Meeting recap · May 10, 2022
Council passes a resolution formally objecting to the state house redistricting plan that divides Kershaw County
Council members expressed bipartisan frustration over the plan, arguing it dilutes the county's influence and splits it across districts without local representation. The council is calling for the agreement to be amended to ensure Kershaw County maintains a cohesive voice in state government.
7 votes7 passed
The vote behind the headline
Proclamation Honoring Ephesus Church and Brooke Benton (Resolution):
Council recognized Ephesus Church and the historic legacy of parishioner and musician Brooke Benton.
Unanimous · 7-0
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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 proclamation formally accepts a historical marker as a gift to Kershaw County, commemorating the founding of Ephesus United Methodist Church. Organized in 1869 by freed African Americans, the church has served as a cornerstone of the Lugoff community for over 150 years. The proclamation specifically honors the legacy of Brooke Benton, a world-famous singer and songwriter born Benjamin Franklin Peay, who is buried on the church grounds. Council members noted that the church not only provided a space for worship by the banks of Bucks Creek but also operated a schoolhouse for local children and adults. The item serves to preserve this rich cultural history for future generations and recognizes the dedication of the Benton family in leading the marker project. Local officials and the County Sheriff attended the recent dedication ceremony, calling the congregation a pillar of the community that exemplifies the county's historical contributions.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: praised the Benton family and church members as pillars of the local community ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed his personal admiration for Brooke Benton's music and legacy ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: highlighted the significant African American contributions to the history of the county and nation ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ showhide
Proclamation Honoring Ephesus Church and Brooke Benton (Resolution):
Council recognized Ephesus Church and the historic legacy of parishioner and musician Brooke Benton.
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 proclamation formally accepts a historical marker as a gift to Kershaw County, commemorating the founding of Ephesus United Methodist Church. Organized in 1869 by freed African Americans, the church has served as a cornerstone of the Lugoff community for over 150 years. The proclamation specifically honors the legacy of Brooke Benton, a world-famous singer and songwriter born Benjamin Franklin Peay, who is buried on the church grounds. Council members noted that the church not only provided a space for worship by the banks of Bucks Creek but also operated a schoolhouse for local children and adults. The item serves to preserve this rich cultural history for future generations and recognizes the dedication of the Benton family in leading the marker project. Local officials and the County Sheriff attended the recent dedication ceremony, calling the congregation a pillar of the community that exemplifies the county's historical contributions.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: praised the Benton family and church members as pillars of the local community ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: expressed his personal admiration for Brooke Benton's music and legacy ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: highlighted the significant African American contributions to the history of the county and nation ▶︎
Equipment Lease Financing Terms (Resolution):
Council approved lease financing terms through Truist Bank for new county equipment.
County property
Unanimous · 7-0
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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
As part of the 2021-2022 budget process, the county required a lease-purchase agreement to acquire essential heavy equipment. This resolution confirms the terms of that agreement, with Truist Bank providing the most competitive rate at 2.37 percent. The equipment includes critical items such as landfill compactors and ambulances needed to maintain county services. These purchases were already planned during the June 2021 budget cycle, though actual delivery has been impacted by industry-wide lead times. The equipment is intended to replace aging inventory to keep essential operations running safely. Council members confirmed that this is a routine financial matter and that the items are already in service, ensuring the county maintains its operational capacity without further delays.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Unified Code of Zoning Amendment (2nd Reading):
The ordinance clarifies the role of the county administrator and removes obsolete board references.
Development
Unanimous · 7-0
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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 amends the Kershaw County Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations (ZLDR) to streamline bureaucratic processes. The primary change clarifies that the County Administrator cannot intervene in specific zoning appeals, as such action would constitute dual office holding under South Carolina law. Furthermore, the measure removes references to the Board of Adjustments and Appeals, an entity that has been inoperative for years. Council members noted that while this amendment addresses current confusion, the county requires a more comprehensive total rewrite of its zoning code, a process the county is beginning via a request for proposal (RFP). This 18-month project aims to simplify land use rules and make the process more user-friendly for citizens and developers alike.
PASSED (Unanimous). The amendment clarifies the role of the county administrator and removes references to an inactive board
Sewer Infrastructure Agreement with City of Camden (2nd Reading):
This agreement provides critical sewer infrastructure to support the $150 million Prestige Farms project.
