County Council - Regular Meeting

and the time is 5:30 p.m. Our first item on the agenda is to approve our minutes from the September 15th, 2025 CTC meeting. Entertain a motion. I'll make a motion to approve the minutes of September 15, 2025. Second.

All right, I have a motion in a second. Um, I should have probably started by saying that we do have a couple of people joining us by Zoom tonight. Uh those are council councilman William Killian. Um is he he's he's on there with us? Should be. All right. And we also have John Marshall um Meer here as well. So um have a a motion in a second. Is there any discussion? I'll call by I'll call for the question. Those in favor, please raise your right hand and say I. Those opposed say that as all all in favor. Next up we have um 3A under new business is the update on the 2025 roads from ICE. We have Mr. Brian Falenberry with us on board. Good afternoon members of the CTC committee. Uh, I'd like to give an update on county project roads, the 2025 roads, which is Claris Court, Cloud Road, East Creek Road, Discovery Road, Hamilton Road, Huntington Drive, and Rocky Creek Road. Uh, those are supposed to start this month, the patching on them with the paving to follow right on through um June and through the summer. And then the two state roads that we have under contract, which is Duke Street in Great Falls and the state portion of Quail Hollow Circle, those are to start in August with uh completion dates of September 30th on those. And the other roads have a completion date of November 30th, 2026.

Could you read that list one more time? Yes, sir. Are the county roads? Yes, Mr. court. Uh, Claris Court, Cloud Road, East Creek Road, Discovery Road, Hamilton Road, Huntington Drive, and Rocky Creek Road. Thank you. And those those were all from one time funding, correct? Correct. Y

and then have an update on a change order we we've done where we added it on that contract for a repair on Langley Road. A 48 inch corrugated metal pipe had the bottom had rusted out of it and the road had collapsed and was narrowed down to one lane. So, we went in and dug it out and put uh 48 inch corrugated I mean reinforced concrete pipe down as a change order added to that job and it's done now. The repair is done. We just have to wait on get some warmer weather and we're going to cut it out and patch it with asphalt. But the new pipe is in and the roads open back up.

Yeah, that was the I just went ahead and done it since I was up here. That's good. That's good. We knocked it out. Is there any any more questions for you? Any questions from council. All right. Thank you very much for that update. All right. Next up is 3B, which is the update on the 2025 roads from AMT. We have Mr. Richard Turner.

Good evening everyone. Um I'm here going to give, like you said, going to give you a quick update on the 20 2025 roads. This is the um the annual funding program. There was nine roads total. Six of those are state roads. Three um three county roads or local roads. Um the local roads are McCree Drive, Hosea Strong Road, Looking Glass Drive. And then the state roads are Martin Luther King Memorial Drive, Lowry Street, Inex Road, Nelson Road, Lincolnville Road, and Sycamore Road. We're currently we're about 55 56% complete uh of this work which there are five of those roads have been completed at this point. All three of the local roads including McCree, Hosea, Stronging, Looking Glass, those are complete except for the final pavement markings which will be done when the weather gets a bit warmer. Um also complete with the paving is Martin Luther King Memorial Drive and Lowry Street. Um, currently, uh, King Asphalt is expected to be back in in Chester on February 23rd to begin work on Inex Road and they'll move to Nelson Road and then to Sycamore and Lincolnville Road to finish up the contract. Um, the contract completion date is May 31st. Uh, however, King right now has a plan for four weeks to be complete with this contract by March 22nd is their projected date. All of that is obviously depending on the weather. Hopefully we can hopefully Oxatani field wasn't quite isn't quite accurate and we can get some warmer weather here and uh get this complete.

Thank you for that. This first time King Gasphol's done any work in Chester County I believe. So you defer to Brian if you it is McCree Drive, Jose Strong and Looking Glass. All those in district five, right? All those in my district, I think. I think so. Cuz the one time and the recurring were split up. So, they weren't split up evenly amongst themselves. They were just everybody got, you know, they were split. I'm I'm okay with it. I'm just very I can't even explain what I'm trying to explain.

But yeah, they were split between the two one time and the the recurring. So, there's a lump on each Any other questions? Thank you. I don't think so. Thank you very much. All right. So, we've already done uh 3C. Move on unless somebody has a question. Next up is council comments. Yeah. I got a question. Um can we can I ask my my public works director a question? Sure thing. Yes. um about a road um Cobblestone Road. Are you familiar with it? Off 72.

I think I called Brian about it. Um it's uh when you go up 72 heading to Rock Hill. Um before you get to Quail, before you get to Craig, the first Craig Brow, it's on the left. Okay. Please take a look at that road and do an assessment. I've had several calls about that road. Okay. Um, we'll do. Yes, sir. Yeah. Is that is the name of that one? Cobblestone. I think it's Cobblestone. Give me five. I thought there was Hold on. I may be wrong.

Yep. Cobblestone. Um, and the other road is um well, Enix is getting done by the state. I think Cobblestone is the name of Yes, sir. I'll check it out. I have a couple too, Devon. I'll I'll email you about that, though. Okay. Just Just so I have it in my mind. I I I actually wrote on it. It is pretty bad. So, if you could just take a look at it and I'll look to I don't know if it's a county road or a state road. Do you know? I think it's a county road. Okay. Yeah. Check it out. Thank you.

Blue signs, green signs. Um I will say that um for council members, we have been meeting with delegation. Um there's some bills in front of the House and bills in front of the Senate that have a lot to do with roads. Um particularly there was a bill originally um I believe it was originally in front of the Senate and then the House introduced a version but where it was optional for counties to take over um state roads within the county and then the state would redirect some sort of funding um to assist. Now, their redirection of funding tended to be um foregoing a 25% requirement that we have to spend our money on state roads. However, the version of the Senate bill um that I saw was mandatory that counties take any road half mile or less uh state road within a county. And we have quite a bit of those, right? Um, and it cost us probably approximately a4 million dollars to pave. Am I right, guys? Roughly a half a mile.

So4 million on a half mile. Our 25% is approximately $320,000. So do the math. That gets us one road. So I have spoken to our senator. He is um Senator Stubs ensured me that it he did not think that bill was going to make it um very far. But again, it helps us all to talk to our delegation on bills like that. That would be crippling for us.

All right. Um are there any uh comments? Not I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn. Make a motion we adjourn. Second. All right. Those in favor raise your right hand. Say I. I. We're journ. We'll we'll come back together in about 20 minutes.

Hello. A minute. We got you. Oh, you hear me now? Yes, sir. Okay. Thank you, sir.

All right. now call to order this meeting of the Chester County Council. Today is Monday, February 2nd, 2026 and the time is 6 p.m. We do have a quorum of council present and Councilman um Kian is joining us online. We'll begin with the pledge of allegiance followed by the invocation by councilman

guy to the flag of the United States of America to the republic for it stands one nation indivisibley for all let's remain standing this evening our count heavenly father come thank you for this come asking you to continue to bless each and every citizen in this county. Continue to bless the hearts and minds of each and every council person up here on this podium. Please continue to bless abilities, the hearts, minds, and families of each and every one of our employees. Lord, we ask that you continue to guide our hearts. Make us make passionate choices for our citizens. Guide our minds. Help us to continue make intelligent, smart decisions that will continue to help our citizens live the best lives here in Chester. Then Lord, I ask that you continue to watch over us and continue to show us how to be disciples, these and all other things. Lord, ask your son Jesus name. All right, we'll begin with uh item 3A, which is the January 20th, 2026 council meeting minutes. I make a motion to approve the January 20th, 2026 council meeting minutes.

