The headline
Council moved forward with a significant infrastructure project by authorizing the County Administrator to initiate condemnation actions for the Southern Loop Sewer Project. The decision follows a closed-door legal briefing regarding the project, which has already received approximately $6 million in investment.
Authorize Condemnation for Southern Loop Sewer Project:
Council authorized the County Administrator to initiate condemnation for the Southern Loop Sewer Project.
Water & sewer
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ 5 members voted yes✗ Jimmy JonesThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
Following an executive session regarding legal matters, Council voted to authorize the County Administrator to initiate condemnation actions as necessary to complete the Southern Loop Sewer Project. This project is a major infrastructure initiative that has already seen approximately $6 million in investment. The condemnation is specifically related to Phase 2A of the project, which is critical for utility planning and development in that area. Councilman Jimmy Jones cast the lone dissenting vote, maintaining his consistent stance against the use of condemnation on private property. The move ensures the project remains on schedule to expend allocated ARPA funds by the June 2026 deadline.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Amendments to Agenda and Adoption:
Council approved two agenda amendments regarding executive session items and the withdrawal of a zoning case.
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 adopt the agenda for the March 26 meeting after incorporating two specific amendments proposed by Councilman Brant Tomlinson. The first amendment added an additional executive session item concerning receipt of legal advice protected by attorney-client privilege. The second amendment removed the first reading of Case 24-07, a rezoning request for property on Ross Road, from the agenda. The removal of the zoning case occurred after the property owner requested to withdraw the application, a decision met with support from residents who had gathered to oppose the high-density residential development. The agenda, as amended, was adopted unanimously by the six members present, with Councilman Derek Shoemake absent.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Minutes Approval (Special Budget Retreats and March 12):
Council approved minutes from the February 1, February 3, and March 12, 2024, meetings.
Taxes & budget
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 members reviewed and approved the official minutes from three prior meetings. The minutes for the February 1 and February 3 budget retreat sessions were approved by participating members, with various council members abstaining due to their absence from those specific dates. The minutes for the regular meeting held on March 12, 2024, were also approved. These minutes serve as the formal record of legislative actions, attendance, and discussions for the county council's public record.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Membership Provisions for Clean Community Commission (1st Reading):
Council approved an ordinance adding two at-large members to the Clean Community Commission.
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 first reading of an ordinance to expand the Kershaw County Clean Community Commission from nine to eleven members. The amendment addresses a lack of representation for the town of Bethune and ensures better coverage across all county districts. During the meeting, Councilwoman and Chairwoman Katie Guinn successfully proposed an amendment to the structure of these new positions, ensuring the Chairman of the Council receives one of the at-large nominations. This ensures the commission remains representative while providing additional volunteer capacity for litter and community improvement initiatives. The ordinance passed unanimously, with the structural adjustment integrated into the proposal.
PASSED (Unanimous, 6-0). Council also amended the ordinance to allocate one of the new at-large positions specifically to the Chairman
CASE 24-05 - Zoning Text Amendment for Residential Dwelling Densities (3rd Reading):
Council finalized a zoning text amendment to clarify dwelling density distinctions between residential types.
DevelopmentHousing
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 passed the third and final reading of a zoning text amendment for Case 24-05. This measure amends the Kershaw County Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations, specifically section 3:1.3 and Table 3-4. The purpose of the ordinance is to provide greater clarity regarding the distinction in maximum allowed residential dwelling densities for single-family versus multi-family and apartment developments. The amendment is largely clerical in nature, intended to streamline the zoning table for better utility by county staff and developers. With no changes made since the first and second readings, the measure was passed unanimously.
PASSED (Unanimous)
CASE 24-06 - Rezone property on Mill Creek Trace (1st Reading):
Council approved the first reading of a rezoning request for a manufactured home placement.
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 approved the first reading of Case 24-06 to rezone approximately 4.9 acres on Mill Creek Trace from R-15 (Low Density Residential) to RD-2 (Rural Resource). The applicants, Joe and Cindy Smith, requested the change to allow for the placement of a manufactured home on the property. Staff noted that while conditional zoning is not permitted in South Carolina, the small size of the parcel and limited road frontage effectively prevent further large-scale subdivision or development. The request was supported by the Planning Commission and approved by Council as a means to accommodate the property owner's request for residential use.
