County Council - Regular Meeting

A quorum of council present. We'll begin with the pledge of allegiance followed by the invitation by Councilman Cory Guy [clears throat] to the flag of the United States of America to the stands nationy for all.

Let's [clears throat] remain standing. kind and good heavenly father, I want to come thank you for bringing us to this to this holiday season. Thank you for watching over us all year long, bringing you bringing us bringing us all here to this special time of the year where we all sit back and give thanks and love on each and every one of our family members. Lord, I want to personally thank you for bringing my son home today who's been in South Korea and Philippines and for the last week and a half and had me and his mother just worried to death because he's only 25, but he's been in places that we've never been and [laughter] brought him back about 30 minutes ago. I thank you for that. Lord, I also thank you for watching over each and every person that's governs this this this great county of ours. Each and every police officer, each and every fireman, each and every first responder that has brought us right here to this very po point in time and continue to watch over each and every citizen here. And I ask that you continue to watch over them and their families. Keep them keep them safe. Keep them out of harm's way. these and all other things, Lord, continue to ask in your son Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Amen. All right, as we get started, um uh item on the uh two items on the agenda that have been asked to be pulled off of the agenda. Those are items 6G and 6H. Is there a motion to pull that resolution and that first reading ordinance? I'll make a motion we remove uh items 6G and 6H. Second. All right, we have a motion and second. Is there any discussion? Call for the question. Those in favor raise your right hand and say I. I.

All right, so those two items have been removed from the agenda tonight. All right, so citizens comments. We don't have anyone signed up to speak. We don't have a public hearing tonight. That leads us straight into six number six which is ordinances, resolutions, proclamations. We'll begin with 6A which is a proclamation in honor of Master Sergeant Alfonso J. Boyd for his exemplary dedication and service to our nation and community. [cough] Glad to have you here with us tonight. A proclamation in honor of Master Sergeant Alfonso J. Boyd for his exemplary dedication and service to our nation and community. Whereas Master Sergeant retired Alfonso J. Boyd served in the United States Army for 22 years and upon returning to Chester County established and expanded successful JOTC programs at Great Falls, Louisville and Chester high schools, serving in this role for 12 years. Whereas for the past decade, Alfonso Boyd has served with the distinction as commander of disabled American veterans James D. Westinger Chapter 19. Under his leadership, the chapter persevered through the challenge challenges of the CO 19 pandemic and continued to serve the veteran community with dedication and compassion. Whereas Commander Boyd was instrumental in organizing and carrying out numerous programs and events honoring our nation's heroes, including the 2017 Wounded Wounded Warrior Ampute Softball Tournament and Banquet, Quilt of Valor ceremonies, dinner with the general events, Veterans Day parades, and personally hosted numerous Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances over the last seven years. Whereas, Commander Boyd leads a passionate team with the Disabled American Veterans Organization to seek, uplift, and support fellow veterans,

fostering unity, hope, and renewed purpose among those who have served. Whereas he exemplifies the spirit of com camaraderie by actively engaging with and encouraging participation in multiple veterans organizations, fostering fostering unity and preserving the enduring attitude of a grateful nation. and through his leadership, he has strengthened collaboration among among all Chester County veterans groups, coordinating resources and care to ensure every veteran receives the support that they deserve. Whereas in 2025, the South Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs recognized Master Sergeant Alfonso J. Boyd as the South Carolina Veteran of the Month and further honored him as the South Carolina Veteran of the Year for his distinguished service, unwavering dedication, and exceptional contributions to his country, his fellow veterans, and his community. Now therefore, I, Pete Wilson, chairman on behalf of the Chester County Council, do hereby proclaim that we honor Master Sergeant retired Alfonso J. Boyd for his extraordinary service, leadership, and lasting impact on the lives of veterans and the broader community. Done on this day, the 17th of November, 2025. [applause]

[applause]

If we could, we'll ask you to come forward. We're all going to come down, take a picture with you, and give you the plaque. Absolutely. I'll wait till you guys get seated.

Thank you. [laughter] [applause]

Council have any words they'd like to say? Anyone in council? Congratulations. Yeah. Ditto. [laughter] No, thank you, Mr. Boyd. You're always there. You're always bright and cheerful and just, you know, always giving 150%. So, we appreciate everything that you do. Thank you, sir. This latest honor is very welld deserved. So, congratulations. Remember the first time I ever met you, Sergeant Bord? Yes, sir. We knocked your door down, didn't we?

