City Council - Regular Meeting

Let us pray. Heavenly father, we come to you tonight, hearts full of thankfulness. Personally, I just thank you for guiding me, allowing me to serve you in this position. It's been a joy and a blessing that you have granted that to me, and I'm so thankful. Lord, I'm thankful for this city, its wonderful employees, and its citizens.

This is a good city. And, Lord, we try to love you well. And I pray for all of us, this council and especially the oncoming council, Lord, to give each of us wisdom and judgment and prudence each and every day as we go about our vocations. Lord, grant this new council and all the city employees, grant them your wisdom and grant them the guidance of your holy spirit to work fruitfully on behalf of the citizens of this good city in order that they may all love you and love the people of this good city well and help each of us set to set aside the temptation of selfishness which comes at all of us each and every day. Let us go through each day and accept our daily successes with humility and our difficulties with patience.

And, Lord, we need your help in both of those, in both good and challenging times. Lord, help this good city to reflect your light and love to others, and let us be an example to all. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

Amen. I call this meeting of Monday, 01/12/2026 to order. Please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to his flag of The United States Of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Okay.

Thank you. We've got quite a crowd here tonight, and we're gonna go through several resolutions and proclamations to brag on our folds, so bear with us as we get through this. The first one is item three a on our agenda. We're gonna recognize the Rock Hill 800 All Star Football Team for winning the state championship in this division as a South Carolina athletic programs, state tackle football champions.

Thank you, mister mayor, council members, and management. We all know competition lives here, but I'm proud to say that champions also live here. Our small fry all star team defeated North Strand 28 to zero to win the tackle football state championship on Saturday, December 13. They're here to be recognized tonight along with their coaches, Tyrone Colvin, Davontre Robinson, Joseph Davis, Devin Heath, James Jones, Chris Reed, and Nat Baker.

Thank you.

No, miss.

No. Thank you, Andre. Alright. What's the wish of council?

Make a move. Second.

Alright. So we have a proclamation, whereas head coach Tyrone Coleman and assistant coaches Davante Robinson, Joseph Davis, Devin Heath, James Jones, Chris Reed, and Nat Barker led the eight under Rock Hill All Stars to another South Carolina recreation and parks association football state championship. And whereas the eight under team defeated the North Strand All Stars 28 to zero to win the state championship, whereas the eight year eight under team success is a testament to their hard work, commitment, teamwork, support and from coaches, parents, and community supporters. Now therefore, I, John Geddes, and your city council do hereby take this opportunity to extend congratulations, best wishes, and continued success to the 800 Rock Hill All Stars for their outstanding athletic accomplishments. Congratulations.

Yeah.

Okay. We're gonna take the picture, guys. Oh, come on.

Yep. Come on, man.

If you're just back up towards little part of our agenda. So if you'll bear with us just a sec. There you go. Come

here. Now we

had a motion

to move

forward. Thank you. Okay, guys.

Mayor. We did a motion, but no vote.

No vote. Oh, no vote.

All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Approved. Thank you.

Finally, sports team John Black is here for

Betty, +1, 23. +1, 23.

What year is that when they're 20, '35, state

junior high school kids? 2020,

let's say, eight years old? Yeah. So, basically, nine years.

Twenty, Okay. As these folks are rightfully walking out very proud of their children and their schools and their families, we'll move on to item three p on our agenda, recognize the South Point High School football team for winning the South Carolina four a state championship.

So move for approval.

Second. We have a motion and a second. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed?

Approved. Whereas on 12/06/2025, the South Point High School stallions football team defeated South Florence High School in a thrilling thirty five fourteen victory capturing the South Carolina High School League's class four a state championship. And whereas the stallions completed a remarkable season with the fourteen and one record, securing its eight state championship title in the school's history and first since 2021. The stallions victory was a testament to both individual excellence and remarkable teamwork from standout performers from senior RJ Brown, who rushed for a 193 yards and completed two touchdowns. Senior Jazayvion Currents rushed for a 124 yards, completed two touchdowns, and junior, Caden Watkins, completed the interception of a South Florence throw to score a touchdown.

The stallions demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and resilience throughout the championship game, overcoming a strong challenge from South Florence and displaying their unwavering determination and commitment to excellence on the field. And whereas the success of the stallions is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the athletes, coaches, and all those who contributed to this championship season and serves as an inspiration for future generations of students and athletes at South Point High School. I, John Geddes, mayor of the city of Rock Hill, along with your city council, do hereby take this opportunity to congratulate South Point High School's stallions football team and coach Bobby Collins for their outstanding athletic accomplishments.

Thank you.

Alright, guys.

You guys are nice, y'all.

Mister mayor, before they Sir,

congratulations. Mister mayor. Congratulations. Mister mayor. Sir.

Before they leave, I wanna congratulate also Seth Timmins who played in the Navy All American game in San Antonio.

All these guys. Yeah, man. Alright. Go. Let's go. Go. Look Appreciate out. Thank you. Okay. We'll get him back.

Okay. Thank you. We'll one

for Tamara on. Okay. Some communities get to celebrate one state championship. Others maybe two, but here we do three. So we'll move on to item three c on our agenda. Recognize the Northwestern High School football team for winning the South Carolina five a division two state championship.

So move for approval.

Second.

We have a motion and a second. Any discussion, questions, hearing and seeing none, all in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Approved.

Whereas on 12/05/2025, the Northwestern High School Trojans football team defeated Irmo High School in a thrilling fifty five thirteen victory in Second. The South Carolina High School League class five a division two state championship. Whereas the Trojans completed a remarkable season with a thirteen one record, securing its second state championship in a row in the school's seventh in tight title in its history. The Trojans victory was a testament to both individual excellence and remarkable teamwork with standout performances from, junior quarterback Xavier Means, who ran for four touchdowns and completed a touchdown throw to senior wide receiver David Flood, and senior defensive back to Marian Watkins interception and resulting touchdown alongside key contributions from senior running back Nigel Smith and senior receiver Cameron Vance. Whereas the Trojans demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and resilience throughout the championship game overcoming a strong challenge from Irma and displaying their unwavering determination and commitment to excellence on the field.

And whereas the success of the Trojans is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the athletes, coaches, and all those who contribute to this championship season and serves as an inspiration for future generations of students and athletes at Northwestern High School. Now, I, John Geddes, mayor of the city of Rock Hill, along with your city council, do hereby take this opportunity to congratulate the Northwestern High School Trojan football team and coach Paige Wofford for their outstanding athletic accomplishments. Guys, back up to us a little bit. Yeah. There you go.

Thank you.

Thank you. Coach, thank you. Oh gosh, appreciate it. Thank you. Yes sir. Yes, sir. Thank you. Thanks for all the time. Thank you,

you, sir. Thank you.

