Airport Overlay District amendments pass second reading
The Council approved the Second Reading of the Airport Overlay District (AOD) ordinance following extensive amendments intended to protect property rights, particularly for historic equine and agricultural uses near Woodward Field. The council also approved a series of housekeeping and procedural items, including the adoption of the agenda and the approval of minutes from the January 28, 2025, meeting.
6 votes6 passed4 split
The vote behind the headline
Airport Overlay District (AOD) Ordinance with amendments (2nd Reading):Council approved the second reading of AOD zoning ordinance text amendments with significant modifications.
Yes 5 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy Jones
This ordinance amends the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development to update land use restrictions near Woodward Field. The amendments specifically protect historic equestrian and agricultural activities along Red Fox Road while implementing safety zones mandated by FAA and South Carolina Aeronautics Commission standards. Key changes include density limits for industrial zones, conditional use requirements for various businesses like kennels and storage facilities, and new procedures for the Planning Director to evaluate land uses not explicitly listed in the table. The measure passed 5-2 after extensive debate regarding property rights versus aviation safety. Council members emphasized that these updates are vital for balancing county growth with operational safety, and a follow-up public meeting is scheduled for February 13th to gather additional resident feedback before the final reading.
Airport Overlay District (AOD) Ordinance with amendments (2nd Reading):Council approved the second reading of AOD zoning ordinance text amendments with significant modifications.
Yes 5 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy Jones
This ordinance amends the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development to update land use restrictions near Woodward Field. The amendments specifically protect historic equestrian and agricultural activities along Red Fox Road while implementing safety zones mandated by FAA and South Carolina Aeronautics Commission standards. Key changes include density limits for industrial zones, conditional use requirements for various businesses like kennels and storage facilities, and new procedures for the Planning Director to evaluate land uses not explicitly listed in the table. The measure passed 5-2 after extensive debate regarding property rights versus aviation safety. Council members emphasized that these updates are vital for balancing county growth with operational safety, and a follow-up public meeting is scheduled for February 13th to gather additional resident feedback before the final reading.
Private Hangar Contracts Ordinance (2nd Reading):Council passed the second reading to standardize private hangar license contracts and establish fees at the airport.
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Jimmy Jones
What this was about
This ordinance creates a formal framework for private hangar licenses at the Kershaw County Airport, aiming to generate consistent revenue through standardized contract forms and set licensing rates. The measure allows the county to authorize executions of these contracts and take other necessary actions to manage hangar operations. During the meeting, officials indicated that future amendments may be introduced to address the lower value of older wooden hangar structures and to develop policies for new construction based on economic development and job creation. The ordinance passed 6-1, moving it closer to final enactment as the county works to improve its airport infrastructure and financial sustainability.
Fee-In-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes Agreement for Project Creed (1st Reading):Council approved the first reading for a tax incentive agreement for a 48-megawatt solar farm project.Taxes & budget
Yes 5 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy Jones
Project Creed involves a $67 million investment for a 48-megawatt solar farm on 240 acres in Kershaw County. The proposed Fee-In-Lieu of Ad Valorem (FILO) taxes agreement is set at $3,800 per megawatt, projected to generate approximately $182,400 in annual revenue for the county, a portion of which is designated for school operations and bonding. Supporters highlighted that the property owner is exercising their private property rights, while opponents raised concerns about the long-term impact of solar development, the limited number of permanent jobs, and the adequacy of decommissioning bonds. The project includes a dual-use proposal for beekeeping and features a decommissioning plan requiring restoration of the site. The measure passed 5-2 despite reservations expressed by some members regarding the future tax and environmental implications.
Multi-County Business Park Ordinance (1st Reading):Council approved the first reading to expand a joint business park to include a new industrial project.Jobs & economyParks & rec
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Jimmy Jones
This ordinance authorizes an amended and restated agreement with Lee County to manage a Multi-County Business Park (MCIP). The expansion incorporates specific property to facilitate economic development incentives for a new local industry, identified as Laser Form. By including the property in the MCIP, the county is able to provide essential job tax credits and fee-in-lieu arrangements that are necessary to secure the industrial investment. The measure passed 6-1, with one dissenting vote, and is part of the county's broader effort to remain competitive in attracting and retaining industrial manufacturing firms.
Sewer Ordinance amendments (1st Reading):Council approved first reading of amendments to the county sewer code to meet state regulatory requirements.Water & sewer
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
What this was about
These amendments update the Kershaw County Sewer Use Ordinance to ensure consistency with state requirements previously overseen by DHEC and now managed by DES. The changes clarify definitions, refine the application of surcharges for excessive industrial waste, and specify the authority of the Utilities Manager regarding stormwater discharge. The update specifically addresses local limits for pollutants, which DES requested during recent recertification of the county’s pre-treatment program. The ordinance passed unanimously, as the changes focus on technical compliance and clarity for wastewater management operations rather than immediate changes to consumer pricing.
Routine items (Agenda adoption, Proclamations for Black History Month and Dr. H.W. Hulteen, minutes approval, adjournment):Council unanimously approved the meeting agenda, minutes, and two ceremonial proclamations.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
The Council unanimously adopted the meeting agenda and approved minutes from January 28, 2025. Two proclamations were formally read into the record: one honoring National Black History Month for its role in recognizing African American contributions, and a Lifetime Achievement Proclamation for Dr. H.W. Hulteen, who has served as a physician in Camden for over 52 years. These ceremonial items reflect the Council's support for local history and the recognition of residents who have provided significant long-term service to the Kershaw County community.
Election Commission Compensation: The Council discussed the need to increase compensation for poll workers and election commissioners to ensure adequate staffing. Administrator Danny Templar confirmed this issue will be addressed during the upcoming budget process.
Kershaw County Goals and Objectives: Chairman Ben Connell introduced a proposal to create a formal "Goals and Objectives" document to guide the county's long-term vision and align with the Comprehensive Plan.
Ad Hoc Stormwater Advisory Committee: Chairman Connell announced the formation of a 13-member Ad Hoc Stormwater Advisory Committee to identify funding options and infrastructure priorities. The committee has a nine-month term.
Coming up▸showhide
Follow-up AOD Public Meeting: Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Next Council Meeting: February 25, 2025.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.
How this recap was made: Prepared from the county's official minutes (the verified vote record) combined with the meeting's live stream (quotes and discussion). This is an automated summary written by software (a neural-network summarizer working from the documents above). Rely on the official county record for anything important.
