Full meeting transcript - April 22, 2025

» This guy's right here. Yes, sir. You got you got one at your thing, but I'm going give you that one back. Um, do we have a gas right here? rings. He said you've been watching them up there. No, no, no. I was just looking I was looking at the thing right here. Who put that on there? Oh, Lord. Mr. Templar. Hey, buddy. Hey, I'm on the phone, guys. Just FYI. We don't care. See if I can. Y'all doing all right? You ready, Mr. Chair? We got a gavvel. You want me to bang one with my fist? I get it. The the gavvel broke during the junior leadership here. I think we had a temporary one. I'm not sure what happened to that. All right, we're ready to start. Mike's on. Sorry we don't have a gavvel tonight.

» We were looking for it, but uh 2000 class ring from Clemson University should should do the trick. Um, like to welcome everybody to our April 22nd Kershaw County Council meeting. Um, to start, I'd like to ask Councilman Kato to to do our our prayer tonight. Let us pray. Dear most kind and gracious heavenly father, we just come to you tonight. We just thank you for another day here on earth. Heavenly Father, we just thank you so much for all the blessings and goodness that you bring to us and that you give us each and every day. Lord, we're all so unworthy, but we thank you so much for your love and grace. Dear heavenly father, I just pray for this meeting tonight.

» I pray that you give us the ability and the knowledge that we need to carry out through this meeting and do the business of this county. Dear heavenly father, I pray for our men and women in law enforcement and our military that's protecting our great nation and protecting our community. Lord, I pray for them and our first responders and their safety and well-being. Dear heavenly father, just lead, guide, and direct us throughout this night and throughout the rest of the week to come. Thank you again for all you do for us. Forgive us all of our sins. For it's in Christ's name we pray. Amen. Amen. I pledge algiance 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, Councilman Kato. Um, like to have a motion to adop adopt the agenda. Do I have a motion? Make a motion we adopt the agenda as presented. Councilman Tucker makes a motion. Do I have a second? I'll make the second. Also have an amendment if I may. Councilman Jones, go ahead with your amendment, please. Thank you. I would like to delete the item under new business. All right, we can delete um the request for reimbursement damages citizens private property. Administrator's taking care of that and thank you so much. Good. Okay. Do I have a motion to to amend? Motion to amend item 10A on the agenda. Do I have a second? Second. All those in favor. All right. It's unanimous. One's on the phone. Mr. Oh, yeah. Who do we have on the phone? Councilman Schumate, you've got uh Yes.

» And I vote uh I vote in favor of that as well. All right. We've we've got it. It's unanimous. Thank you. Um, now adopt the agenda. Vice chair, I also have a another amendment. Okay, go ahead. We need to amend the agenda to allow us to have the third proclamation on the agenda tonight. Good catch. Okay. So, we're going to we're going to add a third proclamation. It's it's already listed. Um, that's your motion, sir. Do I have a second? Second. All right. All those in favor? Councilman Shoemate, how do you vote? I'm in favor. All right. All those present and online, uh, vote in favor. Now, I'd like to Do we have a motion to adopt the agenda as amended? A motion. We adopt agenda as amended, Mr. Chair. Second. A second. All right. A first and a second. How do we vote? Councilman Shoemate.

» Yeah, I'm in favor. Okay, it's unanimous by those present and by those online. Councilman Shoemate, thank you. Um, we'd like to start with a proclamation. Um, proclamation A, April is Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. This is put on the agenda by Councilman Danny Kato. Danny, would you like to make the motion, sir? Yes. I'd like to make a motion that we accept this proclamation on Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month for Kershaw County. All right. Do we have a second? Second. I yield. Councilman Jones has a second. All those in favor? I'll start with um Councilman Shoemate being the year you're online. I'm in favor. All right. All those in present, how do we vote? It's unanimous. We'd like to hear from uh Councilman Danny Kato as he reads the proclamation.

» I will have some comments a little bit later, but let me start with the proclamation. This proclamation is Kershaw County autism awareness and acceptance month. Whereas autism spectrum disorder, ASD, is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Autism is the fastest growing development disorder that affects about one in 44 children that causes them to communicate, interact, behave, and learn differently than others. The learning, thinking, and so problem- solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely challenged. Some people with ASD need a lot of help in their daily lives. Others need less. Whereas there is no cure for autism, love, patience, and endurance are a great dosage.

» But families are encouraged to get involved with early inter intervention treatment services and can be improve to improve child's development. Ask questions and speak with the health care provider if you feel your child is not doing developmentally what they should at certain ages. Whereas autism impacts people regardless of race e ethnicity and social economic backgrounds, no one is exempt from the possibility of being diagnosed. Now therefore, be it known that families deal with autism every month, but Kershaw County Council would like to acknowledge the month of April as autism awareness and acceptance month in Kershaw County as we strive to support, promote, and strengthen our families with children who have autism to help them achieve a better quality of life. Amen.

» Thank you, Councilman. Um, do we have any comments? Anybody want to make any comments regarding this proclamation? And I'll start with Councilman Schumate. No, I just appreciate you guys putting this on the agenda. I think it's a very important cause. So, Councilman Kato, thank you. Anyone else? Any comments? Jump jump jump ahead of you, M. I would just like to say that uh out of all the things that we do here in this county council, this is probably to me one of the greatest things we can do is recognize this. You know, these kids are are angels. and uh God bless them and God bless the the parents and the loved ones who care for them. And uh thank you so much. Thank you, Councilman.

» Anyone else? I I just want to say, and you normally don't hear me talk about the uh federal politics, but I think sometimes um well, most of the time they get it wrong on the federal level up there. But um I really I don't know who put this together, but I really appreciate uh the title that it was written in. Autism is not a disability, it's a difference in ability. And I think that says it all right there for me. Um a lot of people uh like to take this as it's um it is a uh difference amongst um our uh men and women uh who don't do things exactly like we do things. Uh who says that we're normal uh they may be the normal ones and u we may be the ones that's um having issues and it looks that way from the way that we're leading our citizens here in America.

» Um, I say that because um, there was a lot of kickback on social media on some of the comments that came from the federal government about autism and um, I think rightfully so they they deserve that. But thanks for uh, you miss Hannah and whoever else had a hand on this proclamation and um, I wish uh, autism programs and uh, nonprofit organizations nothing but Godspe. Thank you. Mr. Vice Chair, very quickly, can I give a shout out? Of course. I want You know, I didn't really see this till the other day and didn't have I've been out of town. Just came in town to be at this meeting because we were running be short of bodies, but I want to give a shout out to my buddy, my hero, Austin Brown. And uh if I'd had enough time, I would have notified him, but I didn't get to.

» And but I just wanted to say that. Thank you so much. Of course, Councilman Kato, anything further? Yes. Um first of all, I would like to thank Miss Hannah for putting this together. Miss Hannah has an autistic child and she knows the struggles daily of of what that's like. Um, we have several employees here in the county that have autistic children uh to include Sheriff Lee Bone and and and others. Uh, and I tell you, it's um it's humbling. It really is humbling. Uh my daughter worked for um year or so with u autistic children up in Greenville. She's now with um special resources and um I I have a I have a heart I it's just deep in my heart for these families and these children. Um and I thank you for sticking by your children and standing with them. I I really do.

» I admire you and um I hope this is just a a small piece of what Kershaw County can do to show our appreciation for what y'all do for your children. So, thank you all. And I'll add as well, God makes no mistakes. Um every child is loved and um acceptance is something that that we all must work on from time to time. Um, praise God for for our families and our loved ones. Um, with that being said, we we've already voted on it. Will would we like to have a picture made tonight? Yes. We'd like to present the the proclamation. Who's who's here here to receive the uh proclamation? We're going to present this. It's in in in Kershaw County. And I think we have some of the employees with some of their children that's here tonight and Miss Hannah and whoever. Mr. Bone. Oh, Mr. phone to come up here.