Alright, Thank you. Best Pearson of them all. Right? Please do. Congratulations on this partnership.

Okay. We'll move on to item three d recognized to Marion Watkins for being named mister football for the state of South Carolina.

Move for approval.

So No. You're fine. We have a motion to second. Discussion? Questions? Hearing and seeing none, all in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Approved. Whereas to Marian Watkins as a senior student athlete at Northwestern High School.

Whereas Watkins career as a defensive back with the Trojans football team include a 145 tackles, six interceptions, and four and a half sacks. Whereas, he has helped the Trojans win two consecutive South Carolina division two five eight state championships. Whereas Watkins will continue his football career with the Texan a Texas a and m Aggies, and he has been named South Carolina mister football. Now, therefore, I, John Geddes, mayor of the city of Rock Hill, along with your city council, do everybody take this opportunity to congratulate to Marion Watkins for his outstanding athletic accomplishments. Tonight, we have Twana Watkins Herndon, mother, Martrell Herndon, and siblings court well, I don't know who all we've got. Corey Neely, Tamara Watkins, and Cortarius Neely are also named as family members,

out of this household. I think to Marion is on the phone. Is that correct, Corey?

Wouldn't have happened if he'd gone to the game college. I say.

That's better.

You, Sharon. You're welcome. Definitely. I'm gonna write them up well. Yes, sir.

You're welcome. Thank you. Appreciate it. You did good. I'm write

Alright. Yes, sir. Thank you. Alright, mama. You, guys. Thank

you. You.

Thank you. Thank you. You. Mister Sutton, we'll move on to item three a. I'm a let you make this motion when we get to it. Why don't we go ahead? We have item three e, proclaimed Monday, 01/26/2026 as Rock Hill Student Athlete Champions Day in the city of Rock Hill. Do I have a motion? Yeah. Have a motion. Got a motion. We have a motion. Is there a second? Second. Second. Alright. All those in favor any further discussion, questions? Hearing and seeing none, all in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed?

Approved. Whereas student athletes balance academic responsibilities with athletic commitments in order to achieve excellence in both areas. In Rock Hill High School, Northwestern High School, South Point High School produced championship teams in a multitude of sports throughout 2025, including wrestling, cross country, swimming, weight lifting, and football. Whereas the eight under all stars tackle football team organized by the city's parks recreation, tourism department brought home its third state championship, whereas the city of Rock Hill recognizes and commends all Rock Hill student athletes as they strive to become top competitors while demonstrating dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship. Now, therefore, I, John Geddes, and your city council do hereby proclaim Monday, 01/26/2026, two weeks from tonight, as Rock Hill Student Athlete Champions Day in the city of Rock Hill.

Congratulations. Alright. We'll move on to item three f, recognizes Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Department for being recognized by sports destination Destinations International with the 2025 champion of economic impact in sports tourism award. Mister Mark Sexton.

Thank you, mister mayor. In June 2025, we were fortunate enough to host the MBPA. Seems like we have a lot of great athletes and we're able to bring in a lot of great athletes. These were the top 100 athletes in The United States and Canada that have the ability to go straight from high school to the NBA. I think the best part about that two things. One, it had a great economic impact. It was a great event. It generated right at $2,300,000 of direct economic impact. For that event that we host in 2025 and 2024 was at ESPN Wild World Sports in Orlando, Florida. They chose Rock Hill in 2025. And even better news, they chose Rock Hill in 2026. So they will be back in June Congratulations. For this amount. So we're very proud of that.

Congratulations, Mark. Please pass along our best. We'll move on to item three g. Recognize Parks Recreation and Tourism Department for receiving the South Carolina Recreation and Parks Association 2025 programming excellence award.

I think even more proud than we are of the the best athletes. We're more proud of how well rounded a community, the support we get from council and certainly management to be able to service our community. And in December, at our South Carolina Recreation and Parks Association conference, they awarded PRT, the City Of Rock Hill, and the Miracle Park, and all the work and the programming, the outstanding relationships and partnerships that are built to make that park happen So the South Carolina Recreation Parks Association recognized City Of Rock Hill and PRT for the work for Miracle Park.

Congratulations. Thank sir. Alright. Thank you, Mark. Thank you to PRT for all you do.

And just to make sure those are recognitions so they don't require council action. Correct? Alright. We'll move on to item four. Consider approving the consent agenda.

That's items four a, minutes of the regular session of 12/08/2025. Four b, second reading an adoption of an ordinance for partial abandonment of utility rights of way and easements on property located on Old Rawlison Road in the city of Rock Hill. Four c, second reading an adoption of an ordinance authorizing the issuance and sale of the city of Rock Hill, South Carolina combined utility system refunding revenue bonds in one or more series in the aggregate principal amount not exceeding $78,000,000 authorizing the mayor, city manager to determine certain matters with respect to the bonds, prescribing the form and details of the bonds, establishing certain funds and accounts in connection with the bonds, and other matters relating thereto. Item four d, second ring and adoption of an ordinance to provide for the disposition by sale of property on Lakeshore Parkway, Rock Hill, Southbound by the city of Rock Hill to Forsberg LLC, and four e, second ring and adoption of an ordinance to provide for the disposition by sale of property on North Park Drive, Rock Hill Southbound by the City of Rock Hill to JM Cope Inc.

So moved for approval of the consent

agenda. Second.

We have a motion and second. Any discussion? Questions? Hearing and seeing none, all in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Approved. We'll move on to item five a, ordinance ordinance for second ring and adoption. Ordinance to provide for the disposition by sale of property at 201 East Main Street, Rock Hill, South Carolina by the city of Rock Hill to Collected LLC, formerly known as Co Corporate Holdings LLC. Mister Dillingham.

Mayor, members of council, this is second reading. This ordinance has the name of the of the of the potential buyer of the property and also the purchase price and other salient terms with the with the contract attached. Happy to answer any questions you may have.

Any questions for Paul? Bless the wish of counsel.

I will make a motion to approve second ring and adoption to get it on the table for us to have some discussion. As part of my motion, I would ask the city attorney's office to revise the contract to include wording that says after the ninety day inspection period that construction must commence within twelve months and the completion date of the project within twenty four months after the inspection period. And I would make that in the form of a motion.

Second. We have a motion and a second. So we're up for discussion. Any discussion? Okay. We have a motion to second. Any discussion? Questions? Was there anybody here that wanted to speak on the matter? See yeah. Please. I'm sorry. Warren, I was looking all over before you couldn't find you. Please come on up. Use just your name and address, please. Good

evening. Mayor and city council. My name is Warren Norman. I am at 2908 Lake Wylie Drive in Rock Hill. I am here tonight to humbly speak in opposition of the second reading, and I'll tell you why.

