Full meeting transcript - June 11, 2024

» Hello hello Hey Sammy, can you hear us? Yes, I can Hello Can you guys hear me? Hello Alright, we can hear you Okay, great. Alright, I'm gonna put you on mute So you have to allow me time to unmute when y'all want to talk, but I'm here We're gonna call this meeting to order We're gonna have the invocation if we could pastor You don't have one here Where's our elder Shelly Hardy? Are you here? Getting out here. Alright, if you would Mr. Chumake. Yes. Would you give our invocation pledge of allegiance, please? Sure Dear heavenly father, please watch over this meeting as we conduct the county's business Please guide our minds and souls to do what's right for this county and protect the people in it and do those things That make this the best county inside of South Carolina in your name.

» We pray. Amen. Amen Please stand for the pledge The United States of America Thank you, mr. Chumake, all right, I think mr. Tucker is going to join us by phone Am I correct on that or not? Is he on the phone? Okay, I'm online. Okay. Thank you If I please turn the phones off like I did Okay Okay, we have a proclamation Honorary proclamation placed on the agenda by Councilman Derek Chumake. It's Chumake. Yes, sir so We have a proclamation today that I would like to read and then we can make a motion on So this proclamation is an honor of a special guest. We have here tonight Mayor and judge Pete James How are you doing, sir So we we surprised him. So he's here. He's here I think if we did it, right you had no idea this was happening.

» So Well, so what I would like to do is read this proclamation and then call it for a vote proclamation in honor of Fe Pete James whereas The Honorable Pete James has been a resident of Kershaw County, South Carolina for 67 years having recently celebrated his 90th birthday and whereas his commitment and service to Kershaw County and beyond knows no limits and whereas as a former Kershaw County magistrate judge James was responsible for safeguarding justice for all Kershaw County residents and whereas judge James who was named citizen of the year for the town of Elgin in 1986 served for six years as a member of Elgin town council and for 12 years as mayor of Elgin and Whereas judge James was a founder of the Elgin catfish stomp was instrumental in securing land for the namesake Elgin watch f

» actory and helped recruit numerous businesses to Elgin and Kershaw County and whereas judge James served as a volunteer firefighter and joined other Elgin citizens by selling barbecue to purchase Elgin's first firetruck and whereas judge James was a charter member of the Elgin Lions Club an advisory member for First Citizens Bank a member of the Kershaw County Historical Society and a founding member of the Blaney Elgin Museum and Historical Society and whereas judge James has been a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Elgin since 1957 where he is a Sunday school teacher and has served as a deacon for a total of 12 years and Whereas judge James also served the community as a successful businessman in the life insurance business in Kershaw County and was a representative to the Kershaw Cou

» nty Council Chamber of Commerce and Whereas judge James has been married to his wife Sylvia Sessions James for 67 years and raised his three daughters Melody James Mary James and Mandy James Smith here in Kershaw County and whereas judge James served his country honorably as a member of the Air National Guard and Whereas judge James is a man of devout faith who has lived a life of servant leadership That stands an example to all citizens of Kershaw County now therefore be it resolved Kershaw County Council proudly proclaims and dedicates this 11th day of June 2024 as Pete James Day in Kershaw County, South Carolina in his honor I would like to make a motion that we adopt this proclamation in honor of mr Pete James and and thank you. Mr. Shoemake for making that motion.

» Is there a second? I'll make a second. All right, mr. Brouser makes a second. Mr. Shoemake would you let lead off, please? Yes, sir Mr. Mayor, I you know had a chance to I actually met you when I was a kid I was 15 when I was baptized at Hillcrest Baptist Church and I can say mayor judge so many titles I'll just pick them at random but Judge James was a deacon there and then more recently is I've been you know went to run for this office We've had a few lunches not as many as I know we need to have And to talk to someone who is basically there when what we know is Elgin was founded As we experience this growth in these issues It is so important that we talked to those folks who were there at the beginning to see what this community was about To see really the the core of this community so i

» t has been an absolute honor and privilege to have you as someone who I can lean on and Enjoyed going to your birthday party and I think that man if One if I live to be 90, I'll be very happy. But if I live to be 90 and do all this That's pretty amazing. So again Thank you for being your judge and thank you for all you've done for That wonderful community that I call home and that my parents call home. Thank you. Mr. Shoemake. Mr. Brouser Would you like to make a few comments? Absolutely.

» Congratulations, sir What an honor to be able to honor you and your legacy here tonight And I like the fact that that it's going to be Pete James day as well We also did that recently for Charlie niece and that's that's something to be proud of so this day is dedicated to you, sir, and My family's been here for a long time the Brazils originally from Elgin. So That was my grandfather's generation. So a little older than you but It's it's wonderful to be able to honor somebody who's a hometown hero. So good to see you tonight, sir. Thank you, mr Brouser Mr. What's your name Tomlinson? Oh, yeah Congratulations to you and your family.

» Thank y'all for coming out here and joining us This is um, it's not every day that we get to live in the eyes of a community hero I know there's been a lot of names going around but truly a hero of our community I really appreciate all that you've done your accolades are not I know they can't fit all in a resolution But we really appreciate it and we need more people to follow along in your footsteps Thank you so much, sir. Listen, thank you so much for that. Listen, I Know we have another council member. He's high in the sky somewhere. Did he go to heaven or is he Sammy Tucker? You hear no, sir.

» Not yet Would you like to say a few words? Yes, and I was trying to do a point of order, but I'll do it after this Can we turn on a little bit judge judge James? I don't know if you can hear me or not, but they should have a nice thing wet on me up there So you can see me but I I just want to say I have always enjoyed your court I've always enjoyed you as the mayor but mostly what I'm proud of as being your friend and someone that loves you is The legacy you are leaving for your family the community town of Elgin and Kershaw County and as She might say it's a blessing to live to be 90 But to be able to do the things and leave the footprints that you're leaving behind For others to follow is amazing and a true blessing God speed Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Tucker.

» I appreciate that and I do recognize that we had one of our house members walk in with a larger resolution than ours But it will get to that in just a second Welcome Anyway, let me let me just go back a few minutes. Okay, judge Mayor I have enjoyed every moment. We go back a long ways a long ways And I remember I'm gonna tell a story on him. Okay, I remember when I ran the jail I have I have some inmates come into jail and I say what you got. So I got a church bullet I swear you got a church, but he said well just James said that if I come out with church bullet He may let me out. I said would you get the family member to bring you that church bullet? But he would even if somebody came in and sat down he would talk with him.

