The headline
Council approved a $249,914.82 bid for roof reconstruction at the Kershaw County Detention Center. This contract, awarded to Johnson-Laux Construction, will be funded through the $600,000 capital improvement budget previously allocated for jail facility needs.
Zoning Map Amendment for 104.17 acres on US Highway 1 South (2nd Reading):
Council approved the second reading to rezone Lugoff-Elgin High School property to allow for a new cell tower.
DevelopmentSchools
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance rezones approximately 104.17 acres at 1234 US Highway 1 South, the site of Lugoff-Elgin High School, from R-15 (Low Density Residential) to B-2 (General Business). The Kershaw County School District requested this change to accommodate the installation of a 195-foot monopole wireless communications tower in the southwest corner of the campus near Richardson Boulevard. While the request was driven by the specific need for a cell tower to enhance school safety and campus communications, South Carolina law prohibits conditional zoning, requiring the entire parcel to be rezoned to B-2. Representatives for the school district emphasized that the tower will support four carriers and that certified monitoring will be conducted to ensure radio frequency (RF) levels remain safe for students and nearby residents. The Planning and Zoning Commission previously issued a unanimous favorable recommendation. Council passed the second reading and is moving toward final approval.
PASSED (Unanimous, 5-0). This amendment facilitates the future placement of a communications tower at Lugoff-Elgin High School
Who said what
» Billy D. Smith Public comment: reassured council and the public that the school district prioritizes safety and will utilize independent monitoring for RF exposure ▶︎» Jonathan Yates Public comment: explained that the cellular industry is strictly regulated by the FCC and that the tower will operate well below safety limits ▶︎» Curtis Butler Public comment: expressed concern about potential health risks from RF leakage and long-term exposure for students near the proposed cell tower ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Base Lease Agreement with Mt. Pisgah Community and Resource Center (3rd Reading):
Council approved a five-year lease and operating agreement for the Mt. Pisgah Community and Resource Center property.
County property
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance formalizes a five-year base lease and operating agreement between Kershaw County and the Mt. Pisgah Community and Resource Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The agreement governs the use of an 8.01-acre parcel formerly owned by the Kershaw County School District, which the County acquired for community use. The County has previously appropriated $300,000 to assist with necessary improvements and operating funds for the facility. Under the terms, the center will pay a $1.00 annual rent and assumes full responsibility for all operating costs and maintenance, while providing the County with an annual detailed financial and activity report. The lease includes an automatic five-year renewal unless terminated by either party with proper notice. This measure ensures the site is utilized for public purposes, serving as a community hub for residents. The ordinance passed unanimously on its third and final reading following public hearings and review at earlier meetings.
PASSED (Unanimous, 5-0)
Zoning Map Amendment for 104.17 acres on US Highway 1 South (2nd Reading):
Council approved the second reading to rezone Lugoff-Elgin High School property to allow for a new cell tower.
DevelopmentSchools
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance rezones approximately 104.17 acres at 1234 US Highway 1 South, the site of Lugoff-Elgin High School, from R-15 (Low Density Residential) to B-2 (General Business). The Kershaw County School District requested this change to accommodate the installation of a 195-foot monopole wireless communications tower in the southwest corner of the campus near Richardson Boulevard. While the request was driven by the specific need for a cell tower to enhance school safety and campus communications, South Carolina law prohibits conditional zoning, requiring the entire parcel to be rezoned to B-2. Representatives for the school district emphasized that the tower will support four carriers and that certified monitoring will be conducted to ensure radio frequency (RF) levels remain safe for students and nearby residents. The Planning and Zoning Commission previously issued a unanimous favorable recommendation. Council passed the second reading and is moving toward final approval.
PASSED (Unanimous, 5-0). This amendment facilitates the future placement of a communications tower at Lugoff-Elgin High School
Who said what
» Billy D. Smith Public comment: reassured council and the public that the school district prioritizes safety and will utilize independent monitoring for RF exposure ▶︎» Jonathan Yates Public comment: explained that the cellular industry is strictly regulated by the FCC and that the tower will operate well below safety limits ▶︎» Curtis Butler Public comment: expressed concern about potential health risks from RF leakage and long-term exposure for students near the proposed cell tower ▶︎
Resolution for ADA Accessibility and Grievance Policies:
Council adopted updated policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This resolution formally adopts a comprehensive set of policies, procedures, and official notices regarding ADA accessibility and reasonable accommodations for Kershaw County. As a public entity, the County is required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act to ensure that all programs, services, and activities are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The new framework designates Barry T. Catoe as the 504/ADA Coordinator to handle requests for auxiliary aids, such as sign language interpreters or alternative document formats, and to manage the internal grievance process for accessibility complaints. These measures ensure that the County remains accountable and equitable in its delivery of public services to all residents, while establishing clear legal protocols for addressing potential discrimination or barriers to access.