We we we feel like we have a really good relationship with the city, and we do. We've we've I respect everybody on council, and and we have we have a a a good working relationship. This particular process has been a process that's been very frustrating for me personally and our company, and I'm here on behalf of our company. The quick history is we were asked by city by the city to take a look at this property, which we did, and we made an offer in November 2024. We were then turned around and told that, you know, we're gonna take it to market, which we respected and said, that is fine.

And then we were told, hey, just wait to hear from us on the steps, which we did. There was obviously a firestorm that somewhat ensued around the Arts Council, and we had discussed that with council members and others within the city. At the point in time that we were notified to that something was going to happen, we quickly resubmitted our offer. And I understand processes get wonky sometimes, and this definitely applies. And I'm not here to cast blame or throw shade on that.

I'm here to tell you from our perspective, our experience with that. And so when we submit and I'm sorry I wasn't here in December because I wasn't aware that the first reading will happen. Otherwise, I would have been here in December. Regarding our second offer, it was in September 17. It also included a provision in there to move the artists basically at the same price that they were paying for the Gettys Building, which is effectively free or almost free, to one of our locations for a period of a few years for the Arts Council to figure out where the artist needed to go.

So we felt like we were trying to solve that issue from a practical perspective because we were in favor of the artist not actually getting put out on the street. Our offer included our offices to move downtown. Our offer included a potential for hospitality and restaurants. Think that y'all would agree we have a good history of bringing quality restaurants to the city of Rock Hill, including an announcement last week of a $30,000,000 hotel and restaurant 200 yards away. And when I saw the offer, it is baffled the most baffling thing to me and most frustrating thing for us is our offer is $80,000 higher than the offer you guys are accepting.

And so we we are very confused over why counsel is making this decision. We were not given an opportunity to respond on timing if timing was important. We weren't given an opportunity to respond on, hey. We'd like to see a restaurant in this building, which, again, we have a a a history of that. We were told we didn't wanna upset the other buyer who isn't even from Rock Hill, and we've been here eighty years.

It's frustrating from our perspective. And, you know, we feel like we did everything we were told by request of y'all and put our best foot forward. And, you know, I don't know if the other guy pays any taxes in this town, but I know we pay a lot of taxes in this town. So very frustrating experience. I hope the council will not only reconsider the offer on the table, but reconsider and taking the highest price offer that is on the table table, which is ours. And if we need to adjust timing or anything like that, we're happy to do that. So I appreciate mayor and everybody letting me come to speak tonight, and happy to answer any questions.

Any questions? Yeah.

Question too, Warren. So you you just mentioned timing. I think if I recall your offer had a hundred and eighty day inspection. This one has ninety. Your words just then, would you, in yours, be comfortable with a ninety day inspection period? Yes. And then wording in regard to commencement within one year, two year completion. If the what what's your thought on on that as far as your plans?

Well, as I've told some of y'all and and I mean, our intentions would be to move our our main offices into this building. So I think think that is something that I mean, I think we we'd have to figure out the exact timing, but I'm looking at David. I I feel like that's something that could very much be accomplished. I mean, I don't I don't wanna make any exact comments because this is a complicated building given some historical tax district, which we just got through dealing with on the Guardian Building. And it's sometimes that takes a little bit longer through the process to go through.

But I can tell you what our intentions would be, and our intentions would be to move our offices over there. And our intentions would be to figure out what else to do with the balance of the building based on whether our office goes in the basement, 1st Floor, 2nd Floor. And given it's a historical building, there's only so much you can do with that. We can move as fast as anybody. We are here, and so we would certainly be, you know, in to purchase the building and move as quickly as possible within the different piece parts of the building and the components of the things that need to happen within that time frame. Have

you because I know originally you made an offer before a public process was started. Have you spent time in that building to have a feel for what an inspection might reveal? Do you have any concerns over, you know, you as you just stated, a very old building and lost a lot of times they can have surprises.

Yes. That definitely is a concern. I would say, I mean, you know, just from having gone through it on on the on the Guardian Building. The Knowing what we wanna do, those aren't as concerning as if we were doing what we're doing with the Guardian Building, which was gutting the majority of it because we have to put back the hotel rooms on Floors 3 Through 6. So knowing we want to use it as office. And, yes, we have walked the building. Yes. We have the plans. We have studied the plans and taken a look at those. So, you know, have we gone into a full deep dive of everything?

It's no. I feel like we could definitely do that within the time frame to answer and uncover any, what I would call, major factors. We understand this. We know, as I mentioned, how much we're spending on the other project. We know it's very expensive.

And, you know, in terms of of retrofitting an older building, our initial investigations within that ninety day period would be to look at all of that, and that's a time frame that we could look at all of that. And if there's no major things that rear their heads, we absolutely would just close on the building and and then continue the process of architectural plans and figuring out all the different pieces of what we're gonna put in there. As I've said to all of you, parking is a big concern, not all of you, to some of you, but I was pulling almost everybody's falling off. I could I had numbers on. But I I the the parking is a big issue with with that.

I know the city is working on a parking plan that we're in favor of. I mean, there there's only 18 parking spaces there. So the restaurant component of that is a challenging from any restaurant tour's perspective. I've spoken with the other person and no ill will towards him. I think he's putting his best foot forward as well.

I would that would be the first phone call to figure out if there's a way for us to work together on this. It's not his fault. I don't you know, so and a quality restaurateur, but we would wanna play lead on it. I know that, you know, from his perspective, we wouldn't wanna come in and, you know, kinda be beholden to him and his contract to try to figure out whether we can fit into that building. In our opinion, it should be vice versa that we would control it given we were the highest price.

Couple of follow ups because you didn't blow my phone up. So couple of thing. I don't recall specifically about in your contract on the moving of the artist? Yeah. I mean, what what just in general terms, what was the key there?

So we were gonna offer up space at the Galleria Mall, which I know is not, but we our plans are to redevelop the Galleria Mall. We're working hard on that as well behind the scenes, but that takes years to get done and kinda waiting on belt to figure out what they wanna do. But at the end of the day, we know we had years over there that we would be able to house them. And granted, not ideal, but I won't say free, but it was pretty close to free. The space that we were offering up as as a place for them to move for a couple of years, whether that be two years, potentially up to three years while the arts council and through this process, I went and met with, you know, the head of the arts council to discuss that, and we didn't really get into that conversation because we weren't sure what was gonna happen.

But in our offer yeah. We said our intent would be to provide a rental opportunity to the arts council for the existing tenant base to move to the Galleria Mall at a comparable rental rate structure that currently exists for the artist, which is basically Free. Free. Which I think is why you're selling the building.