» He said, okay, I'm gonna postpone Hearing this I'm gonna give you a week bring me a church bulletin back and he sure would you remember those those days judge We had a good time and I really enjoyed working with you end up He always was available when it came to working with said the jail we had started a new program and it was where we were Very innovative at that time 25 years ago We had the house arrest home detention things like that and Judge James was always available always there if we needed him All we had to do Lonnie Anderson bless his heart Lonnie Anderson you remember all Lonnie Anderson had to do is give one call to Judge James and he was there Judge James you're an honorable man.

» I love you You're kind-hearted You've served your community extremely well and I can say that I have been blessed to have been Parallel with you for about 20 plus years and I will always take that with me wherever I go and I cherish our friendship I cherish our talks that we've had and You know, I got to know Melody a point in my life there and really enjoyed that as well I don't see her as much anymore. I tell you about Melody. I'm just not about Melody and that's about you But I want to tell you something about your daughter. I walked into a court one day. I Had a hat on she said take your hat off. Yes, ma'am Boy, but anyway, you she may not remember that but I do but anyway Thank you. I want to say this to your family.

» Thank y'all Thank you all for all you the whole family what you've done for our community And as I said my friend I love you and I'm there for if you ever need me All you got to do is call me. You know that we've had many talks and we're gonna have many more God bless you my brother and I am so proud to be part of this tonight And there's not enough words to sit here and say and I want to thank mr. Shoemake He has worked. He has been on me. He's been aggravating He wanted to make sure this was so right tonight and I tell him I said this is yours I said brother you put it on there and you know, you're in the right to to honor this wonderful wonderful individual and Mr.

» Shoemake, I just want to say thank you You've you've you've done an outstanding job here tonight and tell my colleagues on County Council for Honoring to what I consider one of the finest men I've ever known in my life And I mean that with my heart god bless your brother. Thank you so much And we look forward to many many more and by the way, if I said I was gonna live to be 90 My wife would say quit threatening me. All right. So anyway, have you said that? Yeah, yes, you can sir. Yeah, can I come on? Come on? I'm gonna do this Only do what they come on up here. So I want you to stand right by that mic and if we can Yes, I want to call for a vote all those in favor. Raise your hand Okay, let it excuse me. All right, let it be known that mr. Brazel. Mr.

» Shoemake and this Tommy Jim Jones vote in favor Mr. Tucker Yes, wake up son. Okay. Yes. It's unanimous for us that here We're gonna get a picture of you with all your family and stuff The proclamation passes now now judge mayor James it is your night say whatever you want buddy Danny put it Danny I'm here and I want to see this county Continued to be a great County. It's got so much history, but I'm overwhelmed tonight. I just I'm not saying really I don't know who y'all were talking to the right fellow or not when you're talking about all this but thank y'all for this and I'll always cherish this and My family I couldn't have done it without them. They've been very supportive my wife.

» She's been Taking care of things while I was out doing these communities in County environments, but it's been a great thing and I've got great friends and Friends are more important than money. I'll say that any day and thank you Giving me this day It was totally surprised Listen miss. You may did a good job judge. You did a good job. He kept it Somebody else is gonna make a talk here. Yeah. Yeah, I was brought here. I might have put on my suit if I had Well, I want to say I think y'all get we thank you but 12 years.

» Yes Just like we got along just great get up there beside him judge hard So don't you say a couple of words with him, please cuz y'all work together for 12 years and I think it'd be very appropriate But we thank you sir We spent 12 years together and it was a wonderful time in the manager's office those 12 years with Judge James he Had time for anything you wanted to do. He had time for even though we were busy. He would take time He talked to actually he taught more people than I did Judge James he would talk to anybody about anything and he was knowledgeable on most anything he talked about in this I was glad when he came aboard because he took a load off of me holding court And I enjoyed him his 12 years and the only reason he retired He turned 72 years old and 72.

» We have to retire He would still be judging. He was no law He loved it. I mean Now I don't I spent 30 years there and I walked away and I was glad Well, both of you did a wonderful job. We had a good time together. You did a very good court Back then we've done a very good job. I think with everything we did. We never got in trouble Columbia never called us over there Chief justice never called us over there So we done very well, I think and he was always available judge hardest. He sure was always you know Judge James, thank you so much.

» And I really mean it We're not done yet because as I said, we had a member of the house walk in I'm gonna recognize him a minute so he can present his honor but but I'd like to say would any member of the family like to say anything before we do a picture and I would like to Just share we have I wanted to say some special guests that we also have we have mayor Emmons I see in the back. I see chief Anders Councilman Hanley from Elgin Town Council any of the other Elgin officials back there they get anybody And I see sergeant along there back there So we've got some folks with the Elgin Police Department one and Elgin Town Council here as well Well, thank you and thank you for recognizing glad have come on up judge.

» I never forgot you told me to take my Anyway, um, I'm I've probably broken everything my dad told me or taught me to get him here tonight So I had to tell a fib or two But that's okay. I just wanted to say The one thing With growing up and anybody that's been around dad is he has what's like an Andy Griffith Philosophy and what would she teaches people things? I remember one time he had a ball on his desk Maybe judge Hardis remembers this and I had all these rubber bands just wound and wound and wound And somebody would tell him a story and say what am I gonna do anything? He'd hand them the ball and they'd say what you want me to do with this and he said well you need to unwind it He said well, that's gonna take some time and he said well, yeah Your situation is gonna take some time, too s

» o he's he's always reverted to a very Simple and plain philosophy that I think has helped out His fellow man, and I'm not a nervous person. I talk in front of people all the time, but this is I don't know why you're not I agree with that So that's what I do for a living. I know that I'm a lawyer right, but it is and I'm thank you Derek for helping put this together. Well, thank you for all the help getting all that stuff together. Yes Listen if we could if council doesn't mind I'd like before we do our pictures if they like this one We got representative Connell out there and I certainly want him to come up and present his but before we do that any Member of the Elgin leadership the chief or any of you the mayor Does anybody want to stand up and just say a couple of words? Come on mayor.

