Kershaw County Council Recap KERSHAW COUNTY COUNCIL RECAP Kershaw County, South Carolina Latest issueArchiveCounty mapProjectsCouncilRoadmapFeedbackSubscribeAbout
Meeting Recap
November 18, 2025
In 30 seconds  9 votes · 9 passed
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The headline

Council moved forward with a text amendment to regulate businesses selling hemp-derived and synthetic cannabinoid products. Members expressed concern regarding the safety of these products for minors and authorized the Planning Commission to review potential zoning restrictions.

Referral of Cannabinoid Product Zoning Amendment to Planning Commission: Council referred a proposed zoning amendment restricting hemp-derived cannabinoid sales to the Planning Commission. Development
   Unanimous · 7-0
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
What this was about
Council voted unanimously to refer a proposed ordinance to the Kershaw County Planning Commission to establish zoning regulations for retail businesses selling hemp-derived and synthetic cannabinoid products. The draft ordinance proposes adding Section 3.3.29 and amending Table 3-3 of the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations, making high-potency hemp sales a conditional use subject to location, separation, and operational limits. Council members highlighted concerns regarding loophole products under federal farm legislation that allow potent THC liquids and gummies to be sold without age restrictions or zoning controls near minors. The referral instructs the Planning Commission to review the draft text, hold required public review, and return formal recommendations back to County Council. If recommended and enacted through three ordinance readings, the rules would establish spatial separation requirements and conditional zoning districts for retailers selling these substances.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Votes at a glance tap to showtap to hide
Rezoning 1306 Skyview Drive from R-10 to B-2 (3rd Reading): Council gave final approval to rezone half an acre on Skyview Drive to general business. Development
   Unanimous · 7-0
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
What this was about
This ordinance gives final third reading approval to rezone a 0.50-acre parcel located at 1306 Skyview Drive in Camden from R-10 Medium Density Residential District to B-2 General Business District. The property is owned by Second Chance Fellowship, led by Pastor Marvin Jones. Reclassification to general business zoning allows the church to expand its outreach facilities, continue partnership services for homeless individuals with United Way, and satisfy insurance and regulatory compliance requirements. The Kershaw County Planning Commission held a public hearing on September 11, 2025, and voted 6-0 to recommend approval. Council previously passed first reading on September 23, 2025, and second reading on October 14, 2025, both by unanimous votes. With this final unanimous vote on third reading, the official zoning map amendment takes effect immediately.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Yard-Waste Grinding Service at Landfill (Bid Award): State Tree Service Inc. was awarded a $140,000 contract for landfill yard-waste grinding. Environment
   Unanimous · 7-0
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
What this was about
County Council approved awarding Bid 25-213-02 for annual yard-waste grinding services at the county landfill to State Tree Service Inc. of Sumter for $140,000. The contract provides a one-time lump-sum grinding service for an estimated 30,000 cubic yards of organic yard debris accumulated at the Class B landfill facility. Four bids were submitted, ranging from $140,000 to $275,000, with staff recommending the lowest responsive bid against an allocated budget line item of $180,000. Council members discussed potential future opportunities to monetize wood waste by selling ground chips to industrial processors for boiler fuel or plastic composite manufacturing. Grinding reduces debris volume, maintains compliance with Department of Environmental Services standards, and creates operational capacity at the landfill. The vote passed unanimously, authorizing the county administrator to proceed with executing the contract.

