Meeting recap · September 10, 2021
Council approved a third reading for an intergovernmental agreement regarding planning services for the Town of Bethune
The agreement ensures that the Town of Bethune will cover all expenses associated with county-provided services like site and plan reviews.
2 votes2 passed
The vote behind the headline
Intergovernmental Agreement for Planning Services with the Town of Bethune (3rd Reading):
Council approved a formal agreement for the county to provide and charge for municipal planning services.
Development
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom GardnerWhat this was about
This ordinance creates a formal intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between Kershaw County and the Town of Bethune regarding planning and zoning services. The agreement ensures that the county will conduct site and plan reviews for the town, while Bethune remains responsible for covering all associated costs. County Administrator Vic Carpenter clarified that this service is essentially cost-neutral for the county, as all expenses incurred by staff are recouped through fees charged to the developers or applicants requesting the review. This measure has been discussed over three readings, passing unanimously each time. The council noted that these requests are infrequent, occurring only a handful of times in recent years, but the written agreement is necessary to clarify administrative authority and service protocols. No major public opposition was voiced regarding the arrangement, and it now moves forward as established policy for future planning interactions between the two entities.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Jimmy Jones Council Member: asked for clarification on potential costs and whether the county would be liable for the town's expenses ▶︎» Vic Carpenter Public comment: explained that the county charges fees to the applicants to cover the cost of the reviews ▶︎» Vic Carpenter Public comment: confirmed that providing these services to the town is a standard and acceptable practice ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ showhide
Intergovernmental Agreement for Planning Services with the Town of Bethune (3rd Reading):
Council approved a formal agreement for the county to provide and charge for municipal planning services.
Development
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom GardnerWhat this was about
This ordinance creates a formal intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between Kershaw County and the Town of Bethune regarding planning and zoning services. The agreement ensures that the county will conduct site and plan reviews for the town, while Bethune remains responsible for covering all associated costs. County Administrator Vic Carpenter clarified that this service is essentially cost-neutral for the county, as all expenses incurred by staff are recouped through fees charged to the developers or applicants requesting the review. This measure has been discussed over three readings, passing unanimously each time. The council noted that these requests are infrequent, occurring only a handful of times in recent years, but the written agreement is necessary to clarify administrative authority and service protocols. No major public opposition was voiced regarding the arrangement, and it now moves forward as established policy for future planning interactions between the two entities.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Jimmy Jones Council Member: asked for clarification on potential costs and whether the county would be liable for the town's expenses ▶︎» Vic Carpenter Public comment: explained that the county charges fees to the applicants to cover the cost of the reviews ▶︎» Vic Carpenter Public comment: confirmed that providing these services to the town is a standard and acceptable practice ▶︎
Zoning Map Amendment for 53 Acres in Westville (2nd Reading):
Council rezoned 53 acres to General Development to support expansion at the Carolina Motorsports Park.
DevelopmentParks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom GardnerWhat this was about
This zoning map amendment reclassifies approximately 53 acres in the Westville area from MRD-1 and RD-2 to General Development (GD). The change is intended to facilitate expansion at the existing Carolina Motorsports Park. During the meeting, council members expressed strong support for the park, citing its positive economic impact and commitment to the county. The proposed development includes garage-style condominiums where enthusiasts can store vehicles with living quarters above. Councilman Russell Brazell, who initially voted against the first reading, shared that after a detailed discussion with the park's owner, Michael Cummins, he gained confidence that the project would be an asset without creating additional noise disturbances for the community. The measure passed its second reading unanimously. The final reading is expected at the next scheduled meeting, which will finalize the zoning change to allow the construction to proceed.
PASSED (Unanimous). This amendment reclassifies the property to General Development to allow for potential expansion at the Carolina Motorsports Park
Who said what
» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: questioned whether the proposed structures would be subject to accommodations tax ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: noted his initial hesitation but expressed support after learning more about the developer's vision ▶︎» Ben Connell Chairman: commented on the project potentially increasing traffic at the airport and addressed concerns about noise ▶︎Discussed, no vote ▸ showhide
- Road Safety Awareness Program: Fiona Martin and Bob G. presented a new safety campaign for pedestrians and cyclists, citing high fatality rates and a lack of infrastructure in the county. The council expressed interest in future collaboration and updating the 2013 greenways plan.
- Legislative Delegation Authority: Councilman Jimmy Jones clarified that the local legislative delegation does not have the authority to issue directives to county staff, emphasizing that staff report exclusively to the County Administrator.
- COVID-19 Updates: The County Administrator reported positive downward trends in local virus cases and provided updates on vaccination access for the 65-and-older population. A brief recess was called to ensure council compliance with mask and social distancing protocols.
Public comment ▸ showhide
One resident, Tom Webb III, spoke during the public comment period regarding concerns about national events and his theories concerning the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
Coming up ▸ showhide
- Black History Month Proclamation: Deferred until the next meeting due to the absence of Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr.
- Board and Commission Appointments: Updates are expected to return to the agenda for a vote at the next meeting.
- Valentine's Family Movie Night: Scheduled for February 13 at the KC West complex, with reservations required.
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.