BY COURTNEY NOVELLINO, CHS SOPHOMORE
On November 6, the York County Council convened with Chairwoman Christi Cox presiding. The meeting began with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Chairwoman Cox. District 5 Council Member, Christi Cox, took the oath of office. The meeting involved the swearing-in of newly appointed members to various boards and commissions, including Quay Williford of the Lake Wylie Marine Commission and Chip Hutchison of the Rock Hill/York County Convention & Visitors Bureau, among others. During the public forum session, residents addressed the council on various matters. Notably, concerns were expressed about the proposed rezoning (Case # 23-44), with both support and opposition voiced. Additionally, citizens raised issues related to the potential sale of the York County Flyer's site, emphasizing the importance of the site for community programs. The council also approved several items on the consent agenda, including the minutes of previous meetings and various rezoning actions. A PD amendment request covering approximately 1,473 acres in the Daimler Blvd/Westport Blvd area was discussed. The meeting concluded with committee reports and individual council members sharing updates and concerns. The council recognized the graduates of the York County Citizen's 101 Academy and discussed matters related to the York County Fair and the successful Jazz Festival. The November 20 County Council Meeting was called to order by Chairwoman Christi Cox. Council Member Watts Huckabee from District 6 led the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Annette Killian, appointed to the Catawba Regional Workforce Investment Board, took the oath of office. Kristin Kunde from York County 4-H addressed the council, highlighting the importance of 4-H programs in the county. During the public forum session, concerns were raised about potential changes to board structures, specifically the removal of At Large seats on boards like Keep York County Beautiful and the Convention and Visitors Bureau. The consent agenda included the approval of minutes from the previous meeting and the second reading of several rezoning cases, such as Case # 23-38, Case # 23-39, Case # 23-40, and Case # 23-41. The council also addressed various new business items, including the approval of an architectural and engineering services contract for the Coroner's Facility Project and discussions around reducing the size of several boards and commissions. The meeting concluded with the denial of certain proposed changes to the size and membership structure of the Rock Hill/York County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the York County Planning Commission, and the Keep York County Beautiful Board. Throughout both meetings, citizens expressed their concerns and support for various issues, ranging from rezoning decisions to the structure of county boards. The council demonstrated its commitment to addressing these concerns while also advancing projects and initiatives for the betterment of York County.
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BY COURTNEY NOVELLINO, CHS JUNIOR
In a closely watched election, the residents of Clover have spoken, casting their votes for a new mayor and three council seats. The results are in, and the victors have emerged from a competitive field of candidates. The race for the position of Mayor was a tight one, with two candidates competing for the opportunity to lead Clover into its next chapter. The final tally revealed that Bo Legg secured the mayoral seat with a commanding 562 votes, defeating opponent Greg Holmes, who garnered 318 votes. A mere 3 votes were cast for write-in candidates, highlighting the community's engagement in the democratic process. The election also determined the occupants of three council seats, with five candidates in contention. The successful candidates were Brittany Farr, Mike Easler and Amy Nivens. Brittany Farr secured one of the council seats with an impressive 569 votes, Mike Easler followed closely behind, earning 555 votes and clinching another council seat. Amy Nivens rounded out the trio of successful candidates with 446 votes, securing the third council seat. Unfortunately, Jason Manos fell short in his bid for a council seat, earning 442 votes. However, the competition was fierce, and the candidates' dedication to serving Clover was evident throughout the campaign. The write-in votes, totaling 38, showcased the diversity of opinions within the community and underscored the democratic nature of the election. While these votes did not secure victories for the write-in candidates, they served as a testament to the engaged and participatory spirit of Clover's residents. As the newly elected officials prepare to take office, the focus shifts to the collaborative efforts needed to address the town's challenges and capitalize on its opportunities. The residents of Clover have made their voices heard, and the elected leaders are poised to work together for the betterment of the community. The Town of Clover Election results reflect not only the choices made by voters but also the shared commitment to a thriving and harmonious town. The incoming mayor and council members are entrusted with the responsibility of shaping Clover's future, and the community will be watching with anticipation as they embark on this important journey. BY COURTNEY NOVELLINO, CHS JUNIOR Clover, SC - In the upcoming local election on Nov. 7, two candidates are running for Mayor, and four candidates are running for three town council seats. The Roaring Eagle reached out to the candidates to give them the opportunity to share their platforms. Mike Easler, Jason Manos and Amy Nivens were contacted, but did not respond before publication. Brittany Farr (Town Council) Brittany Farr, a dedicated incumbent running for re-election, is driven by a strong belief in the responsibility of individuals to effect the change they wish to see in their government. As a homeschooling mother of three, she places great emphasis on educating the youth about the importance of local government and its direct impact on the community. Her primary goal is to educate voters about the election process, advocating for a shift back to paper ballots and hand-counted votes, ensuring a fair and transparent electoral system. Encouraging voters to scrutinize candidates based on their actions rather than their promises, she emphasizes the significance of holding elected officials accountable through research and active engagement. Open to communication, she welcomes voter inquiries through her council email and Facebook page, reflecting her commitment to transparency and accessibility. Greg Holmes (Mayor) The candidate, Greg Holmes, is motivated by a genuine dedication to improving the quality of life in Clover, earning it the endearing moniker of the “Town with Love in the Middle.” With a keen focus on addressing critical issues such as stormwater management, recreational facility deficits, and infrastructure development, he emphasizes collaborative efforts with various levels of government and officials to resolve these challenges. Committed to fostering a vibrant community, he advocates for the expansion of recreational opportunities for