» You know, this is listen to me. This is a very special night And I know I like fast meetings and but this is this is too important I don't try to do it without crying because I've known this man all my life. I grew up in church with him I had the pleasure and the honor of serving under him as his mayor pro tem I learned real quick when he asked for something you respond you do not hesitate He taught me very well though the basic fundamentals and what he said about friends are worth more than money Investing in a life having the opportunity to make a difference in a life is Worth more than anything in this world and I've learned that from watching him and I still have the pleasure today I love it when he comes in my office and he'll ask me you got a moment and Absolutely, I do even if I'm in

» the middle of something it's going to be put to the side because I'm gonna listen to some words and wisdom From a gentleman who has taught me very well and loves our community and wants only the very best for it So I am so thankful that you guys recognized him tonight. He is well deserving of this recognition and Elgin would not be Elgin without Pete James. Thank you. Amen on that. Thank you Okay, if we could thank you mayor so much You do a great job mayor to we appreciate you being here if I could I want to call down Representative Connell, would you come on down? Please sir. Thank you very much. Mr. Jones.

» I appreciate that I just why well on behalf of the Kershaw County delegation tonight and say thank you for your service to the public Growing up I always heard your name and now that I'm grown some people might say I always hear your name And so anybody who's involved in public service in Kershaw County, we got to stand on the shoulder of John's, right? While while we stand here I might look a little bit bigger than you we all stand on your shoulders Thank you for laying a great foundation for us. Appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. Representative Connell. Well said appreciate you being here. All right Judge James it is your night Your your day we were proud to honor you and having said that you got your proclamation Yeah, we got we haven't framed. We've obviously read it now judge.

» We'll take a picture with it We have two council members that aren't here in person So once they sign that we'll get this frame out to you and your family But we would like to go ahead and get a note the family up and get some pictures Yeah, absolutely. And I think if it's okay with you, mr. Chairman, I say bring up the you know The Elgin folks basically anybody who's here for mayor James. Come on.

» Let's get a big picture Let's do a big round of applause Don't leave judge We're gonna do a picture, you know, I can't believe I didn't ask the sheriff if you want to say a few words Come on judge Very good Derek you got that If I can say something to Judge James before we end he did a book on on his life I don't know if many of you seen that I actually still want to get a copy of that judge The book of your life that you put together or somebody put it together But is really a lot of historic value in that I mean a lot of historic memories than that I think everybody really enjoys seeing but I want to put that to you with judge James. Thank you so much We're so proud to honor you tonight and it has just made it very very special. All right having done that Gentlemen, thank you and mr.

» Schumacher. Thank you again. All right. Have you said that let's go back to the adoption of the agenda Mr. Vice chair, I'll make a motion that we adopt tonight's agenda. All right, you made the Motions they're second. I'll second that she makes second. Okay, is there any discussion? No discussion discussion. All right, all in favor. Raise your hand Mr. Tucker Yeah, okay. He votes. Yes.

» Let it be known as unanimous all hands are raised Okay, if we could public comments, we have public comments coming up if you would miss Chumay Do you have a copy of our rules? Oh, yeah, can we go over? Yeah, read the rules, please sir Happy to do so public comment is an opportunity for members of the public to share information with council It is not a time for debate or questions and answers from council It is a time for council to receive input and not a time for council response in short And during the public comment period council will listen to public comment, but not comment on those Individuals are requesting to speak my sign up with their name topic and phone number offensive and inappropriate comments will not be tolerated if a group would like to speak to council requests that a

» spokesperson be selected and indicate that the group Indicate the group they're representing on the sign-up sheet The public comment period is limited to five minutes maximum allowed per speaker with a maximum time of 30 minutes If more than six people sign up then the total time of 30 minutes will be divided by the number of persons who sign Up public comments to council as an agenda item shall continue uninterrupted and be live streamed by audio and video Until the public comments agenda item is finished and concluded and these rules may be altered by a single vote of County Council Thank You, Mr. Chumay, Mr DeBose, excuse me Mr. Robinson, do you have the number? How many people signed up? Just one. We have just one. All right, would you call them up, please? Mr. Well, welcome.

» Come on up. I wanted to speak a little bit about John Comer. Yeah, he was at D-Day in the Navy 1944 June the 6th But first I've got a poem D-Day men He's a man too young to cast a boat But he's cast upon the sea the crowd aboard a landing boat for the beach at Normandy The moon and tide affect his ride and his boots fill up with water though fate decides perhaps he dies He'll give the Reich no quarter From the awful ocean wreckage to the strand of bloody sand time plays tricks to stop and stand Then up the hill and on ahead it seems unreal and always will so many men so dead Now anywhere these rifles reached the lessons clear They came to teach men are not just lumps of coal to feed a Nazi fire or any other ism that steals a man's desire And like those men from way back then who fought the

» New World Order We'll have to fight that sin again. That's here inside our border Socialism's creeping while the world again is sleeping and nothing's ever over as we carry on our load There's a battle always brewing further down the road So celebrate the honor the duty and the glory when someone special comes our way to tell the D-Day story Lily Marlene the cliffs of Dover and don't sit under the apple tree a rhythm a rhyme a melody of some old favorite tune We back to 44 again and then the 6th of June All those ships and planes and tanks are men of higher ranks and all of y'all without much say of course you have Thanks even the Huns who fought in vain to cuss you while retreating y'all saved them from a harsher fame And they'll thank you for the beating Anyway, I'm glad to say real Ameri

» cans ain't to blame and when they heard their country's call the D-Day men all came John Comer was in the Navy and he Was on a landing craft and the crew He said as he approached the beach at Normandy Ship to his right hit a mine and one to the left was hit by artillery But he did a lot of praying and he came through unscathed so but years later, they had a rededication a remembrance of The D-Day invasion at Normandy and there he sat Rows and rows of people but they were where the graves are.

» I think it's about six thousand Incredible D-Day has sometimes been referred to as the longest day Anyway, they couldn't find his chair where he was supposed to sit John Comer couldn't find his chair so they put him on the front row right next to Obama and They shook hands and I shook later I shook John Comer's hand so that's the closest they ever came to Obama's hand but while they were there they they chatted briefly and John Comer said that the president Obama told him that when he gets back to South Carolina tell his friends that Obama said hey and John Comer said I almost said but it didn't quite say it. Well that won't take long but speaking with a reporter later It got in print as though he had actually said it I think It's a shame what y'all do sometimes you on County Council.