Water & sewer
Unanimous · 7-0
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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 authorizes a formal agreement between Kershaw County and the City of Camden to provide essential sewer infrastructure for the Prestige Farms project located on Black River Road. The project represents a significant $150 million capital investment. The county has committed to funding no more than $2.345 million for this infrastructure, sourced from existing economic development funds, while the City of Camden will contribute approximately $5.5 million. This partnership is viewed as a vital win for local job creation and demonstrates the county's ability to act aggressively to secure industrial investment. The infrastructure investment ensures that the site is fully prepped for development, significantly reducing the timeline for the project to reach operational status.
PASSED (Unanimous). This agreement supports the $150 million Prestige Farms project
Who said what
» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: thanked staff for their efforts and framed the project as a major win for citizens ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: inquired about the source of the county's multi-million dollar infrastructure contribution ▶︎» Ben Connell Chairman: explained that the aggressive preparation of industrial sites is essential to competing with other counties ▶︎
Conveyance of Land to Cassatt Water Company (2nd Reading):
Council approved selling 0.4 acres of county-owned land to the Cassatt Water Company.
DevelopmentWater & sewer
Unanimous · 7-0
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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 authorizes the sale of approximately 0.4 acres of land currently occupied by a water tower owned by the Cassatt Water Company. The county previously leased this property to the water utility, but that lease expired in 2016. The sale allows the utility to take ownership of the land where their existing infrastructure sits. This move was supported by council members as a practical administrative step that strengthens the relationship between the county and a key utility partner. It reflects a shift from land leasing to asset ownership for a utility that serves local residents. Council members used the item to discuss the historical importance of long-term planning for industrial sites, noting how legacy zoning decisions continue to provide economic stability for the county.
PASSED (Unanimous). This enables the transfer of 0.4 acres for a water tower site
Recreation Advisory Commission Appointments (Appointments):
Council appointed three new members to the Recreation Advisory Commission to fill vacancies.
Parks & recAppointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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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
Council approved the appointments of Alan Judy, Jack Carrington, and Shane Kirkley to the Recreation Advisory Commission. Alan Judy, a long-time volunteer and umpire, was appointed to fill a vacancy left by Steve Zobel. Jack Carrington, active with the Kent Elementary school improvement council and local youth athletics, was appointed to represent District 5. Shane Kirkley was appointed to represent District 1, filling a vacancy left by Melinda Cash. Council members praised the outgoing appointees for their years of service and expressed confidence in the new members to provide enthusiastic leadership for local youth programs and recreation initiatives. The appointments are part of an ongoing effort by the council to ensure full representation across all districts on the commission.
PASSED (Unanimous). Council appointed Alan Judy (D2), Jack Carrington (D5), and Shane Kirkley (D1)
Who said what
» Jimmy Jones Council Member: praised the volunteer experience and commitment of Alan Judy to local youth ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: commended the active involvement of Jack Carrington in school and youth sports ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: defended the selection process while noting that all appointees were well-qualified ▶︎
Appointment of Interim Administrator (Motion):
Council appointed Danny Templer as Interim Administrator effective June 15 at a $135,000 salary.
Appointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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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 motion appoints Danny Templer as the Interim County Administrator, effective June 15, 2022, with an annual salary of $135,000. Council members stated that this appointment provides stability for county staff and citizens during the transition following the departure of the current administrator. The council has already initiated a formal search process, assisted by professional consultants, to find a permanent replacement. Members expressed high confidence in Templer, noting his thoroughness as Deputy Administrator and his strong grasp of county operations. The council emphasized that the permanent hiring process will be independent and thorough, potentially lasting several months, and that they are looking for a unique leader to manage the county's future growth and infrastructure needs.
PASSED (Unanimous). Danny Templer appointed as Interim Administrator effective June 15, 2022, at a salary of $135,000
Who said what
» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: stated that the appointment helps calm the organization and signals stability ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: praised the pipeline of leadership built by the outgoing administrator ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: highlighted the deputy's diligence and responsiveness in his current role ▶︎Discussed, no vote ▸ showhide
- Bailey Bill: A public hearing was held regarding historic property tax relief; the item was removed from the agenda to allow for further coordination with the new city manager.
- Public Safety Concerns: Sheriff Lee Boan presented data regarding escalating criminal activity at a local private club, requesting tools for better enforcement, including fire code authority and nuisance ordinances.
- Geological Survey: Council discussed the need for information regarding recent seismic activity in the county.
Public comment ▸ showhide
- Mark Root: Spoke regarding the legal definition of public comment rules and expressed dissatisfaction with his prior removal from a meeting.
- Grace Missouri: Requested that the county pave a 1.1-mile section of a dirt road on Willow Road and expressed interest in volunteering at the Black Heritage building.
Coming up ▸ showhide
- Budget Workshop/1st Reading: Budget presentations and the first reading of the budget are scheduled for May 24, 2022.
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.