» If Well, if you if you're here for this proclamation and you want to come up for a photo, please come up now. Come on, folks. Oh, there's one last thing I wanted to say. You can see that the council members are wearing these these autistic ribbons and autism awareness month. So I tell everybody that earlier I did too. Thank you for All right. Everybody look over here. Say cheese. Cheese. Thank you so much. Congratulations. [Applause] and Dalton Bone. We're so glad you're here this afternoon, too, buddy. And glad you came up front. He said, "That's enough, Jimmy." Thank you all for being here. Our next item is a proclamation for the North Central High School Weightlifting Championship 2025, also placed on by Councilman Danny Kato. Um, do we still have Derek online? You do.

» Councilman, uh, like to like to make a motion. Uh, Councilman Kato, would you like to make a motion to accept this proclamation? I'd like to make a motion to accept this uh proclamation for the North Central High School weightlifting team state championship 2025. Okay. Is a motion stated? We have a second. Second by Councilman Tucker. Um Dere Derek, you might want to hit the mute button. I think I think we just heard a home run. Hope it was Lug off. Right. So, um, with that being said, uh, how do we vote on this item? Councilman Shoemake, I vote in favor. That was batting practice. That was batting practice. All right. And all those all those here, how do we vote? Everybody in person voting in favor and um, also online voting in favor. We have a unanimous vote. Thank you.

» Um Danny, I'll let you continue with uh the proclamation, sir. So, this proclamation is um in honor of the 2025 2A team state championship. And it reads, "Whereas the North Central High School weightlifting team located at 3000 Lockhart Road, Kershaw, South Carolina, has been titled with the 2025 2A team state champions. Uh whereas the members of the North Central High School weightlifting team have accomplished an outstanding record which has led them to winning seasons winning se a winning season of two consecutive years as 2A state champions. And whereas Kershaw County Council is proud to recognize the parents, staff, athletic director, coaches, and athletes for their hard work and dedication that led the weightlifting team to become the 2025 2A team state champions.

» Also, it lists on here the principal Dave Brham, assistant coach Dennis Stevens, head coach Ryan Mcdonald, and Daniel Cis, athletic director. We also have an individual state champion in this unlimited weight class, Aiden Wilds. He squatted 570 lbs. He benched 370 and had a broad jump of 101.5. [Music] DoubleA state champion weightlifting team members was Aiden Wilds, Jaylen Wesley, Zamine Bennett, and Kayn Bradshaw, and Jonathan Coats, who was part of the JV team. Now, therefore, be it resolved the Kershaw County Council do hereby honor the North Central High School weightlifting team on the 22nd day of April, 2025 for winning the 2025 2A state championship. Wow. Congratulations. And I would I got some comments.

» Um well, I I'd like to say this real quick and then then we'll move into discussion. I just hate that Ben Connell isn't here so he can challenge him to a wrestling match or something. All these guys are pretty strong. I I couldn't even arm. No money is on Aiden. Mr. Vice Chair, uh Ben is getting older, so he's still pretty tough guy. Um let's talk about age. Any any comments? I do. I I have some. I would I I'm I'm honored anytime I can recognize any school for a state championship, but um lately I've got to do it quite often for North Central and I'm very proud of this school. Um very very proud of the coaching staffs at this school.

» uh this this takes a lot of hard work and dedication on their part as well as the athlete and they really and truly put a lot of time and effort into developing these young people and it doesn't happen overnight. Um it takes a lot of training. Aiden, I know you're the only one here tonight. the other members um had a rescheduled track meet and and they had to attend that um to live up to their expectations of their teammates and that's totally understood. Aiden, you excel excelled as the individual state champion and these are some pretty impressive numbers. Um I'm I'm very proud of you and I if if I'm correct and correct me if I'm wrong, but you're going on to play football with the Citadel. Is that correct? All right.

» So, congratulations on that achievement also, following in coach McDonald's footsteps. But I I am really really proud of of of the accomplishments y'all had and backtoback years. It really says a lot about y'all's dedication and the coaching's dedication and and the way y'all y'all handle yourself. And I thank you so much for being here tonight. And we're going after all the comments, we're going to get y'all up. We're going to present you with this proclamation and uh you can proudly put it in the trophy case there at the school and you can always go back and show your kids your name on this proclamation. Thank you, Councilman. Um, anyone else comments? I'm next. Councilman Jones. Hey, I want to see this guy Aiden. That that is some that is some big numbers.

» You know, I used to guys work out a lot. Let me tell you something. I was part owners in the first gym that ever opened up downtown Camden. And we used to go in there and squat and lift. Never ever hit those numbers. Never. My gosh. But that's something to be proud of. And then going to the cit as well. Congratulations. You have a bright future ahead of you. Stay with your weightlifting though. It'll always benefit you. Thank you, Councilman. He may have a black belt as well. I'm not going there. Any other comments? Thank you, uh, Mr. Vice Chair, um, as Councilman Kato has stated and I often remind people um, out here in the citizens in Kershaw County that North Central is a hidden jewel.

» A lot of people don't believe that, but uh, I've had the opportunity to work with the staff and students at all three, actually all four high schools, Count Military Academy here in this county. And um, it is a place that is special. Uh maybe because I like the country and maybe because my dad's from Cassid. Um so there might be a little bit of partiality there, but it is a hidden jewel because I think that you guys have all the amenities that any school would want and you have less of the headaches um that some of these bigger schools have and then you have staff, coaches, teachers, and parents that do nothing but love up on students. And that's amazing to be a part of that. And it reminds me of uh some of the older days.

» um as some of us came up with wooden paddles, Jimmy Jones and um myself, um where people really cared about you getting your education. They they encouraged you to do other things, but they really um made sure that you got your education. So, congratulations. Keep pushing them through. Um some of you I've actually got my fingerprint on. I won't call no names, but I um I really really am proud of all of you out there and continue to um make good men and women for this uh place called Kershaw, South Carolina. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. You know, when when I listen to you talk about that, this brings back memories to me when I was into bodybuilding. Body Beautiful. Body Beautiful back in 1978. Yeah. You guys wouldn't have known me then. That's the year I was born.

» Councilman Coach Coach Noah Dixon. Did does anybody here know Coach Noah Dixon? Yes. I actually helped him learn to pose on one of his contest. Noah was a he I don't know how he looks now. I had seen him in years, but uh he was a man in his day as well. Good memories. Good memories. Yes. Well, look, as much as uh we all like having a little fun and joking around, I I suppose we should move on. Um we we've already called the vote. Next thing we need to do is invite y'all up for a photo. Come on up. Oh, Councilman Schum, we voted beforehand. No. Does he want to Derek, would you like to say anything to these fine people? I just I think that's awesome. I'm at a high school sporting event myself.

» The the things you guys are learning in these high school sporting events are laying a foundation for the rest of your life. And the skills that you're going to learn here are going to reverberate through your 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. So, congratulations. Amen. Councilman, I'm I'm so sorry. I keep forgetting about you up there above us. Let you forget it. Come, y'all. Come on up. We got you back there. Okay, if y'all can squeeze in just a little bit more, that'd be great. Okay. One, two, three. Two, three. Congratulations. [Applause] Congratulations. Thank you, sir. Yes, sir. Congratulations. Yes, sir. Appreciate Danny. Danny, if I had known the father ahead of time, I had that picture of you on He didn't hear that either. That was good stuff, Danny. Thank you.

» Well, that young man is is is a is a grown man in my book. He's he's he's a big dude. Yes, he is. Congratulations to North Central. Big accomplishments from a smaller school. Um smaller schools do great things. That's uh have to agree with Councilman Tucker and in the way that teachers are able to teach in a smaller classroom. It's a good setting. All right, we're going to move on here. Uh, we've got one more, our third and last proclamation, and this is put on by Councilman Tucker. The month of April is fair housing month. Um, like to go ahead and have a motion. Yes, sir. Mr. Vice Chair, if I can make a motion that we approve approximation for the month of April as fair housing month. With the motion stated by Councilman Tucker, do we have a second? I'll second.

