a special council meeting will be scheduled.
Budget Workshops: Set for July 9 and July 23.
Shore Club Contract: Current agreement expires February 2026; proposals due June 19.
Code Enforcement Upgrade: New module launching by month’s end.
Permit Process Change: Signed contractor agreements now required for permits.
Fire Department: Received Safe City Award for the 5th year; junior firefighter Payton Cresman won first place in the state’s Quick Dress competition.
Community Events: Fourth of July registrations underway; public encouraged to register for parades.
Police Department Stats (May): 374 traffic stops (+37%), 25 arrests (+17%), and 48 parking citations (+122%).
Promotions: Announced several staff promotions in the Police Department.

E. Committee Reports

Economic Development: Discussed welcome wagon program and permitting costs.
Stormwater & Environmental: No quorum; agenda carried to next meeting.
Parks & Rec: No quorum but introductions and planning were held.
RFATS: Did not meet.

Item 2: Public Comments

Ron Kirby: Former councilmember and committee member, submitted a petition with 480 signatures in support of retaining the Shore Club’s current operator, John Weinbrener. Cited history, past failures, and economic impact.
Tracy Frick: Local business owner praised Weinbrener for supporting local charities, hosting community events, and successfully managing the facility.

Item 3: Approval of Minutes

Approved minutes from May 7 (special workshop) and May 19 (regular meeting).

Item 4: Unfinished Business

A. Ordinance 601 – Annexation of 2320 Vineyard Road

Council unanimously approved the second reading to annex and rezone the property from RSF-40 (York County) to R-40 (Tega Cay).

B. Ordinance 602 – Golf Cart Regulation

Unanimous approval of second reading to allow night-time operation of golf carts under new state-authorized provisions.
Key provisions: Golf carts must be permitted, insured, have headlights/taillights, and operators must be licensed.
Councilmembers debated trail access and brake light requirements, agreeing to revisit possible safety enhancements later.

Item 5: New Business

A. Ordinance – Law Enforcement Code Revisions (1st Reading)

Council approved the introduction and first reading of an ordinance repealing or amending sections of Chapters 26, 34, and 46.
Changes align local code with state and federal laws.
Discussion included whether to retain repealed sections with references to state law (Council decided this was unnecessary).

Item 6: Council Comments

Councilmembers expressed pride in becoming the first SC city to allow golf carts at night.
Recognitions included:
- City staff efforts (especially during summer and event planning).
- Promotions and awards in fire and police departments.
- Shore Club support.
- Fort Mill Girls Track & Field and Coach Whitaker’s multi-title season.
- Community volunteers, including Coach Van and local business owners.