All right. So, uh, our next item on our agenda is 6B, which is a proclamation and recognition of the Chester County School Resource Officers. A proclamation and recognition of the Chester County School Resource Officers. Um, we have we have many of them here tonight with us as well. Whereas the safety and security of the students, faculty, and staff of Chester County Schools are top priorities of the Chester County Sheriff's Office, the Chester County School District, and local government. And whereas Chester County schools are protected by a dedicated team of 14 school resource officers, including two supervisors, one floater, and 11 SRO's who together put together who together protect 15 schools locross 10 campuses serving more than 4,000 students. And whereas on October 31st, 2025 following a vehicle accident on the Chester Park Comp campus, SRO Griffin responded swiftly after being alerted by teachers. During this time, the driver gained access to the School of the Arts playground and forcibly entered a classroom, removing a child. And whereas the subject was met outside by SRO Stinson, who responded promptly to the call for aid, joined by SRO Alexander and Corporal Going, who also responded to the scene. Whereas through the swift and courageous actions of SRO Stinson Griffin and Corporal Going, the child was safely recovered from the suspect, school personnel were able to render immediate medical assistance and the sus suspect was taken into custody. All within a total event time of less than six minutes. And whereas the professionalism, bravery, and teamwork demonstrated by

the Chester County School Resource Officers exemplify their waver unwavering commitment to both protecting the students and staff of Chester County Schools and maintaining a safe learning environment. Now therefore, I, Pete Wilson, chairman, on behalf of the Chester County Council, do hereby recognize and commend the Chester County School Resource Officers for their outstanding service, courage, and dedication, and express sincere gratitude for their steadfast commitment to the safety, and well-being of our community's children. This is done on this day, the 17th of November, 2025.

[applause] [applause]

We'd like to get a picture with y'all as well. So, come forth. Anyone [clears throat] council have any comments?

Yeah, I just like to say appreciate all the hard work you put in. When incidents like the other day happen, it brings a lot of attention to your job, but your job's tough every day, day in and day out. and just like to say thank you for all the good hard work you do.

Y thank you. And I know the kids uh appreciate you guys because I never hear bad words about SRO's. Maybe I just talk to the good kids. I don't know. I'm just picking. I'm just picking. But no, you guys do a great job and and can't thank you enough having a child and I know Mr. Wilson has children and grandchildren, you know, from some of us here um within the school district and just really truly appreciate your hard work and dedication and just just can't thank you enough. I I'll echo that as well. You know, I know it takes a lot of um planning and and training to make events like the other day work out the way they did. That those things don't just happen by accident. We want to thank each and every one of you for for the professionalism that you show and for the work that you do. So, keep it up. Thank you.

I guess I'll just say uh thank you guys. your job may be harder than some of the other officers jobs because you have to deal with our kids and grandkids every day and all day. And uh thank you for uh for for everything that you guys do. Thank y'all very much. All right, our next item on the agenda. Actually, uh I guess I got ahead of myself. I was excited about the two proclamations and I missed our approval of our uh number three. So, if y'all don't there are no objections here, [laughter] we'll back up and grab that right now. So, that's uh number three 3A is the November 3rd, 2025 county council meeting minutes.

I'll make a motion we approve November 3rd uh council meeting minutes. Second. Is there any discussion? All right, I'll call for the question. Those in favor raise your right hand to say I.

I. All in favor? [clears throat] All right. Next up is 6 C, the second reading of ordinance 2025-23, an ordinance authorizing the execution and delivery of a fee in le of tax agreement by and between Chester County and project 2485, the designation of certain real property in Chester County as part of a multi-county industrial park arrangement, providing for the provision of credits against fee in lie of tax payments, providing for the execution and delivery of such documents as may be necessary to affect the intent of this ordinance and providing for other related matters. Make a motion to approve the second reading of ordinance 2025-23.

Second. I have a motion and second. Is there any discussion? I'll call for the question. Those in favor raise your right hand to say I.

I. All right. So, that passes 6 to1. Next is 6D, which is the second reading of ordinance 2025-24, an ordinance authorizing the execution and delivery of a fee in lie of tax agreement by between Chester County and project P2521, the inclusion of certain real property located in Chester County and a multi-county industrial park, the provision of credits against fee of tax payments, execution and delivery of such documents as may be necessary to affect the intent of this ordinance, and other matters related there motion on that one. I'll make a motion we approve second reading of ordinance 202524.