» All right, we've got a second from Councilman Kato. Um, go ahead and take a vote and get that out of the way. Yes, sir. Um, how do we vote? Uh, Councilman Shoemate, I'm in favor. All right. And all those here, how do we vote? All in favor? Thank you for that. Um, would you like me to read that? Councilman Tucker, go ahead and read that. Thank you, Mr. vice chair proclamation for proclaiming April as fair housing month. Uh this is uh something that um we do at the Santi Lynches regional council of government. So I'll read this u I don't have my glasses so bear with me. Uh whereas title 8 of the city civil rights of act of 1968 known as the fair housing act was established in April 11th 1968. President Lyndon B.

» Johnson uh enshrined into the federal law the goal of eliminating racial segregation and ending housing discrimination in the United States. And whereas the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, family of status, national origin, disability, um commits recipients of federal fundings to affirmately further fair housing in their communities. And whereas Kershaw County is committed to the mission and intent of Congress to provide fair housing, fair and equal housing opportunities for all. Whereas our social fabric, economic, health, and environmental are strengthened in diverse inclusive communities.

» And whereas more than 50 years after the passage of the Fair Housing Act, discrimination in the housing market still exists and many communities are se segregated. And whereas whereas acts of housing discrimination and barriers to equal housing opportunities are refunded to a common sense of dignity, fairness, uh decency, fairness, and dignity. And we're and now therefore Kershaw County hereby proclaims this month of April uh 2025 as fair housing month and encourages all citizens to prevent discrimination and reverse housing se segregation by in increasing opportunities for minority homes ownerships and invest in affordable housing across our county. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Are we going to present this uh proclamation, sir? Yes, sir. We can. And I'll be happy to.

» We have another board meeting uh next month, April, I think. April, May 5th, and I will uh present this back to the board. So, I'll be more than happy to accept. Are any members here or? No, no one's here. Um because I actually thought we read it last month in my absence, so I didn't invite anybody today. Okay. So, any need for a photograph or are we okay? We're okay. All right. Perfect. Thank you so much, Councilman. You're quite welcome. and thank everyone for their support in this. And I would I would say that um you know the paragraph in there that I really um take to heart is uh the second to the last when it says that um the common sense of decency, fairness, and dignity. Um I don't care where you live, what you look like, um how much you have or don't have.

» Uh you should never be deprived of those things. We are human beings and um any one of us uh could fall on hard times, bad times or whatever that but none of that should ever be taken from you. Thank you, Councilman. Any other comments? All right. With with none, having no more comments, we'll move on to uh item six, public comments. How many folks do we have signed up, sir? Well, one speaker. All right, we'd like to welcome them to the podium. Leanne Fishburn, Lake Watery, give you a line. Did I hear Lake Watery? Yes, sir. Welcome. What was your name again? I'm sorry. Leanne Fishburn. Leanne. Leanne. Yes, sir. Fishburn. Fishburn. Welcome. Thank you. Um, I'm here to discuss Lake Watery.

» Um my husband and I have had property oop sorry about that we've had property at Lake Watery since um 2002 and we've really seen a change in the water quality and I know that there have been other people that have come here to talk with you about it and you know I don't want to rehash that and waste your time. Um I am simply here myself with my sister who is here for moral support who lives next door to me. um what I have seen since the time that that we bought property at Lake Watery, the algae around her house in particular, but now it's migrated to my house, um is causing a problem for boating. Um and I do know that the lingia has been discussed here. Um and what I'm here for is just to ask that you please fund um taking care.

» We can't eradicate it, but we can certainly bring it under control. what's happening. Um, and in one particular case, it was about 10 o'clock at night and I heard a boat that obviously was stuck. Um, they went in where the lingia was and they were stuck. Um, so I was watching them get out and what happens is without them realizing what's happening is it's getting around their propeller and as they get out of that situation then they go over to another part of the lake and what they're doing is they're bringing the Olympia and the cove that we actually live in is where the Camden water take is and I went on the GIS mapping software that the county has today and from where the mass mat of algae is between my house and my sister's house It is a little bit less than half a mile to the Camden wa

» ter intake. Now, the problem with the lingia is that it it can clog it up. It ends up costing more money overall. So, that's what I'm here for, and I just ask that you guys please um send the money. We need it. We need to um take care of this. So, that's what I'm here for. And thank you. Can't imagine you have any questions for me. Well, this in this forum, we we can't have dialogue. So, we're here to listen and and and we we support Lake Watery and Lake Watery is in my district. So, thank you for coming and speaking tonight. And um be happy to give you my number, my email address if you'd like any further communication. Oh, that is wonderful. Thank you so much. Y'all have a blessed day. Mr.

» Vice Chair, would you also let folks know they're never bothering us by coming and speaking? We need that. Absolutely not. We need We need to hear that. We do. Thank you. Thank you so much for being here. Y'all have a wonderful night. Thank you. You too. Okay, with um with only having one public comment, that moves us to approval of minutes. Um do I have a motion for the approval of minutes from our April 8th meeting? Make a motion we approve the minutes from April 8th. Okay. Do I have a second? I'll I'll second it. Um let's uh how do we vote? Councilman Shoemate, how do you vote on approval of minutes? It approved them. All right. He vice chair. Yes, sir. I will be abstaining. We have one abstaining. And then how do we vote, gentlemen? It's unanimous.

» Uh with one abstination from Councilman Tucker. Correct. All right. Minutes are approved. All right. And now we have under item eight, first reading entitle only an ordinance to provide budget. I'm sorry, sir. No, no, I didn't say anything. Oh, I just moved the paper. Thought thought I heard somebody come after me from my right. Item eight, first reading entitle only.

» an ordinance to provide budget appropriations for county purposes in the county of Kershaw for the fiscal year beginning July 1st, 2025 and ending June 30th, 2026 and setting the millage rate for Kershaw County for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and adopt and implement the charge and collection of service and user rates and fees and for other tax purposes and county appropriation purposes and matters related there Two. Do I have a motion for this ordinance in title only? Mr. Vice Chair, I'd like to make a motion that we read our first reading in title only of our 2526 budget. All right. Do I have a second? This is Councilman Shoemake. I'll second. Okay. Thank you, Councilman Schoe. Um, the ordinance entitle only.

» Do we have any discussion? I would like to just make a couple of comments if I may please. Um I know dealing uh with the um finance committee and having to work with staff so closely um that they're doing all they can. We've we've had some uh tough times before since I've been here, but I think this is going to be one of the toughest. And so um we'll be prepared next month for second reading to have the breakout of the budget. Am I correct by saying that, Mr. temper uh down to the last penny. Um we're still just working on details and trying to figure out what state's doing, what federal's doing, and um where we're going to be able to put the puzzles that make the best sense.

» It is I'm telling you guys, you don't hear me say this a lot of times, but it's very challenging this year, and we're trying to make a lot of chicken salad out of chicken. [Laughter] Thank you, Mr. Thank you. Thank you. Any further comments on our budget? No. Councilman, not tonight. Councilman K second reading. Third reading. I I've got a question regarding um since we just heard from homeowner on Lake Watery. I had sent in a budget request to the finance committee. Was that request received? Um I'm sure staff has it, but we haven't gone down line item by line item yet. and our finance committee meeting. We have one this Thursday which I was going to announce during my council briefing and we'll we'll get those requests all in order.

» So, we we have not plugged any any numbers in on the request yet because we've had some disruption since we've had some um unfortunate um tragedies up here on this D since we had the council meetings as well as as y'all know. So, that's where we're at and rearranged. So, yes, sir. So, I'd like to state for the record that there has been a um a financial request from the Lake Water Homeowners Association of $30,000 to help fight uh the algae problem before it gets out of hand. It's it's come from uh lakes north of us in the watershed. And um I do support tackling it now before it becomes a major problem for the people that live on Lake Watery and everybody who enjoys spending time on Lake Watery and especially the months ahead. It's getting warm.

» People are going to want to water ski and fish and we do not need a mess. Um with that being said, I'm I'm pretty blind when it comes to the rest of the budget. I'll support it in uh title only, but we've got a lot to dig into this year and a lot to hash out. And um I'd like to see numbers on natural growth versus um where we at last year. I'd like to see a year-over-year cost analysis and um like to make sure that we're spending that money as wisely as we possibly can. We will have that at the next meeting. Is that what you're talking about? At the second reading. Second reading. Yes, sir. Yeah. not not tonight at this reading, but um just as an overall statement. Um that's good stuff. So with that being said, we'll take it to a vote. Councilman Shoemade, I vote in favor. All right.

