The Clover Town Council held a regular meeting on August 11, 2025, where they addressed several key items. The meeting included the approval of previous meeting minutes, two second readings of ordinances, and a couple of new business items. Notably, the second reading of Ordinance 25-05, regarding the property tax levy, was tabled to a future meeting. The council also elected a new Mayor Pro Tempore and approved a lease purchase agreement for vehicles and equipment. The meeting concluded with staff reports and council comments before adjourning.
1. Public Address, Awards and Presentations
- Clover Fire Department Awards: Two firefighters, Richard Palmer and Michael Joyner, received the life-saving accommodation award for their quick response to an unconscious, not breathing call.
- 2025 Main Street Inspiration Award: The Gaines Jontz Rehabilitation Award was presented to Chris Ferguson and Mary Margaret Smith for their work on Brick and Mortar Coffee and Mercantile. The award recognizes the revitalization of a historic building at 109 North Main Street, which has boosted foot traffic and inspired interest in other downtown properties.
- Public Address: A speaker, Ron Allen, addressed the council about the importance of buffer zones for environmental resilience, property value, and livability. He recommended that the town enact clear, science-based buffer ordinances and ensure municipal enforcement rather than relying solely on HOAs.
2. Approval of Minutes
- The minutes from the July 14, 2025, regular meeting were unanimously approved.
3. Unfinished Business
- Second Reading of Ordinance 25-04: This ordinance amends the Water, Sewer, Sanitation and Landfill Ordinance to reflect a 5% increase in the volumetric rate for water and sewer. The motion to approve the second reading passed unanimously.
- Second Reading of Ordinance 25-05: This ordinance fixes the property tax levy and millage rates for 2025. The council voted to table this item until the next meeting after a last-minute call from the county auditor to ensure their numbers matched the town’s.
4. New Business
- Resolution 25-05 Lease Purchase Agreement: The council approved a lease purchase agreement for vehicles and equipment with Cogent Leasing and Financing, Inc.. The total amount financed will not exceed $353,000, with an interest rate of 3.99% over a five-year term. This decision came after soliciting three proposals and finding Cogent’s to be the most advantageous. The purchases include a mini skid steer for the Streets department, three police vehicles, and a mini excavator and fuel wagon/trailer for the Water & Sewer department.
- Election of Mayor Pro Tempore: Following the resignation of Councilmember Brittany Farr, the council needed to elect a new Mayor Pro Tempore. The Town of Clover Code of Ordinances states that the Mayor Pro Tem must be an existing council member. CouncilmemberTeresa Hurst was nominated and elected unanimously to fill the role.
5. Staff Reports and Council Comments
- Staff Reports: Town Administrator Zack Lester provided updates on several projects and events. The upcoming Fire Department Substation opening is scheduled for September 27. He also reported on the Guinn Street Parking Lot project and the ongoing Sewer Rehab project, noting that the sewer project is already showing positive results in its early stages. Additionally, he announced that a special election will coincide with the November 4, 2025 general election to fill the remainder of the vacant council seat.
- Council Comments: Councilmember Manos spoke about a fentanyl awareness event at the Bearsden on August 16 and thanked former Councilmember Brittany Farr for her service. Councilmember Hurst thanked the council for the honor of being elected Mayor Pro Tem.
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