Council navigated a contentious agenda by voting to defer several major spending items to the incoming administration
The council moved to keep the Woodward Park Master Plan off the agenda for tonight and restricted the Motorola radio replacement project to discussion only.
9 votes9 passed2 split
The vote behind the headline
Amendment to Agenda (Deleting Woodward Park, Boat Ramp discussion, Motorola radio discussion only):Council voted to remove or modify several controversial spending items from the meeting's agenda.Parks & rec
Yes 4 · No 3
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How they voted
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Tom Gardner✗ Jimmy Jones✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Brant Tomlinson
This vote determined the structure of the meeting, specifically addressing whether to move forward with potentially costly capital projects just weeks before a new administration takes office. The Council ultimately opted to remove the Woodward Park Master Plan from the agenda entirely, while keeping the boat ramp study and the Motorola radio replacement project on the table for discussion purposes only. This move followed concerns from several council members regarding the lack of financial specifics and the timing of these items being added to the agenda. Proponents of the changes argued that fiscal responsibility required deferring major spending decisions to the incoming Council. Opponents, meanwhile, sought to keep these items active for transparency and information-sharing purposes. The motion passed 4-3, highlighting a divide over how to handle pending county projects during the current transition period. The decision ensures that no immediate funding will be committed to these specific initiatives until the next term.
Amendment to Agenda (Deleting Woodward Park, Boat Ramp discussion, Motorola radio discussion only):Council voted to remove or modify several controversial spending items from the meeting's agenda.Parks & rec
Yes 4 · No 3
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How they voted
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Tom Gardner✗ Jimmy Jones✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Brant Tomlinson
This vote determined the structure of the meeting, specifically addressing whether to move forward with potentially costly capital projects just weeks before a new administration takes office. The Council ultimately opted to remove the Woodward Park Master Plan from the agenda entirely, while keeping the boat ramp study and the Motorola radio replacement project on the table for discussion purposes only. This move followed concerns from several council members regarding the lack of financial specifics and the timing of these items being added to the agenda. Proponents of the changes argued that fiscal responsibility required deferring major spending decisions to the incoming Council. Opponents, meanwhile, sought to keep these items active for transparency and information-sharing purposes. The motion passed 4-3, highlighting a divide over how to handle pending county projects during the current transition period. The decision ensures that no immediate funding will be committed to these specific initiatives until the next term.
This is a standard administrative procedure to verify the accuracy of the record from the October 25, 2022, meeting. Approval of minutes ensures the official documentation of votes and discussions remains legally binding and transparent. There were no corrections or objections raised by members of the Council.
Southern Loop Sewer Improvement Phase 1 (2nd Reading):The Council approved the second reading of a $2.7 million loan for sewer system improvements.Water & sewer
Yes 5 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Tom Gardner✗ Brant Tomlinson✗ Jimmy Jones
This measure authorizes a $2,703,740 loan from the State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund to finance the Southern Loop Sewer Improvement Project, Phase 1. The project aims to relieve pressure on existing infrastructure and improve wastewater transmission capacity. Because the work for this phase was previously completed using money from the sewer fund, this loan effectively replenishes those funds, allowing the county to proceed with Phase 2A. Several residents raised concerns during the public hearing about the necessity of taking on new debt for work already completed. County staff and bond counsel explained that the financing structure secures a very favorable 1.6% interest rate. While the loan is backed by the full faith and credit of the county, staff maintained that the debt is expected to be serviced by existing sewer user fees rather than property taxes. The vote passed 5-2, moving the ordinance to a final reading.
PASSEDFor 5 · Against 2. This financing involves a $2.7M loan from the State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund to replenish funds used for the completed phase
Rezoning 53 acres for Carolina Motorsports Park (2nd Reading):Council approved the rezoning of 53 acres to serve as a buffer zone for the motorsports facility.DevelopmentParks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Tom Gardner
This ordinance rezones 53 acres of land held by Diversified Land and Timber, which owns the adjacent Carolina Motorsports Park. The owner requested the rezoning to create a buffer zone around the existing racetrack facility. Council members expressed strong support for the move, citing the motorsports park as a significant contributor to local tourism and economic activity. No objections were raised during the meeting, and the measure was passed unanimously on its second reading.