» All those here. We support the first reading of the budget and title only. Yes, sir. Thank you. We we'll dig into the specifics at second and third reading. Moving on, under ordinances second reading, an ordinance to amend Kershaw County, South Carolina Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations to require the installation of fire hydrants for minor subdivision development where existing public water infrastructure is capable of sustaining fire flow. Um, initially, well, let's first get a motion. Um, do I have a motion for this second reading? I'll make a motion. I'll make the motion. I yield. I'll just Okay, I'll make the motion then. Councilman Schumate has the motion. Um, do I have a second? I'll second. Councilman Kato has a second.

» Um, let's uh let's let's put this on the floor for discussion. Councilman Scheme, do you have anything that you'd like to discuss? No, I mentioned it in our last meeting. I mean, I'm supportive of this. I think it's necessary and the reality is we end up having to pay these prices down the road if we don't have adequate fire systems. So, I'm fully supportive of this tonight. Okay. Thank you, sir. Um, Mr. Deose, there were some unclarified topics that we discussed at the last meeting. Do you recall the specific questions you like me to kind of go over my concerns? Yeah, I recall um some of them um a review might be helpful or I can proactively address what I I do recall and Mr. Bullard uh Chief Bullard's here as well to speak to the genesis of this.

» So, I I can I can understand that we had we had an issue on um on Pinerove in which I requested a couple of fire hydrants where some homes had been built. Um and I I understand the premise of it, but I have a concern in which if someone wants to just break land in two um say they have three acres and they want to make it two or three one or one and a half acre lots. What's the tipping point? So, a minor subdivision um involves well does not involve more than 10 lots, creation of a new street, um extension of public water and sewer, all various other factors kick something into a major subdivision definition. Other than exempt subdivisions which are um in the support materials in the agenda package um most other subdivisions would qualify as a minor subdivision.

» Um one important exemption are gift conveyances by deed as long as no new streets are involved. Um and those are more or less among nuclear family but inclusive of um grandchildren. So those conveyances of gifts among family would not be included in minor subdivision. But in a hypothetical scenario where someone wants to say subdivide two or three oneacre parcels out um and then build homes on those for sale conveyance or just sell the lots um you know those would qualify as a minor subdivision. So they would have to install a fire hydrant. Yes. under under this um ordinance they would now that is premised on them not satisfying some other exemption like one of the state law exemptions.

» If the parcels are greater than f five five acres and no streets involved then it would um fall under state law exemptions. But yeah, a hypothetical scenario of say a 5 acre parcel that has three oneacre tracks chopped out of it. So it's four total parcels, three 1 acres and one two acre remainder. Um that would that would meet uh the definition and requirement of um a fire hydrant insulation if if sufficient flow exists there and if that subdivision is not within I believe it is 500 ft of an existing um fire hydrant. But again uh Mr. Bullard can kind of speak to the specifics of the ISO rating and the the public health and safety aspect of it.

» So, if I were to walk into planning and zoning with a plat to get approved in your scenario, and I said, "Hey, I'd like to get this plat approved." And they say, "Oh, no. You you've got to get these fire hydrants." Who would I write a check to to have those fire hydrants installed? as this is drafted, it would be the developer's responsibility to install it. Just um I mean not dissimilar to if a developer's developing eight lots with single family um and they are responsible for getting the utility services to those lots. They would have to interface with the water provider and make sure that the hydrant was installed. Well, is the the the water provider are clear on these items because we have many in the in the county that we deal with. Correct.

» Again, it would be premised on fireflow existing from those providers and um I will say that Chief Bullard is interfaces with Lugaf Elgen Water um Kershaw Lee Regional Water Authority etc. Um he could speak to again the specifics of how those conversations for fire flow and fire hydrant requirements for like major subdivision, major group projects already occur within the development workflow. And I understand that the concern is that those developers, they're building roads and so of course you have to install inf infrastructure. we're asking someone to go back in on a state right away and have work done. It it may be challenging for the person to to navigate that. Um we're creating a law that is well intended and I understand that completely.

» Um, but I still have more unanswered questions because if say someone has to go to Ludolf Elgen Water and say, "Hey, we we need to buy two fire hydrants because we're breaking up seven lots or whatever it is." At that point, who sets the price on the fire hydrants? Again, I'd defer to Mr. Bullard on the logistics of that infrastructure installation. That's Chief, you want to speak to this again? That's u kind of development services minutia that I'm typically not involved in. Yeah. So to kind of address your concern or question a little bit about the rightway. So for these hydrants to be installed the infrastructure has to already be there. So therefore the utility rightway will already be in existence because the water line will already be there.

» Um, so they will just have to basically go where that utility rightway is along the DOT or the roadway rightway to install the hydrant. So there won't be anything changing because the utility rightway already pre-exist if the infrastructure is there. What we're running into and what we're finding is that because the ZLDR does not already have it in writing that says that a minor subdivision requires the uh installation of a hydrant that developers are bypassing it and doing these road frontage strips. Whereas even a major subdivision, it's it's already in the verbiage um to where the infrastructure exists. We do have a subdivision already that's actually currently under construction now to where the infrastructure does not exist.

» It is a major subdivision, but we don't have hydrants in it at all. Um, and we're talking probably over a 100 houses that's going in, but there's no water there. So therefore, I can't enforce it to make them actually put hydrants in. So it's the same kind of principle with this as well. If the water's not there, then I cannot make them put the water there. Now, I will say that there's plenty of municipalities and counties across the entire state that actually make developers get the infrastructure upgraded to actually get it to the point.

» So, they either have to come up with a uh some type of water storage enough to meet the largest structure within that neighborhood's fireflow requirements, whether that be an above ground storage tank or they actually have to take and actually increase the amount of lines with the water districts. Um, but those are the kind of things that there are municipalities and counties around the state that are requiring. That was my question. Yeah, and I do too. When you finish the the donut holes cuz I know we don't have water in 750 square miles of this county. That's right. You can't tell. I know. This is not going to this is not going to be an all-inclusive situation.

» So, there are there are areas in Kershaw County um like you mentioned the Pine Grove Road area um to where we purchased those hydrants. that infrastructure existed for us to be able but we had to purchase those hydrants as a county. This would actually yes it puts it back on the developer to put those hydrants into place and uh to to what Mr. Dau said you know if the infrastructure exists the hydrants would would be required. Now if there is a hydrant on that line you know the way the the way the code and the way the fire code reads it has to be within 500 ft. So therefore the house may be within 500 ft of an existing.

» So therefore, if you build a a thousand foot strip along the roadway, you may not necessarily have to do another hydrant because if it's with within 500 feet either direction, you're good. Um, but then again, you may have nothing and you may have to go 500 ft from the first one, put a hydrant, then you can actually go a,000 ft because you would be able to go 500 feet on either direction of that hydrant. Another hydrant would be installed to cover the other 500 feet in between and you end up with two hydrants. 1500 feet with two hydrants. Right. Mr. Vice Chair, what about this? Will this will be part of the land use ordinance? Yes, that's correct. Why don't we send it back to planning and zoning? They already voted on it. They've already voted on 60. I was reading it in there. Very good.

» Yes, sir. And I respect that, Chief. Thank you. Yes, sir. So, how much are May I ask, Mr. Rice? How much is a fire hydrant? About $6,000. So, could we write could we write it so that the developer could pay the county and the county could work it out with who whoever is providing the water? Because what happens in these situations is is they get put on a merrygoround of nobody knows what's supposed to happen. And I'd be I'd be happier with this if the developer were to write a check to the county and knew what they were writing a check for. The county understood what was happening and then they could they could send the funds to the appropriate people. Therefore, they could go ahead and approve the plat. They could keep moving. It wouldn't stop the project.