Second. All right, we have a motion and second. Is there any discussion? Call for the question. Those in favor, please raise your right hand and say I.

I. All right, that's all in favor. Thank you. That brings us to citizens comments. We have two people signed up to speak. We'll begin with uh Jamie Bowman. If you'll come forward and state your name and address, you'll have three minutes to speak to us. Um please direct all comments to council. Thank you very much. Uh Jamie Bowman, 3771 Hamilton Road. Um, as of this morning, my reason to come here has changed. I spoke to, well, this has to do with the U Walkers Mill North. The drawing that was originally approved u intersected my driveway and my ability to get home. We um I have talked with the developer now and they have decided to move the heartback that interfered with my road. So, if y'all have not seen it, I do have a copy of it. I said wasn't to Miss Mosley. It is perfectly fine with me now and and I'm I'm happy with that and please it. Thank you'all.

All right. Thank you very much. Next up is Tom Miller. Remind you to state your name and address for us.

My name is Tom Miller. I live at 1682 Pleasant Grove Road, Chester, South Carolina. I'm here on behalf of Fishing Creek Associates relating to the Walker Mill North development. I'm here to just confir that we have responded to Jaime's concerns about the use of Hamilton Road and have modified the development agreement to preclude any of the subdivisions use of Hamilton Road or interfering with Hamilton Road extension to this property. I think we're an amicable resolution here. Appreciate your support. Thank you very much. All right. Next up is number 5A, which is public hearing for ordinance 2026-01, providing for an amendment to ordinance number 2025-21, which amended ordinance number 2025-08, which amended ordinance number 2021-18, which provided for the use of excess funding for projects and/or capital projects as provided under ordinance number 2019-5 and providing for other related matters. I don't have anyone on the signup sheet. Is there anyone in the audience who would like to speak to this? If not, I will declare that this uh public hearing is closed. Next is ordinances, resolutions, and proclamations. 6A is a second reading of ordinance 2026-02 authorizing the execution and delivery of a fee in le of tax agreement by and between Chester County and project 2493 designating certain real property located in Chester County as part of a multi-county industrial park providing credits against fee in lie of tax payments authorizing the execution and delivery of a project agreement bound between Chester County and project 2493 authorizing the exec execution and delivery of such documents as may be necessary to affect the intent of this ordinance and providing for other matters relating there too. Mr. Hester,

I'll start with you if you had anything to add to this before we take a motion.

Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. There's one change since uh first reading um of this ordinance and that is that the I'm sorry that there the project um is asking that we include the per the land sale proceeds that are due to the county and we include them to towards the purchase uh and construction of the road into the development. And so that is proceeds from the sale of land are $280,000. The road was originally um projected to cost $833,400. As you know, we applied for a state grant from Department of Commerce. We did not receive that grant. At that time, we had asked to potentially use that money as matching. Since then, economic development has um been promised some funds from uh two other grant sources that would total $325,000 and they're working on some other funds. So, all we have done is added language within the ordinance that said the proceeds from the sale of the land, $280,000, would be put towards the infrastructure, which would be the roadway within the uh industrial park. Right. Entertain a motion from council.

I'll make a motion we approve second reading of ordinance 2026 02. Second. All right. We have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? So explain explain that a little bit better if you would about what how the they're going to give us money to buy it and we're going to turn around and give it back to them by building the road. We're actually not going to give it to them, Mr. Edgie. We're going to actually use it towards the the building

building the roads. will do that, but we're just writing into the ordinance that the county would agree to use that money from the sale to um to obviously put towards the road. And again, that that helps us to be able to market the rest of that industrial park as well. The water isn't um getting water there is about an additional 27,000. Um I'm not sure about the sewer, but again we're working towards get water, sewer, all of it as well. Is that a septic tank? That is. Yes, sir.

All right. Is there any more discussion? Call for the question. Those in favor of the second reading ordinance 2026-02, raise your hand and say I. I. I.

Those opposed. That motion carries six to one. Next up is 6B resolution 2026-04 providing preliminary approval for certain property tax incentives to induce a company identified for the time being as project 2354 acting for itself one or more current or future affiliates and other project sponsors to establish or expand certain facilities in Chester County, South Carolina, including a negotiated fee agreement, multi-county industrial or business park arrangement. and other related matters. Um again, Mr. Hester.

Yes, sir. So, I'll give a brief overview here and um the owner of the project is actually here as well. If council has any questions uh after this, so the resolution 20264 and ordinance um which is item C, the first reading of the ordinance 20264 both pertain to this project. This is a solar project. Um the location is uh located off of Dublin Road and is within tax partial identification numbers um 59 and I won't I forego all the zeros um- 023 58 um- 024 58-25 58-042 58- I'm sorry 58-205 and 58-206 Those are the property tax ID numbers. All of those off Dublin Road that border both sides of the road and then back around surrounding property. Um, this project was actually originated in February of 2023. This project totals 707 acres with only approximately 400 to 450 acres of those being utilized for this solar project. Um, and that's all dependent upon final engineering and design. It's approximately a 60 megawatt uh project. This project also includes battery storage. Um and then um I can give you this is a 40-year Do you want me to go ahead and go into the ordinance portion of that or you want to stick to the inducement resolution first?

Let's run it.

Okay. So, this is this project does have a 40-year fee in L. Um this has been negotiated to uh the same um price that it was consistent with the last solar project um which was 6,500 per megawatt and there's an additional charge for the battery storage at a separate price approximately 3650 I believe um per megawatt. uh vegetative buffers where there's a minim minimum of 75 ft setbacks um as measured from the project fence line and properties rightways um and residential uses. Vegetative buffers have a minimum of 15t but expanded to 25 ft with adjoining rightaways fully enclosed with 6ft fence. Um the short of that is that there's going to be a vegetation that is also required to be planted um which council has been uh shown those vegetative buffers what they'll look like in three five years and so forth. They also incorporated 100 foot setbacks from all wetlands and streams which go county code. Um, and then there's some wildlife and pollinator friendly uh items that are also included in this. Um, and I will say that the project has a decommissioning plan that is very robust um also um that was presented to councils. This project's been submitted um to Duke Energy and in September of 2025 selection was noted. It selection notices are expected in May of 2026. Um with that I think that's probably as much as I have. Uh maybe we can answer any questions if y'all have

any questions. Mr. Deloffield's here um with uh Delofield Energy. Let me uh when when did you say this was approved? The resolution. It was approved. You're voting on the resolution. We're voting on the resolution tonight. The project originated um in 2023. 2023.

