Full meeting transcript - April 8, 2025

» I ain't talking to myself and [ __ ] Let's get started. No worries, nurse. Welcome out tonight everyone for this Tuesday, April 8th, 2025. Kershaw County Council meeting. We've been called to order and I will uh do the invocation. Dear heavenly father, we're thankful for our many blessings. We're grateful for the opportunities that we have in our lives. We're thankful for our family members. We're thankful for thy grace and the gift of thy son. We pray for the Mullikan family and all those who have experienced loss and mourn. May we always remember that we're supposed to mourn with those that mourn and stand in comfort those that need comfort. Please bless us as we try to do the business of Kershaw County tonight.

» We pray for thy guidance and direction that we can have wisdom and make good decisions. We pray for uh Councilman Tucker as he's not with us and all those who might be traveling and those who are sick and afflicted and need thy assistance. Please prepare the way before us. And we say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Amen. Amen. The pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you very much. And for all those who are here tonight. Gentlemen, that brings us to adoption of the agenda. I'd take a motion to uh adopt the agenda and also suspend rule 2.5F regarding pro proclamation so that we can have three if Mr. Tucker is able to get on the line.

» Do we have a motion? Make a motion to amend. Second. All right. Any [Music] discussion? And just for clarification, that's a motion to adopt the agenda and suspend rule 2.5F. And we have a second. Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor raise your hand. Miss Hannah, it's unanimous in person. And do we have Mr. Tucker on the line? We do not. We do not. All right. Mr. Tucker is not on the line. That takes us to item number 5A. Uh and since Mr. Tucker is not here, I'll make a motion that we defer this to the next meeting. Is there a second? Second. Second. Okay. Defer. All right. Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor? Miss Hannah? Unanimous by those who are voting in person. Deferred to the next meeting, second meeting in April.

» That takes us to item number 5B, National Child Abuse uh Prevention Month. Mr. Chairman. Yes, sir. Do you need the hard version or you got it? I do have a copy. Thank you, though. All right. I'll make a motion that we uh adopt and approve this proclamation. Is there a second? I'll second. Okay. Thank uh thank you, Mr. Kato, for the second. And if I could have those individuals who are uh here tonight and involved with it, uh if you would just stand up briefly. We've got various board members present tonight. I think there's only two board members present for one entity, but I'll go ahead and share this. This is a proclamation proclaiming April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Where is sexual violence and child abuse affect? Test Tess, you good? Hello. Can you hear me? All right.

» Whereas sexual violence and child abuse affect every person in Kershaw County as a victim, survivor, and as a family member, partner, neighbor, or co-orker of a victim or survivor. And whereas the family resource center, DSS, and the foster care review board of Kershaw County, staff and volunteers, some of whom we have present tonight are working to provide quality services and assistance to sexual violence and child abuse survivors, staffing 24-hour crisis lines, offering holistic services and trauma-informed and victim-entered environment, providing advocacy during medical exams and criminal proceedings, providing therapy and other support services throughout the healing process.

» Whereas the family resource center, staff and volunteers of sexual violence and child advocacy programs are promoting and prevention by offering quality educational programs to schools, faith-based and civic organizations as well as medical, mental health, law enforcement, and criminal justice personnel regarding sexual violence and child abuse issues. And whereas it is critical to increase community awareness of sexual violence and child abuse to educate community members about the need for engagement and support in these efforts to eradicate child abuse and sexual violence. And and some of these statistics are the ones that particularly surprised me. Whereas one in four girls and one in six boys are a victim of sexual violence. Only one in 10 disclose uh or confirm any abuse.

» Kershaw County Foster Care Review Board completed 176 child reviews in 2024. The average age of 9.4 years old and the average length in foster care was 24.1 months. And whereas the Family Resource Center requests community support and engagement as it continues to work toward a society where all individuals, women and men, girls and boys, live in safe spaces of trust, choice, collaboration, empowerment, and that are culturally competent so that we may all live in peace, free from violence and exploitation. Now therefore, Kershaw County Council does hereby proclaim the month of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month. That is the proclamation. We have a motion in a second. Is there any further discussion before we vote? Yeah, I'd like to say something.

» I'd like to say that I I appreciate those of you that are standing in support of this. I know that we we can all agree that this is egregious and horrific and um all we have in our life is our own experience. And for those that have experienced something horrific like that and grown up in a tough situation um we need to do more. We need to do more and you're doing more. Thank you for being here. Thank you, Councilman Brazil. Any further discussion? Mr. Mr. Uh Mr. She make go ahead. Again, thank you for your work. I in, as many of you know, in a prior life, I did uh prosecuted human trafficking cases and uh organizations like yours allow victims of not just, you know, child abuse like we think about, but also those who victims of these crimes use organizations like yours to rebound.

» And uh I've seen the power of organizations like yours. Uh there was a young girl the young victim that we handled a case I handled and had it not been for an organization very similar to yours. Uh she would have went a very different way. She's about to graduate Coastal Carolina now and and came out of this horrible horrible experience and got on the right foot and without organizations like yours stories like that would never happen. So thank you all. I appreciate it. Thank you Mr. Ch. Thank you Mr. Chairman. Yes, sir. Um I just wanted to say echo kind of what they said. Thank you so much for all you do and this is a huge issue and we need continued support and growth in our state uh for the help of it.

» And my mother-in-law who's in the audience right now um was the attorney for DSS for years, spent majority of her career um I think at one point she represented 13 counties. Um and so we've heard horrific stories. Um but thank y'all for all y'all do. It's much needed. and that's absolutely and she she she is a rock and and even Tom will tell you he Tom's pretty smart, but he says Virginia's the smartest attorney he'll ever he's ever met in his life. Well, I'm glad that overlap tonight. Mr. Ko, please. And I I I wanted to say thank you because seeing firsthand what y'all go through, what y'all see, it's very difficult and I I really appreciate the job y'all do. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Kato. Any further discussion? I'll just mention that uh the statistics are staggering.

» These uh surprised me, but I heard another one that by the age of nine or 10, just about 90% of children are exposed to something extremely graphic and terrible, just heinous. And it's not necessarily that you can't control what's happening in your own household. It's when they get to school around their friends, you've got to protect your babies at every turn. And so, I think uh this is important. Thank you very much for for bringing this up, Miss Parks. And uh let's move it to a vote and then we'll have uh the group come up. No further discussion. All in favor, raise your hand. Miss Hannah, it's unanimous for those who are present in voting. Miss Parks, if your group would come up, please. You have Would it be better? don't like this.

» Well, I'll take a second to say we've said a lot and it could be a tough issue, but if anybody has any questions or wants more information, please reach out to the family resource center because we can do trainings. We can just have people you can just come in and talk about the issue for more information. Thank you all so much. blind there for a minute. Thank you. All right. I'm sorry. I'm good now. [Music] Yes, sir. Thank you very much, gentlemen. That brings us to the next agenda item very close and near and dear to all of our hearts. Item 5C, honoring the life of Mary Elizabeth Mullikin, a proclamation tonight. Councilman Thomasson, do you have a motion? I make a motion. Please accept. I'll go ahead and second. And so, we've got it on the floor. I'll share the proclamation.

» We have numerous uh family members here tonight, loved ones, and our hearts are tender as we think about the family and friends who have been impacted by the loss of Mary Elizabeth Mullikin. She was a friend to all. And so I'll go ahead and share this. This is a proclamation honoring the life of Mary Elizabeth Mullikin. Our lives are sp full of special moments and wonderful memories when a loved one is lost. Sharing those moments and memories through a tribute that beautifully memorializes a life lived provides family and friends with the opportunity to reflect and remember. Whereas the Kershaw County Council humbly honors a life well-lived, a life that has left an impact on the lives of family, work, and community involvement that has ended too soon.

» Whereas we pause to celebrate and reflect on the beautiful memories, the charming smile, and unforgettable personality of Mary Elizabeth Mullikin. Whereas we offer our deepest condolences to the Mullikin family for a special gift in the life of their beloved daughter, sister, friend, co-orker, and special loved ones. And whereas no words could ever change the way your heart feels right now, but know that Kershaw County was honored to have such representation from Camden, South Carolina as the Palmetto State's top lobbyist and healthcare attorney. Whereas Mary Elizabeth Mullikin, we know that smile is shining bright like a diamond in the sky above us. Now we therefore proclaim that in Camden, South Carolina, this 8th day of April 2025, be it named in honor of Mary Elizabeth Mullikin.

