The headline
Council approved a $2.8 million revitalization project for Woodward Park, selecting a local contractor for the work. The project, which also includes a new turn lane funded by the County Transportation Committee, aims to enhance recreational facilities in the area while utilizing local business expertise.
Bid Award for Woodward Park Improvements to Kershaw Builders:
Council awarded the construction contract for Woodward Park improvements to local contractor Kershaw Builders.
Parks & rec
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 award the $2.8 million revitalization project for Woodward Park to Kershaw Builders. By utilizing a local preference policy allowed under state law, Council was able to select a local firm that submitted a competitive bid. The project includes significant recreational upgrades and a new turn lane funded by the County Transportation Committee. Council members emphasized that this project has been a multi-year effort involving partnerships with the Health Services District and MUSC. Construction is expected to proceed soon, and the project is currently tracking under the initial budget estimates.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Agenda Amendment to remove three items:
Council voted to move two airport-related items and one member-specific item to a later date.
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 voted to remove a public hearing and a first reading regarding the Airport Overlay District (AOD) from the night's agenda, rescheduling them for the January 28 meeting. The move allows staff more time to gather feedback from the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission and create less restrictive maps for public review. Additionally, Council removed an item at the request of Councilman Jimmy Jones, who was absent due to illness. This procedural change ensures Council has complete information and necessary participation before deliberating on significant zoning changes that affect property owners near the airport. The meeting proceeded with the remaining agenda items following this amendment.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Proclamation for North Central High School Volleyball Team:
Council honored the North Central High School volleyball teams for their 2024 regional and state championships.
Schools
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 ceremonial item recognized the exceptional athletic success of the North Central High School girls' volleyball program. The Council celebrated the varsity team for achieving a 33-0-1 season record and winning the 2024 AA State Championship, as well as the JV team for their undefeated season. Councilman Danny Catoe presented the proclamation, highlighting the long-term dedication of head coach Andy Johnson and assistant coach Nikki Gainey. The recognition serves to celebrate local student-athletes and the supportive community and family network that facilitates their success. Council members commended the teams for their hard work, discipline, and representation of Kershaw County.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Approval of December 10, 2024, Meeting Minutes:
Council formally approved the minutes from the regular meeting held on December 10, 2024.
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 is a routine administrative measure to ensure the official record of the previous meeting is accurate. The minutes serve as the legal documentation of Council's actions, motions, and discussions from the December session, which included an audit presentation and various zoning discussions. Approval confirms that the Clerk to Council recorded the proceedings correctly.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Resolution Establishing 2025 Council Meeting Dates:
Council approved the schedule of regular meeting dates for the 2025 calendar year.
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 sets the dates for Kershaw County Council's regular meetings, which typically occur on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Public notice is required to ensure transparency and allow citizens to plan for attendance. While the schedule includes dates that fall on holidays, Council noted they will revisit and adjust those specific dates as they approach later in the year.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Bid Award for Woodward Park Improvements to Kershaw Builders:
Council awarded the construction contract for Woodward Park improvements to local contractor Kershaw Builders.
Parks & rec
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 voted to award the $2.8 million revitalization project for Woodward Park to Kershaw Builders. By utilizing a local preference policy allowed under state law, Council was able to select a local firm that submitted a competitive bid. The project includes significant recreational upgrades and a new turn lane funded by the County Transportation Committee. Council members emphasized that this project has been a multi-year effort involving partnerships with the Health Services District and MUSC. Construction is expected to proceed soon, and the project is currently tracking under the initial budget estimates.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Bid Award for Landfill Yard Waste Grinding to Lee County Composting and Recycling:
Council approved a $130,000 contract for grinding yard waste at the county landfill.
Environment
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 contract award addresses a mandatory maintenance task at the Kershaw County landfill. The project requires a specialized contractor to process an estimated 45,000 cubic yards of debris, which is necessary for managing landfill volume and meeting state environmental requirements. Staff recommended Lee County Composting and Recycling, LLC, at a cost of $130,000, which aligns with the budgeted allocation for yard waste disposal.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Authorization for Irish Fest 2025 at the County Airport:
Council authorized the use of the county airport as the venue for the 2025 Irish Fest.
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
Due to outgrowing its previous location at Historic Camden, the organizers of the annual Irish Fest requested to move the event to the Kershaw County Airport. Council authorized this move, noting the economic and community benefit of the popular event. The organizers have agreed to provide necessary insurance coverage, including naming the county as an additional insured party, to address safety and liability concerns associated with a large-scale public event on county property.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Reappointment of Finance Committee members:
Council voted to reappoint the existing members to the Finance Committee for another two-year term.
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
This vote confirms the continuation of the current Finance Committee members. Councilman Danny Catoe made the motion to keep the existing slate, ensuring continuity for the committee's work in overseeing county budget processes, fee structures, and financial reports. Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. will continue to serve as the committee chair.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Appointment of Steve Henderson to Charlotte Water (IBT) Stakeholder Advisory Group:
Council appointed local resident Steve Henderson to represent the county on the Charlotte Water advisory committee.
Water & sewerAppointments
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 appointed Steve Henderson to represent Kershaw County on the Charlotte Water Interbasin Transfer (IBT) Stakeholder Advisory Group. Henderson, a resident with a long history of involvement with Lake Wateree, sought the position to advocate for the lake's water quality. The committee addresses concerns regarding water withdrawals from the Catawba River Basin. Council members expressed strong support for the appointment, highlighting Henderson's professional background and his commitment to protecting local water resources for future generations.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Council discussed the Airport Overlay District (AOD) regulations, confirming that the initial public hearing and first reading were removed from the agenda to allow for further revisions based on community feedback. Multiple council members addressed the concerns of equine property owners, emphasizing that preserving the horse industry remains a priority as they work toward a balanced ordinance. Council also received a report from the Finance Committee regarding new fee structures for airport hangars and an update on the ongoing county-wide stormwater study.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Seven speakers addressed the council. Public concerns centered on the proposed Airport Overlay District, with residents questioning the need for new regulations, requesting cost-benefit analyses for airport capital expenditures, and raising concerns about potential impacts on equestrian property rights and the fairness of non-conforming use clauses. Other speakers thanked the council for recent transparency efforts regarding the AOD, discussed the importance of the Woodward Park project, and registered an objection to the county's existing litter ordinance.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
- Public Hearing and First Reading (AOD): Rescheduled for the next council meeting on January 28, 2025.
- Budgetary Procedures: Council will begin the 2025-2026 budget process, including review of contributory agency requests.
- Budget Meeting Schedule: Expected to be finalized and presented by the end of February.
Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.