Yes, sir. Um Chester zone and to your point um Chester County Board of Zoning Appeals unanimously approved the project as a special exception use with conditions um at a public hearing on 11:14 of 23. The county appela uh the the planning department's uh approval of it by this inducement resolution in the ordinance. you would be doing so.

I'll entertain a motion for council. I'll make a motion. Sorry. Sorry. I'll make a motion we approve resolution 20264. Second. Is there any discussion? And again, Mr. Deloffield is here. He drove here. uh through the snow and ice. So, if you guys have any questions, now is the time to catch them.

I guess um in terms of discussion, so um this this project is located in my district and uh a lot of the residents have had a lot of questions about it. You know, solar is is one of those things that as a farmer can give me a little bit of heartburn. It uses a lot of acreage. Um, you know, I think going forward, I really want to see this council tackle this and see how our land use might can be updated to try to minimize this impact to our to our county. This particular deal, I do feel that this is a very fair um agreement that a tax agreement that this council has come to. But going forward, I would like to see us maybe make some improvements to our land use for this county. We we don't want to we don't want our county to become um overburdened by solar. We want to keep keep our rural areas beautiful. Um there's some things I'm excited about. I'm thankful for for some of the buffers and other things as part of this plan. Maybe we can add to that going forward for future projects. I think there's some work we can do. That's my input. See any other discussion?

Let me clarify one thing. Uh the planning board approved this back in 2023. Correct. It was a variance zoning zoning board of appeals. It was zoning boards. It was approved. Right. Right. And this is before the um a lot of stuff has come up about multi-county industrial parks and I always try to vote and I don't know that I've ever voted against the planning commission or the board of appeals. So I'm going to vote for this project, this resolution and this project. Typically I do not vote for multi industrial parts but I'm gonna vote for that tonight for that video.

Is there any more discussion? Call for the question. Those in favor of resolution 2026-04 raise right hand to say I. I. I.

All right. All in favor? Next up, we have 6C, which is the first reading of ordinance 2026-04 and title only, authorizing pursuant to title 12, chapter 44 of the code of laws of South Carolina 1976, as amended the execution and delivery of a fee agreement by and between Chester County, South Carolina, and a company identified for the time being as project 2354, acting for itself, one or more current or future affiliates, and other project companies providing for certain incentives as provided under the simplified fee act, modifying a joint county industrial and business park of Chester and York counties so as to enlarge the park, providing for special source revenue credits, and providing for other related matters. Is there a motion?

Make a motion we approve first reading of ordinance 2026-04 and title. Second. All right, we have a motion to approve um and a second. Is there any discussion? Again, this is the same this is related to the same project that Mr. Hester just outlined to us. Hearing no discussion, I'll call for the question. Those in favor of this first reading, ordinance 2026-04 entitle only, raise your right hand and say only. Say I. I. I. I.

All right. All in favor. That brings us to 6D, which is a second reading of ordinance 2026-03, approving the execution and delivery of a development agreement between the county and Lando Investments Associates LLC and Fishing Creek Associates LLC, resolving civil action number 205-CP-12-0014. I am providing for other related matters. I'll entertain a motion. Make a motion we approve second reading of ordinance 2026 03. Second.

All right. We have a motion and second. I would call our planning director, Mr. Ward Ford. You have any updates or changes that you'd like to share with us?

Yes, sir. Council, I'll just give a brief update. Um, as was alluded to earlier in the citizen comments. So, we always try here at Chester County to be very responsive to the concerns of our citizens for projects like this. whether at at the beginning or at the very end. Uh so there was a concern that cropped up in this past week regarding the private easement, a non-exclusive easement running through this property. Um the citizen told his council member, we addressed it promptly. We have worked with the developer and the citizen to find a solution. Uh there is a very good solution to this. We're appreciative of the citizen and developer for working with us to come up with a great win-win option here. I have no concerns with the new plan that was shown. Um the subdivision as a whole, Walkers Mill North, has not substantially changed as a result of this. If you have any questions regarding this slight amendments, please let me know.

Would it be possible that you could send us um the new the new copies of the map? Absolutely. And is this the same project Mr. Williams that was from Lando last last time we met at the workshop. He was in favor of Yes, sir. So, this is the Walker's Mill North portion of it, but it also includes Lando Village. This is Mr. Bowman's project where Mr. Bowman lives. It's the one adjacent to his property. Yes, sir. But it's all part of the same project. Thank you. Thank you.

Is there any further discussion? Call for the question. Those in favor of the second reading ordinance 2026-03, raise your right hand and say I. I. All right, that's all in favor. That brings us to number seven, which is the administrator's report. Mr. Hester.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. First, um, everyone knows the property that the county owns at Saluda Street and Hudson Street. Um, they're on the corner. Um, they put Christmas lights there. It's an empty lot kind of caddy corner to the federal building downtown. Um we had a phase one brownfield assessment done on that uh property. Oh, it was sometime last year. Um and I just want to update council that I've been in touch with Tyler Lewis with the COG. Um he's a brownfield program manager there. Um while there were some RAC's um that were were there and that's that's really not a major issue. That was an old filling station. Um we did not move forward with the phase two site assessment because of funding. We have received a grant um for the phase two assessment of that property um which will pay for that. uh that'll be done in March uh 2026, which is in another month. And what that'll do is that'll position the county to really be able to after that assessment, no matter what we decide to do with that property, whether it's we use it for a parking lot or we want to build on it or we want to sell it, we will have received all the proper testing um and materials that pretty much tell us what we can or what kind of remediation may need to be done, which would allow us then in turn if there was remediation to apply for grants for that. So that's good news. Um and thanks to the COG as always um for reaching out and helping us with that property. Next thing is um we did receive uh the landfill received its expansion permit for our construction and demolition landfill. This permit area is estimated to last us 40 years. Um but at the rate we're growing at maybe about 30 years. Uh the expansion process and permitting began over two years ago um and was a long and

arduous process. We're pleased to have crossed the finish line uh on that much needed expansion permit. And thank you to Miss Deon Bagley, our I think she snuck out, our public works director, Thomas Varnador, the supervisor out there. They've really done a good job of kind of getting us across the finish line with dees and that's a huge deal for us to uh receive that expansion permit. Finally, um I want to remind council there's a uh comprehensive plan workshop scheduled for February 9th, next Monday, starting at 4 p.m. The workshop will highlight um and do some conclusive work on our land use plan. Uh we'll talk about data centers, solar farms, and some of the things that uh Mr. Mr. Wilson just brought up, as well as a school district will be here um and part of that presentation as well. So that's next Monday, February 9th at 4 pm. And then lastly, um I always love to brag uh on our team and not just county staff, but our entire county, our elected officials, everybody, sheriff and chief deputy back there and uh Mr. Whiteside, the major. But um I wrote this up prior to this weekend, so I'm going to add a little to this as well. So, um, but I want to take a minute and really brag about Chester County's response to Winter Storm Fern, which was last weekend. It started on January 24th and lasted through January 26th. Uh, each department demonstrated strong preparedness, um, steady leadership and the kind of teamwork our citizens deserve. I can't say enough. I wish every citizen in this county was watching tonight um or watched this council meeting even if they just watched this report right here. So they