Second. Have a motion and second, Mr. Esther. For this one, is okay to say the name of that project or is that still confidential? And that it's okay to say that. That's Jones Hamilton, which is an expansion project. Thank you very much. We I know we spoke about them last time, but just want to make sure everybody was clear which one was which. So, um, we have a motion and a second. Is there any discussion? Glad to see businesses staying and growing here. So, that's a good thing. Call for the question. Those in favor raise your right hand to say I. Those opposed.

All right. So, that motion passes six to one. Next [clears throat] is 6E which is the first reading of ordinance 2025-25 to amend chapter 2 article 6 boards committees commissions and districts division one generally section 2-267 accountability of all boards commissions committees and districts and section 2-269 administrative and enforcement provisions of the code of ordinances of Chester County South Carolina and to provide for other related matters. Make a motion we approve the first reading of ordinance 2025-25. Second. All right, we have a motion and second. Um, I would ask that attorney Workman speak to this.

Thank you, Chairman. Good evening, council. On September 15th of this year, uh, Councilman Guy introduced a motion to establish a a clearer requirement regarding training, documentation, and adherence to county policies for all boards and commissions. The first proposed amendment strengthens the accountability section for all boards and commissions. Um it adds a training requirement requiring each member to complete training that outlines their scope of work authority and responsibilities. The second is documentation um transparency adding a provision that requires boards and commissions to maintain all documents in an accessible location um and to produce those documents upon request. [snorts] [clears throat] In addition, all services whether contracted or non-contracted must be itemized and included in the annual budget um submission. Any professional services that are not included in the approved budget must be brought before council for approval. if it happens after that budget is approved. The third amendment adds language requiring all boards and commissions to adhere to county policies. And um that concludes each of the the three additions to the boards and commissions.

And to make this clear, this is for all boards. That is correct. This is all county boards. Yes. Yes. Uh Councilman Guy, this only includes all boards and commissions. Um this is the general ordinance for boards and commissions that it's included under. Thank you very much. Are there any questions or discussion? Hearing none. I'll call for the question. Those in favor of this first reading ordinance 2025-25, raise your right hand to say I. I.

All right. That's all in favor. Next is 6F, which is resolution 2025-30 authorizing the transfer of certain personal property and providing for other related matters. Make a motion to approve resolution 2025-30. I'll second.

All right, we have a motion and a second. Mr. Hester, would you want to speak to that? I know it's in our packet. This is simply sheriff's office property which is um either end of its useful life or not being used um or not able to be used. And so this just resolution allows us for the items in exhibit A which is property description allows us to auction those items off and dispose of county property. All right. Thank you. Is there any uh any discussion questions? Call for the question. And those in favor raise your right hand to say I. I. All in favor.

All right. So items G and H we we pulled from the agenda. So that takes us straight into the administrator's report.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, council members. Uh first I would like to bring your attention to we're going to bring that slide up for me, please, David. Um, as part of our partnership with the Chamber uh of Commerce here in Chester, the Chester County tourism function is now being [clears throat and snorts] uh, as you all know, ran through a partnership with the chamber and uh, as part of their uh, that partnership, they are rebranding uh, the county tourism logo. Uh, one part of the initiative was a creation of two new logos and the website handle that used to be in Chester County is now visit Chester County. There's a lot of um, we'll call it algorithms uh, that go into their choice of visit Chester County uh, as opposed to in Chester County. Some research within the tourism world. Um, but the tourism web website rebuild is also currently underway. So, be on the lookout for some exciting new changes happening with tourism. Um, this is one of the logos that's being used. And then can you and then this is another one that's being used. So, there's two formats. I don't have that in front of me as to the difference as to when those are used, but uh those are the two logos that they're going to use. Just wanted to bring those to council's attention. Any questions on those logos? Okay. Thanksgiving holiday schedule. County offices will be closed Wednesday, uh, November 26, Thursday, November 27th, and Friday, November 28th. In observance of Thanksgiving holiday, the recycling centers will operate on their normal schedule. They're always closed on Thursday, so uh that won't affect Thanksgiving Day, but they will be open Wednesday, November 26th, and Friday, uh

