The headline
Council moved forward with several key projects, including recreation improvements and industrial economic development incentives, while deferring the decision on a new policy regarding board and commission appointment deadlines. The council also unanimously agreed to cancel the December 26 meeting to accommodate the holiday schedule.
Approve Recreation Projects Plan (No Reading):
Council approved a multi-part recreation plan funded by ARPA and matching district funds.
Parks & rec
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ 4 members voted yes✗ K. Guinn✗ Jimmy JonesThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
Council approved a comprehensive recreation plan following a Finance Committee recommendation. The plan includes $367,000 for field improvements in Westville and Bethune, $180,000 for lighting at Boyd Young Park, $180,000 for lighting at Copeland Park, and $1,273,000 for infrastructure at the Kershaw County West Complex. A central part of the motion allocates $10 million for the revitalization of Woodward Park, contingent on Health Services District matching funds. Councilman Jimmy Jones opposed the motion, citing concerns that prioritizing Woodward Park over the Larry Doby Complex represented an incomplete project strategy. The motion passed 4-2 with Guinn and Jones dissenting.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
Who said what
» Jimmy Jones Council Member: criticized the Woodward Park plan as an incomplete project compared to the Larry Doby alternative ▶︎» Shane Duncan Public comment: warned that closing Larry Doby for construction without Woodward Park ready would hurt spring sports leagues ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: defended the plan as necessary to bring neglected parks up to a usable standard ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Proclamation for Community Giving Month (No Reading):
Council recognized November as Community Giving Month to celebrate local donors and volunteers.
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
Councilman Derek Shoemake introduced this proclamation to highlight the importance of charitable giving and volunteerism within Kershaw County. It acknowledges the vital role of local churches, non-profit organizations, and corporations in supporting residents during challenging times. By proclaiming November as Community Giving Month, Council encourages citizens to donate their time and resources to help neighbors in need. The proclamation emphasizes how generosity and service connect the community across different ideologies. Council members expressed unanimous support for the measure, celebrating the efforts of groups like Blanketing Families and 4WW in the West Wateree area. The action serves as a ceremonial reminder to foster a spirit of giving throughout the holiday season.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Minutes Approval for October 24, 2023 (No Reading):
Council formally approved the minutes from the regular meeting held on October 24, 2023.
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe● K. Guinn (recused)What this was about
This item involved the standard procedure of reviewing and approving the official record of the previous Kershaw County Council meeting. Council reviewed the minutes to ensure accuracy regarding motions, discussions, and votes taken on October 24, 2023. This step is essential for maintaining the public record of county governance and ensuring all legislative actions are properly documented. The minutes were presented for consideration after the agenda was adopted. Following a review period, the Council voted to approve the minutes as presented. Chairwoman Katie Guinn recused herself from this vote because she was absent during that specific meeting, while other members participated in the approval. The final tally was 5-0.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0 (K. Guinn recused)
FILOT Ordinance for Project Tree (1st Reading):
Council approved the first reading of a fee-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement for a solar project.
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ 4 members voted yes✗ Jimmy Jones✗ Brant TomlinsonThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
Project Tree is a proposed utility-scale solar facility planning an $80 million investment in Kershaw County. This ordinance establishes a fee-in-lieu-of-ad-valorem-taxes (FILOT) agreement, which provides the sponsor with fixed fee payments and infrastructure credits to incentivize development. The ordinance outlines a 30-year term for the project and confirms its inclusion in a multi-county industrial park. During the meeting, Councilman Brant Tomlinson and Vice Chairman Jimmy Jones raised concerns regarding the long-term impact of the tax structure compared to traditional property tax models. Despite these reservations, the ordinance passed its first reading with a 4-2 vote, with Tomlinson and Jones opposed. It will return for second and third readings in December.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
Who said what
» Jimmy Jones Council Member: asked whether the payments would be fixed for the entire 40-year life of the project ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: questioned why the agreement spans the lifetime of the project rather than a shorter term ▶︎» John DuBose Presenter: explained the financial structure involves fixed payments based on projected megawatt output ▶︎About this project: Project Tree »
FILOT Ordinance for Project White Oak (1st Reading):
Council approved the first reading of a fee-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement for a second solar project.
Taxes & budget
Yes 4 · No 2
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How they voted
✓ 4 members voted yes✗ Jimmy Jones✗ Brant TomlinsonThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
Project White Oak is a second proposed utility-scale solar facility, planning an investment of approximately $75 million. Like the Project Tree proposal, this ordinance authorizes a FILOT agreement and special source revenue credits to induce the facility's location in Kershaw County. The agreement is designed to provide economic stability for the project while ensuring public benefits through infrastructure development. Council members reiterated concerns regarding the long-term nature of these solar tax incentives and the potential lack of consistency across South Carolina counties. The ordinance passed its first reading with a 4-2 vote, with Council members Jimmy Jones and Brant Tomlinson casting the dissenting votes.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
About this project: Project White »
Bethune Property Conveyance Ordinance (1st Reading):
Council approved transferring county-owned property in Bethune to the town for public use.