really understood how much work and how professional and the level of just competency and what goes on behind the scenes when we have things like these storms or we have major disasters or we have you know natural um these natural disasters. But we began coordinating um for Fern early with early updates, preparation meetings, and we learned a lot from Hurricane Helen, didn't we, Sheriff? And we learned a lot about and and all our people in here. We really kind of took an approach through the debriefings of Hurricane Helen of this is where we need to improve. This is these are things that we need to do. This is how the EOC this is how meetings should run. Um this is who should be involved. Um but that really uh took place with Fern and we began those coordinating meetings early where emergency management shared the latest forecast um freezing rain, sleep, snow department directors ensured their teams and equipment and resources were prepared um for conditions to deteriorate. Obviously the sheriff's office and fire and EMS all doing the same at at the same time. The interesting thing about this one, I was out of town when those preparations took place. And I'd left, if y'all remember, I left Mr. Levester in charge. And uh so Mr. Levester, I got phone calls, you know, of course they kept me in the loop and I had to attend a few of the calls, but Mr. Leer was running things. And I would get calls from staff and they were all um complimenting and applauding the level of leadership that he displayed. And he did. When I came back into town on Saturday morning, uh before that storm hit, everything was in place. There wasn't a hair out of place for that. and the response was set up. Um, as that system approached, we expanded planning operations with forecast holding steady. Sheriff's Office issued

a clear message urging residents to avoid travel um with the potential of widespread power outages, dangerous low temperatures. We work with Chester County School District to establish warming stations, shelters at the Chester Middle School, Great Falls War Memorial. Those sites were supported by strong team effort staffed by DSS, Red Cross, and the Chester County Sheriff's Office. And that was all done very flawlessly. And I'd have to say people heeded the sheriff's warnings last week. Maybe not so much this week, right, Sheriff? Snow's a little more fun than ice. Um the emergency operations center opened. It was manned throughout the entire weekend. That is important, y'all. That is so important um that that center is opened. It's manned by sheriff's office personnel, our emergency management personnel, our fire personnel, our staff um that are checking in and out of that. and we've got phone lines. Um, but that's where that coordination of effort comes from. And, uh, and also with the addition of I see her back there. Um, our new communications officer, that was a real difference maker as well. I think, um, everyone saw the level of communication that went out to the public. Many times we get so busy, the sheriff has a communications officer, but from a county standpoint, we get so wrapped up in in the operations, we don't always um get get the messaging out. But Morgan was in on every one of those meetings and making very calculated um messages as well as sharing sheriff's messages um throughout that. So I think that was real difference. We had people I I know I had people that called and thanked us and applauded us for the communications that we put out and I think a few of you even called me and said you got great feedback on our level of communication. And then most importantly, this response reflected the strength of our partnerships across Chester County departments um with the help of uh DOT, DSS, MUSC, Red Cross, state and

emergency contractors. Um I'm just very grateful for the professionalism and commitment that's shown by all of our directors, all of our elected officials, all of their staff, um and and just how we reacted through that storm. And this was really written for um Fern, but then we had what happened this week? Well, hold on, let me back up. So, we get through the storm, you know, we were closed that Monday. Monday, a couple of us were here working and we get a call, the landfill's on fire. And so, on on Sunday, Tom Thomas Vernador had conducted a storm related site assessments. During a follow-up on Monday, he discovered a fire that was active on the working face of the landfill. Uh we believe that the storm accumulated ice and shifted some of the the dirt and caused a portion of the slope to give way exposing an area to oxygen and just increasing a fire uh the potential for fire activity from that. As you all know, we put dirt over that every 30 days and that's why you put dirt over it. But um Deon Devin Baggley notified Kellb Benson and response effort began. Fully suppressed burn areas on Monday night. J&J Excavating and grading. We called them literally at 5:30 and uh they rallied their uh team. Um and that's Joe Fleming for anybody that doesn't know. And he got his equipment out there and by 10:00 that night and the freezing temperatures they were out there putting dirt on the face. and by the next morning it was just smoldering in different areas. And so I'm happy to say I think by Wednesday we got it fully out. Um but we had to suspend some service to our CND operations because of that fire. So we came off of an ice storm. We went into a fire and you know you all know how bad um a landfill fire could be. But thank you to Joe Fleming. I I saw his mom and his brother this past weekend and I thank them personally to tell him. I

hadn't got to see him yet, but just for doing that for us. Um, and then we had this weekend. Um, and that came, you know, to us kind of out of the blue and everybody rallied right back in. People worked long hours. Major Whiteside, I think, was running people to and from work. Um, he was he was our roads person. He was the one braving the roads out there. We might ought to get him a jacked up truck sheriff next year. Um but uh but uh no, I mean we appreciate that partnership and we really we these meetings is where we decide, you know, when we're going to staff these um shelters, if we're going to open shelters and who's going to be where getting all the aprons for our fire departments and our EMS, getting, you know, between DOT and our contractors, getting those things getting uh salt put on them is so much work that we don't always have the resources. But man, what an amazing job and just couldn't be prouder. and uh just want you know everyone to know how much work goes into that and we just pray for a sunny weekend next weekend really at about 60 degrees would be really good for all of us. So sorry for the long report but with that concludes my administrator's report thank you very much Chester. All right. So that brings us to number eight, which is our consent agenda. 8A is the third reading of ordinance 2-01. 8B is the third reading of CCMA25-39. Is there a motion to approve the consent agenda?

I make a motion we approve the consent agenda. Second. All right, we have a motion second. Is there any discussion? All for the question. Those in favor, please raise your right hand and say, "I I." All right. All in favor? Next up, we have old business 9A is the third reading of CCTA 25-17, which is the Chester County zoning zoning ordinance text amendment to chapter 4, section 117 GC. We're adding some text. I'll call our planning director, Mr. Ward back forward. And Miss Hartman, do you have something to add to in a moment?

All right. Thank you, Chairman Wilson. So, I'll give a quick update on this. Since the first reading of this ordinance, we have worked closely with the sheriff and the sheriff's office um to be sure that it's as robust as possible. I came to you the first time and mentioned some of the real concerns out there with these vape shops and related industries. Those concerns have been verified and are shared by the sheriff. We also talked with one of the top officials at SLED and he shared some instances um of their concerns with these products as well. Uh you'll notice some new text that we've added in green. We work closely with Miss Workman as well. She was very helpful for this um to be sure that there are no loopholes with this new ordinance that addresses vape shops. Specifically, we added in synthetic marijuana, cannabis products, and CBD products as types of products sold in shops that would fall under this description and regulation for electronic cigarette and vape shops. We believe this is a very good first step to address this issue for the first time in Chester Countyy's history. Um, future steps in the near future will include looking at the sign ordinance and revising that extensively, probably later on in the spring to address some of the concerns that y'all have shared about the flashing lights, particularly at night, and some of the other safety issues with those. And there may be more updates and changes to come regarding this issue in the future. Thank you. Let me know if you have any questions.

