Meeting recap · October 13, 2026
Council approved a 2-to-1 setback ratio for new energy infrastructure projects and finalized a series of zoning amendments originally scheduled for previous meetings
These actions reflect a multi-step effort to increase oversight on industrial development while correcting procedural issues from prior legislative sessions.
10 votes10 passed2 split
The vote behind the headline
Performance Standards for Energy Infrastructure Projects (2nd Reading):
Council advanced an ordinance applying industrial noise, light, and vibration standards to energy projects.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
This ordinance amends the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations (ZLDR) to impose performance standards on energy infrastructure projects, including electric generation utilities and natural gas storage. These standards address noise, vibration, fire hazards, and light pollution - issues the Council determined are not sufficiently managed by state-level regulations. The ordinance requires applicants to acknowledge these standards in writing and potentially provide engineering certifications to ensure compliance with performance metrics at the lot line. This second reading passed unanimously. It represents a proactive measure to establish local oversight for energy projects, though some residents and council members expressed concerns regarding the sufficiency of these standards and the need for independent expert review during the permitting process.
PASSED (Unanimous). This ordinance applies manufacturing-style noise, vibration, and light standards to energy projects
Who said what
» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed concern regarding the historical difficulty of enforcing environmental standards on local industrial businesses ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: argued that the ordinance provides an essential enforcement mechanism at the project's barrier to entry ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ showhide
Resolution Honoring the Life of Mr. Laverne McKenzie (Adoption):
Council adopted a resolution to honor the life and community contributions of Camden business owner Laverne McKenzie.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
This resolution formally recognizes the late Eddie LaVerne McKenzie, a lifelong Camden resident, Eagle Scout, and owner of McKenzie Furniture for over 52 years. Council members shared personal anecdotes regarding McKenzie’s character, faith, and his dedication to his business and customers. The resolution honors his legacy as a deacon at First Baptist Church, a husband, and a community leader known for his integrity and encouragement of others. This action serves as an official memorial on the public record, offering condolences to his wife Marianne and the entire McKenzie family on behalf of the county. The measure passed unanimously, following public testimony from the McKenzie family during the meeting.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: remembered McKenzie as a personal mentor who always had a smile and a godly word for others ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: recalled his long-standing personal history with McKenzie and expressed deep sympathy to the family ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: shared his shock at the news and praised the consistency of the McKenzie family’s leadership ▶︎» Danny Catoe Council Member: reflected on a recent interaction with McKenzie that highlighted his kind nature ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: noted that he knew McKenzie through his reputation as a community giant ▶︎» Ben Connell Chairman: recounted his personal experience as a customer of McKenzie furniture over the last 22 years ▶︎
Performance Standards for Energy Infrastructure Projects (2nd Reading):
Council advanced an ordinance applying industrial noise, light, and vibration standards to energy projects.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
This ordinance amends the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations (ZLDR) to impose performance standards on energy infrastructure projects, including electric generation utilities and natural gas storage. These standards address noise, vibration, fire hazards, and light pollution - issues the Council determined are not sufficiently managed by state-level regulations. The ordinance requires applicants to acknowledge these standards in writing and potentially provide engineering certifications to ensure compliance with performance metrics at the lot line. This second reading passed unanimously. It represents a proactive measure to establish local oversight for energy projects, though some residents and council members expressed concerns regarding the sufficiency of these standards and the need for independent expert review during the permitting process.
PASSED (Unanimous). This ordinance applies manufacturing-style noise, vibration, and light standards to energy projects
Who said what
» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed concern regarding the historical difficulty of enforcing environmental standards on local industrial businesses ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: argued that the ordinance provides an essential enforcement mechanism at the project's barrier to entry ▶︎
Exceptions to Height Limitations for Energy Infrastructure (3rd Reading, As Amended):
Council passed an amendment to energy infrastructure height limits with a 2-to-1 setback requirement.
Yes 4 · No 3
▸
detailsless
Yes 4 · No 3
How they voted
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Russell Brazell✗ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
Following a 4-3 vote, Council approved an amendment to the ZLDR that excepts structures associated with energy infrastructure from height limitations, provided they meet strict setback requirements. An amendment proposed by Councilman Derek Shoemake established a 2-to-1 setback ratio, meaning energy structures must be set back from single-family residential zones by two feet for every one foot of height. This measure follows an unfavorable recommendation from the Planning Commission. Despite the opposition from Council members Jimmy Jones, Danny Catoe, and Russell Brazell, the ordinance passed, reflecting Council's desire to incorporate additional restrictive buffers to protect adjacent residential properties from the potential impacts of tall energy-related structures.
PASSED For 4 · Against 3. An amendment by D. Shoemake, approved 6-1 (J. Jones opposed), established a 2-to-1 setback ratio for new structures
Multi-County Park Agreement with Lancaster County (3rd Reading):
Council authorized a joint industrial park agreement with Lancaster County for economic development.
Parks & rec
Yes 5 · No 2
▸
detailsless
Yes 5 · No 2
How they voted
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Danny Catoe✗ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
This ordinance authorizes a Multi-County Park (MCIP) agreement between Kershaw County and Lancaster County. The agreement allows for the joint development of industrial sites, which enables the counties to share tax revenues and provides incentives for economic development projects. The park is initially established within the geographic boundaries of Kershaw County. The agreement stipulates that expenses are to be borne by the county where the property is located, while revenue sharing is split at a 99-1 percentage rate. The measure passed 4-2, with Council members Danny Catoe and Jimmy Jones voting in opposition. This agreement provides a legal framework for future industrial projects to receive fee-in-lieu-of-tax incentives.
