York County Council Approves Multiple Rezoning Requests, Honors Veterans Director, and Advances Opioid Recovery Grant in July 21 Meeting

The York County Council convened on July 21, 2025, at the York County Government Center for a regular meeting that addressed a range of community, zoning, financial, and public service matters. Key highlights included honoring veterans’ affairs director Melinda Woodhurst upon her retirement, administering oaths to new board appointees, and hearing public comments on topics such as the Silfab Solar project, library policies, and zoning changes.

Council unanimously approved several third readings of rezoning requests, adopted updates to local ordinances, ratified contract amendments and budgeted expenditures, and initiated steps toward revising impact fees in the Clover School District. The meeting also included public hearings on proposed zoning amendments and land development code changes. Below is a detailed breakdown of each agenda item discussed.

Detailed Summary by Agenda Section

Opening and Recognitions

• Invocation and Pledge: Led by Councilmember Debi Cloninger (District 7).
• Oaths of Office: Winston Martinez and Sandra Calhoun-White were sworn in to serve on the Bethel Lake Wylie Land Acquisition Board and Catawba Mental Health Board, respectively.
• Recognition: Council honored Melinda Woodhurst for her eight years as director of York County Veterans Affairs and her 28 years of military service, recognizing her retirement with a plaque and ceremony.

Public Forum Highlights

Several residents spoke on pressing community concerns:

• Silfab Solar Project: Multiple speakers expressed concerns over chemical storage, regulatory oversight, and inconsistencies in Council’s previous statements regarding zoning authority.
• Library Policy Changes: Residents opposed potential policy changes to the York County Library’s collection policy, warning of censorship and legal risks.
• Downtown Fort Mill Developments: Updates were shared on park improvements, a downtown social district, and surveys conducted for planning purposes.
• Zoning Comment: A resident requested assurance that covenants would remain in place despite rezoning actions for a second residence.

Consent Agenda Approvals

Council approved all 31 items, including:

Rezoning Approvals (Third Reading)

1. Case 25-12: UD to LI for 3.8 acres at 1781 Yorkshire Rd, Rock Hill, to remove nonconforming status for an existing mechanic shop.
2. Case 25-13: GC to RUD for 0.68 acres at 2782 York Highway, York, to merge parcels for residential use.
3. Case 25-15: RSF-40 to AGC for 10.72 acres at 674 Ormand Rd, York, for a second home and farming.
4. Case 25-16: RSF-40 to AGC for 14.49 acres at 936 Johnson Farm Rd, York, to allow parcel recombination.
5. Case 25-18: UD to LI for 5.73 acres at 148 Flint Hill Rd, Fort Mill, to allow outside storage and simplify future development.

Law Enforcement and Public Safety

• Approved two retiring sheriff’s deputies to retain their service weapons.
• Authorized a $398,847 purchase of a Pierce 3000-gallon fire tanker for the Bethel Fire Tax District.
• Accepted the insurance settlement on a totaled county patrol SUV.

Construction and Infrastructure

• Approved a $4.06 million contract amendment for Catawba Bend Preserve greenway and dam repairs.
• Approved $93,814 for demolition work at Woodend Park to prepare for public opening.
• Authorized awards and renewals for road and infrastructure materials (e.g., base stone, calcium chloride).

Engineering & Capital Projects

• Approved three engineering service renewals for facilities, civil, and transportation needs.

Technology and Detention Services

• Approved purchases for jail medical services, food services, surveillance system maintenance, and forensic software.

Culture and Heritage

• Approved $61,799 contract for gutter replacements at Historic Brattonsville’s Hightower Hall.

Public Hearings

1. Zoning Code Amendments

• Action: Second Reading to convert AGC-I and RUD-I to legacy zoning districts and expand permitted special exception uses in AGC and RUD.
• Result: Proceeded after hearing public concerns about zoning consistency and environmental impacts.

2. Land Development Code Amendments

• Action: Second Reading to revise family land division exemptions, setbacks, and shipping container use.
• Result: Proceeded as proposed.

3–9. Rezoning Cases (First Readings)

All zoning cases passed first reading after public input:

• Case 25-20: UD to ID for trucking use at 450 Corporate Blvd, Rock Hill.
• Case 25-21: Mixed RUD/AGC adjustment in Hickory Grove.
• Case 25-22: RSF-40 to LI at 1728 Harris Rd, Fort Mill – denied by staff and PC.
• Case 25-23: AGC to RUD for 1-acre split in Clover.
• Case 25-25: AGC to RUD for subdivision into three lots in Clover – staff and PC recommended denial.
• Case 25-27: RSF-30 to RMX-10 in Fort Mill for home reconfiguration – PC requested voluntary deed restriction.
• Case 25-28: UD to GC at 158/110/130 Hands Mill Hwy, Rock Hill, for convenience store.

New Business

1. Opioid Recovery Grant: Authorized application for $715,800 SCORF grant to expand opioid treatment in detention facilities.
2. Vendor Preference Ordinance: First reading to amend procurement code to favor local vendors.
3. Clover Impact Fee Resolution: Directed Planning Commission to update the school impact fee ordinance and Capital Improvements Plan (CIP).

Committee Reports and Comments

• Reports delivered from Economic Development and Finance & Operations Committees.
• Executive Director Tiffany Knight gave an update on the “In the Meantime” program.
• Council entered executive session to discuss legal, personnel, and development matters.

Sources:

• York County Council July 21, 2025, Agenda Packet
• York County Council Meeting