both children and residents, while ensuring that the town’s infrastructure facilitates business growth. With a strong track record and deep community ties, he seeks re-election as Mayor of Clover, encouraging voters to reach out to him directly via his provided email address for any questions or concerns. Bo Legg (Mayor) The candidate, a passionate advocate for the town of Clover with deep-rooted familial connections, is driven by a desire to preserve the cherished experiences and upbringing that shaped his own life. Focusing on crucial priorities, he aims to strike a balance between progress and sustainability by curbing high-density growth while fostering the development of commercial and industrial ventures. Acknowledging the strain on local schools, he emphasizes the need for thoughtful growth management to alleviate overcrowding. Seeking to bridge the gap between the town and the school district, he envisions a more engaged mayoral role, proposing initiatives such as regular lunch meetings with students, hosting a special graduation dinner for top-performing students, and reinstating the annual mayoral bike ride. Additionally, he champions the establishment of a student intern program, aiming to cultivate an interest in local governance among young minds. Unwavering in his commitment to protecting the town’s integrity, he asserts his readiness to confront any challenges posed by developers seeking to compromise the town’s essence. Voters are encouraged to reach out to him directly via email at blegg@cloversc.org or by phone at 803-325-4358 for any inquiries or concerns. BY COURTNEY NOVELLINO, CHS JUNIOR
Clover, SC - The Clover Town Council recently gathered at its regular meeting on October 9, tackling various pressing matters for the community’s development. An overview of the agenda is provided below. Led by Mayor Greg Holmes, the council began the session with the Pledge of Allegiance, underscored by compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Noteworthy discussions included a public hearing on Ordinance 23-12, focused on the Annexation of the Clover Area Assistance Center, Inc.’s property and the proposal for a B-2 Highway Commercial zoning classification. The induction of Interim Town Treasurer Barbara Denny and Code Enforcement Officer Nicholas Habiger also occurred during the meeting. While going over and approving the minutes of the previous meeting, the council prioritized ongoing projects such as the development of the Historic Preservation Overlay District and the strategic shift towards commercial zoning along Old North Main Street. Economic initiatives were not left unaddressed, with the endorsement of Resolution 23-11, permitting the sale of alcoholic beverages at the upcoming 2023 Small Business Saturday Event, and proposed updates to the Business License Ordinance in compliance with Act 176 of 2020. Anticipating the community’s growth, the council considered a funding request for the 2023-2024 Main Street Grant, emphasizing their commitment to community development and progress. The meeting concluded with an executive session, demonstrating the council’s dedication to confidential deliberations, paving the way for potential future actions. For more detailed information on the proceedings, citizens are encouraged to access the official town records or reach out to the Town Council office for additional inquiries. BY COURTNEY NOVELLINO, CHS JUNIOR
Under the leadership of Chairwoman Christi Cox, the York County Council recently held a comprehensive meeting, addressing critical community issues and making significant decisions that will impact the county's future. The session commenced with the induction of new board and commission members, following the traditional recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance. Community Concerns Amplified During the public forum, residents voiced concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest arising from the council's political affiliations and the decision-making process related to the York County Library. Scott Couchenhour, a Fort Mill resident, brought attention to the financial implications of the infrastructure development on local families, calling for more transparency in the council's proceedings. Key Resolutions Passed The council successfully passed several critical resolutions, notably authorizing funding for Keystone Substance Abuse Services from the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund Board. Discussions also centered on floodplain management and sustainable development practices, underscoring the council's dedication to responsible growth and community welfare. Council Members' Actions and Plans Council members emphasized the importance of community engagement and transparency, encouraging residents to utilize county services and actively participate in upcoming meetings. They also highlighted the significance of responsible fiscal management, pointing to the need for prudent allocation of resources in various county initiatives. Executive Session Implications The executive session focused on critical personnel matters and legal advice, suggesting the council's proactive approach to address ongoing issues efficiently and effectively. The meeting underscored the council's commitment to inclusive governance and transparent decision-making processes. Residents were encouraged to remain actively engaged in local affairs and participate in shaping the future of York County. For additional information, residents were advised to visit the official York County website or contact the County Manager's Office at 803-684-8511. The next York County Council meetings are scheduled for November 6 and November 20. BY COURTNEY NOVELLINO, CHS JUNIOR
The York County Council convened twice in September to address important matters such as rezoning requests, contract approvals, and public hearings. The meeting commenced with the swearing-in of newly appointed board and commission members. Scott Kendrick and Ira Coltharp joined the Flint Hill Fire Tax District Board, while Margaret Parson-Willins assumed her role on the Culture and Heritage Commission. Susan Piening, Ashley Schemine, Robert Jones, and Cheryl Sige (absent) also took their oaths, demonstrating their commitment to public service. The Council deliberated on various items featured on the consent agenda, including:
Representatives from the Divine Fountain of Hope Women's Center and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) addressed the council, providing insights into their organizations and services. The council then entered an executive session to discuss legal matters, including a settlement agreement for Project: US-21 Force Main Replacement and County Water/Sewer Regulatory Application. In new business, the council adopted a resolution consenting to and ratifying the assignment and assumption of a Fee-in-Lieu of Tax Agreement. Chairwoman Christi Cox adjourned the session, marking the conclusion of another productive York County Council gathering. The next council meetings are scheduled for October 2 and October 16. Agendas and meeting minutes can be found at Council Agendas, Meetings, and Minutes on the York County website. |
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