Council approved naming the Veterans Park Boat Ramp as the Medal of Honor Boat Ramp
The decision serves to honor the four Kershaw County residents who have received the nation's highest military decoration. Council also approved a move to regulate the sale of hemp-derived and synthetic cannabinoid products by referring a new text amendment to the Planning Commission.
11 votes11 passed
The vote behind the headline
Naming Veterans Park Boat Ramp as the Medal of Honor Boat Ramp:The Veterans Park boat ramp was renamed the Medal of Honor Boat Ramp to honor local recipients.Parks & recVeterans
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
Kershaw County Council voted unanimously to rename the Veterans Park boat ramp to the Medal of Honor Boat Ramp. This naming initiative recognizes the four Kershaw County residents who have received the nation's highest military honor: Sergeant Richard H. Hilton, Corporal John C. Villapigu, Corporal Donald L. Truesdell, and Sergeant Major Thomas Patrick Payne. Chairman Ben Connell noted that the site is historically significant, having served as the location for a major World War II parachute training drop. The renaming aims to serve as a tribute to these individuals and to provide educational value to the public using this highly utilized recreational asset. Council members expressed strong support for the measure, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans.
Amendment to add public presentation on MASC annual report:Council approved an agenda amendment to allow a public presentation regarding the MASC annual report.
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
Following a procedural mix-up, Chairman Ben Connell moved to amend the meeting agenda to include a public presentation on the Municipal Association of South Carolina (MASC) annual report by David Adams. This item was added to the agenda to provide Council and the public with updated information on the status of health services and infrastructure investments within the county. The motion to amend the agenda passed with a 6-0 vote. This addition allowed the presenter to address the Council during the public presentations portion of the meeting to provide a progress report on hospital services and healthcare outreach programs. No further action was taken on this item other than the approval of the amendment itself, ensuring the topic could be discussed openly during the meeting session.
Naming Veterans Park Boat Ramp as the Medal of Honor Boat Ramp:The Veterans Park boat ramp was renamed the Medal of Honor Boat Ramp to honor local recipients.Parks & recVeterans
Yes 6 · No 0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
Kershaw County Council voted unanimously to rename the Veterans Park boat ramp to the Medal of Honor Boat Ramp. This naming initiative recognizes the four Kershaw County residents who have received the nation's highest military honor: Sergeant Richard H. Hilton, Corporal John C. Villapigu, Corporal Donald L. Truesdell, and Sergeant Major Thomas Patrick Payne. Chairman Ben Connell noted that the site is historically significant, having served as the location for a major World War II parachute training drop. The renaming aims to serve as a tribute to these individuals and to provide educational value to the public using this highly utilized recreational asset. Council members expressed strong support for the measure, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by veterans.
Exit executive session:Council voted to conclude the executive session and return to the public meeting.
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
What this was about
After discussing legal and personnel matters behind closed doors, the Council voted 6-0 to exit the executive session. This procedural vote allowed the council members to reconvene in the public chambers to take official action on items discussed during the session, as required by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
Referral of ZLDR text amendment regarding synthetic cannabinoid products to Planning Commission:Council referred a new text amendment regulating the sale of hemp-derived products to the Planning Commission.Development
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
What this was about
Council voted 6-0 to refer a proposed ZLDR (Zoning and Land Development Regulations) text amendment to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation. This amendment seeks to establish location, separation, and operational restrictions on retail establishments that sell hemp-derived or synthetic cannabinoid products. The initiative was championed by Vice Chairman Russell Brazell, who noted that current regulations lack sufficient safeguards regarding the potency of these products and access by minors. By referring the matter to the Planning Commission, the county follows the standard legislative process for zoning changes, allowing for a professional study of the potential impact before the council takes final action.
Authorization to enter DES consent order regarding Wastewater Treatment Plant:Council authorized the Administrator to enter into a consent order with the state regarding the wastewater plant.Water & sewer
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
What this was about
Following an executive session, the Council voted 6-0 to authorize the County Administrator to execute a consent order with the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (DES) regarding the Kershaw County Wastewater Treatment Plant. This legal measure is intended to address specific regulatory compliance requirements and ensure the facility operates in accordance with state environmental standards. By entering the consent order, the county commits to a structured plan to improve system operations and resolve previous findings, thereby moving the plant toward full compliance while avoiding further litigation or escalated penalties.
