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Meeting recap · January 13, 2026

Council member Jimmy Jones, a two-decade veteran of the County Council, announced he will not seek reelection when his term ends this year

Jones pledged to continue serving his District 4 constituents and protecting taxpayers for the remainder of his term, providing notice now to allow potential candidates ample time to file for the seat in March.

9 votes9 passed
The vote behind the headline

Resolution Commending SCDNR and Partners for Lynches River Log Jam Removal (1st Reading): Council honored state and private partners for successfully clearing a major four-year-old obstruction on the Lynches River.

   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 resolution formally commends the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), Global Eco Adventures, the South Carolina Office of Resilience, and J.A. Still and Robert Collins Construction Company for the successful removal of a large, long-standing log jam on the Lynches River. The obstruction had been in place for over four years, creating significant navigational, safety, and environmental hazards on a vital stretch of the river. The project involved a complex, coordinated effort that utilized the technical expertise and equipment of private partners alongside state agency support. Council members highlighted the physical difficulty of the operation, noting that teams worked in freezing temperatures to remove thousands of tons of debris. The successful removal has restored the river's natural flow and made the waterway navigable for anglers, paddlers, and wildlife, serving as a model for inter-agency and private-sector environmental stewardship in the county.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Votes at a glance ▸ showhide

Proclamation Establishing Kershaw Environmental Collaborative (1st Reading): Council established a pilot partnership with state environmental services to improve resource protection and local coordination. 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
This proclamation establishes the Kershaw Environmental Collaborative, a pilot partnership between Kershaw County and the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (DES). The collaborative is designed to foster cooperative problem-solving regarding watershed protection, stormwater management, and natural resource conservation rather than relying solely on enforcement or fines. This is the first partnership of its kind in South Carolina and aims to provide county staff with additional technical resources and state-level support. The proclamation emphasizes that protecting local waters, including Lake Wateree and the Wateree River, is vital to the county's economy and resident quality of life. The collaborative represents a commitment to sustainable practices while supporting responsible community growth. As a pilot program, the specific operational scope is being defined as the initiative moves forward, with Council members expressing hope that it will streamline environmental management and provide cost-saving efficiencies for the county.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Resolution Commending SCDNR and Partners for Lynches River Log Jam Removal (1st Reading): Council honored state and private partners for successfully clearing a major four-year-old obstruction on the Lynches River.

   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 resolution formally commends the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), Global Eco Adventures, the South Carolina Office of Resilience, and J.A. Still and Robert Collins Construction Company for the successful removal of a large, long-standing log jam on the Lynches River. The obstruction had been in place for over four years, creating significant navigational, safety, and environmental hazards on a vital stretch of the river. The project involved a complex, coordinated effort that utilized the technical expertise and equipment of private partners alongside state agency support. Council members highlighted the physical difficulty of the operation, noting that teams worked in freezing temperatures to remove thousands of tons of debris. The successful removal has restored the river's natural flow and made the waterway navigable for anglers, paddlers, and wildlife, serving as a model for inter-agency and private-sector environmental stewardship in the county.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Ordinance to Amend Zoning Map for 1187 Black River Road (1st Reading): Council approved the first reading to rezone approximately 16.68 acres to MRD-1 to allow for family-related residential expansion. DevelopmentRoads

   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 amends the official zoning map to rezone a 16.68-acre parcel at 1187 Black River Road from RD-1 (Rural Development) to MRD-1 (Rural Development). The request, submitted by owner Josiefene S. Wade, came before Council after receiving a unanimous favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission. The primary intent of the rezoning is to allow the property owner to replace an existing single-wide manufactured home with a double-wide unit and potentially place additional manufactured homes on the property for immediate family members. While the rezoning is a general-use change that permits all uses allowed in the MRD-1 district, the Planning Department confirmed the changes are minor and maintain the parcel's rural character. The Planning Commission found the request consistent with the county's comprehensive plan. Council members supported the measure as a way to provide flexibility for the property-owning family while noting that it does not significantly increase area density.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Ordinance to Amend Regulations for Public Boat Landings (1st Reading): Council moved to tighten regulations at county boat ramps to prevent loitering, substance use, and camping.

   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 amends Chapter 24 of the County Code of Ordinances to implement stricter regulations for the use of public boat landings. The measure addresses recurring issues identified at landings owned or maintained by the county or Duke Energy, including public intoxication, littering, illegal camping, loitering, and disorderly conduct. These behaviors have increasingly interfered with the intended use of these facilities for launching and retrieving watercraft. The ordinance establishes specific prohibited activities, such as open-flame grilling, operating all-terrain vehicles, and playing loud music, while also clarifying parking restrictions, such as prohibiting vehicles from remaining for more than 24 consecutive hours. Violations are classified as misdemeanors, carrying fines up to $500 or 30 days in jail. The ordinance authorizes the Sheriff’s Office and Code Enforcement to issue citations. Council members characterized the ordinance as a necessary step to protect public assets and ensure these areas remain safe and usable for the general public.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Ordinance to Restrict Sale of Nitrous Oxide and Kratom to Minors (1st Reading): Council moved to ban the sale of nitrous oxide and kratom to minors and implement retail storage requirements.

