The headline
Council members approved a significant package of amendments to the Airport Overlay District (AOD) ordinance on second reading, aiming to clarify land-use compatibility while protecting historic equestrian and agricultural uses near Woodward Field. The council also advanced a controversial $67 million solar farm development project (Project Creed) to third reading, following a divided vote.
Amendments to the Airport Overlay District (AOD) Ordinance (2nd Reading):
Council passed amendments to the AOD ordinance clarifying land use and protecting historic equestrian operations.
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 JonesWhat this was about
This measure amends the Kershaw County Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations regarding the Airport Overlay District near Woodward Field. The amendments introduce specific safeguards for life safety and airport operations, including occupancy limits for heavy industrial uses in certain zones. Notably, the package creates conditional use allowances for historic equestrian and agricultural activities along Red Fox Road, which were primary concerns for local residents. It also clarifies the review process for land uses not explicitly defined in the zoning tables and establishes that the AOD ordinance cannot be more permissive than existing base zoning districts. These changes come following extensive community outreach and revisions aimed at balancing airport safety with the preservation of rural character. The measure passed on second reading with a 5-2 vote, and officials have scheduled a follow-up public engagement session for February 13 to discuss these provisions before the final third reading.
PASSED For 5 · Against 2
Who said what
» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: noted the amendments were a community-driven effort to balance airport safety with local heritage preservation. ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: argued that action was necessary to address complex regulations despite potential for future adjustments. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed concern that the overlay regulations might be overly burdensome for property owners. ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Amendments to the Airport Overlay District (AOD) Ordinance (2nd Reading):
Council passed amendments to the AOD ordinance clarifying land use and protecting historic equestrian operations.
Yes 5 · No 2
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detailsless
How they voted
✓ Ben Connell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Russell Brazell✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
This measure amends the Kershaw County Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations regarding the Airport Overlay District near Woodward Field. The amendments introduce specific safeguards for life safety and airport operations, including occupancy limits for heavy industrial uses in certain zones. Notably, the package creates conditional use allowances for historic equestrian and agricultural activities along Red Fox Road, which were primary concerns for local residents. It also clarifies the review process for land uses not explicitly defined in the zoning tables and establishes that the AOD ordinance cannot be more permissive than existing base zoning districts. These changes come following extensive community outreach and revisions aimed at balancing airport safety with the preservation of rural character. The measure passed on second reading with a 5-2 vote, and officials have scheduled a follow-up public engagement session for February 13 to discuss these provisions before the final third reading.
PASSED For 5 · Against 2
Who said what
» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: noted the amendments were a community-driven effort to balance airport safety with local heritage preservation. ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: argued that action was necessary to address complex regulations despite potential for future adjustments. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed concern that the overlay regulations might be overly burdensome for property owners. ▶︎
AOD Ordinance on Second Reading with amendments:
The council formally approved the amended AOD text as presented in the previous motion.
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 JonesWhat this was about
This vote finalized the council's formal support for the second reading of the amended Airport Overlay District ordinance. The amendments, which were moved and seconded separately, were incorporated into the primary ordinance text. This legislative step maintains the prohibition of new residential structures on undeveloped land within the primary safety zone while setting a framework for future commercial use compatibility. The ordinance is designed to align Kershaw County with Federal Aviation Administration and South Carolina Aeronautics Commission recommendations. Council members confirmed that further public input remains encouraged as the county prepares for the third and final reading in the coming weeks.
PASSED For 5 · Against 2
Private Hangar Contracts at Kershaw County Airport (2nd Reading):
Council approved a standardized form contract to regulate private hangar leases at the county 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 JonesWhat this was about
This ordinance establishes standardized form contracts for private hangar licenses at the Kershaw County Airport. By creating a unified template, the county aims to streamline the management of hangar facilities and define clear license rates for private owners. The measure authorizes the execution of these contracts and outlines necessary steps for officials to manage the airport's infrastructure effectively. During the session, council members indicated that future amendments may address specific variations in hangar construction quality - such as older wooden structures - to ensure pricing remains equitable. The ordinance passed on second reading with a 6-1 vote, moving the county closer to a more formal, revenue-generating framework for airport property operations.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
Fee-In-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes Agreement for Project Creed (1st Reading):
Council advanced a $67 million solar project incentive agreement to second reading.