» I'd feel a lot better about supporting it um if if we made an amendment instead of just saying, "Well, I don't I don't know. You got to go talk to Right. You know, I know like and typically so and so down there at at their office, right? Yeah. I know typically when we do approved subdivisions and I know, you know, developers typically when they're doing this or whatever, they normally go through the water district and they they do the installation. They purchase everything straight through the water district. So, I'm that's that's normal everyday practice for developers when building subdivisions. Um, but I would imagine this would not be anything any different.

» This just kind of includes the minor versus, you know, not trying to go too deep in the weeds with this, but just this would include the minors in with the majors as well. Chief, with all respect, Mr. Vice Chair, I think you make a valid point because we see people going around in a circle. Maybe has nothing to do with this issue, and this is a good issue, by the way, but he's trying to get it spelled out so that the protocol will be set. And I agree with everything you just said, Mr. Vice Chair. We I'd feel better if the protocol was set in writing to where we knew they would know exactly what is and what isn't so we don't get caught in this circle. Right. And Mr. to both.

» I mean, is there anything that I mean, can that be done as far as the going running that through planning and zoning just like there's a fee for doing that or Yeah, I mean I I think one one issue with that is um I think there could be slight variability in the cost um perhaps based on hydrant type etc etc. Um but that would be that would be stated. I think a an operational concern would be that um many of the minor subdivision developers are true construction kind of development parties and and again it's it's council's prerogative but um it essentially might delegate and interject the county as a pseudo agent for the developer and having to make those calls and undertake those efforts and furtherance of a um development requirement that as Mr.

» Bullard uh pointed out at least in major subdivisions is 100% borne by the developer. Um you could have a hypothetical situation where ABC builders builds a major subdivision and they have to do the interfacing. But if they build eight lots, the county suddenly has that job of of doing the thing that they ABC always does, which is contact the water authority. But again, I don't I don't think there's anything legally prohibited um prohibitive of collecting the funds and trying to facilitate it. I just um could be a could be an operational and administrative issue. I I like the fact I'd like this council to set the protocol for that for me to support it.

» Let Councilman Kato, so if if the county puts in a hydrant, if if we put in a hydrant, who puts it in and what's the protocol for doing that now? Do we contract that out? We would contact the water district and call the water district to go install the hydrant. And they've got most I mean, some of them actually do it, you know, but most of them have third party contractors that actually do the same thing for burying and adding water lines that you see Casset Water or somebody doing. It would be the exact same thing. They would they would have them go out. They'd create a work order and go out and have them install it. So, in turn, doing it this way would actually probably add more cost to the contractor than doing it the way you propose. Yes. Correct.

» How would it add more cost? Because they would have to go through third party. Contractors typically are going to be able to do it cheaper than what we're going to be able to do with any. No. I'm not asking that Kershaw County perform the work. No, no, no, no. I'm not saying that either. What I'm stating is that we make it simple. We create a simple We're creating a process that I'm not really thrilled about to be be honest with you because this wasn't an issue until the major subdivision showed up. This this became an issue when major subdivisions showed up and started building two 300 houses and then this came behind it. For years and years and years, people have been building houses on roads.

» If every road you drive down between here and home, you're going to pass houses on those roads. And this was this was not this was not necessary. But now that we've seen a few little blips here and there that caused a little bit of a headache. So then we're going to push this headache back on to the consumer. Um I'm not a big fan of it. I'm I'm trying to stomach it. I'll make the amendment to support it. Otherwise, I'm going to not support it. Mr. Vice Chair, can I give a word of advice here that I wasn't here for the first reading, but um you know, you do what your heart and your conscience tells you to do. We still got another reading.

» I think uh if we can get with staff and our county attorney, maybe come up with some language where we can amend with some um better understanding um for third reading versus um you know just voting against or trying to hodge podge the um the amendment now. And the reason I'm saying that is because if the big subdivisions can contact the water authorities, why can't the small and it keeps the burden off of staff? Well, let me tell you why. If you want to talk about it, we can talk about it. And I have something to say when you I can tell you exactly why.

» Because as I've said many, many times, I have done business with people that build homes for people like you and me and everybody else in this room that that'll that can afford to buy a small parcel of land, divide it up into four or five or six lots and they can feed their family. That's their trade. That's their craft. I know those folks. They're getting hurt because of the big guy. The big guy has attorneys on staff. He has 20 people in office. They're building houses nationwide. It's not the same thing. And when we apply the same rules across the board, we hurt the little man. It happens to And they're already having trouble keeping up with the way these national builders come in and build on slabs. They're building a better house, a custom house, a house that that they take pride in.

» These people take pride in their work. So when we put more headache, more problems on them, that affects them in their their home, their household, how they feed their children. So we can make an amendment tonight or or I can vote no. That's going to be totally left up to you. But but I also the same way you're talking about the little guy, I'm concerned about staff being able to produce to all citizens um being being in the minutia of trying to figure this out for small contractors. I don't know how much burden it will be or how little it will be, but I do know it will be some administrative actions there.

» And then if you turn around and say, "Well, we're going to have to charge them from that." Then you're going to say, "Okay, well now we're not being fair or they can't afford it." So, so where where's the balance? Come down to to the to to our staff, our administration. The staff is the one that's proposing this. So, we ought to be able to do the work. Mr. Chair, if I may, you're asking for communication to to the people that are going to be affected by this. And I think there's nothing wrong. Chief, I applaud you for coming here. I I support the hydrant. Um the hydrant's been installed. We just are trying to figure out the communication we want between folks that are going to be uh hit with it. And I'm sorry. I think it can be quite confusing.

» I've seen simpler things than this get very confused. We get calls on it with planning and zoning. I think it needs to be spelled out. We need to have some good direct communication, Mr. Vice Chair, and I I appreciate you uh handling it this way. Can I make a suggestion? And maybe this is a legal question. So, can we table this or second reading of ordinance for 30 days and postpone? Postpone, not table. Postpone, I'm sorry. Postpone the ordinance for 30 days and allow staff and the fire service to maybe come up with a solution before we have a a vote on the second reading. Sure. Yeah. Again, council has a broad array of options on any pending um ordinance unless it has a hard and fast deadline like a budget ordinance.

» Um I will note for the record that a um public hearing has already been advertised on this as required by the ZLDR, but a public hearing can always occur in isolation from an actual reading. So, um, council could hold the advertised public hearing, uh, receive input from the public on it, and even hold a second reading isolated from that public hearing. Well, maybe that would give us, maybe that would give us and vice chairman the opportunity to maybe find common ground. and Jimmy Jones. It would give it would certainly give staff and legal an opportunity to kind of explore um what we can and can't do the collection of funds the install um whether that's super viable, whether it's operationally um too much of a burden shift.

» But why would it be too much of a burden shift to communicate what excuse me to communicate with the citizen? I think the issue is the county essentially becoming stepping into the shoes of the developer and accomplishing the developers development task with outside parties. Um it's not a perfect analogy, but it wouldn't too dissimilar from saying county um if you're going to require additional driveway installs, county staff's in charged with getting in touch with DOT and getting the encroachment permits. It's it's Can I add something? It's not a perfect analogy, but um again, I don't think there's anything that prohibits a deferral for 30 days to study the matter, get y'all some additional information um and explore how how viable it is to collect and do the contact with the water.

» But can you guys can you guys hear me? typically outside the flow of a of a typical development approval project. Single family home that gets subdivided and needs power from Fairfield Co-op, they have to call Fairfield or whoever. So, so nothing you said just now. Hey, can you guys can anybody hear me? Yeah, go ahead. Oh, I was just going to say that I think tableabling it is a I would not support tableabling it. I think that, you know, I do agree with some of what John's concerns are. We don't have a lot of things where we shift that burden back on staff. And I know this is unpopular to say, but I'm going to say it. Some of our most egregious violators of our planning and zoning laws are some of our smaller builders. And I think we I think we need to have these regulations.

