The headline
Council passed a six month moratorium on new development and zoning amendments within the airport overlay district to allow time for a comprehensive plan rewrite. The measure is intended to protect Woodward Field from incompatible land uses while the county updates its development regulations.
Moratorium on Development in Airport Overlay District (3rd Reading):
Council enacted a temporary six-month freeze on new development applications within the Woodward Field Airport overlay district.
Development
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ 5 members voted yes✗ Russell BrazellThe meeting video recorded this as a vote count without naming each member individually; the member-by-member roll is added automatically once the county posts the official minutes.
What this was about
This ordinance implements a moratorium on zoning map amendments and new development applications within the designated Airport Overlay District near Woodward Field. The measure is intended to prevent the encroachment of incompatible land uses while the county works with consultants and the Planning Commission to rewrite development regulations for the area. The ordinance was presented for its third and final reading after previous readings occurred on July 9 and July 23. During this meeting, Council considered an amendment to exempt houses of worship from the development restrictions; however, that motion failed in a 3-3 tie. The moratorium is effective immediately and is set to expire on January 9, 2025, though it contains a provision allowing the Council to extend the deadline via resolution to April 9, 2025, if more time is required for the comprehensive plan rewrite. Existing projects that already received approval prior to July 2, 2024, are exempt from these restrictions.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1
Who said what
» Ben Connell Chairman: noted his absence and the urgency of county business while congratulating him on the chair position. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: argued that the moratorium is a necessary stewardship of taxpayer dollars to protect the long-term viability of the airport. ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: emphasized the need to manage inevitable growth through the updated zoning regulations. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: explained his opposition to the moratorium due to concerns about the impact on surrounding property owners. ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: supported the moratorium specifically because it is a temporary measure rather than a permanent restriction. ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Moratorium on Development in Airport Overlay District (3rd Reading):
Council enacted a temporary six-month freeze on new development applications within the Woodward Field Airport overlay district.
Development
Yes 5 · No 1
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✓ 5 members voted yes✗ Russell BrazellThe meeting video recorded this as a vote count without naming each member individually; the member-by-member roll is added automatically once the county posts the official minutes.
What this was about
This ordinance implements a moratorium on zoning map amendments and new development applications within the designated Airport Overlay District near Woodward Field. The measure is intended to prevent the encroachment of incompatible land uses while the county works with consultants and the Planning Commission to rewrite development regulations for the area. The ordinance was presented for its third and final reading after previous readings occurred on July 9 and July 23. During this meeting, Council considered an amendment to exempt houses of worship from the development restrictions; however, that motion failed in a 3-3 tie. The moratorium is effective immediately and is set to expire on January 9, 2025, though it contains a provision allowing the Council to extend the deadline via resolution to April 9, 2025, if more time is required for the comprehensive plan rewrite. Existing projects that already received approval prior to July 2, 2024, are exempt from these restrictions.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1
Who said what
» Ben Connell Chairman: noted his absence and the urgency of county business while congratulating him on the chair position. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: argued that the moratorium is a necessary stewardship of taxpayer dollars to protect the long-term viability of the airport. ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: emphasized the need to manage inevitable growth through the updated zoning regulations. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: explained his opposition to the moratorium due to concerns about the impact on surrounding property owners. ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: supported the moratorium specifically because it is a temporary measure rather than a permanent restriction. ▶︎
Amendment and Restatement of Restrictive Covenants for Governor's Hill Industrial Park (1st Reading):
Council approved an update to restrictive covenants at the industrial park to meet U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requirements.
Jobs & economyParks & rec
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 CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance authorizes the amendment and restatement of restrictive covenants for the Governor's Hill Industrial Park, formerly known as Governor's Hill West Business Park. The action is required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as compensatory mitigation following a wetlands incursion during a 2018 road construction project. The amendment requires the county to delineate and protect additional wetlands and expand buffer areas on the property to prevent future development disturbances. By formalizing these protections, the county ensures compliance with Department of Army Permit No. SAC 2006-03871, which allows for the continued development of the industrial park. This was the first reading of the ordinance, which will proceed through the standard legislative process for final adoption in future meetings.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed satisfaction that the county is finally taking responsibility for protecting wetlands as required by federal regulations. ▶︎» Danny Templar Presenter: explained that the ordinance is a necessary administrative update to satisfy federal permit conditions after a minor past incursion. ▶︎
Award of Southern Loop Phase 2A Bid to Conder Construction (Bid):
Council awarded a $1.64 million infrastructure contract to Conder Construction for force main and pump station improvements.
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ 5 members voted yes✗ Jimmy JonesThe meeting video recorded this as a vote count without naming each member individually; the member-by-member roll is added automatically once the county posts the official minutes.
What this was about
Council voted to award the bid for the Southern Loop Phase 2A project to Lugoff-based Conder Construction, Inc., for a total cost of $1,641,410. The infrastructure project consists of installing approximately 5,500 linear feet of 12-inch PVC force main, 1,050 linear feet of horizontal directional drilling, and various upgrades to the Judy pump station, including connections to the existing system. The county received two bids for the work, with Conder Construction submitting the significantly lower proposal compared to the $2.89 million bid from Mclam and Associates. County staff confirmed that Conder Construction met all procurement standards. During the discussion, council members expressed confidence in the local contractor and noted that the project is essential for improving county utility infrastructure, with the work expected to remain on budget as bid.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1. This $1.64 million infrastructure project involves force main and pump station improvements
Who said what
» Jimmy Jones Council Member: questioned the wide gap between the two bids and urged caution regarding future change orders. ▶︎» Danny Templar Presenter: clarified that the price difference was primarily due to unit pricing for materials rather than labor or mobilization discrepancies. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: noted his comfort with the local contractor and the cost savings achieved through the competitive bidding process. ▶︎Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Council Amendments: During the third reading of the airport moratorium, a motion to exempt houses of worship from the development restrictions failed in a 3-3 tie.
- Storm Water Concerns: Residents of the Pecan Orchard subdivision testified regarding long-standing sewage and storm water drainage issues. Council and the County Administrator committed to a site visit and a community meeting within three weeks to develop a plan of action.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Residents from the Pecan Orchard community spoke about persistent flooding and sewage overflow that they stated has damaged their properties for years. A local pastor requested that the airport moratorium not prevent a church expansion project. Additionally, a resident expressed concerns regarding litter and provided commentary on national political events.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- The airport moratorium is set to expire on January 9, 2025, with a potential extension option to April 9, 2025, via future council resolution.
- Council will facilitate a community meeting regarding the Pecan Orchard drainage issues in the coming weeks.
Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.