Did they sure. Did they won't And

I was gonna say the last last piece. Have you talked to the other entity that offered enough to get a feel whether you could come to an agreement in regard if you had control as you stated versus them having control.

I wouldn't say to the point of coming to an agreement. I guess I've been doing this long enough to know that there's a lot of things that have to be worked out to ultimately get somebody to the table and come to an agreement, but the positive aspects of he seemed open to working together in some way, shape, or form. He did not seem willing to come here and hold hands and say, hey. Let's work on it together. He wanted control of the contract, which I I understand because I'm saying the same thing. So but will he be upset if y'all make a different decision and just say I'm not gonna do that? It didn't seem be the case from our conversation. I talked to him on Thursday.

It would seem control is one thing. There's also a risk element. It seems like he would have less risk overall with you in control. I mean, depending on rates and, of course, he's gonna have an income potential in other parts of the building if he's the owner or controller. Yeah.

I mean, it it it's never easy to jointly buy something.

Yeah.

I mean, my grandfather had had a say and the reason they call it partnerships is to part ways. So, you know, I but if if we if he was buying if there was a way to condo it out and him buy a portion of it and that's why, I would think that he's a restaurateur. He's not he's a restaurateur first and an investor second as opposed to us. We are a developer and an investor versus, you know, being a restaurant tour. So it seemed like his desire, first and foremost, was to open a restaurant in this building.

He did was not as concerned about the parking as I am, but the he's done it before in other locations, downtown environments that he know he's he knows more about the restaurant business than I do so, if he's comfortable with it. Usually, end users are that's their chief concern where the customer's important.

Yeah. Was just gonna follow-up. The the conversation with our council, were they warm to moving up to the mall? I because some discussions I had, they didn't wanna move that far from downtown.

I don't recall if we got

That far.

That far along. I don't believe we did. I think we had a conversation about, you know, where what the dynamics were of of this happening. As I said, I mean, we were we were not really interested in getting the middle of that firestorm without having a solution, which is we brought out of the solution. I would guess that it's not ideal, but it's at least a solution. And in my understanding, they may have figured something out in the short term. So and potentially long term. But I think what we were trying to do is say, hey. The city's selling the building no matter what. Don't shoot the messenger type thing. We we can provide an opportunity for the artist to have a place to go for a period of at least a couple of years while that's a runway of time to go figure something else out.

Paul, just I mean just I mean just quick question. If if it was like deferred and I know a complication, I just want you to walk through the process of something like that, if council was amendable to let something like that, what what would that look like?

More than likely, we would we would have two ratings to get us back on track. There's a small chance we get by with just one more reading, but I'd I'd have to research that for more recent developments in the law but worst case scenario you're talking about two more readings.

Okay, so it kind of say start over as far as first reading and second reading.

Yes sir.

So Warren, will publicly just say we have not done a good job communicating. It's almost like dating two people. We've we've caught or whatever you wanna say here. And ultimately, we're gonna have one person or maybe two people mad at us at the end. And and it's it's been tough now for a couple of months trying to figure out how to unwind some of the conversations that have taken place.

I guess when we over thirty years now, we've been trying to revitalize downtown from the time they took the roof off. And so one of the things that we've done as a council over the years is as build as we had buildings to sell what the use was going to be, and there's always been a need for that foot traffic on Main Street. Excuse me. And and I was here Saturday afternoon, and and we obviously had a big tournament event at at the Sports And Events Center. But it was amazing how many people were up and down Main Street.

And, you know, when I first got on council, that was probably we never think that would happen because downtown was so dead at that point in time. Clearly, your company has the experience and the ability to pull the project off. So I don't think any of us up here have that concern. But I think the use, and I hear what you say about parking, and I probably agree to some degree on a restaurant struggling with parking. But you've got a restaurant owner who thinks he can make it work.

So I think from a council standpoint, or at least from my standpoint, I think that's one of the the deciding factors is maybe the restaurant over an office building because it it does increase that foot traffic and people coming downtown and that's somewhat been what we're trying to do. I mean, with what you're doing at the Guardian Building, I think that just adds to that plan for all along. I guess I would ask this question. I know I've kind of rambled on, but you're in the process of working with someone to do a restaurant 200 yards away. So if you were to get the building and you say, well, I if that's what council wants, I could do a restaurant there.

But is there a conflict between what you're doing 200 yards away and if you had this building to try to do a restaurant here too, or how would that work?

So we are not interested in this building to prevent a restaurant to come in because we are doing a restaurant in the Guardian Building. I mean, that's not why we're interested. We were sure I can't remember the timing when we decided on the restaurant, but we certainly did not have Jim Noble that the table in our original first offer, you know, that's to at that time. So we were still interested in the building. Our primary objective for wanting this building is to move our offices down there.

I mean, that's our primary objective. So this is not kind of a counter play to keep someone else out from I mean, we believe that just like you, there's plenty of opportunity. In fact, I understand what the restaurant is, and it's not in conflict with what we're doing in the Guardian Building. It's nice, but as I have, you know, said on what Jim Noble is doing with the Noble, who's arguably the hottest restaurateur in Charlotte that's coming to Rock Hill, it's gonna be one of, if not, the nicest restaurants in town. So that's gonna have to stand on its own, irregardless of how many other restaurants come in and locate.

So it's a long winded answer to no. We're not, you know, opposed to another restaurant coming in. That's not why we are we are interested in

it.

In fact, just like I said, our you talk about dating two different people. I mean, I would say we're probably the prettiest girl because we got the highest price. I mean, we and

Other girl can cook.

You have a history. Right?

In the restaurant?

Our first phone call would be to him back to him. And assuming he's not mad at if if y'all, you know, if you go with whatever direction you go, that's, you know, that's what's meant to be. But, you know, we would call him to figure out if we could somehow work together on this. Am I confident saying a 100% sure that we can do a restaurant in there? No.

Because of the previous comments around parking and not knowing what it will entail to get what I would not be shocked if even the restaurant tour got in there and figured out what needs to happen in a historical building in order to make that. Our original total budget on the Guardian Building was $24,000,000. The reason is $30,000,000 is because we have a $6,000,000 increase in the total cost because it is incredibly expensive to retrofit an old building for restaurant. Plus do it in the way that Jim Noble wants to do it added a good bit. But the point is I wouldn't I mean, I couldn't stand up here and say 100% sure that it would absolutely be, you know, a restaurant that has full duct systems that's running through it because I don't know how that is penciled or what he would pay or all those things that matter ultimately to get to the finish line.

But what I would say is we would chase that if that was what was important. We just were never afforded the opportunity to say, hey. This is important. Will you chase it? So and like I said, we I mean, we have a good history of bringing good restaurants to the table. So to town.