» Any discussion, council members? Yes, Mr. Chairman, Mr. Thomasson, please. Um, on behalf of the family, we would we are over overjoyed at the outpouring support that has been shown from our community. It's a blessing just seeing what a community does coming together. Um, every single day there's hundreds of calls to family, text messages, and um, it we live in a wonderful place. It it is a true blessing. Um, Mary Elizabeth was a quite a go-getter. She was as type A as they come. She was hard-headed. She was sweet. She was loving. She was a fighter. Um, if I can, and I'm going to be very very brief. I I don't want to um if I get emotional, I will I will stop. But I think I think I think I can get through it. Take your time, Brent.

» Um, so speaking of her being a fighter, uh, she, if you know, so Alex, my wife Thomas and Mayor Elizabeth are black belts and they used to fight growing up. Tom would take them to tournaments across across the country, across the Southeast. And he would always, for some reason, I'm not really sure why, but would put them in age groups two two ages above what the age they were at. And Mayor Liz was fighting at the city arena, fighting two age groups below what she was. So she was fighting a girl three times her size. And the girl was huge. And Tom looks at her and said, "You can't you can't lose." So she walks on on the mat and starts barking at her. Beat the crap out of the girl. Girl had no idea what to do. She was terrified. And that and that's who she was.

» She was a fighter and she fought to the very end. But she was also a loving and caring person. She cared about her family very much. She cared about she was a sister, a daughter. She was an aunt. She was a professional that I am or a mentor to me in her professional career. As we look at 38 years, and it seems so short, 38 years, and it is, it's a very short time, but in 38 years, she accomplished more and changed more lives than people do in 95 years. And I am blessed personally to have had her as a sister for 27 years. And thank y'all, my my colleagues for doing this. Thank you very much, Brandt. Council members, any further discussion? Yeah, if I may. Go ahead, please. Um, I I never had the privilege of meeting her. Um, but I know the family.

» I've gotten to know, um, Brent very well over the last couple of years. But you know, we walk into this room with something else on our mind. Typically, we walk into this room with some kind of issue that we think is is the biggest issue at hand in that moment. We walk in here typically to solve problems. But seeing Kershaw County come together and and just the different people showing support, it it does say how special she was. It also says how special the entire family is and the extended family. Um I I don't know how to put this into words, but people have achd for you that you don't even know. And it's it's not because you're the director of DNR or politically connected or anything like that. It's just you're a good family. You're good people.

» From Casset to Pine Grove to, you know, all over you have friends. Um Tom, you and your wife. And I want you to know that that Casey and I have have achd for you. We have three kids and I just don't know how these last days and weeks have been. It's it's it's horrific. and we we will continue to pray for you and your family. And I wish I could put more of my feelings and emotion properly into words. But God bless you. Lean on Christ in these moments. And for those of you who don't believe who Jesus Christ is and was and continues to be, if it weren't for faith, I wouldn't be here. And if anybody ever wants to hear more about my experience in life and and how God changed my heart, I'd be available for for those conversations. And God bless all of you. Okay. Thank you, Councilman Brazzle.

» Any further discussion, Mr. Kato, I'll be brief. I I wanted to to say a few things. Uh, I wanted to share the first time I ever met Mary Elizabeth and Bran introduced me to her. And the time she was introduced to me, she treated me as if she had known me my whole life. She was that kind of person. And every time I saw her after that, she treated me like she had known me for more than just a couple of years. this family has done the exact same thing to me and I thank them for that friendship and it's I have grown really close to this family over the last couple of years. If you look at her achievements as someone and I tell you it was our pastor. We we had prayer for her and the Mulligan family this this Sunday at church.

» And and he he said he read the obituary and he told the congregation he said just look at the achievements that she had made in 38 years. The contribution she had made to society. That's something to be proud of. I could not imagine going off of what Russell said. I have lost some dear friends and some very close loved ones to include my father. But I can tell you I hope I never have to experience the loss of a child or a grandchild. I could not imagine what that's like. My heart deeply goes out to you, Tom and Virginia Anne. And I pray for you daily. And I hope this in some way helps heal your help helps heal your broken heart. Mr. Chairman, thank you, Council Me. Mr. Sheck, please. So, I've known the Mullikin family for gosh since I was 16 30 years.

» I think Mayor Elizabeth was would have been six or seven. You know, I can remember every time I saw Tom or Virginia Anne at their house and she was there, she was always, you know, uh I don't know if it's possible to be a more welcoming Mulligan than Tom of Virginia Anne, but I think she achieved it. Um something that whole family is good. You go into the Mullican household and you have to check your wallet to make sure that you're not a mullican yourself because they make you feel like you're one of their kids. Um and that's how I grew up. At 16, Tom Tom and his family have been mentors to me. Mary Elizabeth became a friend uh as I got older and um you know my my heart breaks as well.

» Everyone up here is a is a is a father and you know the social the sort of human condition you know bearing a child is just not something that people are supposed to do and again my heart breaks for this family and you know I I was fortunate enough to come from a good family but if I didn't you guys would have been the first door I went to and I know Mary Elizabeth would have been there to you know make a bed for me and I just um sorry for your loss and I I love your family more than you will ever ever know. Thank you. Thank you Mr. She make Mr. Jones, please. I was just waiting for everybody to get through. Um, my introduction to the family I think came when my son was a little boy going to Grace Episcopal and all the moms including my wife Mar were fighting over Mary Pat.

» They had to have her to take care of our son Taylor who you know now is 25 years old. That's how long it's been. Mary Pat, this is there's been a fist in my gut this entire week. Um, I got to know Tom through some mutual black belt friends of ours and and you know, you only know if you just like with rrestling, Mr. Chairman, you build a camaraderie there. Even if you don't know each other, you get to know each other because you have something in common that that you share. And of course, I didn't realize that the whole Mulligan family were black belts. But uh but Tom, from the very first time I met him and his beautiful wife, he welcomed me into their home. And uh I didn't really know Mary Elizabeth well.

» I had met her, but I cannot imagine, my wife and I have been talking about this every night. We just cannot imagine the pain, the loss of a child. And our heart goes out to you from the Jones family. We love you guys. You know, we can have political differences and we can sit up here and we can battle each other and fight with each other, but I I I tell you what, when something like this happens, it kind of brings reality to you. It's what's really important in life. It's not the titles, it's not the elections, it's not the politics, it's family, it's friends. and Mary Pat, Tom, Virginia, you guys should be so so proud at the turnout, the outpour of of concern and love for your family through the last week or so. But, um, I've been praying for you.

» We'll continue to keep youall in our prayers daily. And, uh, I the Jones family is always there if there's ever anything we can do. Thank you so much. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Jones. If I can get through this, I'll share just a few remarks. Um, in talking with Councilman Tomlinson about putting something like this on the agenda, it was certainly not to encourage any sad feelings or uh any overbearing mourning or anything like that, but to celebrate what an amazing life Mary Elizabeth had and to recognize the impact that a u a person like her continues to have. It's just amazing to really think about.

» And so as hard as it is to be joyful or uh grateful and reflective and thankful, that's the purpose of this is is looking um at this moment and recognizing that you've got love and support. And I hope that uh the family and friends who represent the full spectrum of life here. I mean, we've got parents and children and grandchildren uh fiance, friends who are like family, co-workers. And in that cross-section, there are a few themes that that stick out in my mind. In particular, Mary Elizabeth had such a huge impact on me at the state house. I don't know how many of you been up there, but I went up there and served for about 2 years, and there's a lot of sausage that gets made at the state house. And so, uh, and and some of that's not a real savory experience.

» There's a lot of great things that happen up there, too. But um in particular, Mary Elizabeth and uh Maria were lights in my life. Every day I'd get to go out and and in the lobby or at the halls at Blot or otherwise, I would get reminded about the great people in Kershaw County and why we serve and why we go through some of this process, try to fight for the people that you represent locally. And for that, I'll be ever grateful. She she made the experience so much more enjoyable and so much more effective as a consistent reminder of why you serve. And then she would talk about things going on uh back home or otherwise and get you fired up again. The one thing uh in my work I tend to interact with families who have experienced loss um quite regularly.

» And the one thing that other than the gospel that seems to help is recognizing that all the grief and pain that you feel that grief is a representation, a direct reflection of all the love that you never got to share. So in some ways the more that it hurts. That just means you loved him that much more. And you've got to embrace that in my experience so that you can have the good memories uh with the tough ones too. And so that that grief when it comes and it'll come in waves, sometimes it'll be very tough. That represents all the love that you have in my experience. And the saying goes, if you show me a great child, I'll show you some great parents. I've certainly known that to be true as I've looked up to u Mr.

