Brian Hester

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, excluding one item, and the subsequent approval of the minutes from the November 20, 2025 meeting. A major item of new business involved the request to rezone a parcel from Rural Two District (R2) to General Industrial District (ID-3) to allow for continued operation of a borrow site/mine, which was discussed with the applicant and the public, emphasizing the need for fill material and reclamation plans. The Commission also approved a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance to regulate Nonconforming Structures or Uses, specifically addressing new industries like vape and electronic cigarette shops, including requirements for battery waste collection. Staff provided updates on reviewing bylaws and rules of procedure, and on the Comprehensive Plan process, specifically concerning the future land use section, requesting feedback from commissioners.

The meeting commenced with the Chairman calling the session to order. Following this, the Council entered an executive session to receive a legal briefing concerning the Richburg Fire Protection District. Upon returning to open session, the Council addressed the legal implications surrounding the recent removal of commissioners from the Richburg Fire Protection District Board. Legal counsel rebutted allegations of due process violations, confirming the removal was legally justified. Subsequently, the Council took action to direct attorneys and the County Administrator to protect the interests of Chester County regarding the district. Furthermore, the Council voted to amend Ordinance 2025-22 to correct a clerical error, update referenced county code sections, and explicitly confirm that board members serve at the pleasure of the Council, which included ratifying the removal of the former Richburg Fire Protection District Board members.

The meeting included a public hearing with no scheduled speakers, followed by the third reading and approval of two ordinances authorizing fee in lieu of tax agreements with Project 2485 and Jones-Hamilton Co. (Project P2521). A second reading and approval were also granted for an ordinance amending accountability and administrative provisions for all county boards, commissions, and committees. The Administrator's Report noted this was the last scheduled meeting of 2025, provided updates on a comprehensive plan workshop, employee food bank collections, and holiday events. Old Business involved an update on potential Capital Project Sales and Use Tax submissions, including priorities such as federal building renovation, road improvements, and fire department facilities. Actions were taken regarding resignations and appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals and Planning Commission. An Executive Session was held to discuss potential industry location/expansion matters (P2543 and P2588), which were later noted as taken for information only.

The meeting agenda included a public hearing and third reading for Ordinance 2025-25 concerning accountability and administrative provisions for county boards and commissions. Key items involved second reading of an ordinance ratifying an amended fee in lieu of tax agreement with BR Diversified Industrial Portfolio 6, DST, and two resolutions (2026-01 and 2026-02) addressing certifications for an abandoned Textile Mill site and updates to the county employee/personnel handbook, including vehicle and AI policies. New business included a request for approval of the COPS Hiring Grant Program and a first reading for a zoning map amendment request for tax map #146-00-00-036-000 from R2 to ID-3, and a first reading for a text amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regarding General Commercial Conditional Uses. The agenda also scheduled an executive session to discuss matters related to proposed industrial locations/expansions (P2354, P1964, P2585), a potential legal claim (Project 2024- MPV), and a personnel matter regarding the County Administrator.

The workshop primarily focused on the Future Land Use section of the 2025 Comprehensive Plan. The Director of Planning & Development explained that the future land use map serves as a flexible vision tool, not a parcel-by-parcel zoning map, and must adapt over time. Five main character areas were outlined: urban growth, industrial corridors, commercial centers, county live-work, and rural heritage, intended to balance economic growth, rural character preservation, and public safety. Key policy choices presented to the Council involved the permissiveness towards rural businesses, the extent of industrial use near the airport, the volume of residential growth along Highway 901, and the extension of the Highway 9 commercial corridor toward Chester. The Director will revise the draft map based on Council input and return with an updated proposal in January.