Tega Cay City Council Addresses Key Issues in July 14th Meeting

Tega Cay, SC – The Tega Cay City Council convened for its regular meeting on Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Tega Cay Glennon Center. The meeting included recognition of July 4th parade winners, various departmental reports, approval of minutes, and votes on ordinances and bids.

The meeting began with Mayor Gray calling the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence. A motion was made and passed to table the discussion and consideration of parking for pickleball facilities (item 5B) and move it to executive session as item 5D for legal advice related to parking for pickleball facilities.

Presentations & Reports

The meeting continued with the recognition of the July 4th Land & Boat Parade Winners. Ms. Hasty expressed excitement about the July 4th and 5th festivities, noting the strong community volunteer involvement and thanking various individuals and city teams for their contributions. Awards were presented to Vincent LLC for “Best Community Spirit”, Carol’s Ace Hardware for “Most Patriotic”, Tika K Live for “Best in Show” (their second year winning), and the Republican Women’s group received an “Honorable Mention” as the lead judge’s choice. Shreddit was recognized for the “Most Patriotic” boat in the boat parade.

City Manager Charlie Funderburk delivered his report:

• ARPA Funds for Small Businesses: The application period closed on June 30th. Out of 35 eligible applicants (after removing duplicates), nine qualified for funding. Eleven were outside city limits, seven received other COVID-related funding, 19 lacked a 2020 business license, and 13 did not hold a current business license. An additional applicant, potentially a 501c3, is being reviewed.
• Development Services: A resubmittal for the preliminary plat of the Lakewood subdivision was received, along with a submittal for a 1-acre parcel in Windhaven.
• Economic Development Commission (EDC): The EDC is hosting a business connect meeting at Model A with Joe Harris as the keynote speaker on July 30th.
• Main Street Project: Clearing has begun, and a groundbreaking ceremony is tentatively planned for the first week of August.
• Stonecrest Office Building: Survey pins are set for an office building at 1187 Stonecrest, the last vacant lot in the Stone Crest development.
• Fire Department: The department has seen an increase in environmental and water-related emergencies due to heat.
• Parks & Recreation: Fall sports registration ends on August 2nd. A Dick’s Sporting Goods day with 20% off coupons will be held on August 2nd at the Rock Hill location. Maintenance staff are preparing fields for the upcoming season, and rip-rapping at Windjammer has begun. A reminder was issued for residents to obtain parking decals for Windjammer. National Parks and Recreation Day is July 18th.
• Police Department: Monthly statistics include 474 calls for service, 28 incident reports, 2,844 property checks, 493 traffic stops, 76 parking citations, 11 vehicle collisions, 18 custodial arrests, 5 DUI arrests, 6 community events, and an average response time of 3 minutes and 37 seconds. The department is holding its fifth annual summer break scavenger hunt and reminded residents that the updated golf cart ordinance requires operators to be licensed drivers aged 16 or older. School starts August 4th, and drivers are urged to slow down in school zones. The 11th annual Camp Cadet Golf Tournament is scheduled for Thursday, October 10th, at the Tega Cay Golf Course.

Committee and Commission Reports followed:

• Planning Commission: Councilman Carter reported that the Planning Commission met on July 7th, approving May minutes and primarily discussing comprehensive plan updates, focusing on the future of Tega Cay’s infrastructure, parks, and community.
• Economic Development Commission: Mr. Ashley Rabin reported on the EDC’s July meeting, which included approving June minutes and preparing for the upcoming business connection meeting on July 30th at Modlin Brewing, featuring Joe Harris as the keynote speaker.
• Steering Committee and Comprehensive Plan: Mayor Gray reported on the Steering Committee meeting, which involved approving minutes, reviewing statistics on age groups and parks (noting Tega Cay exceeds COG recommendations), and discussing future park ideas and increasing community involvement in parks and recreation events and sports.
• RFATS: The committee discussed the long-term transportation plan, focusing on areas like I-77, Selene, and Cherry Road, and briefly touched on Carowind’s upgrade at Carowinds Boulevard I-77. Updates were provided on NC160 flyover bridges and ramp tie-ins, with anticipated lane closures. Mayor Gray also mentioned efforts to get RFBs installed before school starts.
• Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA): There have been two recent BOZA hearings. A variance for an attached pergola was denied on May 29th due to lack of demonstrated hardship. A request to enlarge a screened-in porch on June 19th was continued, and the applicant has since communicated a different design.

Public Comments

Kelly Macaluso of 2534 Timberlake Drive, representing the Tega Cay Pickle Ball Club, thanked the city for expanding the courts to 12. However, she raised concerns about a proposal to block driveway access to the courts with a gate, citing safety risks for older residents due to steep, unlit paths. She mentioned a petition signed by 163 players asking the council to visit the area and consider alternatives like clearly marked designated parking spots.

Approval of Minutes

The Council approved the minutes for three past meetings:

• June 9, 2025, Special Meeting.
• June 16, 2025, Regular Meeting.
• June 23, 2025, Special Meeting.

Unfinished Business

The Council considered and approved the second reading of Ordinance 604, which repeals, amends, or adopts various sections of Chapters 26, 34, and 46 of the City Code related to law enforcement matters. This ordinance aligns the City’s code with current state and federal laws for efficient and effective enforcement by the police department.

New Business

The Council considered awarding the bid for the Bluebell Stormwater Repair Project. This project involves repairing a separated 36-inch RCP pipe joint and replacing drainage structure #163 with a 5′ by 3′ rectangular junction box. WE Martin Contracting LLC was the only bidder, with a bid of $71,135.36. The project’s fiscal impact is $72,000 from Drainage Maintenance Material in Stormwater. The motion to award the bid to WE Martin Contracting LLC for an amount not to exceed $72,000 was approved unanimously. The City Manager clarified that the lack of multiple bidders was likely due to the small size of the job for contractors.

Council Comments

Council members offered their comments:

• Councilman Carter praised the July 4th festivities, volunteers, and parade winners. He also emphasized water safety and recognized Caroline Hasty for her work in the community and organizing city events.
• Councilman Hyslip echoed appreciation for the July 4th events and staff, congratulated award winners, and highlighted the good work of the fire and police departments. He announced his recusal from discussions related to food and beverage services at the Tega Cay Golf Club due to a conflict of interest.
• Mayor Pro Tem Miller commended the Fourth of July weekend, city staff, and public safety efforts. She expressed excitement for the Main Street groundbreaking and the new Treveni grocery store and restaurant, and reminded residents about safety for scooters, bikes, and golf carts.
• Mayor Gray extended thanks to staff and residents for the successful July 4th celebrations, acknowledging veterans and emphasizing safety in summer activities, particularly on the water and for golf cart/bike operators. He urged prayers for those affected by recent devastation in Texas and the Carolinas and encouraged volunteering.

Executive Session

The Council then moved into executive session to discuss personnel matters related to the Tega Cay Police Department, legal advice and contractual matters for food and beverage services at the Tega Cay Golf Club, legal advice pertaining to litigation matters with Tega Cay Marina, LTD, and parking for the pickleball courts.