Chester public meetings in 2025
15 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council will hold a special-called meeting to discuss city procedures for handling Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and public information requests. The body will also enter an executive session to receive legal advice regarding a specific court case.
- City procedures for handling FOIA and public information requests
- Executive session for legal advice regarding C.A. 0:24-cv-01722-MGL-KDW/Stephanie Jackson v. City of Chester
City Council
The Chester City Council will hold its regular meeting on May 27, 2025, to discuss and vote on several ordinances, including the annual budget, fee schedule updates, and easement agreements. The meeting will also feature updates from the City Administrator and discussions on new business items such as a lease agreement and hospitality tax funding requests.
- First reading of Ordinance 2025-07 for a no-build easement at 109 and 115 Main Street
- First reading of Ordinance 2025-008 to regulate removal of abandoned or derelict vehicles
- Introduction and first reading of Ordinance 2025-009 for the FY 2025-2026 annual budget
- First reading of Ordinance 2025-010 to amend the Master Fee Schedule and rename the Sanitation Department
- Lease agreement with NAMI for office space at the Chester Aquatic and Fitness Center
City Council
City Council will hold first readings for the annual budget and updates to residential garbage and bulk waste collection fees. The body will also discuss a no-build easement on Main Street and regulations for abandoned vehicles.
- Ordinance 2025-009: Fiscal Year 2025–2026 Annual Budget Ordinance
- Ordinance 2025-010: Update to residential garbage and bulk waste collection fees
- Ordinance 2025-007: No-Build Easement Agreement for 109 and 115 Main Street
- Ordinance 2025-008: New regulations for removal of abandoned or derelict vehicles
- Hospitality Tax funding request for public access route at 140 & 142 Gadsden Street
City Council
The Chester City Council will hold second readings of ordinances establishing procedures for selling, transferring, and leasing city-owned property. The agenda also includes a first reading of a no-build easement at 109 and 115 Main Street, discussion of the Kings Landing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Redevelopment Plan, and action items for a stormwater study engineer selection and $25,000 in traffic calming on Gadsden Street. A $25,000 landscaping project and exploration of a new outdoor pool at Finley Park are also on tap.
- Second reading of Ordinance 2025-005: procedures for sale, transfer, and conveyance of city-owned property
- Second reading of Ordinance 2025-006: procedures for lease of city-owned property
- First reading of Ordinance 2025-07: no-build easement at 109 Main Street and 115 Main Street
- Discussion of Kings Landing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Redevelopment Plan
- Action item: $25,000 allocation for Gadsden Street traffic calming measures, and $25,000 for landscaping at Chester Government Complex and Arts and Entertainment District
City Council
City Council will discuss a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) redevelopment plan for Kings Landing and a no-build easement for Main Street. The body is also deciding on funding for traffic calming and landscaping projects.
- Proposed $25,000 allocation for traffic calming measures on Gadsden Street
- Proposed $25,000 for landscaping at the Chester Government Complex and Arts and Entertainment District
- First reading of Ordinance 2025-07 regarding a no-build easement at 109 and 115 Main Street
- Second reading of Ordinances 2025-005 and 2025-006 regarding city-owned property sale and lease procedures
- Selection of an engineer for the SC Stormwater Study
Parks & Recreation Committee
The Chester Parks & Recreation Committee is reviewing quotes for 14 playground structures and color coating. The items are listed with age ranges, use zones, child capacities, fall heights, and prices. The committee is expected to discuss potential purchases for local parks.
- Legend structure for ages 5–12 at $61,984
- Mauna Loa structure for ages 5–12 at $49,306
- Bungalow structure for ages 2–5 at $27,378
- Color coating (Espresso Black, Green, Blue) at $658 per ton
- Hamlet structure for ages 2–5 at $35,287
Parks & Recreation Committee
The Parks and Recreation Committee will discuss a comprehensive cost assessment for city parks, capital improvements to the outdoor pool, and a PARD grant application for Joe Collins Stadium with a $12,000 city match. Staff is also proposing new rates for the Silver Sneakers and Prime fitness programs, and reviewing maintenance updates at Guy Park and downtown street lighting. No formal votes are recorded; the agenda is a discussion report.
- PARD grant application targeting Joe Collins Stadium: restroom modernization, scoreboard replacement, field repairs, and concession stand painting; city match of $12,000
- Outdoor pool improvements seeking state legislature funding and alternative grants
- Downtown street lighting replacement order with Duke Energy for all light poles and heads
- Proposed Silver Sneakers rate: $3.00 per visit (monthly cap $21.00) and Prime rate: $3.50 per visit (monthly cap $30.00)
- Guy Park lighting: Duke Energy to install three new LED fixtures and replace aging light heads
Parks & Recreation Committee
The committee will discuss strategic investments for city parks, including costs and property lines. The meeting includes updates on pool facilities and specific maintenance for Guy Park and Finley Park.
