Norma W. Branham

The meeting began with the approval of the agenda. Discussions included public comments regarding the Mega Site and Economic Development. The Council moved to approve the third and final reading of two ordinances pertaining to zoning reclassification: Ordinance No. 670 rezoning property from I-1 to B-2, and Ordinance No. 671 rezoning property from B-2 to RD-1. Resolution No. 2016-04, adopting the All Natural Hazards Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan for the Central Midlands Region, was also approved. New business included a request to engage legal services for matters related to Fairfield Memorial Hospital, an update on the Detention Center roof damage investigation, reports on CDBG activities and budget performance, plans for Courthouse Tours, updates on the Mega Site and Class A Industrial Park Site Certification, and a proposed change of hours for the Adoption Center. The session concluded with an executive session to discuss a legal matter related to Fairfield Memorial Hospital and an economic development matter, with no action reported out.

The agenda for the meeting included standard procedural items such as the Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, and approval of the agenda. Key discussion topics included a Public Presentation regarding the Scout Motors Hiring Process and a Public Hearing concerning an Ordinance to enact and establish a Special Property Tax Assessment Program for Rehabilitated Historic Properties. The meeting also scheduled second readings for two ordinances: one pertaining to the Special Property Tax Assessment Program and another to repeal a previous ordinance and establish new rules and regulations for Animal Control in Fairfield County. Additionally, the County Administrator was scheduled to provide updates on a Penny Tax Work Session reminder and an Internal Reorganization Update.

The key discussions focused on ordinance readings. The Council unanimously approved the Third and Final Reading of Ordinance No. 668, which authorizes the execution of an agreement between Fairfield County and the South Carolina Department of Commerce related to real property acquisition. The Council also unanimously approved the Second Reading of Ordinance No. 669, which concerns developing a Multi-County Park with Richland County. Discussion on Ordinance No. 669 clarified that it pertains to renovating an old school site, establishing a fee-in-lieu of structure between Forest Acres and Richland County to fund road improvements for future commercial, multi-use development.

The primary item for action was a variance request by Anthony Velez concerning the Minimum Lot Areas requirement for a 0.43-acre parcel zoned RD-1 in the Rural Residential district, which requires 43,560 square feet for lots using individual wastewater systems. Staff reported that the surrounding neighborhood parcels are smaller, ranging from 0.25 to 1 acre, and approving the variance would not deviate from the neighborhood's features. Discussion centered on whether the property utilizes public utilities or septic, with confirmation that public water and sewer access is available. Board members debated granting the variance, referencing state code limitations against granting variances solely for profitability and concerns over the applicant's due diligence prior to purchase. Following a public hearing where a neighbor expressed concerns, a motion to approve the variance failed by a vote of 2-2.

The committee addressed several action items related to the Fairfield Commerce Center. These actions included granting a Right of First Refusal on the sale of a specific parcel (Parcel 3), approving the termination of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions for Parcels 10 and 11, and approving the sale of Parcels 10 and 11. Additionally, the committee approved an appropriation of $500,000 from property sale proceeds to the Economic Development Department for the construction of a speculative building to meet future needs.