PASSED (Unanimous). The property is intended for use as a buffer zone for the existing facility
Project Orion Fee-in-Lieu of Taxes Agreement (2nd Reading):Council approved a tax agreement for a $13 million industrial investment expected to create 54 jobs.Taxes & budgetJobs & economy
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Tom Gardner
This vote supports an economic development agreement for Project Orion, an industrial venture located in the county. The agreement includes a Fee-in-Lieu of Taxes (FILOT) arrangement, which is a standard incentive tool used to attract business investment. The project represents a $13 million capital investment and is projected to create 54 new jobs with an average wage of $25.87 per hour. The project was initially proposed in 2021 but was delayed due to rising equipment costs, which eventually led the company to expand the scope of their investment. The ordinance passed unanimously on its second reading.
PASSED (Unanimous). This project represents a $13M investment and an estimated 54 new jobs
The Council appointed Yasmin Modesto to the county Grievance Committee. The position became vacant following the resignation of a previous member. This committee plays a vital role in reviewing employee complaints and concerns, and the Council expressed a desire to keep the seat filled to ensure ongoing operations.
Planning Commission Appointment (Claude Eichelberger):Council reappointed Claude Eichelberger to serve on the Planning Commission.DevelopmentAppointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Tom Gardner
Claude Eichelberger was unanimously reappointed to the Kershaw County Planning Commission. Council members praised his service as chairman and highlighted his extensive background in the community, including his work with other local advisory boards. His reappointment ensures continuity on a board that handles land-use planning and development recommendations.
Rick Jay was appointed to the Recreation Advisory Commission. Council members supported the choice, noting Jay's long-term involvement in local athletics and his personal dedication to the community's youth sports programs. He is expected to play an active role as the county evaluates its recreation infrastructure goals.
Public Comment Guidelines Amendment (Streaming/Recording):Council voted to ensure all public comments are fully recorded and live-streamed without interruption.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Tom Gardner
This motion formalizes the requirement that the audio and video live stream of County Council meetings must continue uninterrupted throughout the entirety of the public comment period. The change was prompted by a previous meeting where the stream was cut during a disruptive incident, preventing a full public record of the event. Council members agreed that maintaining an open record is essential for transparency and legal protection for the county. The motion passed unanimously.
PASSED (Unanimous). The motion requires that audio and video recording must continue uninterrupted throughout the entirety of the public comment period
Recreation Master Plan: The council received a presentation from Alliance Consulting Engineers regarding the 2022 Recreation Master Plan. The document outlines five and ten-year goals, including potential indoor aquatic facilities and park improvements. Council members emphasized that the plan is a roadmap for future prioritization rather than a current spending commitment.
Boat Ramp (Old Business): The council discussed the status of a boat ramp study currently being conducted by ADC Engineering. The project is in the initial study phase.
Motorola Radio Replacement: The council discussed the urgent need for a radio system upgrade for first responders. Officials noted that equipment lead times are increasing and costs are rising, but decided to defer funding decisions to the next council session.
Public comment▸showhide
Eleven residents provided public comment, covering a range of concerns:
Recreation: Several speakers advocated for improved youth sports facilities, including batting cages and fields, while questioning the financial justification for large-scale projects like a $14.5M park renovation during an economic downturn.
Taxes and Spending: Residents expressed concerns over utility costs, tax burdens, and the decision to take out loans for projects they argued should be funded with cash or existing ARPA funds.
Accountability: Multiple speakers requested that the council adhere strictly to meeting rules and timelines for agenda publication.
Final Victory Animal Rescue: Neighbors reiterated concerns regarding the noise ordinance and the ongoing issue of barking dogs at a local property.
Coming up▸showhide
Next Meeting: Tuesday, December 13, 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.
