Council approves first reading of history‑museum lease, a guaranteed‑maximum price for town hall renovations and a downtown façade grant

The Fort Mill Town Council approved multiple items on first reading and by motion at the meeting, including a first reading lease authorization, a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) contract amendment for town hall renovations, a downtown façade improvement grant and a planning commission appointment.

Lease (first reading): Council approved first reading of an ordinance authorizing staff to enter into a lease agreement with the Fort Mill History Museum for office space at 111 South White Street. Staff told council the town had leased the vacant office last year for one year and the current authorization would allow the museum to occupy 111 South White Street; the ordinance text and final lease term were not specified in the discussion. The motion passed on first reading.

Town hall renovations (CMAR GMP amendment): Town Manager Carrie Vargo presented a guaranteed maximum price amendment to the construction manager/at‑risk contract for renovation at 205 North White Street. Vargo stated the GMP amendment includes the police department build‑out, customer service area and council chambers and reported a presented GMP figure and related contingencies for flooring, bonding and allowances. Council approved the GMP amendment; staff said construction would begin within about one week and the customer service area and police department work are expected to be completed for occupant move‑in in January 2026, with council chambers relocation complete by July 2026. The record presented cost figures and contingencies but did not provide a roll‑call vote tally in the meeting transcript.

Facade improvement grant: Council approved a facade improvement grant for 219 Main Street, Suite 101. The town’s program reimburses 50% of eligible exterior improvement costs (up to $5,000) for downtown commercial buildings. Staff said the applicant requested $1,940.49 based on an estimated project cost of $3,880.98 for a projecting sign and window/door graphics; Historic Review Board had issued a certificate of appropriateness. Council approved the grant.

Planning commission appointment: The ad hoc appointments committee recommended Jonathan Hutchison to fill a vacant planning commission seat; council voted to accept the recommendation and appointed Hutchison.

Votes: The meeting transcript records that motions were made, seconded and carried with the council saying “aye.” The transcript did not include a roll‑call tally or individual member votes for these items; no recorded dissents were shown in the audio transcript provided.

Next steps: For the lease, staff will finalize the lease terms and return with subsequent readings as required. For the town hall GMP, staff committed to regular project updates to council. For the façade grant, staff indicated they will publicize the program to encourage additional downtown applicants.