Question for you. So, this is um this is for any new vape shops. Is there anything that's going to be um applied to any of the existing vape shops from this from this change? That's a great question, Chairman Wilson. So, there's nothing in this particular change that would apply to grandfathered or existing vape shops. However, in the future when the sign ordinance, for instance, is updated. I believe it would be wise to put in a change there that would apply to any business um in essence that would prohibit businesses that have existing flashing signs from using those moving forward. So while while this does not I think in the future that is something to look at for various aspects.

Thank you. Say that one more time.

Yes sir. So that this current zoning change does not impact any current existing vape shop. In the future though, there's some aspects of those, particularly with signs, the flashing bright signs, where Chester County, if if you wish, could put in an ordinance to prohibit those signs. Say, for instance, prohibit window signs that have flashing LED lights. And if if that was the case, you could make it apply to any business even if they already have the sign. And in essence, saying that you would be prohibiting those signs. They would have to remove them. that would apply to existing businesses, whereas this ordinance just applies to any new vape shop that wants to come into Chester County.

Okay. Very good. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. H. All right. Is there a I'll entertain a motion. I make a motion we approve uh CCTA25-17. Second. All right. I have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? Third reading. Hey, Miss uh P. Yes, sir.

Uh Miss uh chairman, um I know Mr. Guy was talking about the lights. I had talked to one of the owners of the bank shop and I let him know that it was a concern about his lights being on all night and he told me he was going to work that out so we can cut them off at night and during the daytime he can have them on. But I had talked to him, Councilman got one of the fates. Okay. Um, thank you. Okay.

All right. Thank you, Mr. Kunion. Um, we want to thank the sheriff for his input on this and for um, Mr. Ward working with him and figuring this thing out, trying to make as strong of an ordinance as we can to address these issues. Um, is there anything else? Any other discussion? Call for the question. Those favor, please raise your right hand and say, "I." I. I.

All right. All in favor. Next up is new business. So 10A is a request approval of local ATAX funds for Chester County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center building. We offer a very warm welcome to Dr. Frederick. Glad to have you with us tonight. And our chamber president, Brook Clinton. Welcome. Dr. Frederick, if you want to come take this seat anytime, you Dr. Frederick served as our supervisor for for two years. Almost two years. Little over two years. We're still We're still appreciative of that service.

Thank you. Thank you. I appreciate this council and the support that he gave me while I was part of the council as well. So, it's a little different being on this side of the podium now than than in in the hot seat where you are, but I'm thankful that you're there and that the rest of you there as well. I'm here on behalf of the uh Chester County Chamber of Commerce. You all know I love Chester and I help in various capacities and I was supposed to be the chairman actually originally, but then I became the supervisor and so they said, "No, you can't do both." And Brooke told me, "You owe me a chairmanship." So, here I am. But I'm glad to be before you. I was listening to Mr. Hester and he was speaking about partnerships and the value of partnerships. And so we just uh really appreciate the partnership that we have with you all as far as tourism is concerned and we so thank you so much. Um the tourism department as we see it is very strong, is progressing and thank you for your continued support. So, what I'll do tonight is give you just a brief update on some things, obviously not all things about that uh tourism uh department and then share with you the need that we have. Again, again, we're so appreciative of what you've done and how you support us. And part of that agreement was that we give you all some updates uh from time to time. But this arrangement that we have with you guys is a shared commitment of to welcoming visitors and promoting Chester County with excellence. Of course, we are known as the Chester County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. And if you look on your screens there, and I guess you may have them there, you see our logo, Visit Chester County, South Carolina. Brick by Brick. In January, the board approved this this this one-time campaign entitled Brick by Brick, preserving the walls that welcome all. I think it's kind of catchy, but um you

know, we are we do exist and we do live in an older building and so but the chamber will pursue fundraising projects. We'll remain fully committed to maintaining and operating this facility as the county's official visitor center and preservation of our facility. We are not a 501c3, but we are a 501c6, which means grant opportunities are far more limited than those available to traditional 501c3 nonprofits. Now, while this apply, we did apply for grants, but we're not awarded a lot of those grants for that reason. And so, um, here you all, oh, I'm sorry. I'm supposed to be advancing the slide. When I was here, David was doing all that. So yeah. Okay, we're right where we are. If you look at the the um screens there, you see the past and what how this building was used over the years. And so, and you see now down at the bottom is 2025 Chester County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. And like I said, we're doing everything we can to preserve this building and to make it look attractive. So, if you look to the right of the picture, you'll see the Chester County uh um the mural that we have there. As you come in the front door, have a beautiful mural there, and I think that depicts our county very, very well. So again, as official Chester County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center, it is essential that our facility reflects quality, safety, and pride for those who experience our county. Now, we want people to come in and enjoy Chester County as it is. And so, as we have a visitor center, of course, this could be the center of attraction. And that's why we want to keep it really, really, really, really up uh we want to build it

up and beautify it as much as possible. So, as we market and attract visitors to our county, we want them to witness it as it is. I mean, you think about it, somebody come to the visitor center and they say, "Oh my goodness, this thing needs some work." Well, then we're here. And we've been doing some things in the past to help with that. So, our next screen here, you'll see some of the things that we've done. We we are proud. We're excited by the fact that if you look to the left side, we've repaired the roof, replaced dual HVAC systems, replaced the skylight, removed old radiators, and repainted portions of the interior, added welcoming mural, as I said. So, in the past 24 months, we've spent about $40,248. But if you look to the right, you'll see that we are honored that uh and excited that we are a certified member of the South Carolina front porch program. Not sure if you heard of that or not, but it designates official visitor centers that meet statewide standards. So, we'll be promoted as a South Carolina certified visitor center by the state operated centers to guests visiting our area. and it makes sure that travelers are warmly welcomed and given accurate and reliable information as they arrive in South Carolina. Basically saying that is this is the state's way of ensuring our visitor center serve as trusted front doors to our communities. As a matter of fact, on December 16th, we had a ribbon cutting to celebrate this exciting new use of our building. And the staff has worked hard to research best practices for restoring historic buildings such as ours. They met with experts at the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office to ensure that we are following best practice preservation standards and exploring appropriate funding options. But of course, you know, our building is

is quite old and is in need of repair and has reached a critical point where structural deterioration can no longer be deterred. And so, like I said, in the past few years, we spent about $40,000, you know, to do that. So, it's, you know, it is an old building. So, while we're here tonight, and let me remember to do the next next time I do something like this, Dave, you might have to help me out with that. But if you look to the to the right, you see our building. Now, you see an arrow on the left side of the building that's pointing to a little blown up section here to let you see the the condition of the building. And what it is, we do have a moisture problem. But the issue is not with just that one wall that you see to the left, but if you face well, if you're facing the building, it'll be to the right. The one that you see, the one that you uh can't see from that picture is to the left where that little alley is. Both walls need uh exterior walls need to be sealed to prevent moisture from destroying the historic bricks. So, this is something that's very pressing and we do have to make sure that we take care of that. Now, we do have uh there were beds out and we do have a bed uh roughly 75,000 to repair exterior walls, but we know how that goes. When you got a building this age, when they start working, they may find some unsuspected situations and issues and problems. So, you know, we have to have a little cushion for that um as well. So, the next slide here and this is my claim to fame as a movie star here. and you'll see that you can start the movie. Now