» It's called progressivism Little by little you're whittling away at our freedom that those people Struggled so hard for and those and that war and other wars as well You're nibbling off little pieces of our freedom. You don't know it. I don't think I don't think you realize it But you sometimes you don't read your ordinance as well so anyway John Burt society is showing the Constitution is a solution We'll have the last one in a series of six this this Thursday at 730 at Patriot coffee downtown We'll start it again in August going through six videos If you need more information well Can get hold of crescendo Torres. She's a She's leading the discussion I'll leave this up here if anybody wants to see it my time is running out. So thank you so much Thank You. Mr. Webb All right.

» We're moving to number seven approval of minutes Mr. Vice-chair, I would like to make a motion that we approve the minutes from the May 28th 2024 meeting All right, sir. Thank you. We have the motion floors. That's second. I'll second Mr. Schumacher Mr. Tom Lee Brantley Makes the motion. Okay. Is there any discussion? How about you? Mr. Tucker? How do you vote? I vote? Yes Do you have any discussion? No, sir. All right Nobody has any comments Okay, all in favor The director showed that mr. Brousel miss you make mr. Tom Brant Brant Brant Tom Thompson and Jimmy Jones vote in favor. All right, it is unanimous. All right, we're moving how you and you voted. Yes, Craig, mr. Tucker Yes, sir. That's correct. Good.

» All right number eight ordinances second reading This year 24 25 millage an ordinance setting the millage rate for Kershaw County for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024 All right. We have a motion to put this on the floor Mr. Chair, Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make a motion That we Excuse me Approve second reading with a three mill increase for our 2425 budget Physical year. All right, so which is in this That is already established in this ordinance right now, correct? Second, you know, sir. It was average No, sir.

» It was advertised correctly, but what you have before you does not have the three mills in correct Okay, so you're asking to do an amendment Well, yes, well the second reading I'll make a motion that will approve the Second reading of the millage for 24 25 then I'll do my amendment. Okay, very good Okay, we have a motion on floor to approve the second reading 24 25 as it is with no millage, correct? So the value this is just approving the value of the mill, right? Well, it's it's so he's gonna he's gonna move to increase it for the third reading of the budget set the He made the motion. Mr. Brouser start with to include a three mill increase Okay, I was told before this meeting that three mill increase was already in the millage. So I have two different Thoughts there.

» So anyway, you're making the motion to approve it as it is with Is Well, we got our ordinances said we decided to separate the millage and the budget into two separate, correct? Okay Let's do this. Okay. Let's go We are we getting out. Let's go. I will have motion put on floor as is with no millage increase Is that what you're saying? Miss Tucker? Right, let's go there as it was in As it was in first rate, very good. Very good. Thank you That's that's where I was trying to go with this. Do we have a second? I'll second. There's a second All right, let me ask you this Vice chair any discussion Mr. Vice chair, go ahead.

» I would like to make an amendment To my motion to increase the mills by increase the millage by three mills Okay, we have an amendment to the motion to raise three mills in the reading of the millage ordinance Is there a second? I'll second. Wait a minute. I'm confused. Is this even the proper time to do that? Setting the millage rate So we're setting the millage rate We're not setting the amount of millage that would be done in the budget.

» Am I wrong in that? I could be wrong so the Millage is what the the dollar amount is is already identified This is going to identify the number of mills based on that dollar amount that we will apply to Okay, so in in this in our agenda it doesn't say how many mills we have or how many we're gonna add it said he He's suggesting that we add three but I I don't I don't have any So there should be an attachment there. So Reflecting what page should be the very back page of the ordinance or the only the only item there So so the thought process is to go from seventy two point two Go from seventy two point two to seventy five point two.

» Is that right? Correct if if the motion prevails So this again will just be the number of mills based on that dollar amount that we apply to these respective What we need to separate the sheriff's budget first or we do that afterwards? Sorry Go ahead So the thought was because that's the actual budget when we do third reading the budget We'll make a motion to amend to take one of those mills out and split off the sheriff's budget So this is only to set the millage rate and since the sheriff hasn't been spun off on mills yet by vote It's just those categories once we do third reading the budget. Hold on this Tucker I know you're getting it once we do third reading the budget will spin the sheriff off. Okay. No, no, no, it makes sense Thank you. All right, mr. Bowser.

» You understand you have your questions answered. Yes. Thank you. Okay Are you satisfied? Are you satisfied with the way it's been handled? No comment Well, I will say no. Okay. Anyway, all right. Is there any other discussion? Mr. Tucker Yes, sir. All right. Do you have any do you have any comments anything you will say? Well, just to make sure everybody's clear These three mills were going to the general fund and that's mr. Schumacher when we come back the third reading we will separate the entirety out for the sheriff's budget On the June the 25th and total millage, but right now these three mills are going into the general Account just so everybody can be clear and and understand.

» Yeah, and how much are you separating out of the ship out for the sheriff again? That'll be next Meeting but it will it'll be approximately 24 point something. I don't have that number in front of me right now All right, is there any other discussion the finance committee met last week. Great. Thank you so much Is there any other discussion? Mr. Tommy No, I and this is basically what we discussed last meeting during our second reading of budget as well Same same concept there And I as I said before I support law enforcement and our first responders This is this mill increases for our employees and for law enforcement directly. I'm always going to be in support of law enforcement Mr.

» President you'd like to respond Well, I don't want to fuss but I think it's just stating how you feel we can do that We're not doing that in a night though Well, let me say so I I'm gonna vote against the amendment and I want to be real clear that that I'm also support law enforcement I just I don't like using them as a reason to raise taxes We could we could cut off as much or as little as we wanted and let him be on a separate millage We all know that so With the sheriff being in the room, I'm looking forward to giving you the natural growth that you desire for your budget I think that's what I've heard you say Several years ago and year after year I just want my piece of the pie to grow along with the county so I can properly serve and that's the biggest part Of what we're gonna do tonig

» ht is we're gonna allow you not tonight. It'll be the next meeting is Separated and let you be able to do that Very good. Let me just say this that uh, I think finance committees work very hard And I know that they they've come with a recommendation and I'm not going to support this night I just don't think when you talk about increasing the millage. I just guys times are tough Really tough out there and I just think we have to really tighten our belts as well And and I know that our law enforcement we have a jail to bill We've got to figure out how we're gonna do that We will probably have to go do a bond or whatever.