» Tom and Miss VA my whole life and been very honored to know their children and um sons and daughters-in-law and I'm just extremely thankful and blessed. Uh I hope I'm I'm not stepping too far but what a perspective that these parents have. In particular Tom mentioned to me how grateful he was to have 38 years with such a wonderful daughter. I hope that I will adopt that same perspective with my own children that I will embrace the gratitude and love and gift that they are and uh and always remember that. And so I just want to share those remarks. Any further discussion, council members? Thank you so much for your comments tonight, gentlemen. It means means a lot. Appreciate you doing this, Mr. Chairman. All those in favor, Miss Hannah, of course, it's unanimous for those who are voting.

» We do have a a plaque to present to the family. You certainly do not have to come up or take pictures or anything like that. We can just hand it off to you. You're welcome to say something if you'd like to in the honor of um Mary Elizabeth's memory if you want to. If not, we completely understand. Me and for all while we get family and friends here. If you want, please come up. [Music] Mr. Mullikin, please. I'll do my best. You know me the best. Know I'm a bit of a crybaby. Um, I just want to say on behalf of the family, thank you. Thank you for recognizing Mayor Elizabeth and thank you for the tremendous job you do for our community. Last several days have been very difficult and the outpouring from this community and state and world have been beyond anything we can imagine.

» I won't use the words Mary Elizabeth would use because you'd have to censor me. Um, but I suspect she would have something to say that it's a shame that we have to have a death to bring people together. What we're reminded of is just exactly how lucky we are to have each other. And at the end of the day, that's all we have. Um, We were blessed for 38 years. I'm fine. Okay. I hel I held her for her first breath and I held her for her last breath and that was a blessing. And for 38 years in between, we watched her grow and give to us and everybody. Jimmy, sometimes that was a whooping, but she gave all the time and it's apparent. We we quote a lot and thank you Russell for invoking the name of God because that's really all you have.

» And if you come into our house, you'd see that Charlie painted something from Psalm 39. Show me, oh Lord, the number of my days that we might see how fleeting our life truly is. Our life is but a mere hand breath in front of you. We're not here long. I hope if anything her death would bring us all together. Let us move beyond politics and race and gender to heal as a community and to set an example for our state and our nation. The apostle Paul said in the mammortime prison bed which puts converted from a sewage tank where he sat that we live by three things. Faith, hope, and love. And love is the greatest of all. And so I can tell you on behalf of our family, one, we thank you. Our faith is strong. We continue to hope for a better day. And we love each of you. Thank you. God bless.

» Thank you, Tom. Thank you. [Applause] Can I say? Sure, Mr. Brazzle. I don't know what's on the rest of the agenda because I was running late and I haven't given it thorough view, but there's old Billy Graham video that talks about the devil's toolbox. And the simplest device in that toolbox is a wedge. If anybody's got one in their pocket tonight, I want you to leave with it. I don't want to hear anything negative tonight. We got business to do tonight. If you got a wedge to drive between me or anybody else in this room, take it out the back door. We can talk later. Tonight, we're going to get this business done. We're going to go home to our families. Well said. Thank you, Mr. Brazzle.

» I um I just hope that's a great example for for anyone anywhere in the world to have a father pour his out heart out like that regarding such a beloved child and how to deal with mourning and loss with grace and faith and love and charity and kindness. That's an example which I'm extremely grateful for and I just hope we all remember the spirit we felt tonight. And I pray for uh the peace which passes all understanding uh to be upon the Mulligan family and all those who are impacted. With that, gentlemen, I will try to get us back on the agenda. I will try to get us back on the agenda. Next up, gentlemen, we have item number six, public comments. This is not a time for question and answers. It's a time for council to hear from the public uh in general. Uh Mr.

» Deose, do we have anyone signed up? Yes, four speakers. First speaker is William Robinson, Nights Hill Mayday Festival. Mr. Robinson, please. Good evening, Mr. Chairman, council members, and Miss Hannah. Um, next next month, May 10th, we are having the 102nd celebration of the first meeting of African-Americans in the Nights community. And we call that day Mayday Festival. Um, and I have a poster for each of you to hang wherever you desire, but that would remind you of this date to come out to Nights Park and participate in the activities. We're going to have uh the Corvette Club of Columbia is coming back this year. Uh, horseback riding. We have a kids zone. Um there'll be plenty of fried fish and and uh and fries and also um other food vendors and um information booths as well.

» So I just wanted to invite you all and to help lighten this load. Thank you, Mr. Robinson. All right. Appreciate appreciate that. Mr. Deose, next speaker is Lawrence Gray, uh home internet line. Mr. Gray. Yes, sir. Thank the council chamber for having me. My name is Lawrence Gray. I live on 1549 Sher Road. I came up here a couple weeks ago with a personal issue with the internet. I want to thank you first of all for your um quick response to I believe it was Mr. Tomlinson that got back to me pretty fast about it. Um I reached out to both of the sources um that was given to me. It was AT&T and T-Mobile that was that were offered to me. Um, also reached out to the True Vista and everywhere in the city as well and they said they cannot also put a line to where I'm at.

» Um, I've been there for about five years and for the five years I've been using hotspot and like every time it goes to a storm or anything, it goes out and I lose all communication. I don't even think I have a home phone line hooked to the area where I'm at and I'm not so far out in the rural area. Um, I'm just the only one on my street that has that doesn't have the hookup. um and they tell me it's going to be five to 15,000 out of my pocket to um hook it up myself. So, if I appreciate the um response again, so if we can continue to please try to help and work on that issue for me, um I greatly appreciate it. Thank you for coming out tonight. Appreciate that. Mr. Deose. Next speaker is Tom Webb third letter ordinance. Mr. web.

» Well, it's a time to celebrate 250 years since the American Revolution, since the Revolutionary era. Many of us have uh forebears who fought in the war and fought the bloody British who still don't have a bill of rights anything like ours and Germans too. No bill of rights. I bring up Germany because George III, King of England during the revolution, was a German and our patriots had to fight German troops to the Hessians. So now both England and Germany seem to have gone off the deep end of socialism and most of Europe as well. I have heard and I I don't know if it's really true, but I've heard it more than once. If you have acorage in some of the European countries, uh, anybody can just walk around on it any old time with no permission.

» And if, uh, in hunting season, if they have what it takes to hunt, they can hunt on your property without permission. I would say it's no real private property at all. Then certainly not private property the way Americans think of it. So whatever is wrong with them mentally, I hope it's not contagious and I hope our governments don't get it. How could any of this apply to us? Well, our litter ordinance is a clue. It disrespects our bill of rights. Amendment 8, no excessive fines. Um could find you $250 for a little styrofoam cup. It's not graduated. We have a state litter law with a graduated rate of fines, $25 to $1,000. A little bit of litter gets you $25 fine, and a lot gets you a $1,000 fine. And it doesn't pit the people against the government.

» It's reasonable, and it recognizes private property. So much better than our local litter ordinance. So, this cup could get you a $250 fine if you're out in a boonddocks with a pickup truck and you don't tie your load down. Well, some people are good at tying a load and some are not. This could leak out and I don't think anybody's going to find you $250 for it, but it's in the law. It's they can do it. It's bad to make a law whether you enforce it or not. It's a bad law. So, some people are better at signing things down and some are not. And uh I don't have a a pickup truck, so this is not a $250 threat to me, so I'm not going to turn it in tonight. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Webb. Mr. Deose, last speaker is Christine Dennis, funding for Lake Watery Algae Treatment.

» Miss Dennis, thank you for Thank you for allowing me to speak tonight. My name is Christine Dennis. My husband and I call Lake Watery our home since May of 2021. We are members of the Lake Watery Association and I also serve on the Kershaw County Clean Commission. Protecting the environment and keeping our communities clean are very important to me. Lake Watery is not just for those who live on the lake. Thousands come to the lake every year for the recreational activities it offers, such as boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. 14,000 people who live in Camden, Lugof, and Elgen area also get their drinking water from our lake. We have a serious threat to the health and the water quality of the lake.

» Limbia, also known as microera walleye, is a syobacteria that um produces a toxin that's harmful to the fish, humans, and pets. Left untreated, it spreads rapidly. has has has been seen by what's happened to Lake Watery since this was first detected 10 years ago. In the last few weeks, Lake Watery Association had over 60 volunteers and 30 boats, my husband and I included, complete a survey to determine the presence of this toxic algae on the lake. The last time a survey was done was back in 2021 before um and that was done by Duke before they actually lowered the water levels to do the dam modifications. Since that last survey, the areas of imp um the amount of areas impacted has grown exponentially.

» This algae kills fish, obstructs navigation, will harm or kill dogs who drink the affected waters. In humans, it will cause a skin irritation and or skin rashes and in certain um certain strains of this can actually produce neurotoxins that can affect other body systems in a human. Um it affects the quality and the taste of the drinking water even if it's treated. And for those um in I'm sorry, in one of the areas that we found limbia, it was close to the water intake valves for the Camden the city of Camden's water supply. For those homeowners who live in areas with this algae, it is unsightly and it smells horrible. In the heat of the summer, the algae beds from the lake floor actually grow up to the top of the water surface. In those areas, people can't swim.

