Council approved updated performance standards for energy infrastructure projects
This third and final reading ensures that new energy projects must meet specific local standards regarding noise, light, and environmental impact. The ordinance passed unanimously, solidifying the county's regulatory framework for these developments.
8 votes8 passed
The vote behind the headline
Amendment of ZLDR Section 3.18 Regarding Energy Infrastructure Projects (3rd Reading):Council finalized new performance standards for noise, light, and environmental impact for energy projects.
Unanimous · 4-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell
This third and final reading officially amends Section 3.18 of the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations (ZLDR). The amendment imposes strict local performance standards for energy infrastructure projects - such as electric generation utilities and natural gas storage facilities - that are not already covered by state regulations. Specifically, the ordinance sets requirements for noise levels, vibration, light glare, and air pollution, aiming to protect the quality of life for residents living near these facilities. While state agencies handle broad permitting, this local ordinance addresses gaps in noise and visual mitigation. The council passed the ordinance unanimously, finalizing the county's regulatory framework to ensure new infrastructure projects operate within predefined local safety and nuisance standards.
The approval of meeting minutes is a routine procedural step required to maintain the official public record of the county council's legislative actions. During this session, the council reviewed the minutes from the October 13, 2026, meeting. These minutes include records of past votes, attendance, and general council activity. No errors or omissions were noted, and the body moved to adopt them as presented. This process ensures that the historical record remains accurate for future oversight and public transparency. The council voted unanimously to confirm the document as the official record of the previous meeting.
This ordinance serves as the initial step in authorizing a new hangar contract at the Kershaw County Airport. The measure establishes the specific rates and terms for the agreement and grants the county authority to execute the necessary documentation to effectuate the deal. As this was the first reading, it was presented in title only to introduce the scope of the agreement to the public and council. The contract aims to clarify the ongoing usage and financial obligations at the airport facility. The council passed this item unanimously, signaling their intent to move forward with the administrative requirements of the project. Further readings and discussion will occur in subsequent sessions.
Amendment of ZLDR Section 3.18 Regarding Energy Infrastructure Projects (3rd Reading):Council finalized new performance standards for noise, light, and environmental impact for energy projects.
Unanimous · 4-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell
This third and final reading officially amends Section 3.18 of the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations (ZLDR). The amendment imposes strict local performance standards for energy infrastructure projects - such as electric generation utilities and natural gas storage facilities - that are not already covered by state regulations. Specifically, the ordinance sets requirements for noise levels, vibration, light glare, and air pollution, aiming to protect the quality of life for residents living near these facilities. While state agencies handle broad permitting, this local ordinance addresses gaps in noise and visual mitigation. The council passed the ordinance unanimously, finalizing the county's regulatory framework to ensure new infrastructure projects operate within predefined local safety and nuisance standards.
Comprehensive Athletic Field Turf Management and Chemical Application Services Bid:Council awarded an annual bid to True Green for athletic field turf maintenance services.
Unanimous · 4-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell
This vote authorizes the county to enter into an annual contract for turf management and chemical application services at county athletic facilities. The bid was necessitated by the need to maintain the high-quality integrity of recently opened sports fields. The county administrator confirmed that the bidding process followed standard procedures, with True Green identified as the lowest responsible bidder. This contract ensures the ongoing professional upkeep of the athletic grounds. The council passed the measure unanimously, noting that the contract will be re-bid annually to ensure cost-effectiveness and performance accountability.
Appointment of William Stacy to Planning and Zoning Commission (At-Large):Council appointed William Stacy to fill an at-large vacancy on the Planning and Zoning Commission.DevelopmentAppointments
Unanimous · 4-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell
The council voted unanimously to appoint William Stacy to the Planning and Zoning Commission. This at-large seat was recently vacated by Heather Dykes. During the appointment process, Chairman Ben Connell highlighted Mr. Stacy’s residency in Kershaw County, his upcoming local business ownership, and his background in volunteer government service as qualifications that will benefit the commission. The Planning and Zoning Commission plays a vital role in reviewing development projects and land-use amendments. By filling this vacancy, the council restores the full membership of the board.
Enter Executive Session (Personnel and Legal matters):Council entered a closed session to discuss personnel, potential litigation, and real property acquisition.
Unanimous · 4-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell
What this was about
Council voted to enter executive session to address three distinct legal and personnel matters. The topics included a personnel matter under S.C. Code Section 30-4-70(A)(1), receipt of legal advice regarding a potential claim under Section 30-4-70(A)(2), and a privileged briefing regarding contractual negotiations for the acquisition of real property. These sessions are held privately to protect attorney-client privilege and sensitive personnel information. No public action or voting occurred as a result of the discussions held behind closed doors.
Following the discussions in executive session, the council returned to the public meeting space. Chairman Ben Connell confirmed that the council had completed its closed-door business and that no further votes or formal actions were required on the items discussed during the session. The meeting then proceeded toward final adjournment.
Adjournment:The council meeting was officially adjourned at 7:56 p.m.
Unanimous · 4-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell
What this was about
Having completed the scheduled agenda, including votes on infrastructure ordinances, athletic field maintenance contracts, and board appointments, the council voted to adjourn. The session ended at 7:56 p.m. without further discussion.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Discussed, no vote▸showhide
Hate Crime Ordinance (1st Reading): A motion to approve an ordinance regarding criminal conduct based upon hate failed due to a lack of a second.
Zoning Map Amendment for 2080 Highway 601 South (1st Reading): A request to rezone approximately 10 acres from Rural Development (RD-2) to General Development (GD) failed after no motion was made.
Council Member Briefings: Members discussed the upcoming Smart Growth Committee meeting, trick-or-treating events, and encouraged residents to volunteer for vacant commission seats.
Public comment▸showhide
Residents and one state representative spoke regarding the proposed hate crime ordinance, urging the council to adopt a policy that protects citizens from bias-motivated violence.
During the public hearing, a resident provided input on energy infrastructure regulations, requesting strict performance metrics for water usage, emissions, and long-term site reliability.
Coming up▸showhide
Smart Growth Committee Meeting: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Trick-or-Treat Trail: Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Government Center from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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.
