Lancaster County Council Approves Key Ordinances and ARPA Updates Amid Citizen Concerns on Development and Infrastructure
The Lancaster County Council Meeting on November 12, 2024, covered several key agenda items, which I will summarize below:
- Opening Formalities: The meeting commenced with a call to order by Chairman Steve Harper, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Council Member Jose Luis and an invocation.
- Agenda Approval: Council members approved the agenda unanimously.
- Citizen Comments: Residents expressed appreciation for Election Director Maryann Hudson’s role in running a well-organized election. Additional concerns included calls for a 180-day housing development moratorium due to school overcrowding and infrastructure issues, and specific property tax issues.
- Special Presentation – ARPA Update: Stephany Snowden provided an update on the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Lancaster County received $19 million, of which $12.6 million was spent on completed projects. Eight projects are in progress, including a building expansion for EMS headquarters and recreation area improvements.
- Consent Agenda: Council approved minutes from previous meetings and the third readings of several ordinances regarding zoning amendments.
- Non-Consent Agenda:
- Third Reading of Ordinance 2024-1929: Approved amendments to backyard pen and coop regulations, with restrictions added on exotic animals.
- Second Reading of Ordinance 2024-1917: Rezoning of 26.94 acres from business to residential near Hwy 9 Bypass, including discussions on property easements and agreements with local families.
- First Reading of Ordinance 2024-1933: Approved the acquisition of a property on Catawba Street through a cashless transaction with Founders Federal Credit Union.
- First Reading of Ordinance 2024-1939: Approved an amended tax agreement with Project Maple, which failed to meet initial investment targets but will provide tax clawbacks to Lancaster County.
- Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance 2024-1931: Discussed an amendment to regulations on shooting ranges, focusing on allowing archery and BB gun programs for youth recreation.
- Appointments and Calendar: Council also approved appointments to various committees and adopted the 2025 calendar for council and committee meetings.
- Executive Session: The council entered an executive session to discuss personnel matters related to the County Administrator’s Office, a contractual matter regarding property acquisition, and another matter related to the Sheriff’s Office.
- Adjournment: The meeting concluded after addressing the agenda items and discussing executive session topics.