» That's all for another day in story But nobody's really brought that up and addressed it But it says we're talking about a huge huge amount of money and where's it gonna come from? so It were having said that Any other comment? Well, I think the biggest takeaway and something that I'd like to mention is the fact that we've got four and a half million dollars More in the budget without any additional millage So so what is that? the equivalent to like Almost 15 mills, but you know as a point discussion we had the other night and did you bring a valid port on that? so I think we can I think we can fund the sheriff's office and You're only going to get one meal of the tax increase three hundred what three hundred fifteen thousand dollars Is that what it is? Mr.

» Administrator About that maybe a little Sheriff didn't I give you a proposal that that would have given you three-quarters of a million dollars He's nodding. Yes. Okay, so I just I don't want to I don't want to paint this is something that's not it's It's a tax increase and I'm sure it's got plenty of good places to go I've actually heard from some other agencies that are requested more money I won't name those agencies because they do good work here in the county, but It's I think it's it's more of a tax increase for for all rather than just I don't want the sheriff to have To wear that as this this is a tax increase for me. Not when you're only you're only getting a third of the increase That's a fact. So I do agree with that But anyhow, mr.

» Jones, you can call the boat whenever you're ready Chairman finds community have you things you want to say and I think this is very important discussion. Yes. Go ahead. Yes, sir Just want to say this right here and I respect everybody's opinions and thoughts What we're doing tonight and we can talk more in detail about the budget itself on the 25th But tonight we're paying for the bills we have created in second reading of the budget So in other words, we have we have already Allocated the money out in second reading that passed by majority of counsel Now we're sitting here to make sure we'll be able to write the check To pay those bills because those two have to match at the end of the day At the end of the day or the budget is not balanced and we have not done our job.

» So Understand everybody's take positions and all that but actually what we're here now is the balance to check book I hope everybody else can balance theirs as well. Yeah Thank you. Let me just say this to okay We can also pay our bills and do it without with the millage increase and I what I'm gonna do I will bring back a proposal next at the next meeting that will not require a millage increase Okay, and we'll find the money elsewhere But anyway having said that all in favor of this tonight raise your hand with the three mill increase. This is the amendment, correct? Yeah, well the amendment did does everybody accept it all those in favor. We have mr. Shoemake and mr. Thompson who? Miss Tucker Yes, you think yeah, that's that's the and all those vote.

» No, raise your hand Rosalind Jones it passes third reading that's the amendment now now, let's take a vote on the Second reading second, excuse me. Yeah, I got it on the second reading Ordinance as amended all those in favor mr Tucker, how do you vote? Yes, okay. He you vote. Yes So we got mr. Thompson and mr. Shoemake voting. Yes all those against all those against how do you vote? Okay, mr. Brouser mr. Jones vote against all right, let the director show that it passes All right.

» Thank you moving on We have be third reading case 24 11 an ordinance to amend Kershaw County, South Carolina uniform and zoning land development regulations to amend table 3 3 to allow for a gun club and skeet shooting ranges as well as a excuse me hunt clubs and other amusements as permitted use in all primary zoning Districts within the unincorporated areas of Kershaw County All right, is there motion put this on floor. I'll make a motion. We approve third reading of case 24 11 Mr. Thompson makes the motion. Is there a second? Second. Thank you. Mr. Brazel. All right any discussion? I have some discussion I one thing that I was as we were looking at this and under talking to some of the The county attorney and the legal stuff. I would like to make a motion to amend.

» I'll make the motion and I can Discuss it. I would like to make a motion to amend to allow for gun clubs and skeet shooting ranges as permitted uses in b2 rd1 rd2 and mrd1 and Designate the off-street parking requirements is not applicable to gun clubs skeet ranges hunt clubs and other amusements. That's my amendment All right, you heard the amendment. Is there a second? That amendment I'm going to second that amendment All right, mr.

» Mickey had floor Yeah, basically the concern that I have after looking at this and talking to the lawyers is that if it passes without this amendment Then in theory even in our sixes in our 15 gun clubs and skeet ranges would be allowed and I think I mean I know, you know, obviously, you know over my district Which is pretty condensed the idea of having a you know, a full-on hunt club or skeet range on a one acre parcel I just don't think of what those zoning uses were intended for so that would be that would be my amendment Unfortunately, I don't know that I can support it without that amendment just because I'm concerned that again I'm happy to come back. Can we get a copy of that in writing? Yeah. Yeah This one. Yeah, and what excuse me? Go ahead. Mr.

» Mickey had floor Well, no, I mean that's that's basically what I would I have what qualifies as a hunt club What what is the legal definition of a club as far as our ordinances is that an acre? So me and some buddies have an acre property and we decide to go out there and put one deer stand up and it's There's that considered a hunt club. I don't know if that's a legal question or or not. It's a good question Yeah, I just I'm not sure what qualifies. I've got one acre with the deer stand on it I do too. I do too. And I think it's actually an r-15 So I don't know if I want to I could name it Brent Thomas and hunt club and then I might not be able To shoot a deer.

» Yeah So like I understand I understand your concern because they brought it to me as well, I think Who brought this up? Because you you clearly said that it wasn't the attorney's so somebody somebody within the county's bureaucracy Brought this to the attention of councilman Shoemate. Yeah, they brought to attention of me Yeah, not councilman shoot. They brought that excuse me. Let me say something Question I might answer your question. Just hold on. Okay now Mr.

» Robinson brought it to my attention when I got here this afternoon and I looked at it and the first thing I said to Him was bring it to your attention Okay, that's how that that's how that unraveled and mr Shoemate looked at it coming down into this room and I'm glad he brought it up because I think it brings some good discussion and So let's get it now. Let me say excuse me. Mr. President. Let me say psyched up. Hold on a minute. Yes He does. I don't know who called mr. Robinson prior to him getting with me Was it a was it a staff member? How did this all come about and then mr. Browse got a legitimate concern there how who brought this to your attention you are Thank you. Welcome.