November 28th, as well as the Saturday uh following that on the 29th. The landfill will open be open on Wednesday, November 26, which is um the day before Thanksgiving, and it'll be closed Thanksgiving Day, and it'll be back open Friday, November 28th, and then Saturday on its normal schedule as well. The South Carolina Department of Revenue recently conducted and I believe I mentioned this uh a while back in administrator's report, but um they conducted a compliance audit for Chester County's 1% capital project sales tax program. The audit evaluated the collection, use and use of tax revenues from May 1st, 2021 to June 30th, 2025. The audit concluded that Chester County is in compliance with the Capital Project Sales and Use Tax Act and the 2020 referendum. Although these results were completely expected, um it is great news to get confirmation from the state about how Chester County has handled this program. The CPST program is vital to Chester County and this audit came at a good time as we begin the process to establish another program next year and go make a referendum to go on next year's ballot. These results should give assurance to our citizens about how these funds have been handled in the past and confidence to keep supporting this program in the future. And a big thank you to all of county staff and the entities involved in making sure that this program has been a success. And I'll just tell you that, you know, these are it's a random audit. We've never been audited for this program, uh, here in Chester County. Um, and so when they first notified us and we Tommy and I sat down with uh the Department of Revenue for the initial meeting for the audit

and Tommy brought in these binders that were already ready for Do and the the person who came to um have that initial meeting and audit um commented on, "Wow, you guys are prepared and you guys this is more information than we normally get and you know very well organized and So just a testament to how well um our finances uh our financial situation and our fiscal responsibility um that's just another testament to that. Then finally um I'd like to give another um you know welldeserved accolades to our gateway conference center and messilia Henderson who's a gateway manager. She provided me with an update about a month ago. I was going to bring it to council, but then I was like, "Well, we're going to wait another month." I think I [clears throat] think we were full that night, whatever it was. And um so anyway, this week she provided me with information that we have booked thus far this year uh 187 events and that is nearly the total of events completed all of last year, which was 217. We're not even halfway through the year. The gateway has reached about 86% of last year's total event volume with half the year and a little more still to go. And we are at $335,51 invoiced versus total revenue last year of $438,957. That means that we have already received over 76% of last year's total revenue and we're not even to the halfway mark. So, congratulations. Um, and keep doing the amazing job that you're doing out there, Ameilia. We really appreciate the work and the hard work that you put in out there, you and the entire staff at

the gateway. So, thank you very much. And with that, that incl concludes my administrator's report. All right. Thank you, Mr. Chester. Next up is I don't have any old business consent agenda or old business tonight. So, next up is new business. 10A is the economic development update. We have our economic development director, Robert Long, Aaron as well.

Uh, thank you, Chairman Wilson, and the rest of council. Uh, delighted to have an opportunity to talk about we've had a very busy year in econ development. Uh, and delighted to have an opportunity to twice a year to kind of give you a quick update. Um so and of course this is a lot of numbers but I'll try to give some uh uh you know some uh words behind it. Um we have had 97 projects we've logged in so far this year and we still have about six weeks to go although traditionally things kind of fall off a little bit after Thanksgiving but uh activity has been very solid. We actually just hosted a project visit last week so things have not slowed down quite yet for us. And um and as a side note uh of the 97 project that actually tops last year. Last year we had a total of 94 projects. So we've already exceeded uh that number. Uh but you can kind of see where we have year-to- date as far as activity from both commerce, some of our allies with we are obviously an investor in Charlotte retail business alliance, I77 alliance, uh retail strategies. We'll talk a bit more about that in a moment. But the one thing I just wanted to highlight is uh right at this exact moment through November, we're 13 projects ahead of where we were the exact same time last year. Um and uh so uh you know same thing just a very busy year for us from a project activity perspective. This is just kind of a quick snapshot that kind of shows you u kind of where we're getting our leads from. So there's two columns. Uh we have year-to- date which is the 97 projects. The vast majority of those projects are uh attraction projects. I mean these are companies that are currently not in Chester County. Uh that number is much higher than most counties. most counties uh it's only about you know 50 to 70% but we're far ahead of that schedule. Uh and we but I will point out that this is actually the most expansion projects we've actually worked since I've been here. So it's almost 10% of our projects have been expansion opportunities. Uh on the left we have 65 active projects. Active projects means these are projects

that have not quite made a decision and they're still very much cons were under consideration. This can include projects left over from last year uh that are still active because all while most projects from roughly last three to six months, there are the occasional project that can last in some cases several years uh and those are still considered active projects. So of the 65 active projects uh 60% of our projects are direct leads uh meaning that the company the consultant uh contacted us directly as opposed to our we do the people we always appreciate the leads we do get from our partners with the South Carolina Department of Commerce. I77, Charter Regional, and our utility partners, etc. Uh, but uh we are, you know, we're not also sitting back and waiting for them to bring us projects. We are very much out and about, very active in the community, active around the world, as if you've seen some of our Facebook posts recently. Uh, and I think that does reflect in that 60% of our projects are are basically self-generated, our direct leads. Um I will say in the past uh we've been rough averaging about 65% of our projects have tend to be manufacturing. That's down to uh 58 but that's only because we have some increased activity under the trade and recycling and it's really the retail trades. I'll let uh Karen talk a little bit about our relationship with retail strategies and some of the retail projects we've uh picked up this year.