   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 prohibits the sale, distribution, and provision of nitrous oxide and kratom products to minors under the age of 18 within the unincorporated areas of Kershaw County. The measure also mandates that these products be stored behind a sales counter, in a locked display case, or in an area restricted to persons 18 and older. Retailers must also comply with new labeling requirements that warn against recreational use and health risks. Violations by retailers carry civil penalties of up to $1,000 for a first offense and $2,000 for subsequent violations. The ordinance was introduced following an educational presentation from the Alpha Center regarding the prevalence of unregulated substances in gas stations and vape shops. Council members expressed strong support, citing the danger these products pose to youth due to their psychoactive effects and the ease with which minors can mistake them for harmless energy drinks. The Sheriff's Office and Code Enforcement are authorized to enforce these provisions.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Ordinance to Amend Zoning Map for 209 Boulware Road (2nd Reading): Council approved the second reading to rezone 4.18 acres in Lugoff to General Business (B-2). DevelopmentRoads

   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 rezones a 4.18-acre parcel located at 209 Boulware Road in Lugoff from GD (General Development) to B-2 (General Business). The property, owned by the Estate of Betty Sue Upchurch, is currently adjacent to three other parcels owned by the same estate that are already zoned B-2. The request is intended to align the parcel's zoning with the existing commercial status of the surrounding estate-owned land. During the Planning Commission process, staff noted that while this is a general-use rezoning, it is appropriate given the surrounding land use and the Lugoff Focus Area’s designation as a priority commercial growth area. No specific development plans were submitted with the request, but the rezoning will allow for a range of commercial uses permitted under the B-2 classification. Council members previously discussed the request as a logical alignment of zoning districts and moved it forward for a second reading.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Ordinance to Establish Regulations for Golf Cart Operation (2nd Reading): Council passed the second reading of an ordinance allowing the operation of golf carts after dark. Parks & rec

   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 establishes local regulations for the operation of golf carts on public highways in the unincorporated areas of Kershaw County, in accordance with Section 56-2-90 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. The state law provides a framework for golf cart usage, and this ordinance exercises the county's authority to expand the permitted hours of operation. Under the proposed rules, golf carts may be operated at night provided they are equipped with functional headlights and taillights that meet Department of Motor Vehicles standards. Operation remains restricted to highways with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less. All operators must still adhere to state requirements regarding driver licensing, insurance, and seat belt usage for children under 12. Council members noted that this ordinance effectively provides a localized framework that permits residents greater flexibility in golf cart use while maintaining necessary safety standards and compliance with state law.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Reappointment of Robert Horton to Planning Commission (District 2): Council unanimously reappointed Robert Horton to the Planning Commission to continue serving District 2. DevelopmentAppointments

   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 Robert Horton to the Kershaw County Planning Commission. Representing District 2, Mr. Horton has previously served a full term on the commission and was praised by Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. for his balanced and reasonable approach to land-use decisions. Members expressed their appreciation for his willingness to volunteer his time and continue serving the county, noting his contributions to the commission's work, including his participation in the Smart Growth committee. His reappointment ensures continuity on the commission as it continues to navigate development and zoning requests.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Budget Work Session and Retreat Dates (1st Reading): Council approved the upcoming schedule for budget work sessions and a mandatory budget retreat. Taxes & budget

   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 approved a resolution establishing the schedule for budget work sessions and a mandatory budget retreat for the upcoming fiscal year. These meetings are intended to allow Council members to review financial needs, provide input on county priorities, and coordinate with staff on the development of the annual budget. Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. emphasized that the budget retreat will be conducted differently this year, focusing on strategic planning in-house, and requested that all Council members prioritize attendance to ensure their vision for the county is represented. Staff and Council will use these sessions to create a roadmap for the budget process, balancing resource allocation with the county’s long-term needs.

PASSED (Unanimous)

Discussed, no vote ▸ showhide
  • ALPHA Center Presentation: Representatives presented findings on the prevalence of unregulated "gas station drugs" and vapes in the county, emphasizing the need for zoning guardrails to protect youth.
  • Pecan Orchard Update: Staff provided a timeline for the infrastructure project, with permitting resubmittals due by the end of January and a potential groundbreaking targeted for June.
  • Vincent Road Update: Council discussed ongoing maintenance efforts, including recent drainage pipe installation and brush cutting, and the potential for collaboration with Lancaster County.
  • General Pole Barn Engineering Permit: Council discussed streamlining the permitting process for residential pole barns by developing a pre-engineered model, potentially reducing costs and delays for residents.
  • Finance Committee Update: Councilman Tucker reported on aging sewer system needs, stormwater planning, and upcoming reviews of solid waste fees for RV parks.
  • Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) Update: Chairman Connell noted two vacancies on the BZA and requested council members assist in identifying potential appointees.
Public comment ▸ showhide

No members of the public signed up to speak during this session.

Coming up ▸ showhide
  • BZA Appointments: Council is seeking two appointments to fill existing vacancies.
  • Budget Retreat/Workshops: Various budget sessions are scheduled throughout February and March 2026 to prepare for the upcoming fiscal year.

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.