» So obviously, you know, the vote's going to be what it is, but I won't support tableabling it tonight or amending it. All right, then. Let's call the vote. Hold on, Vice Chairman. Um, go ahead. Council administrator has some something to say. just from an operational standpoint just gives me a little bit of pause to shift the burden back on to staff that um I think we're kind of dabbling or putting our toe into some water that we're unfamiliar with. It is a fire plug, but when we talk about flow and I think it has to be a 4-in pipe and then it just I I just I don't know if that would be the way to shift that load onto because it's going to be the fire staff more than likely and then u because they they know the uh they know the playbook uh for the most part.

» But as far as I I just have some hesit hesitancy on well any any anytime we create a law we create red tape and the question here in lies are we willing to cut the red tape or are we going to ask the citizens to do one more thing that they have to do on top of their day-to-day life that they have more red tape to cut through. That's that's really what this boils down to. And that for me, I understand that fire hydrants are necessary. No issue with the fact that they're necessary and that we want homes to be safe. Um, but for hundreds of years, we've managed without this one burdensome piece of ordinance that frankly might cover 12 to 15% of the county. The rest of the county is probably not going to comply anyway. Um, go ahead. Would you like to say something? Sorry. No, no, no. Go ahead.

» I just I just don't understand why we couldn't postpone for 30 days and work on this. I mean, why ram it down our throats if we have some concerns and you could possibly get more of us on board, but I'm not willing to vote for it as it stands tonight. There's just too many unanswered questions. I mean, I I understand I understand some of what you're saying, Russell. Um, however, I think we're comparing the past till now.

» And at this particular point, the density in these particular areas, the the growth has grown so much that now if we was to have a fire, and we look at it from a fire aspect, if a fire was to break out, say like it did in Myrtle Beach or like it did up in in Okonnie County, if that fire breaks out and they don't have the water sources, you know, how many homes would be destroyed? and and it's come to a point where um I don't think the county has the resources nor the finances to put these these hydrogens into place. Now, with that being said, and I know this from being on a rural water board, the systems up in the northern part of the county um can't sustain fire hydrants. They don't have the water flow. They don't have the water pressure to water line. they don't have it.

» So, what the county has had to do, and I applaud them for this, that they've they've had to go to alternate water sources and they go to um land owners that have ponds and streams and and you'll see those marked and the land owners sign off on the agreement so that they can come and pump water. But there again, then you got to haul the water. You got to take the tanker back and forth. And from serving on the fire department years ago, way before technology we have now, I know how that works. But I I can support this. I I'd really I'd really hope that maybe we can dig in between now and third reading to answer some of these questions so maybe these guys can support it on third reading.

» Um so I would ask that even if we don't table it, I would ask that maybe y'all just come back with some of these answers to try to provide a little bit clearer view and we can look at it again on third reading. But I I I can't I cannot support it because I think it's very important that we have these hydrants. Mr. Vice Chair, Councilman, thank you. Um Mr. Deose, any of those things that you spoke about a few minutes ago, um if we take second reading, prohibit us from doing um due diligence is my first question. the list of things you went down about um um you know making sure that uh staff and that we're you know not in any legal trouble if we decided to run it through the county and things of that nature and uh Vice Chairman Russell's questions, Councilman Jones questions.

» Um there's nothing said that this has to be on the first meeting in May. um we can put it on the agenda when we see fit to do so and they can make and bring their amendments as many as they like. Correct. The third reading and it doesn't prolong today. That that's where I'm at guys, gentlemen, when it comes down to it second reading. Miss Jones, if it was third reading, then I probably would uh punt with you. But I can't punt with you on second reading when I know there's another bite at this apple. Thank you. Thank you. If if I may, I'm just we're the regulation county. I I there's so many regulations on the books now and there's so much confus confusion within citizens going to the planning and zoning and u that's just a fact.

» We hear it all the time and I think they're working very hard. They're trying to do and I appreciate the chief and his staff bringing this before us. I am pro hydrants. I just want some communication so that when the public comes in and they have to do something, there's a protocol set and I'd like that protocol to be set by this county council. That's what I'm asking for. And uh because right now, if the protocol is not set, we haven't got any clear-cut answers as to how they'd be installed or pay for as it stands now. No clear cut. We've gotten a a somewhat.

» So, if we're getting that here, then what's going to happen if we pass it in in the state that it's in now? I think there needs to be clear communication by us on what we expect staff to carry out as far as policy on our behalf and then I would support it if the the communication was there but I won't support it in his present state. I respect that. All right, let's let's call the vote. Councilman Shoemate, how do you vote? I vote in favor of the amendment as is. All right, everybody in presence? Councilman Tucker, Councilman Kato, vote yes. Councilman Jones, Councilman Brazzle, vote no. Second reading passes. 32. I would still ask, Mr. Vice Chair, if I can state that we get your questions answered. I appreciate this.

» And and if it if it's not in a timely manner within the two weeks that we have, then let's push it into the fourth Tuesday of May. Well, I really says that it has to be done the second Tuesday is what I'm saying. So, you still have your time for us to do due diligence. Thank you. Well, frankly, I' I' I'd like to have heard that tonight, but both comments I heard from administration were of the negative nature. So, I I don't feel like it it was going to change between now and third reading, and I bet that it doesn't. So with that being said, we're going to move on from this and we're going to move to item C.

» Second reading, an ordinance by Kershaw County Council authorizing the conveyance of certain water facilities and the public rideways of Black River Road and the Mount Olivet Road to Kershaw and Lee County Regional Water Authority. Do I have a motion? I'll make a motion that we approve a second reading. Do I have a second? I'll second. I'll second. I yield. All right. We got we've we've got a motion from Councilman Tucker. We've got a second from Councilman Kato. Um we we talked about this um in the last meeting. This is basically um gifting the the water um the water line to the the Kershaw County and Lee Regional Water Authority from Kershaw County. Is that correct? Yes, that's more or less correct. I believe the county um has approximately 48,000 of its own money in the line.

» Um most of it was paid with uh for through grants. Um, and this line was put in place to serve Governor's Hill Business Park. Um, and I believe specifically put in place in contemplation of the um, Prestige Fund. Yeah. So, Kershaw County acted on behalf of a business and making sure that they have water. Yeah. This is all part of an economic um, development project, an initiative um, to make that uh, business park viable. And so Kershaw County actually did what we just talked about. Kershaw County wasn't able to do. Well, this this is a little different because Kershaw County doesn't require developers to upsize lines and bring water um for specific flow amounts to to where they're located.

» Um the industrial park with a high water user um required upsizing of the line, but again it was part of an economic development project. Well, I'm I'm pro economic development and pro Prestig Farms, but I'm also pro small builder. Okay. And coming from a household that that survived off of a small builder, I find it interesting that we can support large projects, but we cannot support the small projects when it comes to building because building homes is economic development as well. Because everybody who moves here to cut turkeys apart or to to to make fiber op cable, they deserve a home. and anything that we do to that we can do to help them, we should help facilitate no differently than we facilitate this. Um, we've got a first and a second. Councilman, thank you, sir. Um, Mr.

» the Bose. So, by turning this line over to um Precious Farms, how does that advance or hinder our future access to Governor's Hill using that line? Um increasing capacity, things of that nature. So, this turnover is to um what was formerly Casset Water, um Kershaw Lee Regional Water. um point in fact they are currently supplying the water out there, right? Um this just has them in direct control of the infrastructure. If there's issues with the water line, the county is not the party repairing them or replacing them. County is not making any money selling water to Prestige. Countyy's not in the water business. Um the background of this was county had a bulk water purchase agreement with City of Camden.

» um when it needed Camden's water um Cassid Water can now supply it and I think again has been supplying it. This just gets the installed infrastructure that was a again a vehicle for that part becoming viable um in the hands of the actual water suppliers and water um authorities. So, I mean, my my understanding is the, for lack of a better term, the asset of this waterline is not independently capable of being utilized by Kershaw County. Um, and if anything is a kind of contingent liability right now for repairs. Um, county's not monetized it at all. Um, oh, the other parties agree. I'm sorry. Go ahead. Sorry. Correct.

