On June 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., Clover Town Council convened at the Clover Community Center. The meeting opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, confirming Freedom of Information Act compliance. Key items included a public hearing on the FY 2025–2026 budget ordinance (25‑03), final approval of two ordinances (25‑02 ZLDO amendments and 25‑03 budget), and unanimous passage of three new resolutions covering park rules, alcohol at events, and financing of a garbage truck. Staff also provided updates on upcoming workshops, infrastructure projects, and water/sewer system improvements.
Detailed Summary
1. Public Hearing: Ordinance 25‑03 (FY 2025–2026 Budget Adoption)
- The hearing opened with no public speakers. Council proceeded without opposition.
2. Amendments to the Agenda
- No amendments were proposed.
3. Public Address, Awards & Presentations
- None scheduled or presented.
4. Approval of Minutes
- Council approved minutes from previous meetings on May 7, 12, 14, and 21, all passed with unanimous consent.
5. Unfinished Business
a. Second Reading – Ordinance 25‑02 (Zoning & Land Development Ordinance Amendments)
- Amendments originated with Planning Commission approval (Feb 20) and underwent workshops/public hearings.
- Staff and council member Steve Allen highlighted key updates:
- Streamlined administrative processes for minor modifications in professional zoning districts.
- Additional standards for conditional recreational uses and variances.
- Transition to content-neutral sign regulations.
- Introduction of standards for electric vehicle charging spaces.
- Simplified administrative flowchart and revised review procedures.
- Added definitions for housing types (e.g., townhomes, duplexes).
- Council unanimously approved the ordinance (Revision 13) on second reading.
b. Second Reading – Ordinance 25‑03 (FY 2025–2026 Budget Adoption)
- Following budget workshops in May, staff detailed key fiscal decisions:
- Property tax millage remained at 135.5 (rollback at 129.1). Capital millage reduced from 2.3 to 1.8.
- Reduced proposed water/sewer rate increase from 7.5% to 5%, aligning with Two Rivers rate projections.
- Expenditures include 4% cost-of-living raises, 3% merit increases, and a 4.6% rise in health insurance.
- Added two new staff positions: administrative customer service rep and project operations coordinator.
- Capital funding for park drainage, IT and police upgrades, Glen Street parking, Main Street revitalization, and park infrastructure.
- Water & sewer capital projects include a $5 million sewer lift‑station improvement and Christmas décor funded by hospitality tax.
- Motion carried with no opposition.
6. New Business
a. Resolution 25‑02: Park Rules & Regulations
- Updated previous regulation (Resolution 14‑07).
- Granted park operational authority to the Town Administrator.
- Adjusted the age guideline: children under age 10 (previously under 9) must be accompanied by an adult.
- Resolution passed unanimously.
b. Resolution 25‑03: Alcohol Sales at New Centre Park Concert
- Approved allowing alcohol sales and consumption at a Nashville Roadshow concert event at New Centre Park on September 19, 2025.
- The event organizer will ensure proper ticketing, insurance, and logistical support (e.g., power/generator).
- Motion passed unanimously.
c. Resolution 25‑04: Lease-Purchase of Rear-Loader Garbage Truck
- In August 2024, the council approved purchase of a garbage truck for $226,200.
- Two lease-purchase bids were received; First American Equipment Finance offered the preferred rate of 4.65%.
- Terms: six annual payments of $43,511.83 starting March 1, 2026, totaling $261,070.98.
- Council unanimously approved the lease agreement.
7. Staff Reports
Staff outlined upcoming events and project updates:- Council workshop scheduled for June 23 (5:30 p.m.) to discuss recreation plans and additional ZLDO amendments.
- Veterans’ group events scheduled for July 3–5 (Independence Day) and farmers’ market July 14.
- Recreation supplement funding update: County will provide municipalities with capital grants (approx. $25,000 each) and a $100 stipend. Clover’s estimated allocation is ~$185,000 based on unincorporated youth registrant numbers.
- Capital projects in progress include the fire substation CO finalization, water AMI meter replacement (noted 3% unaccounted water, a major improvement from previous 20–25%), sewer line slip-lining rehab, and the lead/copper service line replacement initiative.
- Administrative work ahead: finalizing documentation for the approved budget and implementing LDO changes.
8. Council Comments & Executive Session
- Council members expressed appreciation for the Veterans Committee’s flag dedication.
- A light-hearted announcement: one councilor challenged colleagues to a charity basketball game.
- No executive session was requested; meeting was adjourned by unanimous vote.
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