How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

This routine business serves to organize the meeting and recognize significant community figures. The Council issued a formal proclamation honoring the life and legacy of Hugh Melvin Mel Pearson, who served as the City of Camden’s City Manager from 2012 to 2022. Pearson was remembered for his visionary leadership, particularly his work on the Revolutionary War Museum, city infrastructure projects, and his efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council also voted to approve the minutes from the June 17, 2025, regular meeting, ensuring the official record of county legislative actions remains accurate and transparent for the public. These procedural steps are necessary to maintain the legal and historical integrity of the council's operations and to pay proper tribute to individuals who have made substantial contributions to the Kershaw County community.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

The Council advanced the first reading of an ordinance to amend the existing agreement for the Joint Industrial and Business Park between Kershaw and Lee counties. This measure allows for the expansion of the park to include additional parcels of property located within Kershaw County. These joint parks are a standard economic development tool in South Carolina, enabling counties to pool resources and offer incentives to businesses to stimulate job growth and expand the tax base. By adding more land to the park designation, the county positions itself to attract new commercial or industrial investments. This is the first of several required readings, meaning the proposal will return to the Council for further deliberation and a final vote at a future meeting before it officially goes into effect.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

The Council approved the second reading of an ordinance authorizing the sale and conveyance of 1.76 acres of county-owned property at 205 Sumter Highway. The parcel is being sold to the American Battlefield Trust, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving historic sites across the country. This site is commonly referred to as the Dominion property. During the proceedings, officials noted that the proceeds generated from this land sale will be allocated toward the renovation of another property recently acquired by the county. This transaction effectively moves a piece of government-owned land back into a preservation-focused ownership while generating capital for other local facility improvements. With the second reading complete, the ordinance moves closer to final adoption, marking a strategic shift in the county's real estate portfolio and asset management.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

Council approved the second reading of an ordinance to establish development impact fees for new construction in unincorporated areas of Kershaw County. These fees are designed to ensure that new development helps cover the costs of the increased infrastructure and capital improvements required to support growth. The ordinance was amended during the meeting to officially codify these fees within Chapter 6 of the County Code of Ordinances, ensuring legal clarity. The proposal aligns with the South Carolina Development Impact Fee Act and is based on a capital improvements plan vetted by the Planning Commission. By implementing these fees, the county aims to manage the financial burden that residential and commercial growth places on public services. The Council is expected to finalize the implementation dates and address final policy details at the upcoming third reading.

Who said what

» Councilman Sammie Tucker, Jr.: Requested that staff have the active dates for the new fees prepared by the time of the third reading.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

Council granted final approval to a Special Source Revenue Credit (SSRC) agreement for ECM Asset Management LLC and Eurocharm America LLC, collectively identified as Project NAM. This agreement provides infrastructure credits to the companies to support the establishment or expansion of local facilities. The project is specifically certified as a textile mill site under the South Carolina Textile Communities Revitalization Act, which provides incentives for redevelopment. Economic Development Director Jeff Burgess confirmed that this expansion is expected to bring 50 new jobs to Kershaw County. These financial incentives are a standard component of the county's economic development strategy, intended to offset the cost of necessary facility infrastructure in exchange for private sector investment and job creation. The measure passed unanimously, cementing the county's support for the project's growth within the local industrial sector.

Who said what

» Jeff Burgess, Economic Development Director: Informed the Council that Project NAM plans to bring 50 jobs to Kershaw County.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

The Council voted to send proposed changes to Sections 6:2.2-1 and 6:2.2-2 of the County Code to the Planning Commission. The amendments are aimed at bringing local ordinances into better alignment with state statutes. Specifically, the changes address notification requirements for public hearings. Under the current local rules, the county requires a 30-day notice for certain actions, but state law allows for a 15-day notice for specific text amendments that do not impact land use. This change will provide the county with more flexibility in scheduling public notices, particularly given changes in the local newspaper's publication schedule. The Planning Commission has up to 30 days to review the proposal and provide a recommendation to the Council. Once the commission completes its review, the ordinance will return to the Council for a formal vote to adopt the changes.

Who said what

» Councilman Derek Shoemake: Explained that these changes bring the county into compliance with state statutes regarding notice periods and internal code consistency.

How they voted - unanimous

What this was about

The Council voted to defer two items scheduled for executive session, labeled 15A and 15B, to the July 22 meeting. These items involve the receipt of legal advice related to pending, threatened, or potential claims, which are protected under the attorney-client privilege of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. The deferral was necessitated by the absence of several council members, including Vice-Chairman Russell Brazell and Councilman Jimmy Jones. Chairman Ben Connell determined it was in the best interest of the Council to hold these discussions only when a broader group of members could be present, ensuring that everyone involved is fully briefed on the sensitive information being shared. Deferring these topics until the next meeting ensures that the Council can maintain a quorum and informed decision-making for ongoing legal matters.