» You cannot put your pets in the water. And if you have a boat and you're trying to navigate back to a dock, it is virtually impossible. When fish try to lay eggs in this, they cannot they can't get oxygen to them in the fish in their eggs will die. Um the type of limbia that we have in our lake is very similar to the um the lia that's found in Crystal Springs River in um Florida and it's actually killing the um the manatee there. Um this algae will also negatively um affects the property the values of people's property that live on that are live on the lake and have this. We live near the dam on the Camden side, but in the the end of the summer months, we actually see mats of this algae float by in the deepest parts of the lake.

» So it can get um separated from an area that has it and travel someplace else. And most of the places that we've seen have been in four feet, four to four and a half feet and below like in the lower um things that we haven't where we've thrown the rake, we haven't seen it in places at 10 or 12 feet. But we need to act now and start to control and treat um treatment me control and treatment measures. The longer that we wait, the more algae is going to develop and then the cost to treat this will be um much higher. We are asking for funding from Kershaw County to do this.

» Lake Watery Association has actually secured the help of a renowned professor from Clemson University who is an allergy expert for over has over 30 years of experience and has agreed to be our treatment administrator for free. Um, and we need to start our treatment as soon as we possibly can because once this stuff starts to bloom, it gets harder and harder to treat and it usually takes six courses of treatment in a year to to basically uh reduce the amount or control the amount of algae that spread. Um, please help us with funding. Without this this beautiful lake that I live at and that people can enjoy and the um the abundant wildlife that we have here will will suffer. Thank you. Thank you for coming out tonight, ma'am. Mr.

» Boo Bose, does that conclude public comments? No further speakers. Thank you, sir. Thank you for those who came tonight participated. This takes us to item number 7A. We've got a public presentation uh placed on the agenda by the administrator. Do we have a motion? I make a motion. Mr. Thomas, we have a second. I'll second. Got a second. Uh Mr. Templer, any introduction or comment before the presentation? Uh just real quick, you can expect an update. Uh Mr. Mr. Chairman, members of council on uh current and future uh trail activities and plans um throughout Kershaw County as well as some uh planned activities on those trails. Um have Tom Siker and Bob Giane Georgia here to make that presentation. Gentlemen, please. First of all, thank you for allowing us to come.

» Uh we've been here in the past uh several times and have just trying to give an update uh to what we've been doing uh with Casey Trails across the county. Um and just as a reminder, you know, we are a citizen advocacy group. So we come together primarily to uh advocate for more trails uh throughout the county. Uh our main message uh tied in with that increase in the trails is the uh benefits that go to the citizens of the county. Uh activity out in nature helps your uh physical activity uh excuse me uh physical health pro uh improve as well as mental health. So uh in in addition we want to put emphasis on the youth. Uh this year we're trying to do more programs uh that our youths uh involved.

» Uh example tomorrow we're working with uh first steps nature is teacher uh to have uh a program there for the young youth to get them introduced to nature is teacher and the trails. Um we participate in many communitywide events. Uh we're involved in many of the back to school programs. Uh we've participated in the Kershaw County wellness fair for a number of years. Uh we sponsor the first day hike out at Goodall State Park. Uh we're involved in numerous events at nature is teacher and as I mentioned first steps. So we continue to remain very active and out in front of the community. Uh and like tonight we uh periodically get out meet with the towns uh county councils, city councils to talk about uh the importance of nature trails.

» Uh and and I want to emphasize to we're always putting uh safety uh first in in terms of uh those ideas. Uh and we are also encouraging ongoing trail planning. uh many of the things that we started talking about four, five, six years ago are just starting to come to fruition now. You trail ideas don't happen overnight and uh it does take time and good planning. The other thing that we do, we put a lot of emphasis on the communications informing the community about trail activity. I've left you copies of trifold on KC trails. The other is uh the map of the trails in the county and uh when we pass these out at events, people love them. Uh they just really have not seen anything like it that summarizes the trail availabilities uh that's here in the county.

» So we put a lot of effort into excuse me into the communications. As far as uh current projects, um we're involved with uh North Central uh middle school. The idea there is to put a trail around the middle school and the elementary school and connect it to the trail that goes around the high school. So that'll give you approximately a 2.5 mile trail uh in an area where you really don't have anything like that at all. So, we're hoping to get that one moving along. We're waiting on some grant funding, but it's a it's a neat neat project. Uh down at Nature is Teacher. And many thanks to Duke Energy, uh KC Trails received a grant uh for interpretive signage on the Natureist Teacher U Riverview Trail.

» uh this will add to uh their educational uh footprint and capability and it's a it's a great trail and it does offer uh really a good opportunity to for children to understand the different uh ecosystems that are out there. Um and we're going to be using uh Woodard Technical Center for the graphic design uh on the signage. So, we're trying to make this really a win-win across the the county. Uh, with the city of Camden, we have early discussions uh on adding two new walking paths in existing parks. Uh, and we'll be starting to lay out the first of those soon. Again, that's going to depend on uh uh grants uh that should happen in the future.

» Um I want to mention too at Nature is teacher uh we were uh involved with uh them in putting together uh what was called uh RECC camp and that was directed at building resiliency skill sets in in youth and that was a week-long program last year. This year we're going to do it uh with uh two two-day camps. Uh try to hit more children with this uh and divide it out by age groups. But it's a very successful program last year. And we got to thank the health services district for uh the grant that allowed us to do that. Uh we are now a 501c3 which enhances our fundraising potential. And I'll say we're out looking to partner wherever we can uh with cities, counties or the towns to see where we can uh just link various grants together.

» Um over the past couple of years, we've become much more integrated into the community. Uh we work closely with Livewell Kershaw, Nature is Teacher, Goodall State Park, First Steps, the towns of Bthun and Elgen, City of Camden, and Kershaw County to find ways to improve the well-being of our citizens through a more robust trail environment uh and trail related activities. And I want to mention too, it is worth noting that the naturist teacher w Camp uh that was established last year uh that came out of uh the involvement of the live well Kershaw uh resilient children and families work group. So we're we're really able to bring a lot of uh organizations together around the idea of uh nature and and increasing physical activity in nature.

» Uh just uh in closing from my part uh we've talked about uh the last couple of years uh the potential of expanding uh the number of days that nature is teacher is open to the public. I know the county has been moving in that direction. Uh we're encouraging to keep on moving. Uh we we hear that question all the time. People will say they're out there on a Saturday and they'll say, "Why are we only out here one day a a month?" You know, they're looking to be out there more days. So, anything the county can do uh to make that happen, uh greatly appreciated by the community. I'll turn it over to Tom. Um part of what we do is put a lot of trail ideas together. doesn't mean that every one of them is possible but uh he's going to be talking about the 25 uh in 25. Thank you. Thank you m Mr.

» Chairman Mr. Sler. Go ahead. You taking taking time with us. Uh I want to bring your attention to this uh document here. It's called 25 for 25. And these are trail ideas uh projects that are going on. Uh some of them are just a a an idea, some are things that are already underway, but I'd like to kind of go through real quickly uh some of the highlights that might affect you all. Um if you go to number one, um this is a project that we're uh called open community use in the schools. Um and that's the ability to use uh school properties for exercise uh in off hours and uh for the public. and that's been approved u for elementary schools and we're proposing that we um advocating for getting that same thing done with the high schools and the middle schools.

» We're just looking for ways for people to get out and get exercise. Those properties belong to the county and it' be great to see them more used for outdoor exercise. Also, I just wanted to mention if you if you notice the cover of this, anybody know where that is? That's Doby's Mill School. They have a nature trail. It's it's part of their curriculum. They uh take kids outdoors. They teach them to walk. They they enjoy nature. And so we um are advocating use of of places like that and other uh opportunities to uh use school properties. Um number two is what John um what Bob just mentioned about nature's teacher trying to help them be open more. This is about 800 acres of really prime real estate right on the river that uh is underutilized. It'd be great to see more use of that property.

» Uh Bob also mentioned the the the trails out in North Central. Um number five there is Watery River Veterans Park, the new pier and the boat ramp. That that's uh something that we just mentioned as a project that is going to get more people outdoors. Uh number six, the Black River Road project. Most of y'all are probably aware of this, but you know that's that's on schedule. Uh that's going to include a 10- foot wide multi-use trail for about two I believe it's about two and a half miles along uh Black River Road. Uh of course you all know about Woodward Park expansion that'll include some additional trails and another connector over to Scott Park. Uh Bolton Branch Trail.

