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This ordinance changes the definition of a major subdivision in the county’s land development regulations. By reducing the threshold from 10 lots to more than five lots, the council aims to subject smaller-scale residential developments to the more rigorous oversight required for major subdivisions. Councilman Derek Shoemake, who moved for approval, argued that historical data shows very few developments exist in the six-to-nine lot range, meaning the change primarily captures developers who were previously skirting stricter regulations. Councilman Brant Tomlinson supported the measure, emphasizing that even smaller developments strain local infrastructure, and argued this change protects taxpayers by ensuring growth pays for itself. Councilmen Sammie Tucker Jr. and Jimmy Jones voted against the measure. Jones expressed frustration with creating additional bureaucracy and legislation for developments that he believes were not identified as the primary source of the county's infrastructure problems. The measure passed 4-2 and will proceed to subsequent readings for further refinement.

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This ordinance amends the zoning code to specifically regulate commercial and rural event venues, including country clubs and wedding spaces. The proposal follows a December 2024 directive where Council unanimously asked staff to draft regulations for event venues. During the discussion, residents voiced concerns about noise and traffic in rural areas, citing specific cases of unpermitted venues. Councilman Derek Shoemake apologized to planning staff for earlier confusion regarding the ordinance's origin, confirming Council had requested the draft. Supporters like Councilman Danny Catoe argued that current regulations are ineffective, and this amendment provides necessary tools for staff to manage these uses. Councilman Jimmy Jones voted against the measure, characterizing it as government overreach that could restrict private citizens from hosting gatherings like weddings on their own property. The ordinance passed 5-1 and will require further readings and potential revisions to address concerns about enforcement and property rights.

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How they voted - unanimous

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Council approved a first reading of an agreement to provide planning, zoning, and building permit services to the Town of Elgin for up to 90 days. The Town of Elgin faces a staffing deficit following the departure of its previous inspector, and this agreement functions like a mutual aid pact to ensure development projects do not stall. Administrator Danny Templar noted that the Town is currently exploring long-term solutions, including potential contracts with firms like Safe Build, making this 90-day window a stopgap measure. Council members expressed unanimous support for assisting a neighboring municipality. The agreement passed unanimously and will return for subsequent readings, allowing time to monitor the Town of Elgin's progress in securing permanent staffing solutions.

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How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

This ordinance serves as the second reading for an amendment to the Joint Industrial and Business Park agreement between Kershaw and Lee Counties. The primary purpose of this amendment is to formally include Creed Solar within the park boundaries. Inclusion in these parks is often a prerequisite for economic development incentives provided by the county to businesses. Council members moved the item forward without additional substantive debate, following previous discussions on the economic development benefits. The vote was unanimous.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

Council approved the third and final reading for the sale of approximately 1.76 acres at 205 Sumter Highway to the American Battlefield Trust. Before the final vote, Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. introduced an amendment to add deed restrictions to the property. These restrictions ensure the land cannot be sold for profit in the future and must be used for public benefit, addressing concerns previously raised by Council members regarding potential resale. The Trust, which uses grant funding to preserve historic sites, agreed to these terms as they align with their own preservation mission. The ordinance passed unanimously following the inclusion of the Tucker Amendment.

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This ordinance adopts development impact fees for new development in unincorporated areas of the county, coupled with a Capital Improvements Plan. The final approval included the Tomlinson Amendment, which delays expenditures for parks and recreation projects until the 2026/27 fiscal year to align with the county budget process. Specific allocations include $91,163 for Woodward Field, $100,313 for Bethune Copeland Park, and $104,326 for the Boyd Young Park expansion. Councilman Derek Shoemake moved to make the fees effective immediately. Administrator Danny Templar clarified that these fees will also be used to fund solid waste facility expansions as the county grows. Councilman Jimmy Jones cast the sole dissenting vote, questioning the focus on recreational projects over other needs like stormwater drainage. The ordinance passed 5-1.

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Council approved a third and final reading of a temporary moratorium on the processing of subdivision applications. Councilman Derek Shoemake introduced an amendment extending the duration from 180 to 255 days and updating the threshold to apply to subdivisions of more than five lots, matching the new major subdivision definition. The extension is intended to provide staff and consultants sufficient time to integrate findings from the recently completed comprehensive plan into the zoning code. Councilman Shoemake argued the extra time is necessary to allow for a thorough review without the pressure of a looming deadline. Councilmen Sammie Tucker Jr. and Jimmy Jones voted against the final ordinance. The moratorium now applies to subdivisions of greater than five lots for a 255-day period.

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How they voted - unanimous

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Council approved a resolution authorizing a $869,100 master equipment lease purchase agreement with Community Leasing Partners. The county is acquiring a new fire pumper truck that became available through a flash sale when another entity's funding fell through. Administrator Danny Templar noted that the county secured a significant discount on this brand-new equipment. The financing agreement is structured so that payments will not begin until the 2026/27 fiscal year, allowing the county to fit the cost into future budgets. Council members expressed support for the deal, thanking fire service leadership for finding this cost-saving opportunity. The vote was unanimous.

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How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

Council awarded a contract to Johnson-Laux Construction for $334,284.47 to repair the roofs of Hangar 2 and Hangar 3 at the Woodward Field Airport. The project was procured through the Gordian ezIQC cooperative purchasing network, which allows the county to access pre-vetted, competitively awarded contractors. Administrator Danny Templar highlighted that this method streamlines the procurement process for maintenance projects that have been needed for several years. The repairs are intended to resolve ongoing water intrusion issues in the hangars. Council voted unanimously to award the contract.

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