Narrative Summary
Summary
The Fort Mill Town Council held a Workshop meeting on February 9, 2026, with all seven members present. The agenda covered a mix of administrative, financial, and infrastructure topics including an update on the Downtown Co-Op, a comprehensive compensation study, and a capital improvements planning review. Council approved a second-reading ordinance granting a perpetual easement for access to a future school site, and a first-reading ordinance removing a 1.153-acre parcel from the Kanawha Land, LLC Development Agreement. Two executive sessions were addressed: one on contractual matters related to Fort Mill School District was held, and one on the Town Manager's annual review was tabled to a future meeting.
Key Decisions & Votes
- Approval of Minutes — Councilman Wolfe motioned to approve four sets of minutes from December 15, 2025; January 12, 2026; January 22, 2026; and January 29, 2026. Vote: Approved unanimously.
- Executive Session — Fort Mill School District contractual matters — Councilwoman Cook motioned to enter executive session to discuss proposed contractual matters relating to Fort Mill School District. Vote: Approved unanimously at 6:16 PM. Session concluded at 6:40 PM.
- Perpetual Easement Ordinance (2nd Reading) — York County Tax Map #020-08-01-021 — Councilman Moody motioned to approve, authorizing the Town Manager to execute a perpetual easement providing access off the Town's Recreation Complex/YMCA entrance opposite Kimbell Road to a future school site. Vote: Approved unanimously.
- 1st Reading — Amendment to Kanawha Land, LLC Development Agreement (Ord. 2016-17) — Councilman Hudgins motioned to approve removal of a 1.153 +/- acre parcel (York County Tax Map #020-06-01-068) from the development agreement, allowing Kessler Equipment Sales Co Inc. to develop the parcel as parking at 103 Kanawha Street without development agreement restrictions. Vote: Approved unanimously.
- YMCA Facility Improvements — Capital Improvements Planning (Amended Motion) — Councilwoman Cook amended Councilman Wolfe's motion to instruct staff to expediently move forward on YMCA Facility Improvements and to provide Council with monthly project status updates. Vote: Approved unanimously.
- Town Manager Annual Review — Executive Session tabled — Councilman Moody motioned to table the executive session regarding the Town Manager's annual review until the next meeting. Vote: Not recorded; outcome: tabled.
- Adjourn — Councilman Wolfe motioned to adjourn at 8:43 PM. Vote: Approved unanimously.
Watchlist Flags
- School Facilities: Capital Improvements Planning Update — Staff presented a capital improvements overview that includes ongoing work on Town Hall, Community Center, Fire Station #3, Operations Center, and YMCA facilities; the YMCA structural repairs were specifically directed to proceed expediently, with a comprehensive capital prioritization plan to follow adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Master Plan, and Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
> "Staff to develop comprehensive capital project prioritization plan following adoption of Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Master Plan, and Parks & Recreation Master Plan."
Action Items & Upcoming Dates
- Staff — Develop policies relating to renting spaces in Town Hall, Fort Mill Community Center, Town Parks, and the YMCA.
- Staff — Develop a policy relating to the use of flags/banners on Town light poles in downtown.
- Staff — Develop comprehensive capital project prioritization plan following adoption of Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Master Plan, and Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
- Staff — Provide Council with monthly updates on YMCA Facility Improvements project status.
- Staff — Review and potentially propose Unified Development Ordinance portions for code adoption related to TIA and development agreements.
- Town Council — Receive any policies at least two weeks prior to placement on the agenda.
- Town Manager Annual Review (Executive Session) — Tabled; to be scheduled at a future meeting.