» Um, I did want to point out that in the support material, um, and this is a ancillary document already authorized by the terms of the ordinance, there's a, um, certificate of termination and waiver of notice for the city of Camden water agreement is exit the exhibit B. Um, that is a uh just extra document. It's not attached as an actual exhibit, but it's a ancillary document that Okay. Um upon third reading, the city and the county would execute it. Yes. The current agreement um and both parties agree the current agreement uh would theoretically run for another nine and a half years, but neither parties operating under it. So, this just formalizes the termination. I did want to point out that material was not in first reading.

» um it's been included here and uh city of Camden's attorney and I have worked together to get mutually agreeable language in that termination document. And I guess my last question to you is um that um I know it's grant money, but it's still our money. Uh that line had no um monetary value that we could have sold. Not to my understanding. Uh Mr. Burgess, I believe, is present tonight and is intimately familiar with this project, but um yeah, I don't know that it has any real independent intrinsic value. Um and there was some contemplation in the original uh agreements that I want Mr. Burges to come and give us an explanation. Yeah, there's there was a contemplation the county would lease to uh Cassid or convey to Cassid um leased it for many years.

» Now it's kind of in the conveyance realm. Section three in exhibit C, I think would be what you're looking for, Councilman Tucker. It's uh lease of waterline maintenance and repair compliance with all regulations. Kershaw County hereby leases to Casset Water the line which extends to Governor's Hill Business Park. It is further agreed that during the term of this lease, Cassid shall be solely responsible for all repair, maintenance, and upkeep of the line provided. However, that responsibility for repair, maintenance, and upkeep of the line shall not commence until a customer is online and using the water thereof.

» During the term of this lease, Cassid shall totally be responsible for compliance with all governmental regulations concerning the use of the line and the sale and conveyance of the bulk water through the line. This includes but is not limited to DHECK rules and regulations and all testing requirements provided. However, Kershaw County shall be responsible for initial testing and startup testing at the time of the usage begins. Thereafter, all dehack requirement shall be Cath's responsibility. Um, I think that speaks to some of your questions maybe as to how how it was originally written and the way I understand it is uh for for $10 we're uh just turning this line over in a quick claim deed. Is that correct, sir? Correct.

» So we we helped fund it, helped get it there, installed 12 fire hydrants on this line, 9,539 lineal feet of a 12-in PVC line that that we put in for a great project that we're glad they're here. Um we're thrilled that Prestig Farm is here in Kershaw County and and they decided to build their plant here as well. So with that being said, if there's any further clarification that's needed. Yeah, I wanted to Who put this on the agenda? Economic development. I want to hear from Mr. Burgess. Mr. Burgess, you available, sir? Good evening. Yes, sir. Good evening. What you need to know about it? I mean, anything direct. Just basically why you felt the need to put it on the agenda. The request came from Lee Casset Water um because that was part of the agreement going down the line.

» This was brought up back I would say prior to Vic Carpenter leaving. Uh the line is just sitting out there at that point in time. So she asked if we were ready to turn the line over to them. We started the process. It started in a legal process uh between their attorneys and ours. And at some point Well, you know what, Mr. Burgess? Let let me tell you something. I was going to vote no on this, but I'm going to vote yes now. So, thank you. No, you're welcome. Thank you, sir. Anytime. Thank you. Appreciate it. Jeff Burgess does a great job here at Kershaw County. Few of us got to visit um Sterite Industries in uh Business Parkway today. very fascinating how they manufacture the fiber optic cable here uh in he he also gave us a very quick to the point clarification. Yeah, I appreciate that.

» Jeff Sharp. Thank you guys. I didn't say all that. I just sharp. I mean I say he did a good job on this. All right, let's call the vote. Um Councilman Shoe, I vote in favor. All right, all those in present, how do you vote? Do you vote yes? Councilman Jones, it's unanimous. All those here vote in favor of. With that, we will leave ordinances. And uh we have one resolution, a resolution authorizing the assignment by Den Denke America of the 2011 fee agreement and the 2021 fee agreement by and between Kershaw County, South Carolina and Denai Denke America. I'm probably mispronouncing that. That's all right. um formerly known as Oak Mitsui and all economic development property related there to Camden Copper Holdings LLC and Camder Camden Copper Re LLC and other related matters.

» Do I have a motion for this resolution? And to be fair, Mr. Burgess, I'm so sorry. We may need a little clarification from you to come back up. I make a motion, Mr. Vice Chair. All right. Do we have a second? I'll second. I'll second. I'll yield. All right. We've got a we've got a motion by Councilman Tucker and we've got a a second by Councilman Shoemate. Um is there anyone here from Camden Copper Holdings that would like to speak or would like Jeff Burgess like to speak on their behalf? Mr. Burges. Yeah, I'd like to hear from them if they're here. They're here. Welcome. Short time getting back up here.

» Uh it's my pleasure to introduce to you tonight um Adam Johnson, CEO of PMC, the group that is purchasing uh the that has purchased the Denai assets along with Wes Spurlock who is the COO of the facility. Um they will be having their announcement tomorrow, the basically the unveiling. I hope you can all make it. I know that uh Chairman Canel is going to be there to speak as well as Mayor Shaheen uh for the event. But basically PMC came in as unfortunately as it was Denai did file for bankruptcy and Denai Nepon which is a home office in Japan liquidated all of its assets. The one immediately impacted by this was of course the Denai America facility. In 2021 we entered into a FO agreement with Denai for $14 million expansion uh plan.

» To let you know where that stands, we just went back and looked. They invested over 30 million. So they were well above it. The problem was Denkai basically went bankrupt. So in a mad scramble, there was a lot of work done behind the scenes to find a group willing to come in and pick up this asset. This is the first time that this facility will be Americanowned. Now, okay. So with that, I'm not going to take away any of the highlight because these guys are doing a ton of the work behind the scenes. So I will let them tell you what they plan on doing and how it goes. I'll answer anything to do with the Felo and what this means.

» But basically what they're going to do is it's basically striking the name of Denai off the Felo and putting uh Camden Copper in its position as that sponsor for it. So basically they're assuming the same role producing the same item hopefully more of it better of it because it is the only supplier for copper in its nature of this type in the US and in North America basically. So it's filling a vital role. But I'm not going to steal your thunder. One quick question before you leave sir. Oh I'm going to stay right here. Just one quick question for you. Um a fee and l tax agreement is typically between one entity and the county. is this this names two entities is PMC can be the sponsor of the actual company that's going in.

» We have that in effect kind of with Sterilite because Weston owns the property as you were out there but Sterilite actually has the equipment so they can sponsor a group going into that building. Okay. What's the amount of the felo? the fileo that was in place for for Denai it was 14 million on that one and as I said they've already invested 30 million so that's well above what they originally projected to do what was the rate the rate the terms the terms was 20-year felo lock millage locked at 6% 4% 6% 6% instead of 10 and a half correct and 4%'s only if it's 125 million or more if they decide to do that I'll be more than glad to bring that up to we would talk more. Thank you so much for the information. Welcome. This is my first uh time addressing a group like you all.

» So, thank you so much. We're really grateful to be here. Um you know, it's amazing to see, you know, the care that you all have for your community here this morning or this evening, I guess. I don't whatever time it is. I don't even know what day it is. Um, but we're we're here to, you know, hopefully get this thing running right, keep all the jobs, keep producing copper foil here, Kershaw County. Um, and happy to answer any questions we can for y'all. So, you bought the operation to continue it as it was. Hopefully, not as it was, but yes, sir. Yeah. Better producing the same product. Yes, sir. Good. Are you in just out of curiosity, are you in this business already as well or is this a new venture for you? Um, so we've been in critical minerals and materials for quite some time.

» Um, had some meaningful success bringing uh rare earths, lithium, other things to the United States. Uh we were called because uh we had shown some success in that before um by by some friends who wanted to see this thing be successful uh unlike what we feel like the leadership of the previous company had done meaning outside of the United States not leadership on the ground. Um, and we were we were asked to to come and see if there was something uh valuable here, and we believe that there is. And so, we're here to to do whatever we can to turn this into a very successful business. Well, we Let us be the first to welcome you to Kershaw County and thank you for your investment in our community. Yes, sir. Absolutely. And we're going to continue to do that. That's fabulous.

