What this was about

This ordinance initiates the process to enlarge the existing joint industrial and business park agreement between Kershaw and Lee Counties. By incorporating additional parcels of real property located within Kershaw County into the park, the county aims to enhance its competitive position for future commercial and industrial development. This was the first of three required readings necessary to amend the intergovernmental agreement. No public comments were offered on this specific measure during the meeting. The expansion of these parks is a strategic move often used by South Carolina counties to leverage tax incentives and shared infrastructure resources to attract larger business investments. The council voted 4-0 to advance the ordinance, and it will now proceed to subsequent readings where further details regarding the specific parcels and projected economic benefits will be formalized.

What this was about

Council approved the second reading of an ordinance to sell 1.76 acres of real property located at 205 Sumter Highway to the American Battlefield Trust. During the meeting, officials clarified that the proceeds from this sale are designated to fund the renovation of a different property recently acquired by the county. The site, sometimes referred to as the Dominion property, was the subject of a public hearing where no members of the public came forward to speak. The sale is part of the county's ongoing efforts to manage its real estate portfolio and generate liquidity for capital improvement projects. With the 4-0 vote, the ordinance moves toward its final stage. This transfer is part of a broader strategy to reposition county-owned assets, ensuring that underutilized land contributes directly to the county’s infrastructure and renovation goals.

What this was about

This ordinance seeks to establish development impact fees for new construction in the unincorporated areas of Kershaw County, in alignment with the South Carolina Development Impact Fee Act. The measure includes an update to the Capital Improvements Plan as recommended by the Planning Commission. During the second reading, the council approved an amendment to the ordinance title to explicitly state that the fees will be codified under Article XI of the county's building regulations, correcting a clerical oversight from the initial drafting. While no speakers signed up for the public hearing portion of the meeting, the topic remains a point of interest for local stakeholders, with at least one citizen previously raising questions about the scope of the moratorium and these fees. The ordinance passed with a 3-0 vote, with one council member opposed to the amendment. It now awaits a third and final reading.

Who said what

» Sammie Tucker, Jr.: Requested that the county have the effective dates for the new fees ready by the third reading.

What this was about

The council granted third and final approval to a Special Source Revenue Credit (SSRC) agreement for a business initiative referred to as Project NAM, involving ECM Asset Management LLC and Eurocharm America LLC. This agreement facilitates the establishment and expansion of industrial facilities by providing infrastructure credits and certifying the site under the South Carolina Textile Communities Revitalization Act. Economic Development Director Jeff Burgess noted that the project is expected to generate 50 new jobs for the local community. The measure had previously moved through multiple readings in title-only format to protect proprietary project details during negotiations. With the unanimous 4-0 vote, the agreement is now fully authorized, signaling the county's formal commitment to support this industrial expansion. The deal serves as a key tool in the county’s economic development arsenal to attract and retain specialized manufacturing operations.

Who said what

» Jeff Burgess: Informed the council that Project NAM is expected to bring 50 jobs to Kershaw County.

What this was about

Council voted 4-0 to refer proposed amendments to sections 6:2.2-1 and 6:2.2-2 of the zoning code to the Planning Commission. According to Councilman Derek Shoemake, the primary goal of these changes is to clean up local language to ensure full compliance with current state statutes. Specifically, the amendments aim to clarify notice requirements for public hearings, potentially allowing for 15-day notices for text amendments that do not affect land use, rather than the standard 30 days. This adjustment is intended to provide the county with more flexibility given shifting publication schedules for local newspapers. The Planning Commission now has 30 days to review these changes and report back to the council. This procedural move is designed to streamline administrative operations and ensure that local governance remains consistent with state-level mandates regarding public transparency and zoning regulation processes.

Who said what

» Derek Shoemake: Explained that the referral is meant to clean up ordinances and bring local rules into compliance with state statutes.

What this was about

In routine administrative actions, the council approved the July 8 agenda and the minutes from the June 17 meeting. Chairman Connell noted the absence of three council members and moved to defer two executive session items until the next meeting on July 22 to ensure a quorum of informed members could participate in those discussions. Additionally, the council held a brief discussion regarding the ATAX Commission, noting that five seats have expired. Chairman Connell emphasized the importance of filling these vacancies promptly to ensure the commission can continue its work in funding various local organizations. The meeting concluded with a formal adjournment at 6:43 p.m. These procedural votes ensure that county operations, such as committee appointments and legal consultations, continue to function smoothly despite schedule adjustments.