So restaurants like Carnegers, I mean, the more downtown, the more people come, the more people foot traffic. It it all breeds each other, I guess. It all helps as long as they're not directly in conflict.

Yeah. And even if they are directly in conflict. I mean, they're they're rising, you know, rising tide floats all boats. I I 100% agree with that. So

Warren, I know that we played phone tag and didn't ultimately connect prior to tonight's meeting. So I apologize for that if any of that was on my on my end. You know I really have more couple comments than questions for you but you know I think as council member Sutton said you know I think that we all like the idea of having a restaurant in the building. I had to question maybe whether or the parking will allow for a restaurant enough enough places for a restaurant to be successful especially with the price that it's going to cost probably to renovate an old building. You know, I think that in general, I'm I'm not going to be supporting second reading of this and mainly for a couple of reasons that you had pointed out.

One I think we have a fiscal responsibility to the community to maximize the dollars. Know we're displacing the artisans in our community and you know that's you know a serious we all take that very seriously. And so for me you know with there being a disparity between the two prices, I think that that's you know significant. But also the fact that you have an option for the artisans you know I think is shows a commitment that only a local person probably would have and so for me those things outweigh you know the there's no doubt that this process was not clean and clear for probably either side so you know I know that like council member Sutton said we might have one we might have two people not happy tonight but both parties potentially but for me I think that you know the reasons I've outlaid kind of outweigh you know the process.

Any other discussion? So we have a motion and a second on the floor. Don't make that motion. Was gonna let you make the motion.

No. I I I mean, I'm I'm still as divided as I was. Made the motion just to get it on the floor. Know Mr. Black, you kinda sounded like maybe you were looking at a deferral.

I probably would support that more if there's an opportunity to get the two people together.

I mean the way I look at it is I mean we own the building. We want what's best for the community and what's going on and and I don't know that it's any harm. It's not like developers had to go through the planning process, the planning commission and do all that stuff and then come back for a contract, right? So they're not that far down the road. We're somehow approving a contract.

I don't know that deferral is a bad thing and then go back to both parties and try to kind of figure this thing out. I know it's a new councilman that breeds maybe another step in there but we own the building pausing and taking a breath is I don't ultimately can't be a bad thing maybe the result won't change maybe maybe we end up with the other way or not I don't know but I don't know that at this point pausing in and really looking this in two weeks or four weeks would is unnecessary bad thing. We've got

I'm just gonna say thank you. I I won't stand up here the whole time while y'all deliberate. I I respect y'all's decision and appreciate the opportunity to come and speak mayor. So I appreciate giving me that opportunity and and I appreciate it.

So if it if it passes or doesn't if it if the negative happens that then we're back to square one. And we might have made one mad. If we defer it then maybe we can save face with both and try to attempt to work something out and maybe the better contract prevails and we move on and be done with it. I mean I could make

What if I just withdraw my motion and then that would leave either opportunity for another motion or I guess it would die. No motion. For no motion. But maybe I would probably make a motion to defer if that would make more sense.

So who's the second There's

a motion on a table to withdraw the motion, the maker of the motion.

Who seconded?

I think Derek, did you second?

You second Kevin's motion.

I seconded earlier. But if this is deferred so it comes back before us in two weeks

Or after. Potentially.

Can we at least contact the other party to see if he's willing to wait two weeks? We've we've had both of them on the hook for a while now and talking to both girlfriends as we put it. So we definitely wanna do our due diligence. Like I said, we we got either gonna have one mad at us or both mad at us, and and I just wanna make sure we handle the process in a a way that's

Apparently, one looks good and one can cook. I'm trying to keep both for a little while.

Councilman, not to keep debating the point, Mr. Faulkner Barry and it's been brought up that there's a discrepancy in the price and not that $80,000 is something to not take into consideration. I think over the years as we've sold properties downtown, as we develop properties, it wasn't always about the money. It was getting the right use. So I don't know that the difference in price is not so great if you get the right thing in the building. I

didn't wanna leave in regard to deferral discussions since last meeting but I think what I hear tonight is we've got a chance to come out of this with a good potential solution. Can negotiate with both as far as the Norman offer trying to get it down to a ninety day inspection rather than one hundred eighty, add provision to make best efforts to negotiate first with this restaurateur so that we get both It seems like we could come out very well with that additional time. And it's disjointed. We've even had illness which affected guidance and executive session as part of it.

I would make a motion to defer until the January 26 meeting And if we're not ready to go forward on the twenty sixth, staff and attorney could tell us, but I would make that a form of a motion.

Second. Alright. So we have a motion and a second to defer until the next meeting. We did get a second on the withdrawal from council member Lindsey, I understand, just for the record. I don't know. That's what I understood. Yeah. Okay. So we have a motion, second to withdraw and and continue working. Warren, we really want a restaurant. I hope you hear that as we go forward. Okay. All those invite, any further discussion, questions? I'm sorry. Yes, sir. I didn't see you there. Name and address, please.

Gentlemen, Kirk Irwin, 143 North Confederate. Gonna temporarily take the position of speaking for the artists, but I would think if you're making a decision that is related to them, you might wanna talk to them.

You're so far past that, Kirk.

I don't care.

It's never too late

Excuse me.

It's too late to do the

We speak one at a time, and we don't talk over each other. Thank you.

It's never too late to do the

right Thank you very much. We appreciate your opinion.

One last thing. It had this quote going through my mind when I heard about the reading and it's from that great writer and thinker, Thomas Sowell. He said, he learned this from photography, taking photography, learning art. There are no gains, merely trade offs.

Thank you very much. We have a motion to second. Discussion questions. All in favor to defer, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Approved. We'll move on to item six a. Consider proceeding with condemnation of property located at 1975 Midland Road in 1960 Langston Street. Mister Bagman?

Mayor, council. Good evening. This is a project associated with the Penney's project to widen Mount Gallant Road. And so doing the county has to participate with the city to move some utilities. So we are working with a lot of the property owners along Mount Gallant to be able to accommodate the relocation of those utilities.

We've run into two particular product properties, 1975 Midland and 1960 Langston. Both of those have the same owner and we we can't really agree on what the value of that is. The county has been in in several negotiations with the property owner to talk about some opportunities to pave the road, do some other things, but we're just really far apart in this industrial Park to try to work that out. So we would like to move forward with condemnation. We've had it appraised like have not had it appraised but yet just offered a value. So we would like to condemn it and put this before the court with additional come with additional appraisals to to move forward with it so we don't hold up that project any longer.

Any questions for Jimmy? So move to

proceed with the condemnations.

Second. The motion is second. Any discussion just to be clear, we're not condemning the whole property, just to strip one.