- Strategic investments for city parks
- Pool costs and property lines
- Guy Park lighting, utilities, pavilion, restrooms, and garbage cans
- Finley Park updates
- Winterization and activities/programming
City Council
City Council will review ordinances regarding the sale and lease of city property, a master fee schedule update, and the creation of an Arts and Entertainment District. The body will also discuss a TIF redevelopment plan for Kings Landing and a patio easement for 109 Main Street.
- Second reading for rezoning 192 Gadsden Street and 119 College Street to Core Commercial
- Proposed Arts and Entertainment District in historic downtown Chester
- Amending the 2023 Master Fee Schedule for land development and building fees
- Allocation of hospitality tax funds: $13,462.00 for website upgrade and $9,962.78 for a mobile stage
- Authorization of new bank accounts for a stormwater study grant and summer feeding program
City Council
The City Council will discuss establishing an Arts and Entertainment District in historic downtown Chester, including regulations for public alcohol consumption. The body is also considering rezoning requests for two properties and updates to the city's master fee schedule.
- Second reading of rezoning for 192 Gadsden Street and 119 College Street to Core Commercial
- Proposed ordinance to establish an Arts and Entertainment District in historic downtown Chester
- Amendment to 2023 Master Fee Schedule for land development and building fees
- Allocation of hospitality tax funds: $13,462.00 for website upgrade and $9,962.78 for a mobile stage
- Discussion of Kings Landing Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Redevelopment Plan
Economic Development Committee
The Chester Economic Development Committee will discuss hospitality requests including a $13,462 premium website upgrade and a $9,962.78 mobile stage for the pavilion, along with community projects for Earth Day and Public Service Recognition Week.
- Premium Website Upgrade - $13,462.00
- Mobile Stage for Chester Pavilion - $9,962.78
- April 22 Earth Day citywide cleanup
- May 4-9 Public Service Recognition Week
Parks & Recreation Committee
The Chester Parks & Recreation Committee will hold a virtual meeting to discuss updates and costs for city parks, including strategic investments, winterization, and park amenities. The agenda includes topics such as property lines, pool(s), lighting, pavilion, restrooms, garbage cans at Guy Park, and activities/programming at Finley Park. This is a discussion and update session with no votes or decisions listed.
- Strategic Investments – City Parks: updates, costs, property lines, pool(s)
- Parks winterization discussion
- Guy Park: lighting, utilities, pavilion, restrooms, garbage cans
- Finley Park: activities/programming
City Council
The Chester City Council will hold public hearings and consider first readings of ordinances to rezone 192 Gadsden Street and 119 College Street from R-6 Residential to Core Commercial. The council will also review a first reading to establish an Arts and Entertainment District in historic downtown Chester and an ordinance amending the 2023 Master Fee Schedule. Additionally, the council will discuss setting aside hospitality tax funds for tourism projects and a potential City Hall relocation.
- Public hearings and first readings to rezone 192 Gadsden Street and 119 College Street to Core Commercial
- First reading of Ordinance 2025-003 establishing an Arts and Entertainment District in historic downtown Chester
- First reading of Ordinance 2025-004 amending the Master Fee Schedule for land development and building fees
- Request to set aside hospitality tax funds: up to $15,000 for Chester Pavilion Stage, up to $97,000 for Christmas in Chester, and $3,600 for Light It Up Blue
- Discussion of a patio easement agreement at 109 Main Street and a resolution to relocate City Hall to 120 Church Street
Public Works Committee
The Public Works Committee will meet to discuss the organizational chart and the costs associated with city trash and landfills. The body will also review garbage collection fees and a potential move to 120 Church Street.
- Garbage collection fees and start date
- Recycling program costs and benefits
- Proposed move to 120 Church Street
- Public Works work schedule and utilization
- Condemned properties
City Council
The Chester City Council will discuss and potentially take action on several items, including the sale of city properties such as the Fitness and Aquatic Center and a 10-acre Brownfield site. They will also consider the appointment of municipal judges, a patio easement for a restaurant, and a request for hospitality tax funds for the Chester Pavilion Stage. Additionally, a presentation on the Chester Development Roadmap will be given.
- Selection and appointment of municipal judges for upcoming term
- Discussion of potential sale of city properties: Fitness and Aquatic Center and 10-acre Brownfield site
- Presentation on Chester Development Roadmap for responsible growth
- Consideration of patio easement agreement for 113 Main Street LLC
- Request for hospitality tax funds for Chester Pavilion Stage