» Now, this is just a concept, but um the Bolton branch is goes from uh Aaron Cloud off all the way out to the Camden Environmental Park there uh along Bramblewood. So, there's an opportunity to connect from Aaron Claw all the way to the river and uh there's a few challenges there. It's uh there's some private property where they're putting in condos or town houses or whatever. And then there's some county property and city property uh and one or two private properties, but it's not a lot. And um that has a lot of potential to to give increased access to the river uh for citizens. Um the veterans park number 10, uh we're just asking to uh continued um attention to the nature trail.

» You know, the tree there's getting to be less and less trees out there and that nature trail takes takes a beating. uh the the the 25mi creek erosion and things like that. And so it's just tough to keep up. And so we're asking uh for the resources to to keep that uh trail in use. If y'all haven't noticed Goodall State Park first day hike, we had over 200 people out there at Goodall and uh the ranger showed us a whole new uh trail system that they've added about a mile and a half or so of trails uh 2.4 miles of trails that they've added. So getting people out to the parks generates, you know, the ability to then fund new things. So it's a very good positive spiral there. Um, couple more. Uh, I'll just mention the Camden Battlefield. There's trails under development out there.

» Continued signage, continued opportunities for people to go out there and, uh, walk and, uh, learn as well. Um, I'll just mention at the top, number 15 and 16. These two I've been hearing about from the first day I ever came to Camden. Um, kind of just dreams. But one is the Camden Rail Trail. We've got a railroad that goes, you know, from the other side of I20 all the way north on up 521 that potentially could be an amazing resource. Um, and then the other is the Watery River Trail, which is on the other side of the river going from Veterans Park all the way up to the dam. There there's there's a real possibility that that could be done. So, these are dreams and ideas, but something to just continue to bring up and keep you guys thinking about. Um, number 20 is an interesting one.

» Buck Creek, this is just I'm throwing this out there, but Buck Creek in Lugof. Uh, there's a YMCA uh property down there. Uh I don't know if any of y'all have been to Sumpter, but they've got that uh I think it's called the shotguns pouch or something trail and it goes right by their YMCA, you know, and it's just a little creek and um but there's some green space over there that uh I don't know what the plans are, but there's potential there, I think, to use some of those green spaces for um for more trails to connect people. And that's about all I got. Um, well, I'll just mention number 23, walking trails at some of the parks.

» There there are still a few places, um, I think Mount Pisga is one of them that that there's interest in having a park out there or or some kind of walking trails in some of these other places. So, uh, and then last, number 25 is the 2013 bicycle, pedestrian, and greenways plan. If you haven't seen it, if you haven't read it, there's plenty of copies around. I can try to help you get some. I know you can get them from Sean Putnham at the city. Um, but you know, there there were some great ideas laid out in that document and some real good ways to potentially connect uh, you know, making it safe to drive a to ride a a bike, you know, from one side of Camden to the other, those kind of things. So, there's a lot of possibilities, a lot of ideas out there.

» We just ask you all to continue to consider that plan and uh, look for opportunities to implement more trails throughout the county. Thank you very much for the presentation and comments. Uh Mr. Slacker, Mr. G and Georgie. Council members, any comments or questions? Just just very quickly, Bob and Tom, thank you so much for all you do. You put a lot into it, your hearts into it, and I really appreciate it. You know, the first the first couple of folks that that really started pushing trails since I've been on council for almost 20 years was Gene Wise, dear friend, my dear friend, former chairman Gene Wise, and Vic Carpenter.

» they were very big on it and that's when I first started hearing about it and of course it takes me a little while things to sink in as to how good certain things can be. But uh I appreciate the work y'all do. I I think this is a great great thing for Kershaw County and just want to say thank you to both of you. Thank you Mr. Jones. Any other comments or questions? Council members. Well, I'll tell you I've been here. It's my fifth year and um Mr. Bob has has been here promoting trails I think every year. How long have you been doing this now? It what six years? Five, six years I think. So we've been here I think at least three times and Oh well is that all? You've done a great job. You just see him at every other community event. Right. Right. No, really.

» um what you're doing in promoting what we have is one thing because I know a lot of people were walking through um between Scott Park and Woodward now Wuburn's under construction and a lot of people say hey gosh we you know with all that going on can we still can we still get our trails so having all these options available is fantastic and I think you got a lot of good ideas in here um to add to it so thanks for what you're doing and Tom thanks thanks for for what you guys are doing together. We appreciate y'all. It really mean Well, we appreciate it, too. And uh Russell, to your point, uh I've heard from a lot of people the last few weeks about the the shutdowns at the uh at Sky Park and and then at Woodward.

» But at the same time, you know, while it's a problem, it does bring home the importance of the trails and how much people depend on them. And uh there's no question that, you know, the more we do of this, the healthier the community is going to be. No question. We've got many friends that that enjoy the trails and talk to Casey and I about it um frequently. So, um definitely part of the community and part of part of what's needed. So, we appreciate you guys. Okay. And anything more we can do just in terms of ideas or planning, uh just don't hesitate. Thank you. Thank you, Council Brazil. Hold on. Let me see if there are any other comments or questions from council members. Any other comments or questions? Everybody good? Everybody good? Thank you so much, gentlemen. Have a great evening.

» All right, gentlemen. That takes us to item number 8A, approval of minutes. Do we have a motion? Make a motion we approve the minute, Mr. Kato. Is there a second? Second, Mr. Tomlinson. Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor? Showbody raise a hand. Miss Hannah, it's unanimous by those who are in person. The minutes are approved. That takes us to item number 9A on the agenda. First reading and title only. Can we get some explanation either uh from Mr. Dose or Mr. Templer? Yeah, this um this ordinance was initiated by fire chief uh Bullard. Um again, title only, but it seeks to require installation of fire hydrants for minor subdivision developments where there is sufficient water flow.

» Um the particular legislative findings are not in the shell ordinance that's in the package, but the substance of the requested text amendment and the reports uh to planning commission on the matter are in there forformational purposes. Uh full ordinance uh with legislative findings uh would be presented at second reading. Okay. With that explanation, do we have a motion? I'll move that we adopt the ordinance. Mr. Shoemaker has a motion. There's a second for Mr. Tomlinson. Any discussion? Um Mr. Mr. Shoemaker has four. Sorry. Go ahead. Yield. Okay. Thank you. Thanks for keeping us straight, sir. Go ahead. Um I know you said it's it's not complete. So, a minor subdivision could be uh it could be two lots or it could be um nine nine or 10 lots.

» Um is 10 lots considered minor that the most you can have. Is that right? Correct. Okay. So, um is it is it a footage? What what do we how are we going to define the quantity of fire hydrants that are needed? So, I believe the code right now uh requires them every 500 feet on frontage. So, if you had 1,000 ft of frontage, you might be required to put in two fire hydrants. Um again, if you were developing 1,000 ft of frontage. Um importantly though, uh this would apply to the non-exempt minor subdivisions and nonexempt subdivisions. So um for what it is worth there are carveouts for um conveyances to family by gift um already in the ZLDR which uh states that those are not subdivisions for the definition of subdivision.

» So if somebody were were dividing a parcel say into thirds and by minimums what 100 ft on the road frontage. Is that right? I believe so. I mean say everybody got 150 foot just kind of ballparking. So it' be 450 foot. So they would be required to put one in if one was not within a certain area. Yeah, I believe that would be the intent and they would have to work with Kershaw County or Lugoff Elgen Water or the city of Camden or Cassid Water or how would that work? Depending on who the water provider is, they would um of course have to make sure that there's sufficient pressure and fire flow in those locations. Um again, this probably will not have impact on many areas of the county. um given the fact that there might not be fire fire flow in those areas.

» But it will capture um importantly some of the development products that uh development services and fire department have seen crop up which is more of these six and seven unit subdivisions by developers that um as the ZLDR is written right now are escaping any requirement to put in these critical life life safety. So, more like an apartment complex that was divided in a in a minor subdivision definition. Well, apartment town homes you could you could Yes. Theoretically, you could create seven or eight lots, put town homes on them, and you'd still be a minor subdivision. Correct. Right.

» So if if someone in Casset were to split those those three parcels off of one and there was just residential water line available, they'd still be able to split them because th this wouldn't be um something that would prevent them from dividing their property. Well, again, I we're we're speaking in hypotheticals, but um if sufficient flow doesn't exist for fire and pressures, um that development would not require it. And again, depending on the nature of of the subdivision, there are state law uh exemptions from the definition of subdivision and as well as some Kershaw County particular uh exemptions. So exemptions may apply in some cases, they might not apply in others.