Just strip. Yes, sir. We have exhibits in in your packets that indicate there's some temporary construction easements and then there's some permanent ones to locate the utilities. Yes, sir.

Thank you. Any further discussion, questions? Hearing and seeing none, all in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Approved. Alright. That brings us to item seven on our agenda, which is miscellaneous business of the outgoing council. This is it, guys. Last thing, Jim, anything? So very quickly, and

some young kids have been here waiting for the new council, and that's so tough so apologize for the additional discussion. Number one, just from the last meeting I couldn't express well Just my gratitude. Shoo.

You know that John Blackwell quit pinching.

That was shown to me. So, you know, words can't express those sort of things, but it it meant so much. As I mentioned in the prayer, just the blessing. Uh-huh. Friendships.

It's the hardest part of leaving. So, and it's not just this group or you know, city management. I mean, it's throughout. We've got a great organization. We've had great leaders in the past, Mayor Eccles. And I, know, to be involved for this amount of time has been tremendous. So I'm gonna miss it. Miss all of you. Nowhere to find some of you at lunch on

On Monday. On Mondays.

They're gonna change that

now. I'll

find them. And there's always citizens hearing. But again, I I can't express properly just how much everyone has meant to me and how blessed I've been. So thank you.

Thank

you. Councilmember Sutton.

Well Jim, I wrote mine out. So I'm good. Before I get started, I wanna say this morning, council member Lindsey and I were on the phone. And we know that we have the monks that are coming through that are walking for peace. While we're on the phone, we talked to QRock, who's over men of a mission, and QRock said they're not gonna walk through the city of Rock Hill and see any trash.

Q Rock got his crew and went out this morning and start picking up trash on Highway 21 all the way up. So I wanted to make sure that we give a shout out to him that the first thing he thought about with people coming to our city was to make sure that our city was presentable for them to come. So let's give him a hand. For me. Good evening.

Let me start first by giving thanks to my heavenly father for the many blessings that he's bestowed upon me and mine. The gratitude that we have for my life is incredible. We have lived a life that will be that will never be duplicated. We were born and raised in the greatest city in the world. We have traveled most of this great nation and a good portion of the world.

We have served this country in The United States Coast Guard for over thirty years. We have coached a great game of football affecting the lives of thousands of young people, including some that we recognize tonight. We've coached 15 NFL football players to include Super Bowl champions. We have the city of Rock Hill has produced five mister South Carolina football players. One was recognized tonight.

Four of them have played for us. We call high school games on the radio for WRHI, and we are the South Carolina director of the Youth Shrine Board of Care of the Carolina, which raises funds and awareness for the Shriners Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina. We served on the board of directors for the Municipal Association of South Carolina. We have earned a bachelor's degree and was awarded a honorary doctorate degree. There are many, many more accolades that I did not mention.

So now that you understand when I say my life will never be duplicated, you understand now. There are many who want me to write a few books of my life and I believe I will oblige them. But some of the greatest chapters of these books will come from our service to the city of Rock Hill as a councilman. Let me first thank the citizens of this great city for the opportunity to serve you. It has been a pleasure.

We changed the game. When you called, not only did we answer, we came to you to see what you were seeing so that we could better assist you. To the employees of the city of Rock Hill, you ladies and gentlemen rock. I see you standing back there. You are second to none.

You take care of the citizens with love, compassion, and professionalism. You all envelop the fruits of the spirit. It was an honor to be a part of your team. To the management team, David, Steven, and Jimmy, and I'll add Lisa to that, your leadership is second to none. You are the reason Rock Hill is viewed as a city that sits on a hill that cannot be hidden.

Words can't explain the work that you do for this city. When city management takes a week off to go down to Emmonscott Neighborhood Center and paints the gym for its citizens, that's love. No other management management team in the nation would do that. Thank you for taking care of this city. And, Paul, I had I can't leave you out as city as city attorney.

Thank you. You your work is tirelessly for the city of Rock Hill. And to the City Council Of Rock Hill, South Carolina, the greatest city in the world. You know federal and state government gives sessions numbers, Municipalities don't, as far as I know. As a football coach, we give a lot of people nicknames. Some of you have one. Some of you would like your nicknames. Some of you would not. So I want to give this session a nickname. And I thought about certain certain and certain one in honor of Kevin and myself.

Then I thought about military days, and I thought about the a team, but that is so overused. But John I needed something that was unique. But John, Jim, John, Kevin, Derrick, Brent, and I have to add Kathy, you will be known as the Hallmark crew. If you remember the old Hallmark commercials that stated when you care enough to send the very best, you are the very best. Hallmark crew, you leave with civility because you understand that young people who we invite here are looking at us.

You have set the standard on how to govern, not only in this city and in this county, but also in the state of South Carolina. You can't get up here and pray before a meeting and then act ungodly in the meeting. They don't go together. Thank you, Hallmark crew, for conversing in a professional way, respecting each other in all that we did. Hallmark crew for your civility, this city is blessed.

We are known for the fruits that we bear. I'm mayor John Geddes quotes often that facts are a stubborn thing, and here are some stubborn facts. The past four years have been the greatest time frame in the city that we have seen, and here are some fruits that we have produced. When I ride down Midvale Avenue and Hagan Street over the speed humps, I think about the Hallmark crew. When I ride on a newly paved Crawford Road and go past McBride Auditorium, Emmett Scott, and Carroll Park, I think the Hallmark crew.

When I ride down Saluda and see Armory Park, the new sidewalks and paved streets in that area, I think the Hallmark crew. When I don't, and I say again, when I don't I'm a say it a third time. When I do not see flooding on the South Side Of Rock Hill by something that was plaguing this city for over sixty years, I thank Hallmark crew. When I see Izzard Street, 72 Bypass, Saluda Road being upgraded and repaired, I think Hallmark crew. When I see the new businesses on I 77 corridor whose taxes go to the South Side Of Rock Hill, I think of the Hallmark crew.

When I see the Bleach Ridge Fieldhouse, the thread, the new regional park, the bridge that's coming over Dave Lyell Boulevard, the parking decks, and the low income housing, and the removal of condemned properties on the South Side, I think of the Hallmark crew. When I think of the Hutchinson property property, formerly known as the Panthers facilities, and how the city of Rock Hill now owns it, I think of the Hallmark crew. When I think of Rock Hill joining the South Carolina law enforcement fusion center, creating the water evaluation team that works on storm water solutions and creating the York County mental health task force, I think of the Hallmark crew. And when I think about 04/22/2024, when South Side Of Rock Hill looked like a war zone, that day was pretty bad for all of us. People were afraid, worried, and didn't know where to turn or what to do.