PASSED For 5 · Against 2
Directional Signs for Hospital and Medical Facilities (3rd Reading):
Council approved a zoning amendment to allow off-premise directional signage for medical facilities.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
This ordinance creates a carve-out in the county's sign regulations to allow hospitals and medical facilities to install off-premise directional signs. Previously, all facility signage was restricted to the property where the facility was located. The amendment allows for signs not exceeding 12 square feet in area and 8 feet in height, with a cap of three signs per facility. These signs are prohibited from containing advertising content and must be purely directional. This measure is intended to enhance public safety and navigation. The ordinance passed unanimously, with Council members noting that it represents a positive step toward regulatory simplification.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Subdivision Plat Exemptions and Stormwater LCP Requirements (3rd Reading):
Council adopted an ordinance aligning local subdivision standards with state stormwater regulations.
DevelopmentWater & sewer
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
This ordinance clarifies that subdivisions of land qualifying for exemptions under current county codes are still subject to larger common plan (LCP) requirements as defined by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES). The amendment is designed to bring Kershaw County's local regulations into better alignment with state-mandated stormwater discharge and construction permitting processes. The measure passed unanimously following an amendment to match technical language recommended by staff and legal counsel. The goal is to simplify the development process and ensure that subdivisions created through exempt provisions do not inadvertently bypass state environmental oversight.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Fire Hydrant Requirements in Subdivisions (3rd Reading):
Council refined fire hydrant requirements for new subdivisions to improve practical implementation.
DevelopmentEMS & fire
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
This ordinance amends the ZLDR regarding fire hydrant requirements for major and minor subdivision submittals. It serves as a practical adjustment to previous 2025 mandates that were determined to be too broad or costly for certain types of development. The updated requirements aim to reduce insurance ratings for the public while ensuring that new developments provide adequate fire protection without placing undue financial burdens on projects where such infrastructure is not feasible. The ordinance passed unanimously, with Council members viewing it as a necessary course correction to ensure fire safety standards are applied more logically to new construction.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Fire Service Storage Building Bid Award (10A):
Council awarded a $178,320 contract to a local builder for a new fire service storage facility.
EMS & fire
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
Council approved the low bid from J.P. Smith Inc. for the design and construction of a 40-by-40-foot storage building for the fire services department in Westville. The contract, valued at $178,320, was selected from several submitted bids. County staff recommended the award, noting that the company is a local contractor with a history of successfully completing county projects, including EMS stations. The new facility is intended to provide much-needed storage space at the Westville fire station location. The measure passed unanimously.
PASSED (Unanimous). Contract awarded to J.P. Smith Inc. at $178,320
EMS Battleship Building Bid Award (10C):
Council accepted the lowest bid to construct a new EMS station on Battleship Road.
EMS & fire
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
Council voted unanimously to accept the lowest bid for the construction of a new, free-standing EMS station on Battleship Road, utilizing property previously acquired by the county at the former health resource building site. The station will serve as a permanent facility, with the project being funded by proceeds from a previously approved county bond. The approval allows staff to move forward with the design and construction process to enhance emergency medical service response capabilities in the area. Council members expressed their support for the project as a necessary investment in local safety infrastructure.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Pickleball Court Naming and Mason Family Donation (12A):
Council accepted a $195,000 donation for pickleball court conversions and naming rights.
Parks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
Council accepted a $195,000 donation from the Mason family to convert underutilized tennis courts into pickleball courts at two county locations. Of the total, $105,000 is allocated for the conversion of four tennis courts at KC West, leaving two remaining for tennis, while $90,000 is earmarked for Boyd Young Park in Westville. In recognition of the gift, the complex will be named the 'Mason Family Pickleball Complex.' Additionally, the middle court at the KC West facility will be named the 'Beth Grammel Court' to honor a family friend. Council took a brief recess during the meeting to formalize the language of the motion, ensuring that the agreement was clearly documented in the official minutes.
PASSED (Unanimous). Accepted a $195,000 donation for court conversions at KC West and Boyd Young Park
Who said what
» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: thanked the Mason family for their significant and generous contribution to the county's recreation facilities ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: stressed the importance of council members taking the time to clarify details and frame the motion correctly ▶︎Discussed, no vote ▸ showhide
- Comprehensive Athletic Field Turf Management: This item (10B) was deferred to the next meeting to allow for further discussion with the Recreation Commission.
Public comment ▸ showhide
- Equine Sports: A representative from the Camden Hunt thanked Council for a $7,000 grant that supported a recent horse and hound event.
- Energy Infrastructure: Several residents expressed opposition to a proposed fossil fuel power plant in the Bethune area, citing concerns over property values, air/water quality, and a perceived lack of transparency.
- Animal Services: A speaker requested increased county funding for the Kershaw County Humane Society, noting the facility is currently operating at triple its intended capacity.
- Transparency: Concerns were raised regarding the potential development of data centers and the impact of AI on privacy and local resource consumption.
Coming up ▸ showhide
- Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
- Deferred Item: Comprehensive Athletic Field Turf Management & Chemical Application Services (10B).
independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.
How this recap was made: Prepared from the meeting's live-stream transcript and the official agenda packet. The county's official minutes (the verified vote record) will be cross-checked automatically once the county publishes them, often a couple of months later. 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.