» We have good plans and we're uh meeting everybody on the ground. We're uh spending our time here and we're going to continue to do that. Okay. Is that your bodyguard next to you? This is uh my co-founder and COO uh Colonel Wesley Spurlock. I'll let him introduce himself. Glad to have you guys. Thank you guys so much. And I I have to echo your comments on Jeff. He's been amazing um making us feel welcome, helping us figure out and and the community. And also I think I think it really the double tap um the reason we're here also is it's a matter it's a really a national security thing. This this is a critical national security this copper foil. I am 20 years I just retired from the air force.

» I've been doing this a long time and this is a as as important a mission as I've ever been a part of. and to meet the people in this community and the people at now Camden Copper. Uh they are very much mission aligned and we're we're really excited to hit the ground running and get to work with them. I think they're as committed to this as we are and we look forward to being a part of the community, part of this mission and and getting to meet each and every one of you guys. So, thank you for having us and thank you to Jeff for bringing us tonight. We just it's a target of opportunity to get to meet you all and uh to be up on the on on the big screen, but thank you guys so much and thanks for having us. Thank you, Mr. Vice Chair.

» Councilman, um if I if I may, um remind me of how many uh folks you guys employ out there. Uh we anticipate it'll be about 50 and and maybe a little more. Okay. And um I will say this, uh to to both of you and and your entire company, um as you begin to get your foundation here and your footing, um lean heavily on your resources, Jeff Burgess, administrator, uh the mayor. Now, when you meet that council, they're not as good as we are, but they okay. Um, but don't hesitate. They're uh raise your hand or pick up the phone and call if there's something that we can assist you with versus stumbling through some things that you might just need a tad bit of uh guidance or help with. So, welcome and thank you. And um thank you so much for saying that. We are very grateful. We will need it.

» Um but also same same thing. So, you know, I don't know how how often the previous owners uh were out here. Um, but I can tell you what they look like. I I can I can tell you this. Uh, if there's any issue, anything that comes up, anything that you all see that needs to be done, like my business card brought it for you all, like I we we're the ones who you you need to call like buck stops with us. Like we're we're here. We're looking for a great partnership. Appreciate it. Yes, sir. And Jimmy lives next door so he can come visit with you. We look forward to it. Where is this at? Thank you. Thanks. Thanks for coming up. Thanks for speaking. Thank you so much. All right. All okay. We We had a lot of discussion. Um Mr. Burgess, thank you as well, sir. All those You want to get in? Yeah.

» Derek, you still there? I'm here. How do you vote? In favor? All right. Thank you, sir. Um, and all those here, how do we vote? Vote I. All in favor? It's unanimous. Resolution 9A passes. All right. Um, item 10A has been stricken from the agenda. So, now we'll go to council member briefings. Um, council Councilman Shoemate, would you like to go first, sir? Sure. And I don't have much. Thank you guys for letting me call in again. I've My son's only got a couple more weeks of baseball, so I'm trying to watch all his games. So, thank you guys. And I look forward to being back in person in two weeks. We'll see you then. Thank you. Um, you going to hang around or you going to drop off? Uh, I'll probably drop off since we're done with voting items. Yep. Okay. Have a good night.

» Um, Councilman Tucker. Yes, sir. Um, I just want to uh say thank you again for y'all support on the Fair Housing Act. And um I'm looking forward here within uh next month. I don't know if it's going to be first meeting or the second meeting in May of uh giving you an update on some of the projects west of watery uh on our safe roads. Um I have to get with the administrator and also the uh Mr. U. Dennis uh Cypress with the cog and we should have an update from DOT. But I hope everybody had a blessed uh Easter and uh continue to have a blessed week. That concludes my report. Thank you, Councilman. And I do want to say this because I just found this out uh this afternoon. um keep um the most important person in Councilman Jones's family um on a recovery um Miss Mara.

» She had a little freak accident and um so she's trying to recover, so keep her in your prayers. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Councilman Tucker. Uh Councilman Jones, would you like to I have no comment. No comment tonight. What's wrong? The beach is waiting on me. Councilman Kato, I'm shocked. He caught me off guard. Now, um just a couple things. Um this Friday, uh at the Camden Military Academy, we're going to have the Champions in Action, which is um kind of like the Special Olympics. They used to be the Special Olympics. So that'll be taking taking place this Friday at the Camden Military Academy. I think all the athletes leave the Chick-fil-A around 8:45 and head out to the Camden Military Academy. So if you can go out and support these athletes, that would be awesome.

» Um the next thing is uh this Saturday, April the 26th, as you see on the screen, everyone's invited to the ribbon cutting for the new Mount Pisa Community and Resource Center. at the Mount Pisa Community Resource Center. Uh this playground is in the back, the old school uh playground. We've turned it into Buff Mount Pisga Buffalo Community Playground, and we're going to do the ribbon cutting there at 11:00 a.m. So, I would ask that anybody that could attend that. And lastly, just want to wish my oldest daughter a happy birthday tomorrow. Hard to believe that I'm going to have a child 34 years old. Happy birthday. Happy birthday to her. Absolutely. That ends my report. Thank you, Councilman Kato.

» Um, I'd like to briefly say that um I appreciate everybody um all my colleagues, you know, not not every time we agree on a on a topic, but yet we're civil and and uh remain cordial and I appreciate you all on that. um you know there rarely an item that I that I don't really in my heart want to support but um some items I've been in the shoes of of these small builders and I just I know how they that these things can affect people that are trying to make a living. So um thank you for enduring my passion on that topic and and to all all of our firemen and our safety. Uh my vote is nothing to do with you and your job and and what you provide for our community completely um support safety.

» It's it's just about process for me and the way that we handle things for uh for every customer and citizen. I would like to share something regarding the uh the pecan orchard. I wrote a letter to the to Miss Bonnie Ammons, the executive director of the rural infrastructure authority, and she wrote me back stating um I wrote a letter on behalf of the Pecan Orchard in support of the grant. She wrote me back, "Dear Vice Chairman Brazzle, thank you for your letter supporting a funding request from Kershaw County for an infrastructure project to make storm water improvements in the Pecan Orchard subdivision. The application is being considered by the South Carolina rural infrastructure authority under its competitive basic infrastructure program.

» Projects are reviewed based on comparative analysis of need, impact, feasibility, and leveraging. Funding announcements are expected to be made by the end of May 2025. I appreciate your interest in this project. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call. And then she she gives me her number. I' I'd just like to say to her, thank you so much. And I would like to say to um anyone that lives in the Pico orchard, if you'd like to write a letter of support to the the rural infra infrastructure authority, um feel free to do so. They're great people. They do uh great work all across the state and um they support people in situations uh like we have and and I hope that that comes to fruition.

» Um, with that being said, thank you all for a nice short meeting and um, that concludes my remarks. Mr. Jones, Mr. Jones didn't didn't have anything to say tonight. Uhuh. Ready to go. But we we'll move on to administrative briefings. Mr. Templar. Yes, sir. Just a couple updates on some of the wreck projects. As Mr. Ko mentioned the Mount Pisga playground is completed. We're looking forward to that. Ribbon cutting this Saturday. 11. Veterans Park boat lining construction is still ongoing. Um the estimated completion date looks to be around mid June. Woodward Park construction is still ongoing. Uh estimated completion date for that is January of 2026. Uh we do have a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, uh April 30th at 10:00 a.m. So everybody's welcome to come out for that.

» Uh Boyd Young Park and Copeland Park. Uh the preconstruction meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23rd, uh 9:30. And so and that will be on site at the uh Boyd Young Park in Westville. KC West Park and Expansion. We're waiting on a permit from uh South Carolina Department of Environmental Services. Once that permit is issued, we will schedule a preconstruction meeting with the contractor on that. That's all I have, sir. Thank you. Any legal briefings? No legal briefing. Um, and I don't think we have an executive session tonight. So, Mr. Vice Chair. Yes, sir. Motion to adjurnn. Second. Got a motion to adjurnn in a second. How do we vote? All in all here in favor. Everybody have a good night.