Clover Town Council Confronts Recreation Strain, Zoning Updates, and Funding Gaps Amid Rapid Growth at April 14, 2025 Meeting

The Clover Town Council meeting focused on multiple key issues, including staff recognition in the police department, passionate public advocacy for expanded recreation facilities, zoning ordinance amendments, and the town’s financial health. Public concerns about safety, overcrowded recreation fields, and funding inequities were brought to light. The council also approved hospitality tax grants for upcoming Roosevelt community events and discussed challenges around appointments, particularly the eligibility of board members residing outside town limits.

Key Highlights:

1. Police Department Recognition

• Chief Grice introduced three newly certified officers: Darius Haywood, Enick Batson, and Robert Tiller.

• A resident publicly thanked Sergeant Grigg, Sergeant Bunn, and Officer Jones for life-saving actions during a medical emergency.

2. Public Comments

• Samantha McCarter highlighted a 206% increase in youth sports participation since 2018, with 50 teams competing for only five fields. She emphasized the urgent need for expanded and safer recreational facilities, referencing overcrowding and a shooting at Roosevelt Park.

• Michelle Bowen criticized the inequity in York County’s recreation funding. Clover received $163,000 compared to Lake Wylie’s $383,000. She urged council and citizens to lobby for equitable funding.

• Katisa McDowell requested support for two Roosevelt Community Watch events: a health fair and a Juneteenth celebration. She emphasized these efforts aim to foster a positive, inclusive, and safe environment.

3. Minutes and Corrections

• Council approved previous meeting minutes, with noted amendments to the March 17th special meeting minutes.

4. Zoning and Land Development Ordinance (Ordinance 25-02)

• Council approved the first reading of significant amendments aimed at:

  • Clarifying mobile vendor standards (e.g., prohibiting food trucks from operating on SCDOT rights-of-way).

  • Improving formatting and reorganization.

  • Updating signage regulations for content neutrality.

  • Adding provisions for electric vehicle parking standards.

  • Adjusting conditional uses in certain zoning districts.

• Enforcement concerns for after-hours food trucks were raised but deemed operational rather than zoning issues.

5. Financial Reports

• The FY2024 Audit Report was presented by Malden & Jenkins:

  • The town received an unmodified (clean) opinion.

  • General Fund balance increased by $48,000.

  • Water and Sewer Fund balance increased by $5.5 million, largely due to grants and surplus revenues.

• The third quarter FY2025 budget report was approved. Staff noted overages due to recreation growth and associated hospitality tax spending.

6. Appointments

• Theresa Blake was appointed to the Gallery 120 Board (term through Dec. 31, 2025).

• A motion to appoint Lisa Spencer to the Architectural Review Board (ARB) was withdrawn after it was noted she resides outside Clover’s town limits. Council discussed the need to revisit eligibility rules for non-resident board members.

7. Hospitality Tax Fund Grant Approvals

• Council approved $780 for the Roosevelt Health Fair (April 26) and $1,500 for the Juneteenth Freedom Day Festival (June 20–21).

8. Town Administrator Report (Allan Lester)

• Recreation facilities are strained; staffing and field space have not kept up with population growth.

• 70% of current recreation participants are from outside town limits.

• Town is working with York County and nearby municipalities to secure better funding and shared recreation support.

• Staff emphasized the need for parking improvements, additional resources, and capital investments in recreation.

Ongoing Projects:

• Fire Substation: Awaiting certificate of occupancy; ribbon-cutting likely in September for 100th anniversary.

• Main Street Revitalization: Feedback being sent to design consultants.

• AMI Water Meter Project: Nearly complete; improved billing accuracy expected.

• Clover Community Park Fieldhouse: RFQ in revision.

• Gwen Street Parking Lot: Utility coordination underway; cost for new meter boxes lower than expected.

9. Council Comments

• Council members expressed appreciation for community feedback and affirmed their commitment to improving recreation and addressing growth-related concerns.