Council members held a debate regarding the rules for public comments, ultimately rejecting a proposal to increase allotted speaking time for large groups
While the council reached consensus on supporting local agricultural and veterans' initiatives, they remained divided on whether to expand the current 30 minute public comment window.
4 votes3 passed1 failed1 split
The vote behind the headline
Proposal to Extend Public Comment Time (Motion):Council rejected a motion to increase public comment time from 30 to 45 minutes for larger groups.
Yes 3 · No 4
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How they voted
• Julian Burns · not recorded• Russell Brazell · not recorded• Sammie Tucker Jr. · not recorded• Ben Connell · not recorded• Jimmy Jones · not recorded• David Snodgrass · not recorded• Tom Gardner · not recorded
The meeting video didn't make clear how the members in grey voted; their votes fill in automatically once the county posts the official minutes.
Council debated a proposal to increase the public comment period from 30 minutes to 45 minutes whenever 15 or more speakers register for a meeting. Councilman Jimmy Jones, who introduced the motion, argued that the change would signal a commitment to transparency and provide adequate time for citizens to address the board during high-interest meetings. Opponents, including Councilman Brant Tomlinson, countered that current communication channels, such as direct phone calls and emails to Council members, already provide ample opportunity for residents to be heard. Furthermore, they noted that public hearings are held for ordinances where interactive dialogue is already permitted. The motion was ultimately defeated in a 3-4 vote, with supporters emphasizing the symbolic importance of extending speaking time and opponents prioritizing existing modes of engagement. The council will maintain the current 30-minute public comment policy for future meetings.
FAILEDFor 3 · Against 4. The motion would have increased the public comment period from 30 to 45 minutes when 15 or more speakers are registered
Rezoning of Westville Area Property (2nd Reading):Council approved a rezoning request to allow commercial development on a property in the Westville area.Development
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
This ordinance changes the zoning designation of a parcel in the Westville area from RD2 to General Development (GD) to permit the construction of a commercial project. The proposed development includes 147 camping spots, 30 cabins, a filling station, a car wash, and a small strip mall. The site is located directly across from a racetrack, making the proposed service-oriented commercial use compatible with the area's activity. The measure passed unanimously on its first reading, and this second reading maintains that momentum toward final approval. Local investors are backing the project as part of an ongoing commitment to regional development. During discussions, council members verified that a residence on the site is under separate ownership and the neighbors have raised no objections to the project. The rezoning is viewed as a positive step for local growth, and the development plan is expected to proceed once the ordinance receives final authorization at the upcoming third reading.
PASSED (Unanimous). This allows for a commercial development including cabins, a service station, and a small strip mall
Lease Extension for Kershaw County Equine Association (2nd Reading):Council granted a 10-year lease extension for the county equine park to support ongoing regional operations.Parks & recCounty propertyGrants
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
This ordinance authorizes a 10-year extension of the operating lease between Kershaw County and the Kershaw County Equine Association. The park serves as a significant economic driver for the region, attracting participants and spectators from outside the area who frequently patronize local businesses. By securing this long-term agreement, the county ensures the continued viability of the equine facility, which Council members highlighted as a vital piece of the local economic strategy. Supporters noted that on event weekends, local restaurants and hotels see increased activity from horsemen and attendees. The measure passed unanimously, reflecting broad support for the park's role in the county's identity and its contribution to the local economy. The extension provides the stability necessary for the association to continue planning events and managing the facility effectively for the next decade.
PASSED (Unanimous). This grants a 10 year extension for the operation of the county equine park
Rezoning of Precipice Road Parcels (1st Reading):Council approved the first reading of a rezoning request to allow a wedding and events venue.DevelopmentRoads
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
This measure approves the first reading of a rezoning request for approximately 21 acres across four parcels on Precipice Road. The property owner intends to develop the site as a specialized venue for weddings and other social events. To facilitate this use within the current zoning code, the parcels were rezoned from R15 to RD1, which allows for these types of community event spaces under a bed-and-breakfast-style ordinance. Council members praised the owner for their investment in the property and expressed confidence that the venue will be a beautiful asset for the county. The Planning Commission worked closely with the developer to ensure the project met regulatory requirements. Neighboring residents have expressed excitement about the project, and Council members voiced support for the potential economic and cultural benefits the venue will provide to the region, with the measure passing on a unanimous vote.
PASSED (Unanimous). This rezoning allows for the development of a wedding and special events venue
Proposal to Extend Public Comment Time (Motion):Council rejected a motion to increase public comment time from 30 to 45 minutes for larger groups.
Yes 3 · No 4
▸detailsless
How they voted
• Julian Burns · not recorded• Russell Brazell · not recorded• Sammie Tucker Jr. · not recorded• Ben Connell · not recorded• Jimmy Jones · not recorded• David Snodgrass · not recorded• Tom Gardner · not recorded
The meeting video didn't make clear how the members in grey voted; their votes fill in automatically once the county posts the official minutes.
Council debated a proposal to increase the public comment period from 30 minutes to 45 minutes whenever 15 or more speakers register for a meeting. Councilman Jimmy Jones, who introduced the motion, argued that the change would signal a commitment to transparency and provide adequate time for citizens to address the board during high-interest meetings. Opponents, including Councilman Brant Tomlinson, countered that current communication channels, such as direct phone calls and emails to Council members, already provide ample opportunity for residents to be heard. Furthermore, they noted that public hearings are held for ordinances where interactive dialogue is already permitted. The motion was ultimately defeated in a 3-4 vote, with supporters emphasizing the symbolic importance of extending speaking time and opponents prioritizing existing modes of engagement. The council will maintain the current 30-minute public comment policy for future meetings.
FAILEDFor 3 · Against 4. The motion would have increased the public comment period from 30 to 45 minutes when 15 or more speakers are registered
Clemson University Extension Budget Request: Ryan Bean, the new county coordinator, presented the annual budget request, highlighting the growth of 4-H youth programs and shooting sports. Council members discussed potential collaboration between the Extension and the county on local beautification projects and farmers market support.
American Legion Post 17 Proclamation: Council presented a proclamation recognizing Post 17 for receiving the South Carolina Post Excellence Award for 2018, noting their extensive community service, support for veterans, and youth development work.
General Budget Updates: Chairman Connell noted the completion of the second budget session and thanked county staff for their work on the fiscal planning process.
Public comment▸showhide
Two residents spoke regarding economic development strategies. Henry Power suggested that the county focus on improving schools, public safety, and recreation facilities as a means to attract private investment.
Jeff Maddox argued against government incentives and the use of bonds for economic development, contending that free market entrepreneurs are the primary drivers of growth.
Coming up▸showhide
Budget Workshop: Tuesday, April 30, 2019, at 8:00 AM.
National Day of Prayer: Thursday, May 2, 2019, at 12:00 PM at the courthouse.
Elgin Podunk Parade: May 4, 2019, at 10:00 AM.
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.
