Meeting recap · February 14, 2023
Kershaw County Council heard a formal proposal from the Health Services District of Kershaw County to partner on a $10 million outdoor recreation facility
The Health Services District and MUSC have pledged a combined $5 million and are requesting a matching $5 million commitment from the County to enhance recreational infrastructure, including upgrades to Woodward Park.
8 votes8 passed
The vote behind the headline
Appointment of Chairwoman Katie Guinn to the Santee Lynches Council of Governments:
Council appointed Chairwoman Katie Guinn to represent the county on the Santee Lynches Council of Governments board.
Appointments
Yes 5 · No 0
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detailsless
Yes 5 · No 0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek ShoemakeWhat this was about
This appointment fills a vacancy on the Santee Lynches Council of Governments (COG) board, an organization that manages regional grants and infrastructure projects for several counties. Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. proposed the appointment to ensure that the County Council Chair has a direct seat on the board, joining other local representatives from the area. The discussion emphasized the strategic importance of the COG in securing federal and state funding for local projects, such as road improvements and industrial development, without increasing local property taxes. Chairwoman Guinn abstained from the vote, which passed 5-0, to avoid a conflict of interest. Council members viewed this as a positive step toward ensuring Kershaw County maintains a strong, prepared presence in regional decision-making processes.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0 (Chairwoman Guinn abstained)
Who said what
» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: emphasized that the COG is a critical organization for securing external funding and stated that having the Chair represented is strategic ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: expressed full support for the appointment and highlighted his desire to work through the COG to improve regional transportation infrastructure ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ showhide
Adoption of agenda:
Council voted unanimously to approve the agenda for the February 14, 2023, meeting.
Yes 6 · No 0
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Yes 6 · No 0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek ShoemakeWhat this was about
The adoption of the agenda is a standard procedural step taken at the beginning of every council meeting to ensure all items to be discussed and voted upon are properly disclosed to the public. By formally adopting the agenda, the Council confirms the order of business, including proclamations, public presentations, and old or new business items. On this occasion, Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. moved to approve the agenda, which was seconded by Councilman Danny Cato. The motion passed with a unanimous 6-0 vote. This ensures that the meeting remains focused and compliant with the Freedom of Information Act, which requires that citizens, the press, and department heads are aware of the topics the Council intends to address. No objections or amendments were made to the agenda during this vote.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Acceptance of North Central High School proclamation:
Council honored the leadership of North Central High School for their resilience through recent community tragedies.
Schools
Yes 6 · No 0
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detailsless
Yes 6 · No 0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek ShoemakeWhat this was about
This proclamation recognizes the exceptional leadership of Principal David Branham and Assistant Principals Meredith Ogburn Kirkland and Tabitha Strickland at North Central High School. The Council highlighted their courage and resolve in guiding the school community following the 2020 tornado that destroyed campus facilities and the subsequent challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Councilman Danny Cato, who sponsored the proclamation, noted that the school’s staff and students faced immense adversity, yet continued to maintain a positive environment. The document serves as a formal expression of gratitude from the County for the administrators' commitment to their students, faculty, and the greater North Central community. Local school board members also attended the meeting to witness the presentation of this honor.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Who said what
» Danny Catoe Council Member: praised the school administrators for their resilience and service despite the difficult circumstances surrounding the tornado and the pandemic ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: described North Central High School as a hidden jewel of Kershaw County and commended the staff's dedication ▶︎
Acceptance of Black History Month proclamation:
Council formally recognized February as Black History Month, celebrating the contributions of African Americans in Kershaw County.
Yes 6 · No 0
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detailsless
Yes 6 · No 0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek ShoemakeWhat this was about
The Black History Month proclamation serves to acknowledge the significant historical, cultural, and economic contributions of African Americans to Kershaw County and the nation. The Council emphasized that this observance is vital to the community's core values, aiming to promote diversity, social justice, and stronger leadership. During the discussion, Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. invited several local community leaders and representatives from organizations such as the Concerned Citizens of Kershaw County and the NAACP to be recognized. Council leadership noted that the proclamation was specifically rewritten this year to include local historical details rather than simply recycling previous language. This vote reaffirms the Council's commitment to inclusivity and acknowledges the legacy of local trailblazers who have helped move the county forward.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Who said what
» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: highlighted the importance of the month for the county and thanked the local leaders and organizations present for their advocacy ▶︎» Katie Guinn Public comment: expressed appreciation for the collaboration in drafting a personalized proclamation that reflects local history ▶︎
Approval of January 24, 2023 minutes:
The Council approved the official minutes from the meeting held on January 24, 2023.