The citizens in the city went to work in helping each other, but it was the leadership of city management and of this Hallmark crew that put together Rebuild Southside. This has become one of the greatest rebuild stories in the state of South Carolina. You can ride through the Southside and find very few remnants of that dreadful day. Hall for hallmark crew, I am forever grateful. I came to city council as a concerned citizen and gained a family.

I'll always be here for you. Councilman Lindsey and I have committed to continue to work together as a team. There is more that is required of me. God bless. I'm leaving because I promised the kids, the AU team, that I would come down and speak to them and eat with them. Thank you, city council. Thank you, citizen. Thank you for the people of the city of Rock Hill for all that you have done.

I know. Man, appreciate it.

Let's go down there. Okay. Just so everybody knows this, we're settling up. It's time to inaugurate our new and reelected council members. I think council member Jackson is gonna go first. Is that what I understand? Yes, sir. Okay. So we'll do that right up here and swear in. Perry, Jim, we'll see. Guys, don't sit over here on the side.

Okay. I believe miss Jackson and your brother. And and of course, all your family and loved ones and friends, if you could put the Bible

if

you could put the bible right there, and then sir,

if you could stand right here.

And your brother's got you covered from here. Alright.

Raise your right hand and place your left hand on the bible, and repeat after me. I, Nikita Jackson, do solemnly swear

I, Nikita Jackson, do solemnly swear

that I am duly qualified

I am duly qualified

according to the constitution of this state

according to the constitution of this state

to exercise the duties

To exercise the duties

Of the office to which I have been elected

To the office to which I have been elected

And that I will

And that I will

To the best of my ability

To the best of my ability.

Discharge the duty thereof

Discharge the duty thereof

And preserve, protect, and defend

Preserve, protect, and defend

the constitution of this state and of The United States.

The constitution of this state and The United States.

So help me, God.

So help me, God.

As a council member of the city of Rock Hill.

As a council member of the city of Rock Hill.

I will equally and impartially.

I will equally and impartially.

To the best of my ability.

To the best of my ability.

Exercise the trust, repose in me

Exercise the trust and repose in me.

And will use my best endeavors

And will use my best endeavor

To preserve the peace.

To preserve the peace

And carry into effect

And carry into effect

According to the law

According to the law

The purpose of which I have been elected

The purpose of which I have been elected.

So help me, God.

So help me, God.

Congratulations.

I truly wanna say thank everyone for coming out for the support. It truly means a lot. There are some very special people here. Everyone is special, but there are truly some special people who have come out to support me. And I haven't seen them in a long time, so it really means a lot that they drove and came all this way to support me serving you, the citizens of Rakeem.

It is a great honor, and I don't take it lightly. This time around, it was totally different. I will say this was truly a god ordained opportunity and situation. I thank him for everything. There are some young ladies that I met along the way, and I told him, if you'll never do anything, trust God.

And every time I see those young ladies, I tell them to trust God. One of my my brother-in-law, his sister-in-law, we always say trust the process. But in trusting the process, you gotta also trust God. And I truly wanna thank him for the opportunity. I wanna thank every and each of each and every one of you who voted for me, who supported me through this whole process.

Again, I don't care it lightly, and I will do the best that I can to serve you, the city citizens of Warfah and the city of Rock Hill, but I can't do it alone. The battle was not won overnight, and the war was not won alone. So I am gonna need your support, your effort. Even like my grandfather said, if it's just an encouraging word saying thank you for a job well done, a pat on the back, or just going along the way with us. Because this isn't a journey by myself.

It's a journey with us. So I truly thank you from the bottom of my heart, for the support, the love, and and the votes. I greatly appreciate all of that. And everyone knows that I am transparent. Everybody say I'm always accessible, and sometimes that can be a good thing and a bad thing, but I am who I am. And so to those who reached out and called to me before, I'm here. I never left. And thank you, and let's get ready to serve.

I'd like to invite miss Vining to come forward. Her family and friends.

She's gonna be the the tight knit group tonight. I

know they're ready.

Go

on. They're ready.

Alright. So as you as you recall from the the previous council member, we have two o's, and I'll just jump right into it if you don't mind. Okay. Please raise your right hand and place your left hand on the bible. I, Sarah Emerson Vining

I, Sarah Emerson Vining do solemnly swear do solemnly swear

that I'm duly qualified

that I'm duly qualified

according to the constitution of this state

According to the constitution of this state

To exercise the duties

To exercise the duties

of the office to which I have been elected

Of the office to which I have been elected

And that I will

And that I will

To the best of my ability To best of my ability. Discharge the duties thereof.

Discharge the duties thereof.

And preserve, protect, and defend.

And preserve, protect, and defend.

The constitution of this states and of The United States.

The constitution of this state and The United States.

So help me God.

So help me God.

As council member of the city of Rock Hill.

As council member of the city of Rock Hill.

I will equally and impartially.

I will equally and impartially.

To the best of my ability.

To the best of my ability.

Exercise the trust reposed in me.

Exercise the trust reposed in me

And we use my best endeavors

we use my best endeavors

to preserve the peace preserve the peace and carry into effect and

carry into effect

according to the law

to the law the

purposes for which I've been elected.

The purposes to which I've been elected.

So help me God.

So help me God.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

My children are ready to go home. So I'll keep I'll keep this brief. I just wanna say thank you to all of you for being here. I'm honored that you entrusted me with this responsibility. Wanted to thank my family and my friends and everyone who encouraged me to serve. I also wanna thank everyone who has served before me and laid the great foundation that I am coming into. I promise to show up committed to this great city where all people can thrive. Thank you for the opportunity to serve all of you. God bless.

I'd like

to invite mister Black to come forward with his family, his friends.

We got a bow. Just you? K. Yeah. Oh, yeah.

Please

raise your right hand. Place your left hand on the bible. I, John a black the third I, John a black the third. Do solemnly swear Do solemnly swear. That I am duly qualified. That I am duly qualified according to the constitution of this state According to the constitution of this state to exercise the duties exercise the duties of the office to which I've been elected

the office which I've been elected

that I will, to the best of my ability

I will, to the best of my

ability discharge the duties thereof Discharge the duties thereof. And preserve, protect, and

defend Preserve, protect, protect, and defend

the constitution of this state and of The United States

The constitution of this state and of The United States. So help me, God. So help me, God.

As council member of the city of Rock Hill

As council member of City Of Rock Hill.

I will equally and impartially.

I will equally and impartially.

To the best of my ability. To the best of my ability. Exercise the trust proposed in me. Exercise the trust proposed in me. And we use my best endeavors. And we use my best endeavors. To preserve the peace. Preserve the peace. And carry into effect. And carry into effect according to the law According to the law the purposes for which I've been elected purposes for which I've been elected. So help me god.