Thanks Robert. So as you know we've engaged retail strategies for a year now. Um we are on track to be on a contract with them for three years and they usually suggest that so that they can kind of lay the groundwork. It takes a little while to plant seeds with some of these folks but just a little bit of an update. So we have um our total retail pipelines about 10% um a little less than 10% but that's really exciting. It's up from where it was before. We weren't really tracking retail because we didn't really have that many retail projects. Um we've attended two retail shows this year. one of which is in Charlotte and it's the Southeast um large retail show called ICSC and then also a more boutique um type of conference that was in Nashville. So, we're kind of hitting it at different angles to see where we get the best leads from. Um specific leads, uh we have a couple of anchored shopping center projects. Obviously, we can't give too many details um in the public session, but um one is looking at the Great Falls area, which is really exciting, and then one is considering the Richburg area. And then we're also uh actively trying to fill the shoe show, the former shoe show that's by Walmart as well as the Big Lot. So those are two that we have brochures um on and Retail Strategies is actually sending those out to their contacts as well. Um and then it's a personal goal of mine and Roberts, I think, to get a coffee shop somewhere off of exit 65. So we're really pushing that. um we've we've sent out or I've sent out personally quite a few um uh follow-ups from from some of the shows and and had some some leads there. So, just a little bit of an update on retail.

Thanks, Carrie. Uh so, I thought I'd give you a little breakdown as far as the projects we've seen so far this year, the year to date, as well as the active projects. Um unless there's some spacing errors got off a little bit, but in short the uh the area we've seen the most projects this year has been in the chemicals and pharmaceutical. Uh it's over 20% of our project so far this year. And while the past it has generally been chemicals, I don't think I worked a pharmaceutical project up until this year. Uh and but with the new administration and with the Trump uh and you've probably seen in the news, a lot of our drugs are actually made around the world. They're not made in the United States. And there's been a big push for some of those to basically bring that manufacturing reshore those pharmaceutical and we have seen quite a few of those pharmaceutical projects look in South Carolina and because we do have large sites that can meet some of those requirements. They've also have looked at us but you can sort of see uh that the one thing I'll point out under active projects we do have the other miscellaneous manufacturing generally those are electric vehicle projects where we don't quite have enough information to put them somewhere else. Uh but I will say EV activity supply chain has gone down. That's probably about half of what it was last year. Um that being said, we think it may pick up again next year with the Scout Motors projects uh construction uh being further along. We think that we will see more electric vehicle projects uh in 2026. Uh this just the same thing. This looks a little busy, but the main thing I will just point out here um is um it kind of talks about what we've talked about before is manufacturing is becoming more capital intensive. Uh advanced manufacturing. Uh so we have over 20% of our projects have been basically greater than 150 million. Um that being said, if you look at the job count, it's sort of in the middle. Uh so $150 million project or greater doesn't necessarily mean it's going to have 500 jobs. uh we do have a few of those projects that do have a higher headcount uh but that there's not a direct correlation anymore. There's lots of projects that are much more capital intensive, a lot

more automation uh and it's really about the quality of the jobs, not necessarily the quantity of jobs. And I think that's one thing uh we have really matured as a community that we can be a lot more selective uh when it comes to the type of projects we want. We want companies that are going to be paying above average wages in our community. Uh and you get that with those advanced manufacturing projects. Uh we have had a busy year for announcement. There are a few of the projects that have uh the company has not given us permission to share their name. So we have those marked as confidential. Uh we did close out two additional projects this last month with the Chester asphalt uh terminal. We have improved their incentives. Uh then they should be doing the land transfer soon. This is going to be basically adjacent to IEO's Matt plant off of Cedar Hurst Road. And then we just mentioned Jones Hamilton. But in short, we've done about 330 million in investment and about 330 jobs so far this year. And I'll say our pipeline is also pretty full. So I think we'll have a very active Q1 in Q2 of next year as well based on the activity we we're seeing. So I want to just summarize real quickly um uh kind of other things we're working on and some just some tidbits of information. One is product development here is we have been working really hard behind the scenes to talk to p the private sector developers about partnering on product and product for us is industrial parks business parks and buildings. Uh so I'll talk real quick about no station. This is a site 180 acres basically in front of the Robin sports complex. Uh basically the product has been acquired in c in I guess uh reszoned already. Uh and uh we have also used through our CDA have done some due diligence work on that. Uh we're still sort of waiting a little bit uh you know for them to give us permission to formally start marketing some of the individual parcels but they are talking actively to a developer about an anchor spec building in that park uh to kind of kick that off. And with that I'll let the other ones I'll let Karen talk about them.