» But um if it is a arms length transaction, someone's splitting a parcel into two three separate parcels, selling them at arms length, it's no kind of familial gift. Um yes, that would in theory trigger this. Again, there's a bunch of caveats is there, but yes, in theory, it would trigger that. So, in the hypothetical situation that you and I just talked about, it would or it would not prevent them from developing and splitting the property. I don't know that it would uh necessarily prevent anyone from splitting the property. It would just require that if a minor subdivision has fire flow, it's, you know, not an exempt subdivision that if that fire flow exists, a at least a fire hydrant would be required. Okay.

» And and if Casset Water or whomever says that there's not enough pressure on the line, that would not be a trigger that stop the the division. No, this does not contemplate I think I see where you're going. This is not contemplate a scenario where developer wants to split off say three, four, five lots and there's not flow and the response from county development review and the um fire chief is well you've got to upside this that line and get water to your site. this that that is not what this is addressing. It's where the infrastructure already exists and has sufficient pressure and flow that they would be required at that point. Correct. Yeah. So the under the scenario that we described, I'd like to see it in writing.

» I'll support it at first reading, but I would like to see the specifics and the details because I don't want it just to be another reason to stop someone from doing what they would like to with a small parcel of property. Um, I'm a I'm a big fan of mom and pops and small business. And there are a lot of builders who who'd like to buy 10 acres or 15 acres and split it into two or three acre lots and build nice homes for people in the community. Um, that's not akin to major subdivisions that cause tragic impact um when they build 4 or 500 homes in 18 months. Those are two separate things.

» And so I just want to make sure that we're able to support our small businesses and and our builders that that do like to do those small developments and uh feed their families because that's exactly what they're doing. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Brazzle. Mr. Sheum, you yielded? I'm good. I I support it. Um I think I've seen a lot of these minor subdivisions popping up throughout the county. There's one I'm thinking of specifically in Blue Golf. It's like four little town homes crammed together. And an ordinance like this, assuming flow is there, would require a fire hydrant. And obviously, you know, that deals with insurance premiums. Um, I'm very supportive of it, but that's all I have. Mr. Thomasson, you had the second. Yeah, I the questions I had, uh, Mr.

» Brazzle kind of already taken care of and I also support this. I think it's a wonderful thing. Um, public safety is very, very important. So, uh, Mr. Jones, Mr. Kato, any comments or questions? Just quickly, I'd like to thank Mr. visor for clarification because you know public safety is one thing, bureaucracy is another thing. We just got to make sure that there's a balance and uh you know like I say we if we're going to pass something the questions that Mr. Brazzle asked should be answered should we should have an answer to them. So I appreciate you bringing that up. Thank you Mr. Jones. We'll get more clarification I guess as we go through second reading. I I will support on first reading. Thank you Mr. Jones. I'll also support this on first reading.

» Um, I'm in favor of it in part because I remember back early on whenever we started the fire study and digging into ISO ratings. Um, first we've got professional staff saying this is something we need. But I remember going through the data at that time and some of the main knocks against Kershaw County as we were moving to a full-time professional fire service was access to water flow number of hydrants and we still had some and and I guess we still do in remote areas of the county um where perhaps there's now water flow as utilities are expanding water lines in various areas.

» We still had pond agreements with uh folks where, you know, you're working on I guess it's like a sump pump where you have a pond agreement and you can drain someone's pond to try to fill back up and then rush over to fight a fire somewhere. And so either uh the county, all of us will end up subsidizing fire hydrants going in in particular areas to to improve uh coverage and access to fire safety or to me it really makes sense that if you've got uh a new fire protection need in a particular area and I think the cost was relatively minimal. It was quoted to me at one point. Um, but I I forget for one fire hydrant being built into the front of a subdivision.

» Um, but I I think it makes sense and I look forward to getting more information, data, and looking uh at the actual language in second reading. Any further comments or discussion? Seeing none, uh, we'll move it to a vote. All in favor, raise your hand. Miss Hannah, it's unanimous for those who are in person voting. All right. Item 9B. Can we get some exclamation? Either Mr. Templer or Mr. Bose before we uh seek a motion. Yeah. This um this proposed ordinance deals with the conveyance of a water man that goes down Black River Road um to Mount Avet. It services the Governor's Hill Industrial Park. Uh there was a um in 2015 county got RAIA grants EDA to build this line. Of course, the county is not in the water business.

» Uh county entered a bulk water purchase agreement with city of Camden to get the water to what was in Casset Water, now Kershaw and Lee Regional Water Authority. Then Casset would get it into the actual park. Um at this point with uh Cassid's conversion to the special purpose district, they are able to serve the park with their water. um use this line. Additionally, I believe the cost to the county was $43,000. Again, many years back, the total cost was 780K. So, the county does not have a whole lot in this infrastructure. Um no direct use for it. Uh city of Camden because there was a bulk water purchase agreement was uh consulted made aware of the intent to convey. They claim no right title or interest in the lines or use for them. the lines are wholly within um Cassid's territory.

» Um RAIA and EPA confirmed that the county can transfer it to uh Kershaw Lee Regional Water. Um and there were no customers on this until Prestige Food uh entered the industrial park in 2021. All right. Well, with that explanation, let's go ahead and seek a motion and second and we'll discuss further. Is there a motion? I'll make a motion to adopt. Mr. Schemeck makes a motion. Is there a second? Second. Mr. Mr. Thomasson has a second. All right. It's on the floor. Any further comments or discussion? I I'm good. I understand. Um uh the one I have two questions. Currently, this line doesn't generate any revenue for the county. No. And essentially, we would be relieving ourselves of any maintenance responsibility for the line if someone else takes it over. Correct.

» And and that was Oh, go ahead. I believe there's been a a recurring very minimal kind of um infrastructure service cost from the city of Camden each year. I just understand historically it's popped up every now and then with finance and they're like what is this fee? What's this fee for a line that isn't really being used um could be used by Cassid um and again city has no need for it. So to your point there's it's a dimminimous fee but in fact the county is paying a or was paying a very small fee to city of Camden just to have the right to get their water and send it through the and this was originally contemplated in the in the original grants that helped fund the project. Yeah.

» more yes more or less the lease agreement with um Casset Water at the time provided for a lease of the line but also contemplated an ultimate conveyance of the line to them um if and when that was a reality. And then final question is this um would ultimately allow Casset Water to better serve you mentioned Prestig is the primary customer with the flow that they now consume but allow them to better serve one of the folks that we have a relationship with anyway on a felo basis in Kershaw County. Okay, this this provides some uh ability to serve the park, but it would also um in theory allow them to uh perhaps provide heightened services to other customers they have in that service area. Okay, thank you. Those are all the questions I have.

» Any other discussion? Have a who initiated this? Uh I think the administrator and staff placed it on. I'm not sure. Was it a request from Cassid or we recognized the contract maturing? Kershaw and Lee Regional Water uh reached out um roughly a year ago. I know that Jeff Burgess had been um contacted by them or there had been discussions back in even uh 2023, December of 2023 about That's good. I just wanted to have some some knowledge of maybe where it all started. Thank you. Okay. Any other questions or discussion? Seeing none, we'll move it to a vote. All in favor, raise your hand. Miss Hannah, it is unanimous. Thank you very much. That takes us to new business. We've got two items from um the administrator, Mr. Templer, regarding parks. And so, let's go with 10A. Mr.

» Administrator, you want any explanation before we make a motion? Uh just that uh Mr. Chairman, members of council, this is the uh Casey West Park uh driveway and parking lot. That's been a much needed item. And so we finally have those bids in for y'all's consideration with a identified low bidder. Okay. Do we have a motion to approve? I will make a motion to approve. Mr. Shoemake. Is there a second? I'll second. Mr. Brazzle seconds. Mr. Shoemaker. Yeah. So excited to see this. This was obviously part of something we started a long time ago. It's nice to see Woodward being worked on. We've got parks in North Kershaw. So super super happy to see this. And am I reading this right? Is our Kershaw Builders is the low bid? Yes, sir.

» So, the low bid also happens to be a trusted local uh company. Correct. Correct. I like I'm supportive of Thank you, Mr. Schum. Mr. Brazle, you had the second. Um, this was well within budget. Is that correct? Yes, sir. Good. Um, yeah. What what how much did we have allocated? I'm sorry. It's been It's been some time. What was the allocation amount? So, this one has been there were some carryover funds I think to the tune of 900,000 from previous budgets for a parking lot, but uh originally started with a concession stand parking lot, but those costs outpaced that funding. So this was an aggregate of uh some of the ARPA funds that we designated for um all of the rec POS or projects rather. Well, I know we came in under bid on the on the recreation project. We did.

» So yes, some of the Camden, correct? Some of the bids were we came in under and some came over just a little bit from the cost projections and so we're just kind of equaling out as we go. Have we heard from the recreation commission um regarding concession stands and bathrooms at this same facility? Uh no, not to my knowledge. I can I can get an update for you, but see where we're at. Okay. I know there was talk about finishing West Water. Councilman Jones, I think, had talked about that and then Derek's championed it.