Yes 6 · No 0
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detailsless
Yes 6 · No 0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek ShoemakeWhat this was about
This vote confirms the accuracy of the official record for the Council's previous meeting. Approval of minutes is a routine administrative function that ensures the county has a reliable, legal record of all motions, votes, and discussions that took place on January 24, 2023. Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. moved to approve the minutes, with a second provided by Councilman Derek Shoemake. The unanimous vote allows these documents to be archived as the definitive account of that proceeding, fulfilling statutory record-keeping requirements for local governments.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Appointment of Grievance Committee members Ginny Ray, Matt Seals, Autumn Furniss, and Liz Brown:
Council appointed four employees to the newly renamed Employee Relations Committee to handle grievances and morale initiatives.
Appointments
Yes 6 · No 0
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detailsless
Yes 6 · No 0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek ShoemakeWhat this was about
Administrator Danny Templar introduced the appointments, noting that the committee formerly known as the Grievance Committee has been renamed the Employee Relations Committee to better reflect its broader mission. Beyond hearing formal grievances, the committee will now oversee programs such as the employee recognition initiative. The Council specifically requested that the committee include a cross-section of employees from various departments, particularly those operating outside the main government building, to ensure diverse representation. Administrator Templar confirmed that the committee members will serve during business hours, with their schedules being managed to avoid disrupting essential county services. The motion for the appointments was made by Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. and seconded by Councilman Derek Shoemake.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Who said what
» Danny Templar Presenter: explained that the name change and the new duties were designed to foster better employee morale and workplace culture ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: requested that future appointments to committees strive for greater diversity to ensure broad representation across the county ▶︎
Appointment of Chairwoman Katie Guinn to the Santee Lynches Council of Governments:
Council appointed Chairwoman Katie Guinn to represent the county on the Santee Lynches Council of Governments board.
Appointments
Yes 5 · No 0
▸
detailsless
Yes 5 · No 0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek ShoemakeWhat this was about
This appointment fills a vacancy on the Santee Lynches Council of Governments (COG) board, an organization that manages regional grants and infrastructure projects for several counties. Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. proposed the appointment to ensure that the County Council Chair has a direct seat on the board, joining other local representatives from the area. The discussion emphasized the strategic importance of the COG in securing federal and state funding for local projects, such as road improvements and industrial development, without increasing local property taxes. Chairwoman Guinn abstained from the vote, which passed 5-0, to avoid a conflict of interest. Council members viewed this as a positive step toward ensuring Kershaw County maintains a strong, prepared presence in regional decision-making processes.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0 (Chairwoman Guinn abstained)
Who said what
» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: emphasized that the COG is a critical organization for securing external funding and stated that having the Chair represented is strategic ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: expressed full support for the appointment and highlighted his desire to work through the COG to improve regional transportation infrastructure ▶︎
Motion to go into executive session:
Council entered a closed-door session to discuss a personnel matter.
Yes 6 · No 0
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detailsless
Yes 6 · No 0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek ShoemakeWhat this was about
The Council voted to enter an executive session to discuss an administrative personnel matter, as permitted by state law to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive staff or organizational issues. No public action was taken during this closed session, and Council returned to open session shortly thereafter to conclude the meeting. The motion was made by Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. and seconded by Councilman Danny Cato.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Motion to adjourn:
Council concluded the meeting at 8:04 p.m.
Yes 6 · No 0
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detailsless
Yes 6 · No 0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek ShoemakeWhat this was about
Following the completion of all business items and the conclusion of the executive session, the Council voted unanimously to adjourn the meeting. Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. made the motion to adjourn, and it was seconded by Councilman Russell Brazell. The meeting officially ended at 8:04 p.m.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0
Discussed, no vote ▸ showhide
- Santee Lynches COG Grants: Sylvia Frierson briefed the Council on the availability of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, noting that while the application process is statewide, the Council must prioritize local projects and engage in upcoming public hearings, specifically the session scheduled for March 14.
- Budget Retreat: Council members discussed the upcoming budget retreat scheduled for February 24 and 25, which will involve presentations from 35 county departments to assist the new council members in their financial oversight.
- Cassatt Fire Station: Administrator Danny Templar reported that the mobilization cost for the Cassatt Fire Station was $30,000.
Coming up ▸ showhide
- Needs Assessment Public Hearing: March 14, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. in Room 207 of the Government Center.
- Health Services District Proposal: The Council has requested a 90-day window to deliberate on the proposed $5 million matching commitment for the outdoor recreation facility project.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.
How this recap was made: Prepared from the county's official minutes (the verified vote record) combined with the meeting's live stream (quotes and discussion). 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.