I'm over here at the chamber of commerce and visitor center. And when you look at this wall here, you can see that it is in much need a much repair. If you look up here at the ceiling, you can see um this is a very very old wall. But let me bring your attention to the brick. The brick literally peels off in my hand. And this is not the only spot. So we see here that the uh the age and what's going on with the brick. And we strongly feel that this needs to be repaired. I'm over here at the chamber of commerce and visitor center. And this is another area there in the building here. And you can see what's was what's what's happening with the brick here due to the moisture. And so this issue here with these walls, you see, it's not just a risk to visitors, but also to the dedicated staff who in that building every day. So we're not simply talking about cosmetics. Uh there are some structural issues here that require timely attention to make sure that the building remains safe and functional. Again, we're talking about the two compromised exterior walls. We have a rough estimate of about $75,000. So, on behalf of the Chester County Chamber of Commerce and the visitors center, we respectfully request that the council approve up to $75,000 uh to repair the exterior walls, both walls of the Chester County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center. And of course, we know that when we um you know, when those walls are repaired, we

have a a a place that we can call home and we don't have to worry about safety, you know, in a building like this. That's very important. Plus, can add value. And we've been working with the city and talking to the city and exploring some ways in which they can help as far as, you know, beautifying the place or, you know, uh how they can help with the center. in this presentation. And so again, here we are brick by brick. We would like to get this taken care of as soon as possible. So if you would grant us up to 75,000, we appreciate it very very much.

Thank you very much, Dr. Frederick. Don't go anywhere just yet. So uh are there uh Mr. Chester, do you have some words about our um a tax funds? Yes, sir, I do. And um I've I've met with Miss Clinton and um Mr. Frederick several times. And uh I always love to meet with him anyway and catch up um and trade stories. Right. Right.

But I went out and I have seen this brick firsthand. Uh I tried to get him to quit knocking it off the wall, you know, but uh it uh it is in need of repair. And with our partnership with tourism, uh Mr. Darby and I have looked, it does fit under use of local a tax. Um so we're within um you know, our legal um council's within its legal right to use those local ax funds for this. they've agreed to do some fundraising activities to assist, but of course they've got many other chamber events and different things that come up. And so sometimes, you know, in Chester those types of fundraising, um they don't really know what they're going to produce. So that's the reason the up to $75,000. We have an extremely healthy a tax fund balance, a local a tax fund balance that we probably need to spend a little bit of it, right, Mr. Darby? and uh to the tune of over $500,000 we have in it. So, um this would be a very worthwhile use for that, especially with our partnership with tourism and thus the reason we're here. Um and they're here tonight to ask for those funds. Well, they had if you if you've ever been to Columbia and Bull Street is on your left hand side, old State Hospital, you'll see a brick wall. That brick wall is made out of the same exact bricks were made out of the inmates or the patients in the state hospital made the bricks to build the walls and stuff like this. They're straw built bricks or whatever they were and they they were never meant to last as long as they last. Um, and the Babcock building that you see that burned, they rebuilt it and they had to take an awful lot of those bricks out of that. So, you're going to have an expense there to repair this building

because a lot more bricks in there look like they were bad and Oh, yeah. We talk about spending I mean continue $75,000. We're not going to build a building in Chester County downtown for $75,000. So, I think this would be a great investment.

What What do you need to do, Mr. We just need for you all to vote to approve the use of local a tax funds for up to $75,000? So, make a motion we approve up to $75,000 pay tax money for brick ceiling replacement wall wall repair visitor center. A second. All right, we have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? Yes. Uh, didn't you just say that you think it could possibly be more than 75,000?

Possible. I was just saying that that unknown factor because when you start doing work on an older building, you know, you start doing this to seal this to fix that, you run up on some unforeseen issues that nobody can predict until the construction begins. So I I would suspect the 75,000 is probably the higher estimate kind of what you got. Well, possibly we think, but we don't know. What happened if we approved 85 instead of 75 up to 85 just to make sure and then if they don't use it

you could simply approve the use of local a tax funds um and if it goes above us and my commitment would be if it goes above 75,000 I'll come back to you and tell you okay I agree with that. Yeah. So we need to change the way we say the ordinance way we approve it. I I think the up to75,000 u if you want to just amend that to say use local a tax funds if it's over 75 come back and tell us. Let's let's start over if we could then we withdraw that second. I'll withdraw it. It want to withdraw and restate.

I'll draw my original motion. restate that we approve up to $75,000 for repairs and approve the use coming back as for more a tax money additional funds. Is that correct? Let's state it as approve the use of local a tax funds and don't put a dollar amount over 75 come back and tell council. That's it. Okay. But we make a motion to approve repairs for the walls of the building up to $75,000. And if it exceeds that amount, we come back and ask for a tax money. I'll second address it again. I'll second.

All right, we have a motion and second. Is there any more discussion? So, I want to make sure we have the the motion clear. So, the motion is that we'll use local a tax funds to uh do these repairs at the visitor center. Um, and if it exceeds the 75,000, um, Mr. Hester will will come back to us with a with an update. With an update. All right. Um, with that, I will call for the question. Those in favor, raise your right hand to say, "I I." All right. All in favor? We want to thank Dr. Frederick for for your presentation tonight. And and thank you all so much. Really appreciate it. Okay.

Buddy Brooks, appreciate it. We uh look forward to seeing the end the the end result of this. I know this will be a big big step in preserving that building. Next up is 10B, which is the grant match request for animal control. We have our animal control director, Jessica Roof, with us. Welcome.

I'm a little shorter. Good afternoon, chairman and members of council. Thank you for the opportunity to be here today. I have some really exciting news to share about our 2025 results for our community outreach efforts as contact context for this grant match request. In 2025, Chester County Animal Control ended the year with a 93% live outcome rate. We have managed that rate for the last four years and our commitment is that we are going to maintain or try our best to maintain that as the county continues to grow through community programs. This year, 423 household pets, dogs and cats combined were microchipped, altered, and vaccinated against rabies with 250 of these being females, which is the greatest long-term impact on reducing intake and shelter strain. Additionally, we successfully altered 433 cats through our trap, neuter, and return program, marking this the largest number of nuisance stray cats addressed in a single year in Chester County. These cats represent the primary source of the nuisance complaints and unknown of unknown unowned animals countywide. Even early in 2026, we are already seeing a continued demand having altered already 43 community cats, 15 household cats, and 22 dogs through our outreach efforts. Altogether, our 2025 efforts totaled 856 animals altered without ever entering our shelter. This means 856 animals that will not reproduce in our county. 85 56 animals that were protected against rabies and hundreds permanently identified through microchipping. Again, that number was 423 pets. Tonight, I respectfully request $20,000 to match the Loots Grant Foundation grant awarded to us on January 12th so we can continue to expand these proven prevention efforts for the residents of Chester County. Any questions?

