The headline
Council advanced several key infrastructure and planning items, including the first reading of an updated Comprehensive Plan. The meeting also addressed concerns regarding inspection fee structures and approved a contract for road improvements.
First Reading of Ordinance to adopt an updated Comprehensive Plan (1st Reading):
Council passed the first reading of an ordinance to formally adopt the county's updated Comprehensive Plan.
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
The Comprehensive Plan is a vital policy document that guides the future development of Kershaw County, including land use, infrastructure, and zoning. This first reading, handled in title only, marks the beginning of the legislative process to finalize the plan following its unanimous approval by the Planning Commission the previous night. Councilman Derek Shoemake sponsored the motion, emphasizing that the document underwent extensive vetting and multiple public comment periods led by the Planning Commission. By moving forward now, the council aims to finalize the plan in time to facilitate necessary revisions to the county's zoning code during an existing development moratorium. This was the first of several required readings; the council will continue the process in the coming weeks to allow for any additional adjustments or public feedback before final adoption.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0 (Councilman B. Tomlinson absent)
Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Adoption of the agenda for September 9, 2025:
Council formally approved the meeting agenda for the September 9, 2025 session.
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This item is a routine procedural step required to begin the Kershaw County Council meeting. By adopting the agenda, the council establishes the formal order of business, ensuring all topics - ranging from legislative ordinances to public comments - are properly recognized for the public record. In this instance, the motion was made by Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. and seconded by Councilman Danny Catoe. The vote was 5-0, with Council members Jimmy Jones and Brant Tomlinson noted as absent at the start of the meeting. This process ensures compliance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, which requires notice of items to be discussed. No changes were proposed to the agenda, and its approval allowed the council to proceed immediately to public commentary and other scheduled business.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0 (Councilmen J. Jones and B. Tomlinson absent)
Approval of minutes for the August 26, 2025 regular meeting:
Council officially approved the minutes from the previous meeting held on August 26, 2025.
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
The approval of meeting minutes is a standard administrative requirement that guarantees the transparency and historical accuracy of the county's legislative record. These minutes serve as the primary legal document reflecting what transpired during the August 26, 2025 meeting, including all motions, votes, and directives issued by the board. Councilman Derek Shoemake moved for approval, with Vice-Chairman Russell Brazell providing the second. The council voted 5-0 in favor of the measure, while Councilman Brant Tomlinson remained absent during this specific vote. Once approved, the minutes become public record, held by the Clerk to Council, Hannah Parler. This verification process ensures that both citizens and staff have a reliable reference point for past policy decisions and council actions.
PASSED For 5 · Against 0 (Councilman B. Tomlinson absent)
First Reading of Ordinance to adopt an updated Comprehensive Plan (1st Reading):
Council passed the first reading of an ordinance to formally adopt the county's updated Comprehensive Plan.
Yes 6 · No 0
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detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy JonesWhat this was about
The Comprehensive Plan is a vital policy document that guides the future development of Kershaw County, including land use, infrastructure, and zoning. This first reading, handled in title only, marks the beginning of the legislative process to finalize the plan following its unanimous approval by the Planning Commission the previous night. Councilman Derek Shoemake sponsored the motion, emphasizing that the document underwent extensive vetting and multiple public comment periods led by the Planning Commission. By moving forward now, the council aims to finalize the plan in time to facilitate necessary revisions to the county's zoning code during an existing development moratorium. This was the first of several required readings; the council will continue the process in the coming weeks to allow for any additional adjustments or public feedback before final adoption.
PASSED For 6 · Against 0 (Councilman B. Tomlinson absent)
First Reading of Ordinance to create a joint multi-county business park with Lee County (1st Reading):
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance to add 'Project NAM' to the business park with Lee County.
Jobs & economyParks & rec
Yes 7 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant TomlinsonWhat this was about
This ordinance amends a joint multi-county business park agreement between Kershaw and Lee counties to incorporate 'Project NAM,' located at the former Kawashima building site. The agreement is a statutory mechanism that allows the county to offer economic development incentives, such as job tax credits and fee-in-lieu-of-tax arrangements, to attract industry. A notable change in this ordinance is the streamlining of the process for adding properties to the park; the non-sponsoring county will now only be required to pass a resolution rather than going through three full readings and a public hearing. Administrator Danny Templar explained that this adjustment prevents scheduling delays caused by differing meeting frequencies between the two counties. The measure passed 7-0, and the second reading is scheduled for September 23, 2025.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Second Reading of Ordinance to amend Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations Section 6:2.2-1 (2nd Reading):
Council advanced a zoning code amendment to clarify public hearing notice procedures and review timelines.