» Um, this is certainly the top item, but I think if I'm not mistaken, there were extra there were some extra funds left um in the allocations that that we have from ARPA and from the health resources district that might would enable us to um have a small concessions with bathroom in this as well. And I think all of Lugof and Elgen would like to see that. um it would keep kids from crossing the roads back and forth in the parking lot. Just it'd be a safer environment. So, if we could also touch on that, if you could touch base with recreation commission, I'd love to hear about that as well. All right. Thank you, Mr. Brazzle. Any other comments or discussion? Okay. If not, we'll move it to a vote. All in favor, raise your hand. Miss Hannah, it is unanimous.

» for those who are voting in person. All right, that takes us to item 10B. Mr. Administrator, up once again, Mr. Chairman, members of council, you have another bid to um continue our recreation projects. This is for the uh rehab of the baseball facilities up at Boyd, Young and Copeland Parks. Uh we were had one one bid there. So, um, and this is a bid that or a contractor that has worked with us on a other wreck projects. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Templer. Is there a motion? I make a motion we move forward with this recommendation. Mr. Kato has a motion. Is there a second? Mr. Thomasson has a second. Mr. Kato, this is something that is dearly needed in both Westville and Bthoon. These ball fields are um extremely old. have really need some need some work to them.

» Um, this is something that we've been talking about ever since we started the projects all over the county and I look forward look forward to doing something to these two facilities that's desperately in need of it. So, uh, I ask my colleagues to support this tonight. Thank you very much. Comments or questions? Mr. Thomasson? Mr. Mr. Chairman, I just kind of wanted to look at the numbers. Um, this fits within our budget uh that we have now. Correct. It's not going to put any any strain on any other projects. And and just to be clear, the um you know the allotted funds from the health services and uh MUSC ARPA um these costs because of these projects have gone on for a while. Costs have escalated as you would imagine. But we have identified funding.

» But then um and it's it's a nominal amount um to get these projects across the finish line through our capital reserves in this coming budget year. So obviously the goal is to start immediately spending down the money that has a shelf life on it. So yep, that sounds wonderful. I have three little girls on my softball team, my 10U softball team currently right now who live in the northern part of the county. and uh the other day their mother was uh talking to me about the access to fields and everything. I'm h very happy to support this and I'm proud of Danny Ko for all his hard work um making sure that the northern part of the county was taken care of. Thank you, Mr. Thomasson.

» Any other comments or questions? Just just briefly, um is it kid pitch by the way? Your softball? Yeah, it's kids pitches. Um y'all to come out. I think we got a game um tomorrow if y'all like to. It's u 5:45 at Casey West actually and I've been out there and I there's a concession stand and the bathrooms are decent on on one side but I agree the other side needs it long ways. Yeah, there's a lot going on and I appreciate my colleagues putting a lot of effort into recreation because children are very important to our community. I I think this is a really good example. Uh you know we see sometimes uh you know I I did a town hall recently that Mr. Templar attended and I know Chairman Conell is going to be going to a different town hall coming up.

» You hear these questions about these you know services and parks and you know this is a really good example of just how long sometimes the government does take and why it's important that we have a vision and we commit to it. If I'm not mistaken you know the vision for a lot of this rec stuff really started before many of us came on. on it started. I know when uh Chairman Connell was on and I think one of your first years, Councilman Brazleman, now you know, here we are all these years later seeing this two and a half years probably. Yeah.

» So, you know, so it's it's this is a really good example of how with a committed vision and dedication even with the slow wheels of government, you know, we now have major bids in on all of these projects and and we're making headwind all these projects. That's that's really good to see. Uh I'm very happy in in general. So, it's just a great reminder that we can get stuff done. It just uh it takes time and dedication. I'd like to say one one thing. I Mr. Brazzle was was on the phone at the last meeting. I caught Danny off guard with the compliment. And th this is what I'm talking about though.

» he when when we were negotiating um the situation with one another and and with the health resources district and we we were talking about matching monies and that sort of thing, he he absolutely dug his heels in for his community and congratulations. Thank you. Yep. Any other discussion? Yes, Mr. Jones. Thank you. Um, actually the first master plan for recreation, Bobby Mikkels spearheaded it back in two 1998 I believe. Shane, you may remember that long. Okay, maybe I've been here too long, but but he did. He did. He He did. He pushed it. A recreation commission was founded. And of course, everything's piggy back off that. And I know Councilman Ker, you knew him very well. Fine man. But uh that was a that was a big vision of his was recreation. He was from the lug golf area.

» Um I guess what I was would like to see I see the 1,162,000 whatever dollars but is there is there a plan or is there a um a picture or some kind of guidelines? Got to have a conceptual from alliance wouldn't we? Yes, there are renderings and and um it essentially moves some of the fencing, replaces the fencing. So, a lot of aesthetic uh upgrades. Um but I think one of the the nicer amenities is going to be the lighting, the LED lighting up there um will be replaced. So, and there is a list of what when we say rehabilitation because that's quite a lump sum. There's a list of what that money is going to be spent for. Yes, it's it's identified. Um there's there's um a project outline so I can certainly get that to you if you'd like to look over. Well, yeah, I'd like to see it.

» I I'm going to support this for Mr. Kato, but I would like to see what I'm voting on when you say rehabilitation. If I if I Yeah, absolutely. If I remember correctly, it included some fencing. It included the new lighting. It included um uh turf and redoing of the infields on these because some of these fields are some of this 1980s clay that was dug up out of a clay pit somewhere and it's tough and hard. So, it's completely remodifying the ball fields and and fixing them up. And I may have and it may be my fault. I may have missed it, but I just haven't seen anything that shows me what we're doing. And I'd like to see I'm going to support it, but I'd like to see what are we doing, you know? um instead of just rehabilitation.

» And uh and as I said, it may have been shown to us earlier, but I just don't remember it. So anyway, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Jones. I can certainly support this tonight. I think recreation's one of the more important um silos of spending in Kershaw County. I'll just share why real quick holistically as I continue to represent the county.

» Whenever businesses are interested in coming to Kershaw County and looking at economic development, one of the questions I get from leaders of those companies is, "Okay, you say you believe in us, what is Kershaw County going to do to to make me say I need to move my people from a different state or different area and have them experience the quality of life for their family members individually, but also their kids in particular with recreation, uh, access to trails, which we heard about tonight, access to to water sports, access to sports themselves, low taxes. Well, that that's the felo arrangement. Yeah. So, that's one of the things we definitely address. Yeah.

» But, uh, in order to show quality of life, that's one of the things people are really interested in is where are my engineers or my seauite people or my workers going to spend their time and enjoy this community? And, uh, youth recreation, I think, is one of those one of those great things. And now that I have a ninth grader, a sixth grader, and a first grader, and they all practice and play at different locations, like every night, it seems, um, God bless Kristen, uh, for for toting them all around when I'm not able to. I get to see families together more and more in the community engaging this, and I think it's just an important part. And so, this all ties together to me.

» Yes, this is recreation, but it's also part of economic development in Kershaw County because it makes us more attractive. So, I can hardily support this tonight. Any other discussion? Seeing none, let's move it to a vote. All in favor, raise your hand. Miss Hannah, it's unanimous for those who are voting in person. All right, council member briefings. Mr. Kato, would you start us off, please? Sure will. And I'll be short and sweet. Uh, first of all, I just want to uh remind everyone of April the 26. Um, Mr. Robinson talked about the Mayday in May. Well, Mount Pisga Community Resource Center is having a family day, car show, and a ride event.

» Um, if you want any information, numbers, or anything to contact, they're looking for vendors to set up, food, trucks, whatever the case may be for this April the 26th. And you can go on their Facebook page, Mount Pisga Community Resource Center Facebook page, and get all the information you need in reference to this event. Um, we also may have a a special event that day. um uh possibly a ribbon cutting on the new playground. So, I I I look forward to that. Also, uh just remind everybody spring breaks next week and schools will be out and if you're traveling or whatever you may be doing, just stay safe and be careful because there'll be a lot of people on the road. So, uh just have a happy spring break and a good Easter and we'll see you see you after that. Thank you, Mr. Kato. Mr.

» Tomlinson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, I'd really like to thank everybody um, again in the community for all the support that our family has received. I really appreciate all of my colleagues and their their kind words for my family. Um, it's it's truly a blessing to be loved um, and just see love all throughout our community. We we live in a wonderful place. Um, thank you to staff for all their their hard work. We put a lot on staff and they continue to to exceed expectations. Uh they work tirelessly. Thank you for all you do. Each each one of you, it means the world to me. We're in a good place. Love Kershaw County. Thank you, Mr. Thomas. Mr. Jones, we love your family. I'm glad to be a part of that tonight. And and and having said that, I have no further comments. Thank you.