PASSED (Unanimous). The bid was awarded to State Tree Service Inc. for $140,000

Naming Veteran Park Boat Ramp "Medal of Honor Boat Ramp": Council voted unanimously to name the boat ramp at Veterans Park after Medal of Honor recipients. Parks & recVeterans
   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 Catoe
What this was about
Council voted unanimously to officially name the new boat ramp facility at Veterans Park the Medal of Honor Boat Ramp. Chairman Ben Connell highlighted that Kershaw County shares the top spot in South Carolina for Medal of Honor recipients, honoring Sergeant Richard H. Hilton, Corporal John C. Villepigue, Corporal Donald L. Truesdell, and Sergeant Major Thomas Patrick Payne. The park facility serves as a major public access point on the Wateree River and possesses rich military heritage, including historic airborne training drops during World War II. Council members emphasized that naming the ramp honors all military personnel and noted the importance of maintaining the site to a high standard. A planned commemorative plaque will display the names of local recipients alongside space for future honorees. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the boat ramp facility was scheduled for the following morning.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Reappointment of Kayci Brazell to the Library Board (District 5): Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Kayci Brazell to serve on the Library Board. Parks & recAppointments
   Unanimous · 7-0
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
What this was about
Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Kayci Brazell to represent District 5 on the Kershaw County Library Board. Nominated by Councilman Brant Tomlinson, Brazell will continue her board service supporting library governance, community programming, and county library resources. Vice Chairman Russell Brazell recused himself from discussion and voting on the appointment due to their family relationship.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Reappointment of Jac Carrington to the Recreation Advisory Commission (District 5): Jac Carrington was reappointed to represent District 5 on the Recreation Advisory Commission. Parks & recAppointments
   Unanimous · 7-0
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
What this was about
Council voted unanimously to reappoint Jac Carrington to represent District 5 on the Kershaw County Recreation Advisory Commission. Nominated by Councilman Brant Tomlinson, Carrington has been active in supporting local youth sports, volunteer facility upkeep, and ongoing park improvements at sites such as Larry Doby Park and KC West. His reappointment extends his advisory service on county recreation projects and department oversight.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Reappointment of Kevin Culp to the Recreation Advisory Commission (At Large): Kevin Culp was reappointed to an at-large seat on the Recreation Advisory Commission. Parks & recAppointments
   Unanimous · 7-0
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
What this was about
Council unanimously approved the reappointment of Kevin Culp to an at-large seat on the Kershaw County Recreation Advisory Commission. Nominated by Chairman Ben Connell, Culp has served on the commission during a period of major capital investments, advocating for proper facility maintenance and field upgrades across county parks. His reappointment ensures continued guidance as several capital recreation projects near completion.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Reappointment of Allan Judy to the Recreation Advisory Commission (District 4): Allan Judy was reappointed to represent District 4 on the Recreation Advisory Commission. Parks & recAppointments
   Unanimous · 7-0
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
What this was about
Council voted unanimously to reappoint Allan Judy to represent District 4 on the Kershaw County Recreation Advisory Commission. Nominated by Councilman Jimmy Jones, Judy brings extensive experience in local youth sports and community recreation. Council members commended his fiscal oversight and dedication during the planning and execution of county park improvements, including Woodward Park.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Referral of Cannabinoid Product Zoning Amendment to Planning Commission: Council referred a proposed zoning amendment restricting hemp-derived cannabinoid sales to the Planning Commission. Development
   Unanimous · 7-0
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
What this was about
Council voted unanimously to refer a proposed ordinance to the Kershaw County Planning Commission to establish zoning regulations for retail businesses selling hemp-derived and synthetic cannabinoid products. The draft ordinance proposes adding Section 3.3.29 and amending Table 3-3 of the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations, making high-potency hemp sales a conditional use subject to location, separation, and operational limits. Council members highlighted concerns regarding loophole products under federal farm legislation that allow potent THC liquids and gummies to be sold without age restrictions or zoning controls near minors. The referral instructs the Planning Commission to review the draft text, hold required public review, and return formal recommendations back to County Council. If recommended and enacted through three ordinance readings, the rules would establish spatial separation requirements and conditional zoning districts for retailers selling these substances.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Authorization to Enter DHEC Consent Order regarding Wastewater Treatment Plant: Council authorized the administrator to execute a consent order regarding the wastewater plant. Water & sewer
   Unanimous · 7-0
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
What this was about
Council voted unanimously following executive session to authorize County Administrator Danny Templar or his designee to execute and enter into a consent order with the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services regarding the Kershaw County Wastewater Treatment Plant. The consent order resolves administrative and regulatory compliance matters related to county wastewater plant operations under terms discussed in executive legal briefing. The authorization directs administrative staff to carry out required corrective action timelines and compliance steps specified in the state agreement. Entering into the agreement satisfies state environmental regulatory standards and provides a binding compliance pathway for county utility operations.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Discussed, no vote tap to showtap to hide
  • Regulation of Picnic Shelters and Pole Barns: Council discussed the current requirement for engineered drawings for residential structures and expressed interest in finding a more balanced approach to regulation that minimizes costs for residents without sacrificing safety.
  • MUSC Annual Report: A presentation was given on recent growth, including the addition of new healthcare providers and the planned medical residency program.
Public comment tap to showtap to hide

One resident, Isaac McKascal, addressed the council regarding a property tax matter, requesting that the county publicly acknowledge an error regarding a tax lien sign posted on his property.

Coming up tap to showtap to hide
  • December 9, 2025: Next County Council meeting.
  • Future Agenda: Planning Commission and Clean Community appointments are expected to be addressed at the December meeting.

Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.

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How this recap was made: Prepared from the meeting's live-stream transcript and the official agenda packet. The county's official minutes (the verified vote record) will be cross-checked automatically once the county publishes them, often a couple of months later. This is an automated summary written by software (a neural-network summarizer working from the documents above), not by a person, so please rely on the official county record for anything important.
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