Agenda Items
-
1
Approval of Minutes
Approval of four sets of minutes from December 15, 2025 Regular Council Meeting, January 12, 2026 Council Workshop, January 22, 2026 Emergency Council Meeting, and January 29, 2026 Regular Council Meeting.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- Councilmember Wolfe motioned to approve the four sets of minutes as submitted
- Moved / seconded
- Councilman Chris Wolfe / Councilman Allen Garrison
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Source ref
- page: p.1
- Tags
- minutes
-
2
Public Comments
Scott Couchenour of 122 W. Oak St. commented on the dedication and renovation of the new Town Hall and commended the Springs family and Town Council. He advised that Bank St. will be repaved by SCDOT as part of Pennies for Progress, and Pennies 5 is being redesigned around Harris St and Fort Mill High School including sidewalks and handicaps. Bank St. and Holbrook Rd are also being redesigned.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.1
- Tags
- public comment town hall renovation infrastructure street redesign
-
3.A
Downtown Co-Op Update
Kelly Lucarelli presented an update on the Downtown Co-Op, a partnership of over 30 local business owners and community members working to enhance relationships between the Historic Downtown Neighborhood and the Town. The Co-Op has applied for 501(c)(6) status, partnered with SC Arts Commission for cultural district designation, and is establishing a primary town liaison position.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.1
- Tags
- downtown development co-op economic development cultural district
-
4.A
Discussion of Proposed Contractual Matters as it relates to Fort Mill School District
Executive session held to discuss proposed contractual matters relating to Fort Mill School District. Session called at 6:16 PM and concluded at 6:40 PM.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- Councilmember Cook motioned to enter into executive session to discuss proposed contractual matters as it relates to Fort Mill School District
- Moved / seconded
- Councilman Ben Hudgins / Councilman Ben Hudgins
- Vote
- Approved unanimously at 6:16 PM
- Source ref
- page: p.2
- Tags
- executive session school district contracts
-
5.A
Consideration of the 2nd Reading of An Ordinance Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute a Perpetual Easement Across Town Property Identified as York County Tax Map #020-08-01-021
Assistant Town Manager Chris Pettit noted that approval would authorize the Town Manager to execute a proposed easement providing access off of the Town's Recreation Complex/YMCA entrance opposite Kimbell Road to a future school site. The easement has undergone legal review and update by the Town Attorney.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- Councilmember Moody motioned to approve old business item #5
- Moved / seconded
- Councilman Chris Moody / Councilman Chris Wolfe
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Source ref
- page: p.2
- Tags
- easement recreation complex school site ordinance
-
6.A
Consideration of the 1st Reading of An Ordinance Providing for the 1st Amendment to the Development Agreement between the Town of Fort Mill and Kanawha Land, LLC (Ord. 2016-17), so as to remove a 1.153 +/- acre piece of Property From the Terms of the Development Agreement
Assistant Town Manager Chris Pettit explained that the ordinance removes a 1.153 acre parcel from the Kanawha Land, LLC Development Agreement. The parcel (York County Tax Map #020-06-01-068) located near Kanawha Street and S. White Street was originally sold to York County and resold to Kessler Equipment Sales Co Inc., who intends to develop it as parking alongside their 103 Kanawha Street property. Removal does not negatively impact the Development Agreement but allows the current property owner to develop without Development Agreement restrictions.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- Councilmember Hudgins motioned to accept new business item #1
- Moved / seconded
- Councilman Ben Hudgins / Councilman Chris Wolfe
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Source ref
- range: pp.2-3
- Tags
- development agreement ordinance amendment property removal
-
7.A
Discussion of the Compensation Study
Town Manager Cary Vargo presented results of a comprehensive Classification and Compensation study conducted by Management Advisory Group International Inc. The study addresses salary compression, recruitment/retention challenges, and proposes a sustainable compensation framework aligned with best practices. Discussion included PTO accrual options, leave definitions, educational reimbursement, and implementation details. Mayor Savage requested Council receive any policies two weeks prior to agenda placement.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.3
- Tags
- compensation salary study human resources employee benefits
-
7.B
Capital Improvements Planning Update
Town Manager Cary Vargo and Assistant Town Manager/Chief Financial Officer Eric Davis reported on major capital projects in design or construction including Town Hall renovations, Community Center, Fire Station #3, and Operations Center. YMCA Facility Improvements including structural steel replacement, window replacement, and re-roofing are priorities. Discussion covered budgetary impact, potential expenditure phases, and project management with an estimated 9-12 month timeframe dependent on materials and weather. Staff to develop comprehensive capital project prioritization plan following adoption of Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Master Plan, and Parks & Recreation Master Plan.
- Outcome
- no_action
- Motion
- Councilmember Wolfe motioned to instruct staff to expediently move forward on the YMCA Facility Improvements
- Moved / seconded
- Councilman Chris Wolfe / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.3
- Tags
- capital improvements facility improvements YMCA project planning
-
7.B (amended)
Capital Improvements Planning Update (Amended Motion)
Amended motion to include providing Council with monthly updates on project status and to move forward expediently on YMCA Facility Improvements.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- Councilmember Cook amended Councilmember Wolfe's motion to include providing Council monthly updates as to where the project is at
- Moved / seconded
- Councilman Ben Hudgins / Councilman Ben Hudgins
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Source ref
- page: p.3
- Tags
- capital improvements YMCA reporting
-
7.C
Discussion of Transportation Engineer Services
Town Manager Cary Vargo noted that developers must use the Town's designated traffic engineer with the Town managing the consultant. The proposed staff-preferred alternative would allow developers to hire their own qualified traffic engineers with the Town's traffic engineer reviewing studies for compliance. Discussion covered concerns regarding County ability to disregard Town Corridor Overlay in developments, the need to re-visit former ordinances, and a workshop for Council's prioritization of ordinance changes related to TIA and development agreements.