» We're glad to have you Correct deal with it all the agenda, correct, correct They were moving in its current form Keep talking to Mike Todd. Would you talk? Mr. Ross talking to Mike, please One of the question one of the questions that came up during our discussion with staff is would this allow gun? clubs skeet shooting clubs and in residential neighborhoods in the Unincorporated areas and that discussion You know having grown up here neighborhoods that came to mind Valley Park Cool Springs areas Fredericksburg Would it apply to that and the answer was yes that these these This would remove the restrictions that would presently bar skeet shooting Clubs gun clubs and hunt clubs in those neighborhoods if it were passed as is And then there was also a discussion about the language regarding o

» ther amusements And what would be included in that and there's a long list in the NAICS s of other amusements that the would be permitted Would basically be removing Any of the restrictions Countywide on any of these items anywhere in the county no matter where it was whether it be a business an office a name This would remove the restrictions that are currently in place for skeet shooting clubs and gun clubs Reported back to you as As you requested that these were the responses we got and if there were any questions you Did our conversation you asked me to be prepared to respond and have something in writing Should that issue become an issue? or questions relating to the Neighborhoods I did that very short. I think you saw it's about six lines Just what the amendment I called mr.

» Braswell earlier this week And I was able to talk with him today. You called me earlier this week left the voicemail And was able to talk with you today, and then mr. Shoemake I saw in the hallway So you took it upon yourself to have this amendment ready to hand it to the councilman who was ready to make the amendment Is that is that right? Okay, I this mr. Braswell let me make myself clear so we're not putting stuff in there that doesn't long I asked him to go through the entire agenda And to tell me if he had if there were any concerns in there whatsoever if they were for any item to bring them to my attention Mr. Thomas man, that's a question. Yeah, hold on a second And then he did that and of course, that's where we are now And of course, he had talked with the play.

» I think the planning and zoning director And then somebody reached out to you prior to the meeting Yes, he talked we talked about it prior to the meeting and he was asking my you know I well he had mentioned that he had met talked to you guys about it And I asked him what what would that was about he shared those concerns which mirrored some concerns I've got particularly minutes before the meeting wasn't it? Yeah, but I've been not I was at my request as I was walking down the hallway. Yeah, mr. Braswell I said you want to share those thoughts with mr.

» Shoemake see what he thinks Yeah, which I was very glad because originally when this all started my original thought going into that meeting was We were gonna take that particular zoning classification allow skeet shooting and hunt clubs and then that meeting sort of went kind of off the rails And it ends up being a discussion about whether we remove it countywide So as I thought about it, I have some real concerns and I thought this amendment addressed those concerns. So Yeah, it's called. Yeah. Thank you. Mr. Thomas. It's called making sure all of you guys have the information I just one or two of you. Go ahead, sir. Thank you. Mr. Jones Mr.

» Robinson doesn't the state of South Carolina in order to hunt you have to have a license, right? License through the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources Well, yes in order to legally do it the past the age of 16 you have to be And and in order when you're hunting the different games their list In order to fire to fire a weapon within a certain number of feet of a major road a house Correct. That is already South Carolina state law Toward any person and if you have to be Let him answer the question, please I'm serious about that. That is just disrespectful. If you ask a question, let him let him finish Yes, sir, and and I believe it's 150 feet or 300 feet away from a highway or something when you're dove hunting Yeah, there's plenty of state laws.

» Yeah, there's plenty of state laws, right? So my whole point in this is our 15 isn't gonna change any more or less by doing this compared to what the state laws Already, and then you get you get industrial and general development properties that are in here. Excuse me while I'm talking I call you out of order, sir. It doesn't matter but there's gonna be businesses that are folks folks There's gonna be businesses that are affected that are already existance If we do this, I just wish Derek would have had more time than ten minutes to look over this Well, let me be clear councilman Braz. I didn't need more there. We are in recess run Well, I mean, I don't think we voted for that. I'm prepared for the chair The chair can't call for a reason. I'm still gonna answer the question.

» You can do that But so I had and let you get I don't need more than when you're not supposed to talk I don't need more than ten minutes to know something. I've been thinking about for three weeks Here's the other problem The ordinance as it exists would allow someone on a one acre r-15 or r-10 plot to put fitness centers Golf and country clubs amusement parks and arcades That's what the other amusements category is and what you've got here in this with this other amusements One of the many problems I have is it's gonna allow any of that stuff in a residential area I can literally build a small amusement park charge admission for it and put it in my backyard in the unincorporated areas Of the county. That's what this ordinance does at present. Is that correct? Mr.

» Robinson Do you feel we are Welcome to Kershaw County Let me tell you something. I did call for recess and I don't like you being talked over when you're asked a question I think it's disrespectful to you and I'll stand for and I think it's disrespectful for mr. Brousel to be talking Over other people and not being recognized and you know, mr. Brousel, you and I get along fine We get along fine with a lot of things, but but you're wrong on that, you know, you are No, no, no, no, you know, you're wrong. You over talk You didn't ask to be recognized when somebody else had the floor and all I'm asking y'all do is just abide by The rules of the yes of the meeting and we're back in order. But now having said that Mr. Shoemake Yes, you have any comments not not other than what I said.

» I'm gonna let the attorney speak and just say Okay, yeah, I've said the comments that I have I think you've done a good job mr. Shoemake and explain your point on that too Do we strike other amusements? Hold on a second. Please wait one second. Yes Our job is to research And you did a good job on that Requested we prepared a very short I think five-line Motion For you if you chose to make it and And we did that for you You asked me to reach out to mr. Brousel, which I did prior to the meeting today And you introduced me to mr. Shoemake in the hall who I think we've seen each other, but I don't know that we've actually ever met before today and Asked me to explain your concerns, which I did And as I told Mr.

» Brown we take no position whether it passes or not sure I know that it does if it passes A role for county the county attorney to be involved in that's what's matter for council and we're happy to answer any questions about it Tomlinson regarding You can answer the question or you can tell people you'll find out the answer You did you did a good job mr. Robertson hold on mr. Brousel Any comments anything you will say I think it was all a setup It's what what I think you know I was all set up and I was called about 30 minutes prior to the meeting and trying to Be swayed into in the changing my mind, which I won't very good. Mr. Thompson I'm ready to vote. All right. Okay. We had the amendment on the floor, correct Yes, the amendment is on the floor. Oh, mr. Tucker.