Is M. Is Mr. Dorby looked at and see if we have the money? Yeah. Yes, sir. I'll make a motion we approve the grant. Second. All right. We have a motion and second to approve the grant. Is there any discussion? That was budgeted at beginning of the year and our grant match fund. We always do that in hopes that we get this grant which Lud Foundation has been very good to us. Make sure I followed it. So, it's 25,000 from Loots and it's a 20,000 from Loots and 20,000 from Grant Match. So, it's $40,000 total. Thank you all for your work at the filter and these numbers and the update tonight. Thank you very much.

Yes, sir. Thank you. Call for the question. Those in favor um please raise your right hand and say I I I. All right. It's all in favor. Next up is 10 C, which is SC250 update. Vice Chairman um Vice Chairwoman Mosley,

thank you. So, just to kind of uh come back for with another SC250 updates. Exciting year. It's finally here. Um to start off with, we're going to have uh well, we're going to have other activities, but I just want to kind of celebrate this one as well. Just go ahead and get it on your calendars. Carolina Day is going to be June 28th, 2026. We're going to be at Union ARP Church. Um at 2 PM, we're going to do uh an oversight of Carolina Day and what it represents, what Chester County represents in the revolution. Um we're going to do those things and just kind of give more detailed information as to how important Chester County was in the revolution that that created this country. Um so we're going to give some detailed information, the history of those people that are buried in certain areas of our county. Ones closest to the Union ARP, which is Burnt Meeting House Cemetery. Uh we have Paul Cemetery, Anderson Green, and possibly William Martin's grave itself. Um so a lot of interesting things there and we're going to kind of elaborate more about their contributions and things that that the folks that created this county um helped to create the country and it's just really fascinating. So if you're a history buff like me, you know, always call me and ask. You know, we have a lot of folks in the audience here from the 250 as well. Um so just kind of wanted to reiterate that. So mark your calendars. June 28th at 2 PM at Union ARP Church. It's going to be great. Um we're going to do a lot of uh fun stuff to kind of kick off that week. Um we have a lot more activities uh in the works. I'll be coming back to you a little bit more. Um and possibly some asks uh to council from other representatives of the SC250 just for some um either some, you know, monies or grant matches or or things of that nature. So, kind of look forward to some things uh there. Um, we're also looking at a big celebration to celebrate July the 4th. So, don't plan to go out of town for July 4th. We're going to be here in Chester. We're going to celebrate this county on July 4th and we're going to have fun. Um, but that that news will come a little bit later, but we're we're we're making make plans are in the works. So, don't plan

anything. Plan to stay in Chester County. Um, and with that, I think that is um all the to say for that, but just like I said, mark your calendars. June 28th for sure and July 4th for sure. There'll be a lot more to come. All right, thank you for that update. Are there any questions? All right, thank you so much. Next up, TND, which is a recap from Christmas and Chester from uh Miss Brenda and prayer.

Yes. I just want to say thank you and I want to show you a short video of what y'all helped do for Chester um for Christmas and Chester. So anyway, Thank y'all because y'all were a big part in that and you know and I'm here to beg for next year. I'm just going to be honest with you. Um last year y'all were so gracious with $15,000. But as you can see we had a lot of children and I cannot say enough about the businesses in Chester. It speaks volumes for all they do for Christmas in Chester. But like the Cinderella makeovers, we had 125 little girls getting Cinderella makeovers. I was walking through and I heard a little girl tell Cinderella she didn't have a fairy godmother for a dress. As you can see, some of them real decked out in

princess outfits. So, we've got to fix that next year. We've got to have a princess closet. And if a child doesn't have a princess dress when they get their makeovers, they're going to go over to the prince's closet, pick them out of dress, and Laura Olifant will be there dressed as a fairy godmother to outfit that child. Also, I didn't have enough for the boys to do. So, I'm looking at a mobile petting zoo to go between the library and city hall in that parking lot because it's just dead space. So, I would like to ask if y'all would increase, I know you're doing the budget, will you give me $20,000 uh for Christmas and Chester? And of course, we need more snow. The um the snow on the hill, it cost $10,000, but it wasn't enough. I mean, you know, it it started going away cuz so many kids were using it and adults were using it, which was fine. So, but anyway, I'd like to have 20,000 for Christmas in Chester and we can add things to it. Uh, the library kept a count over 800 people went through Chester County Library. Um, Brooke at the chamber kept a record of the U zip codes for the kids that got face painting. Uh, I think I'm right to say that we had 15 different zip codes. people from Rock Hill came, McConnell's came, Elgen came, Colombia came. I mean, we reached out and got touched a lot of kids. And I would appreciate anything y'all could do. And I hate to say I'd like the money soon because I've got to put down payments on the skating rink, the merrygoround, and the snowill. And right now, I have no funds. So, thank you very much.

Can I? Yeah. Go ahead. I'd like to make a motion because I was there and I know exactly. I know how much time and effort it takes. I know how enjoyable it was. It was a lot of excitement. Um it was really nice to see it back in in Chester. Um and I would like if it's okay, Pete, if I can make a motion. I'd like to make a motion that we um that we grant $25,000 to uh Christmas and Chester. All right. Have a motion for 25,000. Is there a second? Second. All right. Is there any discussion?

Merry go round was fast. A little bit scary. Um yeah, my my kids had a really good time, too. And wow, it was really well attended the night before Saturday. And we appreciate your your work on it and everyone else's. I know Brian and Mike Lester and Tommy, they push kids down the hill all morning long and then some. We want more snow. I hear you. What What What time did it end that Saturday? I was actually You should say the snowill ended at uh everything ended about 2 o'clock, right?

Yeah. That that that everybody from what I heard a lot of people enjoyed it. I did hear that's why I asked about the time. I did hear some people say it closed too early. Um, is there any way to stay open a little later? I don't have the funds. Friday night, Saturday,000 more kids. I had a lot of All right, come come forward. You got to come up to my

I had a lot of complaints that the Cinderella makeovers were their appointments only. Well, you know, I mean, they can't they pushed it to do 125 girls and you know, they polished their nails, they fixed their hair, they did tiaras, and they weren't plastic and put little makeup and lipstick on them and all. And I had a lot of people complaining that their kids couldn't get in. I mean 125 is about the max we can do it unless another beauty shop would offer. You're open to getting other beauty shops to offer? Yes. You know, I'd like it to be downtown. I like everything centered downtown, but yes, I would,

you know, but the big thing for me I'll talk to you on the sidebar about the other beauty shops. Okay. Yeah. The big thing is I want to add the Cinderella closet, the princess closet, and the petting zoo. So, all right. Thank you. Is there anything else from council? Good. Thank you very much. Moving on. We got a vote. Vote on. Yeah, we do. about that. I tried I tried to save us 25, didn't I? All right. Here we go. So, um, we have a motion to, uh, approve 25,000 for the Christmas and Chester 2026. Is there any more discussion?

If not, I'll call for the question. Those in favor, raise your hand, say I. Mr. Killian. Those opposed. That motion carries. All right. So, next up is 11A, which is the Board of Assessment Appeals. Um, I have an appointment for district 4. Um, I would like to appoint Emily Emily Mcernney to that board. Is there a second? Second. All right. I have a motion to second. Is there any discussion?