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 JonesWhat this was about
The council approved the first reading of a Fee-In-Lieu of Ad Valorem Taxes (FILOT) agreement for 'Project Creed,' a proposed $67 million solar farm development. The project encompasses approximately 240 acres and is expected to generate roughly $182,400 in annual revenue once operational, which would be distributed to relevant taxing entities including the local school district. The development has sparked community debate regarding the impact on rural land, decommissioning protocols, and the adequacy of tax incentives for projects that create few permanent jobs. Representatives for the developer confirmed that their decommissioning plan includes restoring the land to its prior state. Despite concerns regarding the 'unknown' long-term impact of solar farms on county property, the majority of the council voted to advance the project to its next stage of review.
PASSED For 5 · Against 2
Who said what
» Danny Catoe Council Member: voiced concern that solar farms may not represent the best long-term economic path for the county. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: emphasized that while he does not personally favor solar, he supports the property rights of the landowner. ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: noted that the developer showed good faith by pursuing a Power Purchase Agreement before seeking local approvals. ▶︎About this project: Project Creed »
Multi-County Business Park with Lee County (1st Reading):
Council approved an agreement to create a joint business park with Lee County for tax incentives.
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 JonesWhat this was about
This ordinance creates a multi-county business park (MCIP) in partnership with Lee County. The creation of such parks is a standard economic development tool in South Carolina that allows counties to provide specific tax incentives and jobs tax credits to new or expanding industries. By designating the project site within a joint park, Kershaw County can facilitate the previously approved incentives for incoming businesses. This first reading passed with a 6-1 vote, reflecting the council's ongoing commitment to economic development strategies that support regional industrial recruitment. The agreement outlines the sharing of revenues and fee-in-lieu payments between the two counties.
PASSED For 6 · Against 1
Amendments to Chapter 32 Utilities/Sewer Ordinance (1st Reading):
Council passed technical updates to the sewer ordinance to satisfy state environmental 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
This ordinance amends Chapter 32 of the Kershaw County Code of Ordinances to bring sewer utility operations into compliance with state environmental standards set by the Department of Environmental Services (formerly DHEC). The updates clarify terminology for industrial waste surcharges and establish clearer protocols for the Utilities Manager regarding stormwater discharges. Additionally, the amendments codify existing local limits for specific pollutants, which were suggested during recent recertification of the county's pretreatment program. The updates ensure the ordinance is internally consistent and provides a transparent framework for calculating surcharge rates for excessive industrial waste.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Housekeeping Votes (Agenda adoption, Proclamations, Minutes, Executive Session, Adjournment):
Routine administrative votes passed unanimously to conduct county business.
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
The council conducted several standard housekeeping items, including the adoption of the February 11 agenda, approval of January 28 meeting minutes, and the formal adjournment of the meeting. The council also unanimously passed two proclamations: one honoring National Black History Month and another presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. H.W. Hulteen, a longtime physician in Camden. These ceremonial acts recognize local contributions to public service and community history. Additionally, the council entered and exited an executive session to receive legal advice regarding potential claims and privileged matters, as permitted by the S.C. Freedom of Information Act.
PASSED (All Unanimous, see minutes for details)
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Council members held a discussion on increasing compensation for the Election Commission and poll workers, with officials noting that current pay rates often fall below minimum wage for 12-hour shifts. The council also received a report on the newly created Ad Hoc Stormwater Advisory Committee, which will focus on identifying funding sources and infrastructure improvements over the next nine months. Additionally, Chairman Connell introduced a proposal to develop a formal, living "Goals and Objectives" document to better guide long-term county policy and transparency.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Seven residents addressed the council regarding a variety of concerns. Several speakers discussed the AOD and Comprehensive Plan, emphasizing the need for property-owner protections and accurate data regarding equine and agricultural land use. Other residents voiced concerns over the impact of solar farm installations, including potential environmental runoff, the lack of long-term local job growth, and the adequacy of decommissioning bonds. One speaker also highlighted difficulties in obtaining county permits for maintenance on private rental property.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Stormwater Committee Meeting: The 13-member Ad Hoc Stormwater Advisory Committee will begin its nine-month term, with remaining appointments expected by the February 25 meeting.
- Airport Overlay Public Engagement: A follow-up community meeting to discuss the AOD ordinance will be held Thursday, February 13, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
- Bid Openings: The county will open bids for renovations at Copeland Park and Boyd Young Park on February 13, and for the Kershaw County West parking connection on March 6.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.