Thanks Robert. So um the Chester R&D park this is one that I'm really excited about as well. So, um, this one was Project Rutle, one that we had talked about with you guys, and they're going to be doing some spec buildings, uh, at the Chester R&D Park, which is the county owned property off of Highway 99. And so, these are going to be class A metal buildings, um, just with the footprint that they have, they can build up to 300,000 uh, square feet. And so, the the size of these buildings really can flex based off of needs. So, they'll start out with a 25,000 foot building and kind of see how that goes. Um, and then adjust as needed. And then another exciting initiative that we're working on in this park is through the South County Department of Commerce. They got a a unprecedented amount of funding for site enhancement, uh, about 80 million and typically this number is around 2 to three million. So, there's quite a bit of money that can be spent on rural site enhancement. And so we put in for the Chester R&D park to uh extend the road all the way to the back of the park water and sewer upgrades. And so recall there was a sewer system once put into this park. Um and since it hasn't been used at this point, it needs a lot of testing and some other um other issues with it. So that's another, you know, million dollars that will go towards that. All in all, um it's a it it'll be exciting to see if we get that. We'll find out December 17th if we get those funds awarded. Um and that would also help project ruddle as well being more marketable. Then um C4 is another uh spec development. This is right behind McDonald's. Recall it is still forested land but um it is currently being marketed for build to suit uses and it can fit about 1.3 million square feet. And that the owners, the developers are really flexible on what could go there in terms of the size of the building. So we've pitched this for several projects and have several finalists looking at that site. Um and then last but not

least, this is GFI partners rail serve site which is right in front of IEO Matt uh Matt plant. So um one of the projects we recently mentioned the asphalt terminal will kind of be between these two sites. Um and so that's about 20 acres that's right off of Highway 9 and can be rail served. And rail is a big deal um for us because that's something that makes us unique as a county. Oh, and then last but not least is the Richburg Magnolia mega site. So, this is in Richburg. It's a little over a thousand acres. And we're also working um it's it's a couple different land developers or sorry, land owners uh that we're working with to kind of get these parcels together to market it as one mega site. Duke has actually done a site readiness program on a portion of the site. And right now we're getting funding from South Carolina Department of Commerce to do the rest of the site readiness. Um, and so then we'll be able to market that as a mega site. And mega sites uh are are still, you know, big projects um that that are helpful for us to have in our backyard because honestly there's just not a lot left. So um it's exciting for us and we hope to have that due diligence finished up by the end of the year.

Um thanks Karen. So, real quickly, um, you know, we have had 97 projects year, which already exceeds last year. Uh, our leads from the South Carolina Department of Commerce up. We've actually had 14 direct leads from the South Carolina Department of Commerce. And I think part of that is us. Uh, we've done multiple marketing trips where we have been with Commerce, nurturing those relationship with, but there are some new project managers. I know Karen's got to be spend some time with. And I think that does result in us being top of- mind when they have a site that's looking for a large site, looking for rail, looking for a site that can handle heavy gas loads. Uh we have some unique attributes in our community. Uh but that's the highest number of projects we've had as direct leads from commerce. Uh and another thing is FDI, foreign direct investment. These are international projects that have are considering South Carolina and our community. Uh we try to take full advantage of our proximity to Charlotte Douglas Airport because oftent times this is their first location in the US. they're going to need to be able to fly back to the parent company, wherever that might be in the world. Uh, and having that proximity within a 40-minute drive really does put us on a list of other communities nearby that cannot check that box. Uh, that being said, last year was about 20% of our overall projects were FDI. This year it's around 30% of our projects are FDI. Uh, and in talking to the South Carolina Commerce, as these trade deals are finalized with the Trump administration, we expect that the FDI activity may actually go higher next year. Uh and the last thing I will point out is with our Chester Development Association, we do have a date set. So if you can put the save the date for the 15th of January, uh we have our keynote speaker. So we have Mark Williams. Uh he uh basically is with a site selection consulting firm called Strategic Development Group, but he is also a published Arthur and he just actually published his second book. So in essence, we'll have him speak, but we'll also be giving away copies of his book and then we'll actually have a book signing uh after the event as well. Uh so please do mark your calendar for 15th. That is a lunch program. So doors