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 authorizes the transfer of 17.18 acres of county-owned land, located at 2843 Mecklenburg Road, 325 Brown Street, and 2863 Mecklenburg Road, to the Town of Bethune. The property includes historical site areas intended for public park revitalization. Legal staff clarified that the conveyance will include a reversion clause, ensuring the title returns to the county if the town fails to use the land for public purposes. Councilman Danny Catoe sponsored the item, noting the town's commitment to improving the site for community use. The measure passed unanimously on its first reading, signaling strong support for the town's park development plans.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Approve Recreation Projects Plan (No Reading):
Council approved a multi-part recreation plan funded by ARPA and matching district funds.
Parks & rec
Yes 4 · No 2
▸
detailsless
How they voted
✓ 4 members voted yes✗ K. Guinn✗ Jimmy JonesThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
Council approved a comprehensive recreation plan following a Finance Committee recommendation. The plan includes $367,000 for field improvements in Westville and Bethune, $180,000 for lighting at Boyd Young Park, $180,000 for lighting at Copeland Park, and $1,273,000 for infrastructure at the Kershaw County West Complex. A central part of the motion allocates $10 million for the revitalization of Woodward Park, contingent on Health Services District matching funds. Councilman Jimmy Jones opposed the motion, citing concerns that prioritizing Woodward Park over the Larry Doby Complex represented an incomplete project strategy. The motion passed 4-2 with Guinn and Jones dissenting.
PASSED For 4 · Against 2
Who said what
» Jimmy Jones Council Member: criticized the Woodward Park plan as an incomplete project compared to the Larry Doby alternative ▶︎» Shane Duncan Public comment: warned that closing Larry Doby for construction without Woodward Park ready would hurt spring sports leagues ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: defended the plan as necessary to bring neglected parks up to a usable standard ▶︎
Convey Woodward Park to City of Camden (Amendment to Recreation Plan):
A motion to transfer ownership of Woodward Park to the City of Camden failed 2-4.
Parks & rec
Yes 2 · No 4
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How they voted
✓ 2 members voted yesThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
This item was brought forward as an amendment during a larger debate regarding the distribution of recreation funds. Proponents suggested that transferring ownership of Woodward Park to the City of Camden would simplify maintenance responsibilities and streamline management for the county. The proposal aimed to move the park off the county's ledger, allowing the city to manage the facility directly. However, the majority of the Council expressed concerns about losing a key recreation asset and the potential implications of such a transfer. After discussion, the motion to convey the property failed with a 2-4 vote, meaning the county retains ownership of the park and remains responsible for its future development. This vote effectively kept the park under the county's recreation plan.
FAILED For 2 · Against 4
Appoint Jeffrey Murphy to Board of Zoning Appeals (No Reading):
Jeffrey Murphy was unanimously appointed 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
The Council held an appointment to fill a vacancy on the Board of Zoning Appeals. This board is a critical component of local governance, as it hears requests for variances and interprets zoning ordinances for residents and developers alike. Jeffrey Murphy was nominated to represent District 4 for a four-year term. His appointment ensures that the board remains at full capacity to handle its regulatory duties. The Council unanimously supported the nomination, confirming Murphy to his seat. This appointment is important for maintaining consistent land-use enforcement across the district.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Appoint Timothy Thomas to Assessment Appeals Board (No Reading):
Council appointed Terry Bullard to the Assessment Appeals Board.
Taxes & budgetAppointments
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ 5 members voted yesThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
Terry Bullard, a veteran and resident of District 3, was nominated by Councilman Russell Brazell. Council members expressed support for his involvement in local government, and the appointment was confirmed unanimously by those present.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0
Appoint Terry Bullard to Assessment Appeals Board (No Reading):
Terry Bullard was appointed to the Assessment Appeals Board to assist with property valuation appeals.
Taxes & budgetAppointments
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ 5 members voted yesThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
This item addressed the second of five vacancies on the Assessment Appeals Board. Terry Bullard, a retired brigadier general, was nominated for the position. Council members praised his willingness to serve the community in this capacity. His appointment was approved by a 5-0 vote. The board serves as a quasi-judicial body that reviews evidence in tax disputes, and adding experienced community members is crucial for maintaining public trust in the tax assessment process. Bullard will serve alongside other appointees to ensure the board has the necessary quorum to perform its duties effectively.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Equine Development: Council members discussed the potential for equine-related economic development in the county following a recent fact-finding trip to Aiken.
- Deadlines for Appointments: Council discussed a proposal for a 90-day deadline for entities to appoint members to boards and commissions, after which the authority would revert to the County Council; legal staff will draft a formal ordinance for future consideration.
- Wateree Plaza Dumpster: Council authorized Chairwoman K. Guinn and Councilman D. Shoemake to attend a November 20 Planning and Zoning hearing regarding code violations.
- Planning Commission Appointment: The appointment for the Planning Commission vacancy was tabled.
- General Housekeeping: Council passed items related to agenda adoption, removing a personnel matter from the executive session, and scheduling adjustments for November and December meetings.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, November 28, 2023.
- Future Agenda Item: Council will coordinate with the City of Camden regarding a vacancy on the Clean Community Commission.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.