Reappointment of Kayci Brazell to Library Board (District 5):Council reappointed Kayci Brazell to the Library Board for District 5.Parks & recAppointments
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
Councilman Brant Tomlinson nominated Kayci Brazell for reappointment to the Kershaw County Library Board, citing her excellent performance during her previous term. The vote was unanimous at 6-0. The library board plays a vital role in overseeing community literacy and information services, and council members expressed strong approval for her continued service to the county.
Reappointment of Jac Carrington to Recreation Advisory Commission (District 5):Council reappointed Jac Carrington to the Recreation Advisory Commission for District 5.Parks & recAppointments
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
Councilman Brant Tomlinson moved to reappoint Jac Carrington to the Recreation Advisory Commission, representing District 5. The motion passed unanimously 6-0. Council members highlighted Mr. Carrington's personal dedication to local recreation projects, noting that he frequently volunteers his time to maintain and improve the athletic fields, reflecting his passion for the community's youth.
Reappointment of Kevin Culp to Recreation Advisory Commission (At Large):Council reappointed Kevin Culp to an at-large seat on the Recreation Advisory Commission.Parks & recAppointments
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
Chairman Ben Connell moved to reappoint Kevin Culp to the At-Large seat on the Recreation Advisory Commission. The vote was 6-0 in favor. Council members praised Culp for his commitment to the county's recent recreational facility upgrades and his persistent advocacy for maintaining the county's infrastructure to ensure a high quality of service for residents.
Reappointment of Allan Judy to Recreation Advisory Commission (District 4):Council reappointed Allan Judy to the Recreation Advisory Commission for District 4.Parks & recAppointments
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
Councilman Jimmy Jones moved to reappoint Allan Judy to the Recreation Advisory Commission, representing District 4. The motion passed with a 6-0 vote. Council members lauded Judy for his deep history of involvement in youth recreation and his fiscally conservative approach to county government spending, which they noted provides important balance to the commission.
Third Reading: Rezoning 1306 Skyview Drive to B-2 (General Business):Council approved the final reading of an ordinance to rezone 1306 Skyview Drive to B-2.Development
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
What this was about
Council voted 6-0 to approve the third and final reading of an ordinance to rezone a 0.50-acre parcel at 1306 Skyview Drive from R-10 (Medium Density Residential) to B-2 (General Business). The property is owned by Second Chance Fellowship and intended for church facility expansion and community outreach services. The Planning Commission previously recommended approval by a 6-0 vote. Council members expressed strong support for the church's mission during deliberations, noting the value of the services provided by the organization to the homeless and community members in need. The change in zoning allows the church to align the property's legal status with its current operational use.
Yard-Waste Grinding Service at Landfill (Award to State Tree Service):Council awarded a $140,000 contract to State Tree Service for yard-waste grinding at the landfill.Environment
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
What this was about
Council voted 6-0 to award a one-time contract of $140,000 to State Tree Service Inc. for yard-waste grinding services at the county landfill. The project covers an estimated 30,000 cubic yards of debris. The award was recommended by staff after the company submitted the lowest bid among three qualified responses. The grinding service is an annual maintenance requirement to satisfy state environmental standards for the class B landfill and to manage debris capacity. While some members suggested looking into future opportunities to turn these wood chips into a revenue-generating commodity, the council opted to proceed with the contract to ensure timely maintenance of the site.
Council discussed the current permitting requirements for residential picnic shelters and pole barns.
Members noted the process is often too burdensome for residents, and staff was directed to compile FAQs and research potential regulatory balance for a future meeting in 2026.
Public comment▸showhide
One resident, Isaac McCaskill, addressed the council regarding a property tax dispute, stating that the county incorrectly placed a seizure sign on his property despite his taxes being paid.
Chairman Connell requested that he leave contact information for further follow-up.
Coming up▸showhide
The next council meeting is scheduled for December 9, 2025. Future agenda items include Planning Commission appointments from Councilmen Tomlinson and Shoemake.
independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.
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). Rely on the official county record for anything important.