To help me god. Congratulations.

Thank you. Alright. I've got my wife, Christie, over here, and my son, Jeff. Right hand.

Raise your right hand, left hand on the bible. I, John Presley Geddes junior

I, John Presley Geddes junior

do solemnly swear solemnly swear that I'm duly qualified

I'm duly qualified according to

the constitution of this state

According to the constitution of this state

To exercise the duties

To exercise the duties

of the office to which I've been elected

Of the office to which I've been elected.

And that I will, to the best of my ability And I will, to the best of my ability. Discharge the duties thereof

Discharge the duties thereof.

And preserve, protect, and defend Preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of this state and of The United Of The United States

The constitution of this state and

of The United States. Help me, God. So help me, God. As mayor of the city of Rock Hill

As mayor of the city of Hill.

I will equally and impartially

I will equally and impartially to

the best of my ability

the best of my ability

exercise the trust reposed in me

exercise the trust imposed in me

and will use my best endeavors

use my best endeavors to preserve the peace Preserve the peace.

And carry into effect And carry into effect. According to the law According to the law. The purposes for which I've been elected

The for the purposes of which I've been elected So help me God.

So help me God. Congratulations.

I'm a say just a few words so that Kevin Sutton will be happy. I really didn't wanna do this, but he wanted me. This is the same address I gave the first time I was elected to mayor, repeated it the second time, and I think as you'll see that after the third time, just how fortunate we are as a community. This a little bit of the language is dated, but I hope that you'll hear what I hear in reading this for the third time now. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Over the last thirty years, the people of the city of Rock Hill have been blessed with a clear vision of the type of community we wanted to become. This vision has been championed by our business community, our elected officials, and all of Rock Hill's residents. It has been nurtured, sustained, and strengthened by the leadership of council members, city managers, and two very special mayors who wisely steered us, the city's vision despite the changing times and circumstances within our world and community. As a result of this vision, our shared history is one of success. However, our vision must be discussed and adjusted when necessary to keep Rock Hill moving forward.

I'm excited about the chance to continue the work we are called to do along with our city manager David Vion, his leadership team, and our city council, and your city council. I'm humbled by those who have placed their trust and hope in me to make sure we keep Rock Hill moving forward in the days and years to come. There are two facts I want to establish tonight that I hope will inspire our future actions. Number one, the status quo is not going to get us where we want to go. We must take bold steps in new directions to ensure all people of Rock Hill reap the benefits of our shared prosperity.

We must work hard and hand in hand to lower our poverty rate, ensure all our children are well educated and well prepared. Teaching our young people is not solely the responsibility of the school system, but should be a priority shared by all of us as parents, neighbors, volunteers, and people of faith. We must seek out all opportunities we can to encourage, inspire, and educate the next generation for Rock Hill's future. Second point, progress should no longer be measured simply by how efficiently and effectively city government provides its services. It should be measured instead by how city government creates the right circumstances for our residents and businesses to succeed.

We should work to facilitate what our people want and need, prosperity and hope. Fulfilling the promise of Knowledge Park while better preparing our people for the new economy is a big step toward that goal. We're fortunate to have many shining examples in Rock Hill to meet true community servants. Brother David Boone, especially, comes to mind. We owe it to those who have gone before us to live up to their legacy and be the light of the world we are called to be.

We will shine much brighter together. We must embrace our history as the good town, but strive to go beyond and build our reputation as a great city. God bless you and God bless all of us, including the people of this good town. Thank you. Not too bad.

Alright. Missing accounts member. Alright. I think we're missing a city council member. Has anybody seen council member Jackson?

Thank you. You learn that real quick.

Okay. Let's move on.

Alright. Oh, she's coming. Alright. We'll move on. We're going to consider ordinance for first reading item nine a, ordinance for partial abandonment of utility rights of way and easements on property located on Overview Drive in the city of Rock Hill. Mister Bagnon?

Mayor, council members. These next two items both are are similar and that we are asking to abandon easements. These were electrical and other easements that are sewer easements that are no longer being used. Both of these property owners have asked that they be abandoned so they could continue to do expansions of their projects. So I'll be glad to try to answer either question on either one, but you do have maps and pictures that indicate what's being asked to be abandoned for both of these.

Alright. Thank you. Any questions for Jimmy?

So moved to the first reading.

We have a motion and a second. Any discussion, questioned? Hearing and seeing none, all in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Approved. Nine b, ordinance for partial abandonment of utility rights of way and easements on property located on Sonny's Road in the city of Rock Hill. Jimmy spoke to that as well. What's the wish of council?

So move for partial abandonment.

Second. We have a motion. Second. Any discussion? Questions? Hearing and seeing none, all in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Approved. We'll move on to item 10 a, consider reallocation of undesignated hospitality tax funds. Madison Wilkerson. Welcome.

Hi. Good evening, mayor and members of council. Each year, a budget is adopted for the hospitality tax fund. If revenues exceed the budget and expenditures are under budget, PRT and finance work together to provide a reallocation of the excess funding to council. This year's reallocation is $404,167. Staff recommend allocating these funds to the Bleachery Fieldhouse Project. While the building was completed last month and has already hosted its first tournament, are few outstanding invoices to be paid that this reallocation will fund. Thank you for the time, and I'm happy to take any questions.

Any questions for Madison? So moved

to reallocate the undesignated funds.

Second,

please. Motion to second. Any discussion? Questions? Hearing and seeing none, all in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Approved. We'll move on to announce our smart switch winners. Congratulations to Tedrick Holmes and our customer connect winner who is Jonathan Campbell. Congratulations to each of you. You'll receive a $50 credit on your next utility bill. Are there any city council committee reports?

Mayor, the appointments committee met this afternoon. Reappointments to the citizen review board of Chris ST's Corey Riley, Tangela Brown, and Martin Jackson to terms expiring 01/31/2028 to the mayor's committee on people with disabilities, three reappointments of Judy Rappia. How do who is that? I don't wanna murder her name. Disappologize.

Rappia. Yes. Trina Perry, Sarah Dunning, to terms expiring 01/26/2029, a new appointment of Kia Griffin to a term expiring 10/21/2002 excuse me, 01/26/2027 to the tree commission reappointment of Joshua Nypaver and Jarvis Miller to terms expiring 01/30/2029 and to the York County Natural Gas Board, Richard Hecker to a term that would expire 03/01/2029, and I'll make that in the form of a motion.

Second. Of a motion and second. Any discussion, questions? Hearing and seeing none, all in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Approved. Any other city council committee reports? Any miscellaneous business? Alright. We're in executive session. Thank you all for coming out tonight. We'll see you in two weeks.

Thank you.