» Do you have anything you say is he with us? Oh, I'm with you I'm just I'm so confused. Well, I know you have nothing to say. Okay. Well, I have something to say But I'll say it in just a few minutes. All right, all those in favor to member raise your hand Mr. Tucker, how do you vote on the amendment? I vote yes on the amendment. Okay, so the Amendment is three four. How many against to mr. Brousel and mr. Thomas and vote no So therefore the amendment passes that's the ordinance as amended we take a vote on that all those in favor to order says Men to raise your hand Mr. Tucker had you vote I vote. Yes. All right. He votes. Yes. I mean vote against Mr. Brousel mr. Thomas to vote again, so it passes.

» Thank you gentlemen Let me say something else to and I'm gonna be very clear about this how I feel, you know the comment was just made that This was set up. I Really take that personally. I think this council meeting was set up tonight to be disrupted And I'm not going and and and I'm very disappointed Did nobody ever try to set anybody up on this ordinance? It was done early people were called early that they was unable to get in touch with anybody but to sit here and say That this was a setup. What was a setup in a shame? Is that I'm running the meeting and it was deliberately going to be sabotaged with me running the meeting and I know that And I don't appreciate I'm very disappointed. All right, let's move to the next item New business new business Yes, sir. Okay All right.

» This is dealing with the state insurance benefits program regarding the county and the municipality council members is there a motion to put this on the floor Make a motion that we approve the Benefits that the council currently have with people. All right. We have a motion by mr. Tucker on the floor. Is there a second? I'll second. All right. We'll say mr. Shoemake any discussion All right, all those in favor Mr. Tuck, how do you vote? About yeah Okay, let the record show that Hands up who all if okay, mr. Brazo. Mr. Shoemake. This Thompson June does vote. Yes, let it passes you nasty. Okay Airport engineers. I don't have any explanation this will go before is there a motion for that on the floor? Sure, I'll make a county Yeah airport. Yes for the airport Mr.

» Shoemake, you made the motion Thank you. Very good. Mr. Shoemake made the motion. All right, is there a second? Second with the caveat can the county administrator explain what we have here. Did you make the second mr. Tucker? I couldn't hear Yes, sir. He made the motion correct Miss no, mr. Shoemake made the motion. Yeah, and then mr. Tucker. Yeah, are you making the second? Yes, sir, I am okay Absolutely, thank you. Thank you. That's good clarification. All right, we have it on all of those okay, we have it on the floor for a second and Motion, so we go to discussion. Mr Templer turn it over to you since there's nothing here. Thank you. Mr.

» Jones members of council what you have before you is a bid approval request for our Airport engineering this relates to projects that we have out there that comply with FAA standards This is an FAA requirement that we go out for To put this this service back out to bid Again, it's just part of the FAA mandates that that number so many with with a careful review process you see the the The candidates in front of you and based on the evaluation of the committee the committee that was formed just internally with procurement and airport staff and Mr. Blanchard as well We looked at several criteria and the Results were that WK Dixon be retained.

» They have been long-term airport engineers for us They they know the history of that airport They've been very responsive and they've also come through and just in my experience pretty clutch when it comes to Some funding shortfalls when there were change orders or just we ran into some problems out there and they were able to very quickly Get with the FAA and secure some federal grant money, which was to me very impressive and I just don't know that any of the other Candidates would have that ability so they they have saved us money and and So I would certainly recommend going with WK Dixon All right.

» Are there any questions any discussion? And what was the amount again? So that's that's a great question The the there are no amounts because normally the engineering is part of the project. So it's a vast Probably 99.9 percent of our projects are FAA funded with just some grant match And so there are funds their fees rather would be taken out of the project and a vast majority of what we do Out at the airport is through FAA grants and the state aeronautics How much is there how much how much we're talking about fees and other things it it varies Based on so our drainage project out. There was that was a six million dollar project We did that some years ago, so it would be dependent on the overall cost of the project. So you're asking us to approve Just the services So there's no again.

» This is on unlike other some of the The bids we approve where there's a dollar amount, but this just is more of a performance Measure than it is a dollar amount to to be clear if I may If I understand you Danny what you're saying is that this will not result in the expenditure of any substantial County funds Obviously if it were to result in that you would have to come back to us with a dollar amount This is just approving these guys to do the work that the FAA is going to pay for they pay they are paid through Grant funding. Thank you. Mr. Schumacher. Thank you very much. Okay, any other questions? Oh Miss Tucker, do you have any questions? I'm good. Thank you. You're good. Okay. All right, all those in favor raise your hand Mr.

» Tucker, how do you vote? Okay, and let it show this unanimous. All right Administrators briefing the three same things we see every week No, yeah, I'm sorry. Yeah count. I'm sorry council briefing exactly. I apologize. You're right a jump right over there. All right council briefing Mr. Braz I'll start with you. Yeah, it was nice to see Mr. James out here tonight that I thought that was that was wonderful to get to honor him and his family Derek Thank you for for doing that And you know, I love all you guys even when we disagree I learned from the best up here y'all I can tell you That right now I learned from the best here on Kershaw County Council and I'm proud to be here with you guys That's it. It's too late.

» I Agree with all of Russell's words I would also like to say a brief shout out obviously to mr. James judge James mayor James awesome, dude Oh, but also a shout out to my son into Russell's son and anyone else out there who has kids in boys state this week So I don't know if you've been doing I've been doing Russell and looking at pictures and stuff trying to find your boy And all that but our kids are in boys state learning the reality of politics Whatever that means That's all I have thank you miss you make Miss Thompson, no briefing. Mr. Bush, you know, briefly. How about you? Mr. Tucker? Yes, sir. This shortly.

» I would just like to invite all of my colleagues and the public for June the 27th at the art with Miss Dolly of the Revealing of the mural on June the 27th at 7 p.m So if you guys can make it and ladies can make it She would appreciate your presence. So Thank you very much. That's gonna conclude my report. Thank you so much now. I Do have some things I want to say I don't want to talk about just for a quick moment I don't welcome some of my friends here tonight. Appreciate y'all being here. I don't I'm so glad that mr. James was here judge James mayor James and we were able to celebrate him and and he was to I'm so glad he what didn't have to sit here and watch the way things Happened tonight. I am Disappointed my family has been attacked.