will open at 11:30. We'll start serving lunch at 12. The program will start at 12:30 and we should be done around 1:30 except for the book signing that'll happen afterwards. Uh but since we're actually are going to be having him for the day, he has agreed for us to do a real estate tour with him afterwards as well. So we will be uh showing him some of our available real estate. So same thing, please mark your calendar for that. and we look forward to hosting everybody at that annual banquet on the 15th of January. With that, I will be happy to turn it over to y'all if y'all have any questions for myself or for Karen. And again, we appreciate the opportunity to talk about all the exciting stuff happening in economic development in our community.

What is January the 8th? I got a an email about January the 8th. There's a York County or I77 meeting at the gateway, I believe. Uh that is um is that y'all? No, that's the state chamber. That's the state chamber partnering with the local chamber to host an event. I believe that's is what that is. And it just happens that it's going to be at the gateway conference center. Um but uh you know but I think York Tech is partnering with the state chamber on that event or is never mind you correct. That is the an evening event. That's the KBA regional forum. So that is actually six or something like So, this is being put on by by the Kaba Regional Council of Governments.

Is there a year- end event where they they'll do like a year-end review? Uh, and it's got a heavy reception associated with beforehand. There any other questions? Thank you'all very much for that. Appreciate. Thank you all council. Appreciate the work you do.

Next [clears throat] up is 10B, which is the SC250 grant match. I call for Brett Stoutmire. Good evening, council. Uh, Mr. Chairman, nice to be here tonight. Um, coming to you to ask for a match for the a grant match for the South Carolina 250 museum and exhibit grant. Um, let me give you the overview quickly and and the purpose real quick. Um, this [clears throat] grant supports the creation or expansion of exhibits that educate the public about South Carolina's direct role in the American Revolution as part of the state's 250 commemoration. The purpose of this grant would be to fund the full design and fabrication of the Revolutionary War exhibit, just the Revolutionary War exhibit in the Veterans History Center. And this would include a digital touchscreen battle map, replica South Carolina Patriot Militia uniform, display case, large mural wallpaper, PVC panel prints, dimensional quote lettering, and related exhibit components. I'm going to show you a conceptual concept some conceptuals here in a moment, but this revolutionary war exhibit and the grant are fully supported by the Chester County, South Carolina 250 commission. In fact, some of them are here tonight and they came um to me while we were having some of our meetings on the Veteran History Center and said, "Hey, this would be a good project for our 250th commemoration to really make this Revolutionary War exhibit really nice." Um, Mr. Marian wrote a nice letter of support to go along with our grant application. Um, and this project aligns with their strategic plan, their goals,

and their mission. So excited to to help be a part of that.

Thank you, Robert. All right, just to give you a little bit about the preliminary floor plan. Um, HW Exhibits produced this uh with a lot of guidance from a team that we have that's giving input. Some of them are here tonight and I appreciate their all their input and their support. But as you see when you come in, um, look up where you see welcome. Economic development is on the other side. Right. When you walk in and to the left, that big wall will be where the Revolutionary War exhibit is. And then we go War of 1812, Civil War, volunteer desk, uh, interactives, kiosk, World War I, two, Korean War, Vietnam War, modern wars, and serving in peace time. It's it's all sequential. And then in the middle is the heart, Chester County. That's where we have the Dearborn Arsenal exhibit, the effects on the home front and the efforts at home. All of that is in the middle. Also, the 371st and the [clears throat] Carolina maneuvers. But here tonight, we're here to talk just about the Revolutionary War section. And I wanted you all to see where it was located when you walk in. Here's a conceptual from the back wall looking out toward the parking lot. We have a lot of windows there that we're working through, but the Revolutionary War exhibit would be on your right. All right. This is a conceptual, so some of these images and and panels may change, but just to give you an idea of what that wall would look like. The wall would be fully wrapped. Um, we would have a placeholder there for the replica. Four panels, a big panel, and then the interactive map screen and a panel under that telling you what's on the map. And here's the better picture here. This really shows you our design. Um, again, don't get too much into the details that a lot of that's there just