She's a She's a new resident to District 4, and I'm excited to have her in that role. She um she has a unique background with agriculture and I know a lot of the uh appeals have to do with agriculture. So I think she'll be a valuable um person on that board. Um she does a lot of traveling with work but she has um talked with Mr. Anderson and feels feels comfortable that she can she can definitely be a part of this board and and do her part. I will call for the question. Those in favor to appoint Emily Mcernney to the board of assessment appeals, raise your right hand and say I.

I. Those opposed. That that motion carries. Next up is the um item 11B which is the Fort Lawn Fire Protection District Commission. We have a resignation. Anyone like to make that motion?

Yeah. Let me uh can I do some discussion first? Sure. Um, this resignation actually came to me um along with uh Vice Chairman Mosley, Mr. Hester, and Miss Harper. And the um resignation was from Miss Hedgepath. Um she's resigning from the Fort Long Fire Prote Protection District. Miss Hedgepath requested that her resignation letter be read aloud. Um, I think the attorney, Miss Miss Workman, has that resignation. I ask her to read it, please.

Yes, sir. This letter is dated January 29th of 2026. Dear members of Chester County Council, I'm writing to formally tender my resignation from the Fort Lom Fire Protection District Board effective immediately. I was originally asked to serve on the board by Mr. Agy, Mr. John Ag for the specific purpose of reviewing operation and identifying existing issues within the Fort Long Fire Protection Fire Department. I accepted this role in good faith and carried out the responsibilities assigned to me to the best of my ability with focus on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and adherence to proper governance standards. During my service, I identified several material concerns that in my professional judgment presented significant operational, financial, and audit related exposure for the district. These include these findings include but are not limited to the following payroll accounting and audit exposure. Payroll has been paid in a rears for multiple years with no corresponding payroll reflected in the appropriate audit reporting periods for the years in which payroll was acred. Budget construction errors and f and structural deficits. The annual budget was not properly constructed from inception. A required 28% labor burden was not included in employee pay rates uh creating a structural deficit that was never corrected. Additionally, utilities funding provided by rule fire was budgeted at only 3% increase from the prior year and approximately $14,000 in known funding was not in the annual budget. budget non-compliance and overtime. Staff compensation was exceeded

has exceeded what was approved in the budget that was adopted. Overtime continued even after the board explicitly directed during executive session on September 17th that overtime was no longer permitted. each of the four um excuse me, I recalculated the allowable monthly payroll expenditure necessary to remain within budget and outlined what could be afforded through the remainder of the fiscal year. This guidance was not followed under the chief during the period, excuse me, during the first pay period in which Mr. Gan Hudson served as acting interim chief which was November 23rd through January 6th of 2026. An operational schedule was implemented that resulted in only four hours of overtime. Each of the four subsequent pay periods under the his interim leadership resulted in no overtime, demonstrating that maintaining operations within approved budget parameters was feasible. Human resources reporting concerns. An HR related matter arose that in my professional judgment should have been directed directly directly reported to Chester County. This did not occur. Given the above circumstances and lack of sufficient support to fully address and correct these matters, I have concluded that it is in my best interest to remove myself from the board and allow these issues to be addressed by others. It is my sincere wish that the circumstances had allowed for a different outcome and for the full cooperation necessary to resolve these matters appropriately. However, at this time, resignation is the most responsible course of action for me. I respectfully request that my name be removed from the Chester County

website and all official listings associated with the Fort Law Fire Department Fire Protection District Board immediately. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully, Maria Hedgepath, former board member.

So, so um why I was Why it was sent to me, I don't I don't know. But I feel like as um a council person, it was my duty to turn in what was sent to me. Um as far as a res resignation, um I don't want to make any speculations. I know the council don't want to speculate anything. Um but as a result of these allegations, I think we need to request uh Mr. Hazer, Mr. Hester and um Miss Workman to do an internal investigation on this. Um I know I take allegations like that seriously. I think the council does as well. Um I find that letter kind of troubling. Um being a citizen of Chester County, all of the things she pointed out. Again, I do not want to come to conclusions or speculate anything, but um I need Miss Work Miss Workman to take the necessary steps to um investigate this and um come back to the council and let us know what's going on.

Yes, sir. Mr. Guy, uh Mr. Hester and I had a meeting with the chairman of Fort Lawn Protection District uh regarding some of the matters this afternoon. Um, I feel as though these topics need to be brought to the attention of the commission members of all commission members um, first and foremost and Mr. Hester and I will work with them to ensure an investigation is complete. Yes, Mr. Weights. Yes, sir. All right. So, we have two things here. One is uh this resignation from uh, Miss Hedgepath. Is there a motion for that? Make a motion we accept the resignation as presented. I'll second. All right, we have a motion and second. Is there any discussion?

Well, she's my appointee that I recommend it to the county council. This is the first I've known of it when I walk in. Yeah, the um the email was sent to me on Thursday, January the 29th. Again, it was sent to me um vice chairman, the administrator, and uh Miss Harper. Um yeah. All right. Um I will call for the question. Those in favor of accepting this resignation raise right hand to say I. I. I. I. All right. All in favor.

Do we need to take any a motion or any action on Mr. Gu's comments for for y'all to look into this matter? Is that is that something that you see council action from? I think it would be good to have on record for council to vote for us because there is a board involved. Um, and you all um, if you look at the code that drives the board, you all have the authority to order this. I think they'll be cooperative, but I would think it would be good for you to vote for that. Miss Hedgepath, Mr. AJ, I know you said she was your appointee. That is actually the three appointees are council appointees. They are not district aligned. Um, and then there's two appointees from Fort Lawn as well. So, there's only four members

on that that board at this time. There's rumor that two other members were resigning, but we don't have confirmation of that. They they did not they did not resign the they wrote a letter but the chairman of the board did not accept them and they withdrew their resignation. Okay.

And uh Mr. Bevelance was uh we voted on him just rec the count the town council voted on Mr. Bevelance and Mr. Weights as their appointees to that board. So that left Mr. Nun, Miss Oh Lord, what's the redheaded woman's name? I can't never remember. Linda again and um there there's five members four now with this one resigned as as was

Marie Hedgepath, Miss Gayy, Mr. Nun, Mr. Bevelance, and Mr. Weights. Those are the five board members. So I think the point is if council would If you want to take a vote to authorize us to investigate the matter. The investigation was going to be with Mr. Weights. Is that what Miss Workman just I mean Miss We will work with the board. Correct. I'll make a motion that you and Miss Workman work with Mr. Weights to investigate that. Second. All right. We have a motion and a second for uh to give y'all the uh

authority of council to move forward with that investigation. Is there uh any discussion? I'll call for the question. Those in favor, please raise your right hand and say I. I. All right. All in favor. All right. That brings us to number 12, which is executive session. 12A is the discussion of matters relating to the proposed location, expansion, or the provision of services encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body. Project P2187 and B is a discussion of a proposed sale or purchase of property convenience site. Is there a motion to go into executive session? I'll make a motion to council.