» Thank you, Mr. Jones. Mr. Shoemake, again, I appreciate everything happened tonight. As you guys can probably tell on the tune's been under the weather, so I'll be much more proposed. That's why that's why Councilman Brazle has been sliding away from me and um bathing in hand sanitizer. So, um but I did move one seat over from Sandy just so I could be close to him. Uh that's all I have. Thank you, Mr. Shoemake. Mr. Mr. Brazzle, I do enjoy when I get the opportunity to sit next to Councilman Shoemake. Um, we we have fun as do Sammy and I. Um, hearing Councilman Kato say April 26 reminded me that my middle child um, Davis's birthday is next Wednesday.

» Um we spent the day together today and don't get to do that often enough and um you know reflecting on on on the situation tonight with with your family Brandt and um life is fleeting. It it seems like I was 24 25 years old just just a few weeks ago and here I am 46 with a 21-year-old a 18year-old next week and my youngest child is 14 and I am slowly becoming an older man and um we continue to it happens it happens continue to to praise God for for every day and and be thankful for those that we love. So with that, that concludes my remarks. Thank you. Thank you, Vice Chairman. I have a few remarks.

» You know, there's a lot of bravado that occurs in these meetings sometimes, and in its simplest form, I think we're reduced down to just saying sometimes, and we don't say it enough, Brandt, I just love you, man. I love your family. So grateful for them. And uh there's no filter applied to that for any of these gentlemen up here. There's no filter applied to that. I try to love you'all unconditionally. and if you ever need anything, you let me know. Um, the Mullikan family is amazing. I really do hope people will take that to heart as an example of how to deal with difficulty and mourning with grace and faith uh in Heavenly Father. I'm going to take that as an inspiration that I'll remember the rest of my life. Um, I wanted to congratulate the Lady Gamecocks.

» We have uh Joyce and so many other basketball influences from this area, but Joyce Edwards played the national championship game. They didn't get the result they wanted, but you better believe they're going to be working hard uh next year, I'm sure. And so, I want to congratulate that team on reaching the national championship yet again. For the council members and administrator, I just wanted to let you know or remind you um and I've already told staff is April 22nd, the deadline for submission for uh house related funding requests for the state government. And so if there's a particular funding request, and please keep in mind our budget is extremely tight this year, um we would do well to direct it to the state delegation and state government.

» Um because we get taxed and so many of our funds flow out of this area and go up there and then they get repatriated to areas all over the state. We need to justify and show why funds should come back to this area. That's how the process works. And so if there's a particular issue like I'm thinking of the lake watery algae issue um or u I've had fire service reach out to me. Any other requests that you would want to put together please get the information and we can shape it into a format that will be easily understood by the ways and means committee and the delegation so they can submit applications. But please put those together.

» Otherwise, I'm not gonna feel too bad if I if I hear we needed some funds for something and after this meeting you didn't tell me, "Hey, this is what we needed some dollars for." Um, all right. That concludes my remarks that Yes, sir. Can I say one thing cuz I was about to forget and I don't want to get in trouble. Yeah. What you got? I just want to I needed to take the time to wish my mama a happy birthday. My my beautiful Christian mother. She that Yeah. gave me life and happy birthday. With all my shenanigans. We want you to make it to the next meeting. So, you better tell her. I know she's I know she's watching. So, happy birthday, Mom. Happy birthday. I think you should sing it. No, I think we'll pass. No, no, I don't. Like I said, we want them to make it to the next next meeting.

» All right. Thank you so much. Uh administrators briefing. Anything, Mr. Templer? Yes, sir. Just one real quick thing. Um, the Kershaw County Public Safety Public Safety Agencies have asked me to share with y'all that this year they will be uh putting on the Special Olympics out at the Camden Military Academy. It will be the Champions in Action. Uh, that will be on April 25th at the Camden Military Academy starting at 9:00 a.m. Um, the spirit in that was to just kind of give Cletus Ray and his team a little bit of a break. So, um, they're going to help them through the process this year. So, that will be Kershaw County Fire Service, Kershaw County EMS, Kershaw County Sheriff's Office, as well as Kershaw County Dispatch.

» So, I just wanted to put What was the location again? Uh, Camden Military Academy. Cam Military. Okay. April 25th at 9:00. Thank you. Any other report? That's it, sir. Thank you. Um, Mr. Attorney, Mr. Bose, anything other than executive session items? No, sir. All right, gentlemen. That takes us to item number 14. I'll take this as a group motion. Um, we have A, B, and C. These are all matters that will be covered by uh SC code 30-4-70. One of them is regarding a matter covered by attorney client privilege. Another item B is regarding contractual negotiations and item C is also uh legal briefing and advice regarding potential claim covered by attorney client privilege. Do I have a motion to enter executive session? I'll make a motion we enter executive session. Second. There's a second.

» Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor? Miss Hannah, it's unanimous in favor. We are in executive session. I was going to ask if we anticipated vote. Yeah. And I'll just I'll state for the public. I think we do anticipate one vote on a contractually related matter after executive session. So we Gentlemen, quiet one moment, please. I was just going to state for the record, we do anticipate one vote uh for the public's benefit after executive session that would be regarding a contractual matter. Do we have a motion to exit executive session? I'll make a motion. Second. We got a first and a second. Any discussion? Seeing none, all in favor of leaving executive session. It is unanimous. Miss Hannah, we are out of executive session.

» We have one matter to vote on, a contractual matter related to the jail post executive session. It relates to item 14B on the agenda. I make a motion that we authorize the administrator to engage in emergency procurement pursuant pursuant to section 2-37 of the Kershaw County Code of Ordinances to retain the services of Advanced Correctional Health or Healthc Care. Make sure I have the uh name of the company correct. AC is how they're known and doing business as. Uh, I move that we authorize the administrator to retain their services to provide inmate health care services for the Kershaw County Detention Center until the county completes a procurement process for a longerterm contract for inmate healthcare services in the next fiscal year. That's my motion. I'll second. Mr.

» Schumick has a second. Any discussion? Would you give some numbers? Mr. Administrator, can you update us on any potential numbers related to retention of services for AC? I don't have that document. Let me see. Gerald's coming up. I'll get it for you. If if if I could, Mr. Administrator, could I make a point or two? Sure. To to help you in this matter, Mr. Brazzle. Um, we were put in a circumstance that would have cost us dearly had we not moved quickly. Is that correct, sir? Yes. We made some quick moves over the last two to three weeks to retain someone else who could provide healthc care services for us and that company is AC. Is that correct sir? Yes sir. And within 12 months we will have a request for proposal for a longerterm contract in which we'll be open bidding to everyone.

» that in this moment we will have a emergency uh funding to keep the funding source as close as possible to where it was and it would save us um quite a large amount of money over a million dollars. Is that correct, sir? It it saves a significant amount. I don't um it but it prevents us from having to go with a plan that we are not currently funded for. So it puts us back in align with what we had previously. Um but there are savings, significant savings, swift, fast movement by our administrator. Um we're going to move forward and uh we're going to make a deal with these people moving forward. We're going to put it out for bid and Maybe we can save even more money next year. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Brazzle.

» Any other discussion, comments, questions? Do you have do you have a response to Mr. Jones question? Yes. Uh, so the Mr. Jones, we will start out with this uh service the this initial for the the first 90 days, the price per month is $14,00041241. That's because they are coming in and and deploying in a in a in a rapid manner to get their services stood up. From there on out, it goes up to $69,000 a month, which is $9,000 more than what we're spending now, which is a tremendous amount less than what we were being faced with. Correct. Very good. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Templer. Thank you, uh, Mr. Brazle. Yeah, Mr. Administrator. Is that good, Mr. Jones? Okay, Mr. administrator. I I believe that is roughly a savings of $400 to $500,000, $450, somewhere in that range.

» We're looking at 1.2 plus to continue on the current path um on a renewal that no one likes essentially or we lock in with a company for a year plus and then go through uh procurement. Okay? And let the record show that that we all agree this is not the way we should be doing business, but bottom line is it's the best solution we got right now. And I fully support this makes sense and I just wanted the numbers out there for the for the public record. Thank you. Sure. Thank you. Any other comments, discussion, questions? Seeing none, we'll move it to a vote. All in favor, raise your hand. Miss Hannah, it's uh unanimous in favor on uh the vote following executive session for 14B. Thank you very much. Seek a motion to adjurnn. So moved. Second. We got a second. No discussion. All in favor? It's unanimous. Miss Hannah, we are adjourned.