The headline
Council advances amendments to the Airport Overlay District (AOD) ordinance. The council approved the first reading of an ordinance designed to update zoning regulations and land use restrictions for the airport area. The measure, which includes specific amendments regarding zoning standards and safety zones, passed following a discussion on the proposed regulatory changes.
Airport Overlay District (AOD) Ordinance (1st Reading):
Council approved initial zoning amendments for the airport area to align with federal and state safety standards.
Yes 5 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ R. Brazell✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
This ordinance introduces significant updates to the Kershaw County Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations regarding the Airport Overlay District. The measure seeks to formalize definitions, update height restriction zones, and establish specific safety zones to align with Federal Aviation Administration and South Carolina Aeronautics Commission standards. It also implements new permitting procedures and clarifies regulations for nonconforming uses near the airport. The proposal sparked significant public interest, with numerous residents providing comments during the meeting. Councilman Brant Tomlinson introduced an amendment to the ordinance, which was successfully adopted before the final vote on the first reading. The ordinance passed with a 5-2 vote, with Councilmen Jimmy Jones and Russell Brazell dissenting. This move is part of an ongoing effort to manage development safely in the vicinity of the airport, and further discussions are expected as the ordinance moves toward future readings.
PASSED For 5 · Against 2 (R. Brazell and J. Jones voted NO)
Who said what
» Councilman Brant Tomlinson: Thanked everyone for their input and support on the AOD, especially colleagues, the amendments will be available on the P/Z website.
» Councilman Sammie Tucker, Jr.: Encouraged everyone to continue to conversate and work on AOD; thanked colleagues on votes which are always respectful.
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Airport Overlay District (AOD) Ordinance (1st Reading):
Council approved initial zoning amendments for the airport area to align with federal and state safety standards.
Yes 5 · No 2
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ R. Brazell✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
This ordinance introduces significant updates to the Kershaw County Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations regarding the Airport Overlay District. The measure seeks to formalize definitions, update height restriction zones, and establish specific safety zones to align with Federal Aviation Administration and South Carolina Aeronautics Commission standards. It also implements new permitting procedures and clarifies regulations for nonconforming uses near the airport. The proposal sparked significant public interest, with numerous residents providing comments during the meeting. Councilman Brant Tomlinson introduced an amendment to the ordinance, which was successfully adopted before the final vote on the first reading. The ordinance passed with a 5-2 vote, with Councilmen Jimmy Jones and Russell Brazell dissenting. This move is part of an ongoing effort to manage development safely in the vicinity of the airport, and further discussions are expected as the ordinance moves toward future readings.
PASSED For 5 · Against 2 (R. Brazell and J. Jones voted NO)
Who said what
» Councilman Brant Tomlinson: Thanked everyone for their input and support on the AOD, especially colleagues, the amendments will be available on the P/Z website.
» Councilman Sammie Tucker, Jr.: Encouraged everyone to continue to conversate and work on AOD; thanked colleagues on votes which are always respectful.
Airport Hangar License Form Contracts (1st Reading):
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance establishing new license rates for private airport hangars.
Yes 6 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ J. JonesWhat this was about
The council passed the first reading of an ordinance designed to standardize the legal agreements for private hangar licenses at the Kershaw County Airport. This measure establishes official license rates for these contracts and grants the county the authority to execute and enforce the terms and conditions of these agreements. By implementing these form contracts, the county aims to ensure consistent management of airport assets and clear expectations for private hangar operators. The ordinance passed with a 6-1 vote, with Councilman Jimmy Jones casting the sole dissenting vote. This action reflects the county's broader efforts to update administrative procedures for airport operations. The standardized contracts are intended to protect the interests of both the county and the private stakeholders who lease space at the municipal facility.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1 (J. Jones voted NO)
Fee-in-lieu of Taxes Agreement for Project Creed (1st Reading):
Council advanced a tax incentive agreement for an industrial project known as Project Creed.
Taxes & budget
Yes 5 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ J. Jones✗ D. CatoeWhat this was about
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance authorizing a fee-in-lieu of ad valorem taxes agreement for a business entity referred to as Project Creed. This economic development incentive includes special source revenue credits intended to support the project within the county. Fee-in-lieu agreements are standard tools used by the county to attract industrial investment and encourage long-term economic growth. The proposal passed in a 5-2 vote, with Councilmen Jimmy Jones and Danny Catoe voting against the measure. While details about the specific nature of Project Creed remain limited, the authorization reflects the county's commitment to competitive economic development strategies. Future readings will likely provide more clarity on the financial specifics and the expected impact on local tax revenues and potential job creation as the agreement moves through the legislative process.
PASSED For 5 · Against 2 (J. Jones and D. Catoe voted NO)
About this project: Project Creed »
Routine Housekeeping and Procedural Motions:
Council unanimously approved routine administrative items, including minutes, appointments, and the reappointment of the Vice-Chairman.
Appointments
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 procedural vote covered a range of routine administrative tasks essential for county governance. Council members unanimously adopted the meeting agenda and approved the minutes from the January 14 session, with Councilman Jimmy Jones abstaining due to his absence at that meeting. The council also formally reappointed Russell Brazell as Vice-Chairman of the Kershaw County Council for a new two-year term. Additionally, the council updated the membership of the Employee Relations Committee, formerly known as the Grievance Committee, which handles internal staff concerns. These actions ensure that leadership roles are confirmed and that oversight committees remain properly staffed. Such routine motions are fundamental to maintaining the operational continuity of the county government, reflecting the council's adherence to established procedural standards and organizational stability.
PASSED (Unanimous). Includes adoption of the agenda, approval of meeting minutes, acceptance of public presentations, reappointment of Vice-Chairman Russell Brazell, and the rescheduling of an agenda item to February 11
Who said what
» Vice-Chairman Russell Brazell: Thanked everyone for their support as Vice-Chairman as he looks forward to another two-years.
Table First Reading of the AOD Ordinance:
A motion to delay the first reading of the airport zoning ordinance failed unanimously.
Yes 0 · No 0
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✓ Every member present voted yes
What this was about
Councilman Jimmy Jones introduced a motion to table the first reading of the Airport Overlay District ordinance, citing a need for additional information before proceeding with the vote. Vice-Chairman Russell Brazell seconded the motion, expressing similar reservations about the readiness of the legislation. However, the motion to table failed with no support from the rest of the council, effectively allowing the scheduled debate and vote on the ordinance to proceed. By declining to table the measure, the council demonstrated its intention to move forward with the zoning amendments despite expressed concerns from the minority faction. This procedural vote underscored the division regarding the timing and content of the AOD changes, though the council ultimately chose to continue with the process rather than halting the proceedings for further review at that time.
FAILED For 0 · Against 0 (unanimous)
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Council members received presentations from the Kershaw County Library regarding the role of their Community Health Worker, the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office concerning the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, and Sterlite Technologies regarding their local manufacturing operations. Additionally, the council discussed potential adjustments to Election Commission compensation and received updates from the County Administrator on various park and infrastructure projects.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Election Commission Compensation: The Council requested that staff and the Director of Voters Registration report back with recommendations at the February 11 meeting.
- Item 14A: This item was deferred to the February 11 agenda.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes, not an official county communication.