as a placeholder, but you'll see Fish Dam Ford, Battle of Beckansville, Fishing Creek Maps. Um, over on the interactive, it'll have maps. Um, this this is a really nice exhibit that's going to really show the history of Chester County in the Revolutionary War. Um, this grant is a competitive grant that will be distributed with 80% upfront [clears throat] and 20% reimbursed upon approval of completed final report. What we're requesting tonight is council support for a 12,500 match that would able the county to apply for a $50,000 South Carolina Museum and exhibit grant to do the Revolutionary War exhibit in this center. As part of the grant requirements, the exhibit must remain on public display and accessible through at least year 2033 in recognition of South Carolina's official 250th commemoration. As you know, the undiscovered grant is 20 years, but this one is just the seven. The application date is due November 12th. So, that's why we're here tonight. And then if we get past that round, there's a question and answer session with the commission in February and then the award will be given in March. So to give you guys the timeline, our hope is to have our final design plan from HW exhibits next month and we're hoping to put this out for procurement in January. So we want to have this project finished during the 250th year toward the end of the year sort of the timeline. So that's all I have. Are there any questions?

I don't hear any. Good. [laughter] So [clears throat] for action tonight, you want to speak to that, Brad?

So just looking for council to approve uh the grant match of 12,000 12,000 two 12,500. I'm sorry, I had to find it on my paper. Um if council I I give you a brief um the undiscovered grant was for $100,000. We carried over $40,000 from the previous year for that project. Our match was 100,000. We carried over 40,000. Council approved uh the use of additional ax funds. Uh the balance of our a tax funds right now are $594,000. Uh and then we're asking for 12,500 more uh to be allocated for this $50,000 grant. So this will total 150,000 in grants that we've received. Um and to our total input from the county side counting the undiscovered grant will be $112,500. So we receive 150, we pay 112. Um and again that's only two grants thus far. So, uh, and our expected, I don't know if Brit had mentioned, but, um, our initial, and again, these are just rough estimates that based off square footage of the visitors, uh, the Veterans and Visitors Center, Discovery Center. Um, rough estimates were around $200,000. Um, so I think thus far, uh, once once we go out for bid, this will give us right at 250,000 for the project.

[clears throat] There's a motion on the floor. I'll make a motion to approve um the $12,500 match. Second. If if if I could just out of a tax funds. Out of a tax funds. Thank you. Second that also. Is there any uh discussion? All in favor raise your right hand to say I. I. I all all in favor. Thank you very much for this update and all the information and I think the information you presented was really vivid. We appreciate that. Thank you.

Thank you. And if I could say one more thing and when Miss Mosley gave her update the last council meeting I was at about the project, just proud of our veterans and everything we're doing is to is to magnify what they've done what they've done for our country and our veterans here from Chester County and what they've done for us. I just want to make sure I say that and and you guys hear that. Thank you. All right. So, that brings us straight on down to council comments. Uh Roy and I went to the York Tech uh open house the other night and uh I don't know if any of you guys, the ladies, anybody in in the room have been down there, but they have really done a really nice job at doing that. We had a foundation that gave them $30,000 to put in a certified nursing assistance lab that they brought their certified nursing assistant program from York in York County to Chester and that's where they're teaching it at now. And they've got a really good staff. It was it was a real nice evening to spend with those folks and see what they doing out there. They have alignment class out there. the uh Duke Power I think is paying or got something to do with that. But if you get a chance and you can go out there and meet with some of those folks, that's that's that's amazing. The number of young people, not just from Chester County, but from other counties coming in here to take that certified nursing assistance program, uh hospitals and nursing homes. So that's that's pretty good. Anything else?

Great Falls is always the kickoff for the Christmas parade season. Their parade is the 23rd this Sunday. Believe it starts at 3:00.

I've got two things. One is I did want to mention our new website. I've I've had a little bit of opportunity to look at it and it's really good. So, we want to thank our IT director, David Schwelki, for his work in that and everyone else um who helped along the way. But, uh everybody check it out if you haven't already. It's just really, really good. Um the other thing is along the same same lines as Mr. Brunson, um Larry's will have their tree lighting that they do every year. That's going to be Friday, November 28th at 6 PM. So, that's always a lot of fun. There's some music and light the tree. So, and some refreshments, too. So, Anything else? Uh,

I know Lando will be having their tree lighting as well that Saturday evening. I believe it's at six o'clock as well. So, just to kind of remember that as well too for folks in that part of the county. Right. There's nothing else. I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn. I'll make a motion we adjurnn.