Kershaw County Council approved three proclamations and moved forward with local land-use and infrastructure agreements during a brief April meeting
Council also heard conflicting reports regarding the success and fiscal oversight of the county's ongoing economic development initiatives.
7 votes7 passed
The vote behind the headline
Extension to Equine Center Lease and Operating Agreement (1st Reading):Council approved a 10-year extension for the Equine Center's operating agreement.County property
Unanimous · 5-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Ben Connell
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to extend the operating agreement for the Kershaw County Equine Center by 10 years. The current agreement was set to expire in May, and this extension ensures the continued viability of the center, which serves as a major hub for the local horse industry. As part of the new terms, the center is now required to provide an annual report to the council, allowing for better oversight and fiscal accountability. Council member Jimmy Jones highlighted the economic impact of the center, noting that it attracts tourism, business investment, and residents to the area. The council views the facility as a significant asset to the county's character and economic development efforts.
PASSED (Unanimous). The council approved a 10-year extension for the center, which will now be required to provide an annual report to the council
The Kershaw County Council reviewed and formally approved the minutes from their meeting held on March 26, 2019. This routine administrative action ensures an accurate public record of council business, including votes and discussions held on that date. Because Chairman Ben Connell and Council member Danny Catoe were absent for the March 26 proceedings, they abstained from voting on this approval. Council member Sammie Tucker Jr. was specifically recognized by the board for his leadership as acting chairman during the prior meeting. This approval follows the standard protocol for maintaining transparency and accountability in local government records.
Proclamation for Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness Month (Main Motion):Council recognized April as Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month.
Unanimous · 5-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Ben Connell
Council officially proclaimed April 2019 as Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month to support local advocacy efforts. The proclamation highlights the critical work of the Family Resource Center and its volunteers, who provide essential services, educational programs, and support to survivors. By fostering community engagement, the council aims to create safe environments free from violence and exploitation for all residents, regardless of age or gender. This ceremonial recognition serves to unify the county in its commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens and promoting justice for victims. The council expressed its gratitude to the Family Resource Center for their ongoing dedication to public health and safety.
Proclamation for National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week (Main Motion):Council honored local dispatchers during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, spanning April 14-20.
Unanimous · 5-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Ben Connell
The council designated the week of April 14 through April 20 as National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week to honor the essential work performed by the Kershaw County Central Communications Center. Dispatchers are often the first point of contact during emergencies, providing a vital link between citizens and police, fire, or medical services. Council acknowledged that the success of first responders depends heavily on the accuracy and professionalism of these telecommunicators, who work 365 days a year to keep the community safe. Members of the dispatch team attended the meeting to receive the proclamation and were publicly thanked for their diligence and compassion during high-stress situations. The county also plans to participate in various community-led activities throughout the week to show appreciation for their service.
Proclamation for Fair Housing Month (Main Motion):April was proclaimed Fair Housing Month to promote equal housing opportunities for all county residents.Housing
Unanimous · 5-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Ben Connell
Council recognized April 2019 as Fair Housing Month in alignment with the 51st anniversary of the federal Fair Housing Act. This proclamation reinforces the county's stance against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. The initiative, requested by Council member Sammie Tucker Jr. and the Santee-Lynches Council of Governments, serves as a reminder that barriers to equal housing opportunity are contrary to the community's values of fairness and decency. By designating this month, the council encourages both private and public entities to actively advocate for housing equity, ensuring that all current and prospective residents of Kershaw County have equal access to housing.
Council voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance to rezone approximately 27.91 acres of property in the Westville area from RD2 to GD. This request, which was presented by staff, received no opposition during its previous review by the planning commission. Council member Danny Catoe, representing the district where the property is located, expressed his support for the developers' plans and recommended moving the ordinance forward. This zoning change is intended to facilitate the proposed land use, though it remains subject to a second reading before final adoption. The move reflects the county's ongoing process of managing land use to align with local development goals while ensuring community input is considered.
PASSED (Unanimous). This 27.91-acre rezoning request from RD2 to GD received no opposition from the planning commission
Extension to Equine Center Lease and Operating Agreement (1st Reading):Council approved a 10-year extension for the Equine Center's operating agreement.County property
Unanimous · 5-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Ben Connell
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to extend the operating agreement for the Kershaw County Equine Center by 10 years. The current agreement was set to expire in May, and this extension ensures the continued viability of the center, which serves as a major hub for the local horse industry. As part of the new terms, the center is now required to provide an annual report to the council, allowing for better oversight and fiscal accountability. Council member Jimmy Jones highlighted the economic impact of the center, noting that it attracts tourism, business investment, and residents to the area. The council views the facility as a significant asset to the county's character and economic development efforts.
PASSED (Unanimous). The council approved a 10-year extension for the center, which will now be required to provide an annual report to the council
Memorandum of Understanding with City of Camden regarding Kirkwood Park (Main Motion):Council renewed a five-year agreement to maintain the softball field at Kirkwood Park.Parks & rec
Unanimous · 5-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Ben Connell
Council unanimously approved a five-year renewal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Camden regarding the maintenance of Kirkwood Park. Under the terms of the agreement, the county will maintain the softball infield dirt area, while the city oversees other aspects of the park. The renewal was prompted by the expiration of the previous agreement and follows a request for county assistance from the local community. Council member Brant Tomlinson, who toured the neighborhood and spoke with community leaders, praised the quality of the park and described the agreement as a positive collaboration. The county's quick response to the issue was noted as an example of effective communication between the county, the city, and local residents.
PASSED (Unanimous). This five-year renewal stipulates that the county will maintain the softball infield dirt area
Council members discussed the success of local youth archery programs in county schools and shared updates regarding community pride awards and local business investments.
Chairman Connell highlighted ongoing internet mapping efforts led by private citizens to aid future economic development and telemedicine implementation.
Public comment▸showhide
Two residents addressed the council. Tom Webb III spoke on individual property rights and the challenges farmers face regarding community perception of agricultural activities.
Jeff Maddox criticized the county's current economic development strategy, arguing against government intervention in the free market and calling for a shift toward limited government principles.
Coming up▸showhide
The council will review the second reading of the zoning map amendment for the Westville property.
The council will continue its preparation and examination of the upcoming fiscal year budget.
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. 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.
