Council passed an ordinance establishing new regulations for large-scale commercial solar farms, requiring applicants to hold community meetings and notify property owners within a one-mile radius
This decision aims to increase transparency for residents regarding potential development projects in their neighborhoods.
4 votes4 passed1 split
The vote behind the headline
Amendment to ZLDR regarding Large-Scale Commercial Standalone Solar Energy Farm (3rd Reading):Council approved new regulations requiring solar farm developers to hold community meetings and notify nearby residents.
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Jimmy Jones
What this was about
This ordinance adds Section 3:3.26 to the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations to mandate that developers of large-scale solar farms hold a community meeting before submitting a conditional use application. This measure was introduced to ensure transparency and give residents within a one-mile radius - increased from the original quarter-mile proposal by the Planning Commission - the chance to provide feedback and ask questions about development plans. Applicants must provide 21 days' notice via first-class mail and submit documentation of the meeting's attendance and community concerns to the Planning and Zoning Department. This requirement helps prevent surprises and allows developers to address neighborhood concerns early in the process. The ordinance passed unanimously on third reading, establishing a formal, proactive communication step that did not previously exist for these projects in Kershaw County.
Amendment to ZLDR regarding Large-Scale Commercial Standalone Solar Energy Farm (3rd Reading):Council approved new regulations requiring solar farm developers to hold community meetings and notify nearby residents.
Yes 6 · No 0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Jimmy Jones
What this was about
This ordinance adds Section 3:3.26 to the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations to mandate that developers of large-scale solar farms hold a community meeting before submitting a conditional use application. This measure was introduced to ensure transparency and give residents within a one-mile radius - increased from the original quarter-mile proposal by the Planning Commission - the chance to provide feedback and ask questions about development plans. Applicants must provide 21 days' notice via first-class mail and submit documentation of the meeting's attendance and community concerns to the Planning and Zoning Department. This requirement helps prevent surprises and allows developers to address neighborhood concerns early in the process. The ordinance passed unanimously on third reading, establishing a formal, proactive communication step that did not previously exist for these projects in Kershaw County.
Zoning Map Amendment for 1750 Highway 1 North (3rd Reading):Council rezoned 10.43 acres in Cassatt from Rural Resource to General Development to allow for commercial use.Development
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Jimmy Jones
What this was about
This ordinance rezones a 10.43-acre parcel located at 1750 Highway 1 North in Cassatt from RD-2 (Rural Resource District) to GD (General Development District). The property owners, Andrew and Tammy Jeffers, intend to use the land to relocate their business, Camden Auto and Diesel, and build a barbershop, while also setting aside space for a future residence for their daughter. Although the Planning Commission and Council noted that rezoning for specific uses is not legally binding, the site's proximity to other GD-zoned properties and its location on a major transportation corridor supported the change. This rezoning was approved unanimously on third reading and allows for a broader range of commercial uses than the previous rural designation permitted, aiming to foster business growth in the Cassatt community.
Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County Property Conveyance (3rd Reading):Council authorized the transfer of the one-acre clinic property to the non-profit organization per a 2004 agreement.
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Jimmy Jones
What this was about
This ordinance formalizes the transfer of a one-acre county-owned parcel on East DeKalb Street to the Community Medical Clinic of Kershaw County. The property was purchased with federal CDBG funds in 2004, and a memorandum of understanding signed at that time stipulated that the land and improvements would be conveyed to the clinic after 20 years. With that time frame now lapsed, Council approved the conveyance to fulfill the original agreement. The ordinance includes restrictive covenants, amended during the second reading, requiring that any future sale proceeds be restricted to non-profit healthcare purposes or the construction of a new clinic within the county, unless specific Council approval is granted for other uses. This action cleans up the property title and allows the non-profit to maintain ownership of the facility.
Motion to cancel the November 26th and December 24th meetings:Council voted to cancel the second meetings of November and December due to the holidays.
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Jimmy Jones
What this was about
Chairman Ben Connell moved to cancel the regular Council meetings scheduled for November 26 and December 24 to accommodate holiday travel and family commitments. Councilman Jimmy Jones cast the lone dissenting vote, expressing concern that a month-long gap between meetings is too long given the county's active project load. However, the Chairman noted that the cancellation does not prevent the scheduling of special called meetings if urgent contractual or infrastructure matters - such as the potential 'Project New Life' - require action before the start of the new year. The motion passed 5-1, allowing Council members and staff to observe the holiday season while maintaining the flexibility to reconvene as needed.
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson
Council unanimously approved the meeting agenda, the 50th Anniversary of Kershaw County Fire Service resolution, and the minutes for October 8, 2024 (with B. Tomlinson abstaining due to absence)
Discussed, no vote▸showhide
Stormwater and Planning Concerns: Council discussed ongoing efforts to address flooding and drainage issues in the Pecan Orchard area, including progress on site surveys and maintenance of drainage ditches.
Airport Operations: Council received an update on the status of airport hangar contracts and fee structures, with some members expressing a desire for greater council oversight of fee adjustments.
Special Olympics Leadership: Cleatus Ray presented on the need for succession planning for the local Special Olympics leadership and requested council assistance in coordinating with the school district.
Public comment▸showhide
Residents from the Canterfield neighborhood and Pecan Orchard shared concerns regarding persistent flooding, inadequate drainage infrastructure, and the potential impact of future development on their properties.
Coming up▸showhide
Special Called Meeting: Council indicated plans to hold a special meeting in November to address outstanding contractual and infrastructure items, including the potential project expansion known as Project New Life.
Planning Commission Appointment: Councilman Russell Brazell deferred the appointment for the District 1 Planning Commission seat until the December meeting.
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.
