York County

The workshop primarily focused on developing and discussing the draft legislative agenda priorities for the upcoming legislative session. Key discussion points included the decision not to hire a lobbyist, with the manager's office developing a legislative draft agenda instead. Major capital projects emphasized as 'shovel ready' priorities requiring state support included renovations for the Ross Justice Center (including a medical/mental health wing, estimated at $28 million), significant utility infrastructure upgrades for the eastern side of the county to address aging water systems and prevent breaks, and funding for parks projects, specifically completing the river trail connection near the Catawba Nation border and securing additional funding for the Worth Mountain park development (restrooms and trails). Policy requests discussed involved opposing the state handing over more roads to counties, advocating for state legislation to allow fast lanes/HOV lanes on I-77, holding contractors accountable for water line breaks, pushing back against unfunded state mandates, and seeking more flexibility regarding impact fees and annexation legislation.

The meeting included the swearing-in of several individuals to volunteer service roles for York County districts, including Keep York County Beautiful. Recognition was given to Joe Simpson for his retirement and dedicated service to York County. The President and CEO of Visit York County provided an annual update, detailing tourism strategies focused on increasing accommodations and hospitality tax revenue, marketing the entire county as a tourism destination, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the visitor experience. Key marketing efforts highlighted included the Yoko Brew Trail and the Yoko Taste Trail Week. The presentation also covered hotel performance trends, showcasing an increase in Average Daily Rate (ADR) and significant direct economic impact from tourism in 2022. Furthermore, industry support initiatives, such as recognizing local chefs and promoting the Ag + Art Tour, along with workforce development roundtable discussions, were reviewed.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, followed by recognizing a member of the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee who took an oath of office. Council members met beforehand with 4-H youth, who presented on their projects, including dairy goat projects, engineering, and community service, such as volunteering at a community garden and packing for a thrift store. During the public forum session, attendees raised concerns regarding the proposed Silfab Solar Factory, citing zoning violations related to hazardous material storage and wastewater treatment, and questioned the enforcement of BZA rulings. Another speaker requested tabling a consent agenda item concerning the Penny's utility relocation project for further resolution. Further public comments addressed the overwhelming statistics of non-sterilized animals at the county shelter, the negative impacts of pet overpopulation on community safety and welfare, and suggestions for new spay/neuter regulations, including mandatory spaying/neutering and registration fees. Finally, an invitation was extended for an upcoming Lions Club pancake breakfast.

The workshop served as an educational session for the Council regarding amendments to the York County code, specifically Chapter 154.20 concerning the protection of grand trees. Staff provided a detailed history of the Grand Tree ordinance, dating back to 2002, and outlined recent amendments from 2021, 2022, and July of the current year. Key discussion points included the reduction of the grand tree size threshold from 32 inches to 24 inches in diameter breast height (DBH) in 2021, changes restored for pines to 32 inches in 2022, and the expansion of the scope of Grand Tree surveys to 24 feet outside the limits of disturbance to assess potential root damage. The discussion also covered new mitigation options added in July, such as extra tree save allowances and fee-in-lieu contributions to the tree fund. Council members inquired about the origin of the species list used for grand trees and the impact of changes on development density, while also discussing the consideration of saving trees near water/creek buffers and whether special provisions should be made for industrial properties prior to land purchase.

The primary discussion centered on establishing written guidelines and an ordinance for Towing and Refer Protocol Services for the Sheriff's Department. This new ordinance aims to enforce accountability, define service expectations, and outline fee schedules, requiring towing companies on rotation to maintain an impound lot. Concerns were raised regarding current towing fees, especially for victims of theft, though it was noted that fees for private requests differ. The committee also addressed issues with towing companies failing to respond to calls, which the new protocol seeks to remedy by including complaint procedures and enforcement teeth. Furthermore, the committee discussed the need to revamp outdated county ordinances, specifically citing firearms discharge and noise regulations, which no longer fit the growing population, and reviewed amendments for the previous January meeting minutes.