Fort Mill Town Council Highlights Major Initiatives and Community Programs at July 28 Meeting

The Fort Mill Town Council’s July 28, 2025 meeting was packed with recognition, presentations, and forward-looking infrastructure planning. Key topics included the honoring of former school superintendent Dr. Chuck Epps, a presentation of a proposed microtransit pilot program, a major stormwater restoration project, and approval of key contracts and grants.

High-Level Summary of Key Actions and Discussions:

• Dr. Chuck Epps honored for decades of service to Fort Mill Schools.
• Microtransit pilot program proposed to improve local transportation and ease traffic congestion.
• Stormwater Summer Internship students shared project insights and experiences.
• Dye Branch stream bank restoration feasibility study presented, with over $4 million in potential costs.
• Town Hall renovation contract approved with a guaranteed max price of $5.77 million.
• Facade improvement grant approved for a downtown business.
• New Planning Commission member appointed.

Detailed Summary of Agenda Items

CALL TO ORDER, PLEDGE, INVOCATION, AND MINUTES APPROVAL

The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and an invocation. Council unanimously approved minutes from the June 23 Council Meeting and July 14 Workshop.

PUBLIC COMMENT

No residents signed up to speak.

PRESENTATIONS

1. Recognition of Dr. Chuck Epps

Mayor Savage and council recognized retiring Fort Mill Schools Superintendent Dr. Chuck Epps with a formal presentation. Dr. Epps, who served in the district for decades, was praised for his leadership and dedication to education and community partnerships.

2. Fort Mill Parks & Recreation Recognition

Although the Fort Mill 12U Flag Football All-Star team could not attend, Council congratulated them for reaching the state finals and commended the Parks and Recreation Department’s continued excellence.

3. Stormwater Summer Internship Program

Mina McDonald introduced high school interns who presented their summer work, which included stream clean-ups, educational outreach events, and visits to water treatment plants and industrial sites. Their capstone project featured a creative Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle-themed stormwater scarecrow designed from recycled materials.

4. Microtransit Pilot Program Proposal

Fort Mill Economic Partners presented a proposed microtransit pilot using “Freebee,” an app-based electric vehicle service aimed at connecting key Fort Mill commercial areas like Baxter Village, Kingsley, and downtown.

• Service Goals: Reduce traffic, improve parking access, promote economic activity.
• Operations: Thursday–Sunday, with $2 rider fees.
• Request: $200,000 from the Town to support the one-year pilot.
• Council Feedback: Strong interest and support; will consider official vote at next meeting.

5. Dye Branch Stream Bank Restoration

LeeAnn Clark presented findings from a feasibility study by Kimley Horn identifying severe erosion near town walking trails and parks.

• Total Proposed Cost: ~$4.2 million.
• Scope: High, medium, and low-priority sections spanning over 7,900 linear feet.
• Concerns: Infrastructure threats, safety issues, and water quality.
• Recommendations: Phase the work for cost efficiency and integrate with future greenway trail development.

Council expressed strong interest in prioritizing high-risk areas and leveraging grants to fund the work.

NEW BUSINESS

1. Lease Agreement with Fort Mill History Museum

Council approved first reading of a two-year lease renewal for the museum’s office space at 111 South White Street. Improvements to the space were noted, and council agreed the arrangement benefits both the town and the museum.

2. Town Hall Renovation – Guaranteed Maximum Price

Town Manager Cary Vargo presented Amendment 001 to the CMAR contract, setting a guaranteed maximum price of $5.77 million for the completion of Town Hall renovations, including:

• Police Department move-in by January 2026
• New Council Chambers ready by July 2026
• Customer Service center upgrades

Council approved the item and requested quarterly progress updates.

3. Façade Improvement Grant – 219 Main Street

Council approved a $1,940 grant for new signage and window graphics at Suite 101, 219 Main Street. The grant covers 50% of eligible costs under the town’s Façade Improvement Grant program.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ad Hoc Appointments Committee

Council approved the recommendation to appoint Jonathan Hutchinson to the Planning Commission, filling a vacancy left by a member who moved outside town limits.

CLOSING REMARKS

Council members thanked the interns, acknowledged staff working in the summer heat, and reiterated support for community and environmental initiatives. The mayor praised the collaborative effort across council and staff to address critical infrastructure and community improvements.