» I'm running for chair Things have been said about us my wife and I my friends the Alpha Center I'm not gonna stand for it. Then I get up here tonight and I feel like this meeting was totally tore apart For political reasons. I am very upset And folks, let me just tell you something right now. I don't back down and I don't bow down and But you're not going to make you people are not going to just take this political position And come out and try to destroy an agency who has put so much into this community I have so much respect for mr. Paul napper sitting over there. He has worked all his life He has saved lives Well, thank you buddy.

» I know what you've done There's some things you can't even talk about that you've witnessed that you've put through you've built a legacy With the Alpha Center and I'm going to talk about the Alpha Center You know my wife's the executive director if you I don't care if you like it or not I've never voted on anything for the Alpha Center. I've always recused myself. I don't appreciate The lies that have been put out there.

» I don't appreciate the Endos about my family being put out there all why because I'm running for chair Well, I'm gonna run for chair and I'm gonna stick with enough people leave vote me and they vote me out That's up to them, but I don't appreciate The things that have been going on I've never seen as gutter politics as I've seen here in this I've embarrassed somebody I make no apologies But this bottom line is we're gonna run this meeting. It's gonna be ran by the rules. We're gonna respect the rules We were not going to just speak up and we're gonna act out and holler at any time we won't That was a blatant disrespect to me as the chairman of this County Council To destroy this meeting to make it look as if I couldn't run a meeting.

» I know exactly what you were doing tonight Folks, I have enjoyed serving this county. I have served this county for 18 years I have served this county for 28 years prior to that. I have given my life to public service I have stood up and I have fought and I have stood alone. I Have been I have had council members try to indict me criminally charged me 15 years ago 16 years ago falsely accused me of sabotaging because I brought the truth to County Council Well, you know what the county administrator was arrested and put in jail for filing false reports against me And now the same thing's happening again Well, I don't bow down and I'm not gonna take it And people say well, you know, don't Jimmy, you know, you might want to just not say this said no No, no, I'll carry my fight to the public.

» I let the public be the judge I don't want to thank the people of Kershaw County for allowing me to serve them the time I have I Don't want to thank my wonderful wife who has done a Wonderful job in serving the people in this county. She's done a wonderful job I've seen her on Sunday mornings go to houses to save lives I've seen her she and I on our anniversary Have to go by and see somebody because she was trying to save somebody with an addiction For the trash to be put out there about her and Paul napper I'm not gonna stand for it in the Alpha Center all because of why I'm running for chair And then this happens tonight on County Council.

» It's no coincidence I mean no apologies to anybody and I again I want to thank the people of Kershaw County for letting me serve and I want to tell you something else to this Another agency that I'm going to be addressing It needs to be addressed and I'll do that another time But I thank you to the public and with that Mr. Danny template you have anything Just a few quick items. There's Three items here the reoccurring items no real change in status from the design and permitting process. It's currently going on with our wastewater expansion project boat ramp we continue to Push there a lot of the due diligence has been done. So I expect bar chart schedules for each of those projects I thought I would have had them by now Woodward Park.

» They continue to look at some value engineering The turn lane is going to be a little more expensive as D O T's traffic study has indicated We need a turn lane out there to make sure everybody gets in and out safely on from highway one there or decal Unto chestnut ferry, so we're just still Not it not behind on that we're just still looking for ways to trim a little bit of money on the project and still maintain the Spirit in which we want to have that project out there. So all I have for tonight. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Temple appreciate it. All right. Do we have a report from our? legal No report from legal Talking to Mike, please.

» I'm sorry, but the information that was provided really was provided At the request and it was a matter of information Glad we had an opportunity to talk today for the meeting And it's certainly available for any questions that you have about it after this meeting and hopefully we'll be able to If there are any other questions or any recommended changes, which you might want to do in the future Well, what would have been helpful if you said you called me I don't know which number I've got two numbers Which number you called but I'll be happy to provide my personal number to you to make sure that we can be in touch It would have been nice about I had had a email with the intended changes So I could have had some time to look over it because that's what I didn't really have I didn't have any

» time We chatted about family and friends and life in general didn't we had a good conversation and we talked about About what it would look like if we did pass and if we didn't pass it But you didn't offer me the amendment prior to the meeting I would have liked to have seen the amendment prior to the meeting We're just yeah It was an amendment that I was asked to prepare I didn't know if it was going to be in fact, mr. Jones didn't bring it up That's mr. Shoemake was one. So I Again, I apologize for the misunderstanding No, it's past now, isn't it this past third reading so It's no it's no issue I think I think there's obviously Good intention in what you did and what mr. Jones did as well and I want to say to mr. Jones that Just because we disagreed on that one issue.

» I apologize for talking over you Mr. Brass not about talking over me. It's the fact that you absolutely just Didn't pay any attention to the rules of this meeting tonight. I think you did it deliberately to me. That's not true at all I believe that that's not true at all. We're friends and that's not true.

» That's not true at all Thank you, you did you did a good job, all right no league, okay, we have an executive session Do we need that? I'm asking do we need executive session? It says here executive session received a legal advice related to matters covered by the attorney-client privilege pursuant to what? This is a standard Okay, this is standard So you don't need an executive session tonight? Yes, I would like one just to Let y'all know of an issue that we have coming up that could result in some litigation It should be probably five six minutes tops Okay, is there a motion to go into executive session? I would make a motion. We go into executive session. Is there a second? Okay Mr. Tuck said all in favor That direct show that's unanimous.

» We're in a for a potential enforcement issue action enforcement action issue Mr. Robinson is that permittable? Okay All right, we're in session Do we have a motion to come out of executive session? So moved is there a second second. All right any discussion? Like the direct show no votes for taking executive session. The discussion was had about a serious situation that we're dealing with and I think we support our county administrator 100% Alright, all those in favor come to success. Raise your hand Mr. Tucker But it's unanimous. All right, is there motion to adjourn? So moved All right, mr. Brown second mr. Tom anybody any discussion about having a discussion Move for adjournment all those in favor Miss Tucker