PASSED (Unanimous, 5-0)
Clean Community Commission Letter:
Council authorized the commission to send a courtesy letter to individuals identified on illegally discarded litter.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council approved a proposal from the Clean Community Commission to send a formal, educational letter to individuals whose names are discovered on trash collected during litter cleanup events. The letter serves as a courtesy notice to inform violators of South Carolina littering statutes and the penalties associated with illegal dumping, which can include fines ranging from $25 to $100 and potential community service hours. This initiative is designed to discourage littering and encourage compliance with local environmental laws without immediate resort to formal citations. Council members viewed the request as a non-binding but positive step toward maintaining the cleanliness and aesthetic appeal of the county's public and private properties.
PASSED (Unanimous, 5-0)
Appointment of Jill Wolfe to Clean Community Commission:
Council appointed Jill Wolfe to serve on the Clean Community Commission.
Appointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council voted unanimously to appoint Jill Wolfe to the Kershaw County Clean Community Commission. Ms. Wolfe, a long-time resident with a background in administration, expressed a strong passion for mitigating the negative effects of litter on the community's appearance and visitor experience. This appointment fills one of the vacancies on the commission, though the council noted that an additional vacancy remains specifically designated for a City of Camden representative, which the county is working to fill.
PASSED (Unanimous, 4-0)
Reappointment of Ray Din to Airport Advisory Committee:
Council reappointed Ray Din to the Airport Advisory Committee to ensure term compliance.
Appointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council reappointed Ray Din to the Airport Advisory Committee. The reappointment was part of a broader effort by Council to ensure that committee terms align correctly with the requirements set forth in the county's ordinances. Mr. Din has been serving on the committee and was praised for his ongoing dedication to the airport's operations.
PASSED (Unanimous, 5-0)
Appointment of Lanny Gunter to Board of Zoning Appeals:
Council unanimously appointed Lanny Gunter to fill a vacancy on the Board of Zoning Appeals.
DevelopmentAppointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Kershaw County Council officially appointed Lanny Gunter to fill an existing vacancy on the Board of Zoning Appeals during their October 10, 2023, meeting. Councilman Danny Catoe introduced the nomination for Mr. Gunter, which was seconded by Councilman Derek Shoemake. The appointment received unanimous support from the five council members present, including Vice-Chairman Jimmy Jones and Councilmen Sammie Tucker Jr., Derek Shoemake, Brant Tomlinson, and Danny Catoe. This appointment follows the recent resignation of Ned Towell, who moved to the Planning Commission, leaving another seat open on the board. The Board of Zoning Appeals plays a critical role in the community by hearing appeals on zoning decisions and considering requests for variances from the county's Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations. No public comment was offered regarding this specific appointment, and the council concluded the process immediately after the motion and vote.
PASSED (Unanimous, 5-0)
Ratification of Heather Dykes to Planning Commission:
Council ratified the appointment of Heather Dykes to the Planning Commission.
Development
Yes 4 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
Council ratified the appointment of Heather Dykes to the Kershaw County Planning Commission, following a 4-1 vote. The Planning Commission plays a critical role in evaluating land-use applications, comprehensive plan updates, and zoning recommendations for the county. The appointment was confirmed despite a dissenting vote from Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr.
PASSED For 4 · Against 1
Ratification of Ned Towell to Planning Commission:
Council ratified the appointment of Ned Towell to the Planning Commission.
Development
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council unanimously ratified the appointment of Ned Towell to the Kershaw County Planning Commission. Mr. Towell was nominated to fill the unexpired term of a previous member, Claude Eichelberger, whose resignation created a vacancy. The appointment reinforces the Planning Commission's membership as it oversees upcoming growth and development projects in the county.
PASSED (Unanimous, 4-0)
Routine procedural votes:
Council approved the meeting agenda and minutes from September 26, 2023.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
The Council held routine procedural votes to adopt the agenda for the October 10 meeting and approve the official minutes from the September 26, 2023, regular meeting. These actions are standard parliamentary procedures required to conduct county business and maintain accurate public records of council activities.
Adoption of agenda, approval of September 26 minutes, and motions to enter/exit executive session all PASSED (Unanimous, 5-0)
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Parks and Recreation Update: Shane Duncan presented three conceptual layouts for county parks. The Recreation Commission recommended prioritizing a $10 million project at Woodward Park, contingent on adjacent land acquisition. Council directed the Finance Committee to review the proposals and provide a recommendation.
- MAD Festival Update: Dolly Patton reported that the recent 9-day arts festival saw 2,500 attendees, a significant increase from previous years, and successfully drew regional tourism to the county.
- Jail Study: Administrator Danny Templar noted that Mosley Architects is preparing options for the detention center, with a staff briefing scheduled for October 18 and a council briefing for October 24.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Tom Webb, III: Invited the public to a screening regarding the Constitution and expressed concerns about the potential for nuclear conflict and the need for disaster preparedness.
- Curtis Butler: Raised concerns regarding radio frequency (RF) exposure from cell towers proposed near schools, citing potential health and environmental impacts.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- The next regular County Council meeting is scheduled for October 24, 2023.
- The Finance Committee will review Parks and Recreation project proposals for future council consideration.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.