PASSED (Unanimous)
CASE 24-08 - Rezone property on Smyrna Road (1st Reading):
Council approved the first reading of a rezoning request to permit a manufactured home.
DevelopmentRoads
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 first reading of Case 24-08, which rezones approximately 6.38 acres at 1147 Smyrna Road from MRD-1 (Rural Resource) to RD-2 (Rural Resource). The applicant, Andrew Collins, requested the rezoning to place a single-wide manufactured home on the property as his primary residence. Because the current MRD-1 district only permits double-wide units, the rezoning was necessary for his specific housing plan. Staff confirmed that the property's configuration limits the potential for future high-density development, such as mobile home parks, satisfying concerns about over-development. The Planning Commission had previously forwarded a unanimous recommendation for approval.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Case 24-10 - SCAPA Pavement Standards for Road Design (1st Reading):
Council approved an ordinance updating county road design standards to meet 20-year lifespan requirements.
Roads
Yes 4 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ 4 members voted yes✗ Jimmy JonesThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
Council approved the first reading of Case 24-10, an ordinance updating road construction standards for all roads dedicated to public maintenance. The amendment removes Table 5-10 from the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations and replaces it with design criteria from the South Carolina Asphalt Pavement Association (SCAPA). The change aims to ensure roads are built with a 20-year design life, preventing the county from prematurely incurring the high costs of maintaining or reconstructing failing infrastructure. County Administrator Danny Templar noted that current standards have led to subpar road performance in recent subdivisions. While Councilman Jimmy Jones voted against the measure citing concerns over bureaucracy, the majority supported the move to increase road durability and reduce long-term taxpayer burden.
PASSED For 4 · Against 1. This ordinance amends road design standards to align with South Carolina Asphalt Pavement Association (SCAPA) criteria to ensure 20-year roadway lifespans
Authorize Condemnation for Southern Loop Sewer Project:
Council authorized the County Administrator to initiate condemnation for the Southern Loop Sewer Project.
Water & sewer
Yes 5 · No 1
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detailsless
How they voted
✓ 5 members voted yes✗ Jimmy JonesThe official minutes recorded this vote as a count without listing each member by name.
What this was about
Following an executive session regarding legal matters, Council voted to authorize the County Administrator to initiate condemnation actions as necessary to complete the Southern Loop Sewer Project. This project is a major infrastructure initiative that has already seen approximately $6 million in investment. The condemnation is specifically related to Phase 2A of the project, which is critical for utility planning and development in that area. Councilman Jimmy Jones cast the lone dissenting vote, maintaining his consistent stance against the use of condemnation on private property. The move ensures the project remains on schedule to expend allocated ARPA funds by the June 2026 deadline.
PASSED For 5 · Against 1
Routine Business (Executive Session, Adjournment):
Council held an executive session for legal advice and adjourned the meeting.
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 entered executive session to receive legal advice regarding potential claims and lawsuits under the attorney-client privilege. After returning to open session, no votes were taken on the matters discussed, though a subsequent vote was held regarding the sewer project. The meeting concluded at 9:25 p.m. with a unanimous vote to adjourn.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Boat Ramp Paving: Council reviewed cost estimates for proposed boat ramp improvements. The Administrator was directed to solicit bids for both gravel and asphalt options for discussion at the April 9 meeting.
- Equine Advisory Council: Council members discussed the potential formation of a joint city-county equine advisory committee to address local development and preservation.
- Public Infrastructure Requests: Council directed the Administrator to follow up on traffic and safety concerns at the intersection of Highway 1 and Ross Road, as well as the bridge repair status at Wildwood Lane.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Eighteen residents addressed the Council. Comments focused on concerns regarding traffic safety, the environmental impact of local development projects, and the enforcement of stop-work orders on residential construction sites. Several speakers expressed appreciation for the withdrawal of a requested rezoning application (Case 24-07) on Ross Road. Other topics included the Columbia Fisher House support services for veterans and concerns regarding the county's new litter ordinance.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Next Council Meeting: April 9, 2024.
- Pending Items: Second reading of zoning cases 24-06, 24-08, and 24-10; review of boat ramp construction bids.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.