Development
Yes 7 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant TomlinsonWhat this was about
This ordinance amends Sections 6:2.2-1 and 6:2.2-2 of the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations. The changes are designed to better align local processes with South Carolina state statutes. Specifically, the amendment mandates a 30-day window for the Planning Commission to act on proposed text amendments; if no action is taken within that timeframe, the matter will move to the full Council for a vote. Additionally, the measure clarifies public hearing notice requirements to ensure consistent communication with residents. Councilman Derek Shoemake moved for approval, which passed with a unanimous 7-0 vote. This change is part of a broader effort to improve the efficiency of the planning department and clarify the responsibilities of both staff and elected officials during the development review process. The third reading is tentatively set for September 23, 2025.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Award of bid for Dr. Humphries and Mt. Olivet Road Improvements to Steed Clearing, Grading and Paving, LLC:
Council awarded a $429,349.64 contract to Steed Clearing, Grading and Paving for road improvements.
Roads
Yes 7 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant TomlinsonWhat this was about
This project involves essential infrastructure work near the Governor's Hill Industrial Park, specifically the replacement of three residential driveway culverts on Dr. Humphries Road and the milling, resurfacing, and striping of Mt. Olivet Road. Council awarded the contract to Steed Clearing, Grading and Paving, LLC, the lowest bidder at $429,349.64. Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. clarified that the funds for the project are being sourced from three distinct areas: Rural Development Grant (RDA) funds, Economic Development (ED) funds, and contributions from the County Transportation Committee (CTC). Council members expressed satisfaction that the bid came in under the initial $500,000 estimate. Administrator Danny Templar noted that the procurement department vetted all bidders to ensure quality and prevent future change orders, and the motion passed unanimously.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Who said what
» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: outlined the specific funding sources for the road project to ensure it did not draw from capital reserves ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: questioned why the winning bid was significantly lower than other estimates and emphasized the importance of vetting ▶︎
Acceptance of recommendations for Employee Relations Committee appointments:
Council appointed Meiko Reddick and Paul Christensen to the county Employee Relations Committee.
Appointments
Yes 7 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant TomlinsonWhat this was about
The Employee Relations Committee, formerly known as the Grievance Committee, is a vital body composed of county employees who review complaints regarding unfair or unlawful treatment in the workplace. To fill two vacancies, Administrator Danny Templar recommended the appointment of Meiko Reddick from Voter Registration and Paul Christensen from the GIS department. Their terms run through 2027 and 2028, respectively. Councilman Jimmy Jones moved to accept these appointments, and the Council voted 7-0 in favor. This committee serves as a crucial internal mechanism for ensuring that county personnel policies are applied equitably. Council members praised the committee's role in maintaining healthy workplace relations, and the appointments were finalized without further debate.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Motion to enter Executive Session:
Council moved into a private session to discuss legal and personnel matters.
Yes 7 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant TomlinsonWhat this was about
The council entered an Executive Session to discuss five specific items as allowed under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (Section 30-4-70). These items included multiple briefings on matters subject to attorney-client privilege and discussions regarding personnel and employment issues. By moving into a closed session, the council is permitted to receive candid legal advice and deliberate on sensitive personnel decisions away from the public eye. No formal votes were taken while in the session, and the council resumed the public meeting at 8:28 p.m. to proceed with the final adjournment. This process is standard practice when dealing with litigation strategy or private employee affairs.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Motion to come out of Executive Session:
Council officially ended the closed-door meeting to return to the public record.
Yes 7 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Russell Brazell✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant TomlinsonWhat this was about
After concluding their private discussions regarding legal and personnel matters, the council voted to exit the Executive Session and return to the public chamber at 8:28 p.m. No action or motions were taken as a result of the executive discussions before the council moved to finalize the night's proceedings. Returning to the public session is a requirement of the Freedom of Information Act, ensuring that all final decisions or business conducted by the council are done so in an open environment.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Motion to adjourn:
The council formally concluded the meeting at 8:29 p.m.
Yes 7 · No 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 meeting was brought to a close after a motion by Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. and a second by Councilman Danny Catoe. The unanimous vote concluded the September 9, 2025, legislative session. The next council meeting is tentatively scheduled for September 23, 2025, where the council will address the next readings for the ordinances discussed earlier in the evening.
PASSED For 7 · Against 0
Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Council engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding building inspection and reinspection fees. Councilman Russell Brazell raised concerns about the fairness and clarity of the progressive fee schedule, noting that some contractors were overcharged due to administrative miscommunication. Administrator Danny Templar confirmed that erroneous charges have been identified and are being refunded. The matter was referred to the Finance Committee for further review and clarification before returning to the full Council. Additionally, Councilman Brant Tomlinson requested staff research the process for the county to regain ownership of the historic golf course property in East Camden.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Three residents addressed the Council. Bryan McCarty spoke about public safety concerns and animal control issues in the Shepherd Acres neighborhood. Eve Carlin invited the Council to a Constitution Day event scheduled for September 13. A third speaker, identified as Mr. DeBose, urged the Council to include a historic equine overlay in the comprehensive plan to preserve the local horse industry.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
The next meeting and the next readings for the mentioned ordinances are tentatively scheduled for September 23, 2025.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.