- Outcome
- informational
- Motion
- No motion recorded
- Moved / seconded
- Not recorded / Not recorded
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.4
- Tags
- transportation traffic engineer development ordinances corridor overlay
-
8.A
Discussion of Personnel Matter as it relates to the Town Manager's Annual Review
Executive session item regarding the Town Manager's annual review.
- Outcome
- tabled
- Motion
- Councilmember Moody motioned to table the executive session until the next meeting
- Moved / seconded
- Councilman Chris Moody / Councilman Allen Garrison
- Vote
- No vote recorded
- Source ref
- page: p.4
- Tags
- executive session personnel town manager review
-
9
Adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 8:43 PM.
- Outcome
- approved
- Motion
- Councilmember Wolfe motioned to adjourn
- Moved / seconded
- Councilman Chris Wolfe / Councilman Chris Moody
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Source ref
- page: p.4
- Tags
- adjournment
Votes
-
Approval of Minutes
Councilmember Wolfe motioned to approve the four sets of minutes as submitted
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Outcome
- approved
- Source ref
- page: p.1
-
Discussion of Proposed Contractual Matters as it relates to Fort Mill School District
Councilmember Cook motioned to enter into executive session to discuss proposed contractual matters as it relates to Fort Mill School District
- Vote
- Approved unanimously at 6:16 PM
- Outcome
- informational
- Source ref
- page: p.2
-
Consideration of the 2nd Reading of An Ordinance Authorizing the Town Manager to Execute a Perpetual Easement Across Town Property Identified as York County Tax Map #020-08-01-021
Councilmember Moody motioned to approve old business item #5
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Outcome
- approved
- Source ref
- page: p.2
-
Consideration of the 1st Reading of An Ordinance Providing for the 1st Amendment to the Development Agreement between the Town of Fort Mill and Kanawha Land, LLC (Ord. 2016-17), so as to remove a 1.153 +/- acre piece of Property From the Terms of the Development Agreement
Councilmember Hudgins motioned to accept new business item #1
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Outcome
- approved
- Source ref
- range: pp.2-3
-
Capital Improvements Planning Update
Councilmember Wolfe motioned to instruct staff to expediently move forward on the YMCA Facility Improvements
- Vote
- Not provided
- Outcome
- no_action
- Source ref
- page: p.3
-
Capital Improvements Planning Update (Amended Motion)
Councilmember Cook amended Councilmember Wolfe's motion to include providing Council monthly updates as to where the project is at
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Outcome
- approved
- Source ref
- page: p.3
-
Discussion of Personnel Matter as it relates to the Town Manager's Annual Review
Councilmember Moody motioned to table the executive session until the next meeting
- Vote
- Not provided
- Outcome
- tabled
- Source ref
- page: p.4
-
Adjourn
Councilmember Wolfe motioned to adjourn
- Vote
- Approved unanimously
- Outcome
- approved
- Source ref
- page: p.4
Public Hearings
No public hearings listed.
Action Items
-
Receive any policies two weeks prior to any policy being put on the agenda
- Owner
- Town Council
- Due
- Source ref
- page: p.3
-
Develop policies relating to renting spaces in Town Hall, Fort Mill Community Center, Town Parks, and the YMCA
- Owner
- Staff
- Due
- Source ref
- page: p.3
-
Develop a policy relating to the use of flags/banners on Town light poles in downtown
- Owner
- Staff
- Due
- Source ref
- page: p.3
-
Develop comprehensive capital project prioritization plan following adoption of Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Master Plan, and Parks & Recreation Master Plan
- Owner
- Staff
- Due
- Source ref
- page: p.3
-
Provide Council with monthly updates on YMCA Facility Improvements project status
- Owner
- Staff
- Due
- Source ref
- page: p.3
-
Review and potentially propose Unified Development Ordinance portions for code adoption related to TIA and development agreements
- Owner
- Staff
- Due
- Source ref
- page: p.4
Upcoming Dates
No upcoming dates listed.
Watchlist Flags
-
Capital Improvements Planning Update
- Category
- school_facilities
Uncertainty Notes
-
no_schema_validation
- Field
schema_version- Value
- Not applicable
- Note
- Schema is 0.1.0-draft; final validation must happen downstream in Codex.
-
vote_granularity
- Field
facts.agenda_items[*].vote- Value
- Not applicable
- Note
- Approved minutes record tallies but not per-member dissent.