The headline
Council members unanimously approved the third and final reading of a zoning map amendment for a 104-acre property owned by the Kershaw County School District. This decision changes the land’s designation from residential to general business, a step that facilitates the district’s plan to permit a wireless communication tower on the Lugoff-Elgin High School campus.
Zoning map amendment for School District property (3rd Reading):
Council approved a zoning change for Lugoff-Elgin High School property to facilitate a wireless 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
Council approved the third and final reading of Case 23-17, rezoning approximately 104 acres of Kershaw County School District property at Lugoff-Elgin High School from R-15 (Low Density Residential) to B-2 (General Business). This measure allows the School District to move forward with plans to construct a 195-foot wireless communication tower on the campus. Councilman Derek Shoemake clarified that the Council's vote was limited to the zoning classification, while the final decision regarding tower construction rests with the School District following their own public input. No members of the public spoke against the rezoning at this final reading. The amendment passed unanimously, supporting the District's stated goal of improving campus security and emergency communication capabilities.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Amending the agenda to remove Item 8C (Litter Control):
Council removed an item regarding litter enforcement at a local shopping center from the evening's agenda.
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 to remove an item from the agenda concerning a long-standing litter control enforcement issue at the Food Lion in the River Crossing/West Wateree area. County Attorney John DuBose clarified that the case had been ongoing for approximately 12 months, with initial notices sent in December 2022. Although court action had been anticipated, the property owner recently contacted the County to express remorse and initiate plans to hire contractors for remediation. Given that the parties are actively working toward a solution and a potential relocation of the dumpster, Council unanimously agreed to remove the item to allow the legal process and private remediation to proceed. The Council emphasized that coordinating with the Magistrate Court in advance will be a priority for future enforcement actions of this nature.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Approval of minutes for the meeting of October 10, 2023:
Council approved the minutes from the previous meeting, with Councilman Russell Brazell abstaining.
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council reviewed the minutes from the regular meeting held on October 10, 2023. The motion to approve was made by Councilman Danny Catoe and seconded by Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. The minutes were approved by a 5-0 vote. Councilman Russell Brazell abstained from the vote because he was absent from the October 10th meeting.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0 (R. Brazell abstained)
Zoning map amendment for School District property (3rd Reading):
Council approved a zoning change for Lugoff-Elgin High School property to facilitate a wireless 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
Council approved the third and final reading of Case 23-17, rezoning approximately 104 acres of Kershaw County School District property at Lugoff-Elgin High School from R-15 (Low Density Residential) to B-2 (General Business). This measure allows the School District to move forward with plans to construct a 195-foot wireless communication tower on the campus. Councilman Derek Shoemake clarified that the Council's vote was limited to the zoning classification, while the final decision regarding tower construction rests with the School District following their own public input. No members of the public spoke against the rezoning at this final reading. The amendment passed unanimously, supporting the District's stated goal of improving campus security and emergency communication capabilities.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Inducement Resolution for Project White Oak:
Council passed an inducement resolution to provide tax incentives for a new solar energy facility.
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 an Inducement Resolution for 'Project White Oak,' a solar energy generation project planning a $90 million investment in Kershaw County. This resolution establishes the County's intent to enter into a Fee-in-Lieu of Taxes (FILOT) agreement for a 40-year term and authorizes the use of Special Source Revenue Credits to offset infrastructure costs. The project is expected to benefit the public by expanding the local tax base and supporting renewable energy initiatives without placing a burden on the County's general credit. This step allows the company to proceed with project planning while the County prepares the formal development agreements. The resolution passed with a unanimous vote, reflecting Council's commitment to industrial and commercial growth within the region.
PASSED (Unanimous)
About this project: Project White »
Bid for renovating Courthouse Vault into offices:
Council awarded a contract to First Class Construction to renovate the Courthouse vault into office space.
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
Council awarded a $93,974.40 contract to First Class Construction, LLC, to renovate the Courthouse vault into new office space for Family Court staff. The project scope includes wall construction, door installation, and electrical and data connectivity upgrades to resolve current workspace shortages. The County received three bids, with the winning bid significantly lower than other proposals. Administrator Danny Templar noted that the project was originally planned three years ago but was deferred due to budget constraints; funds for this work are now available in the current budget. The Council previously toured the site during a special meeting to verify the need for the expansion, which will provide necessary collaborative space for the busy Family Court department.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Council discussed upcoming scheduling for November and December meetings, noting potential conflicts with holiday calendars; these items were deferred for further consideration at the November 14 meeting. Members also deliberated on implementing a 90 to 120-day deadline for filling vacancies on various county boards and commissions, with the proposal that Council would assume the appointment authority if deadlines are missed by external entities.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Holland Mack, president of the South Haven HOA, raised concerns regarding speeding in his community and potential infrastructure damage caused by delivery trucks. Jeff Mattox spoke regarding his concerns about transparency and absenteeism among elected officials.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Finance Committee Meeting: Friday, October 27, at 3:00 p.m.
- Regular Council Meeting: Tuesday, November 14.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.