Full meeting transcript - July 22, 2025

» This is [Music] Okay.

» Thank you.

» Good.

» Yes.

» Good.

» That's okay. Big difference between the household,

» which is good. I'd like to welcome everyone out tonight to this Kershaw County Council meeting July 22. We've been called to order. We'll excuse Mr. Russell Brazzle tonight, the vice chair. Uh he's got an important family matter going on and our prayers go out to him. Um we've been called to order. First item on the agenda is the invocation and then pledge of allegiance. I'll go ahead and lead us in both of those. Let us pray. Dear heavenly father, we're thankful for our many blessings. We pray for the Brazil family at this time. Please comfort them. We're thankful for all that thou has done for us. We pray for thy spirit. Please guide us in our decision-making tonight. Please bless our country. Please bless the world.

» Bless our state and this great county. We pray for wisdom as we make decisions tonight. Please help us be fair and judicious and uh respectful of the taxpayer and all things. Please help us find the right result and deliberate in all matters. We pray for those who are on the agenda tonight that have a role that they might be guided and directed as they speak. We pray for safety and protection for our families and others. And say this in the name of Jesus Christ our savior. Amen.

» Amen.

» I pledge 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. Next item on the agenda is adoption of the agenda. I just would like to welcome back uh those who have been here in yonder on travels with family vacation. Welcome back Mr. Shoemake, Mr. Jones and others with travel. Um do we have a motion on the agenda?

» Mr. Chairman, make a motion that we approve the agenda as presented.

» Mr. Tucker has a motion. Is there a second?

» I'll second.

» Mr. Kato has a second. Any discussion, Mr. Tucker?

» No, sir. If there's no other discussion, no other motions, we'll move to a vote. All in favor on the agenda for approval. Miss Hannah, it's unanimous by those who are present in voting. Next item on the agenda, item 5A, proclamations honoring the life of William Gainwell, Bill Major Jr., placed on the agenda by Councilman Jones. Mr. Jones, is there a motion?

» Yes. I so move, Mr. Chairman, we present this proclamation tonight.

» Is there a second?

» Second.

» Mr. Tucker has a second.

» Mr. Chair, I'd like it if you would present this please as the chair of county council.

» Yes, sir. I'll go ahead and read the proclamation and then uh we'll await your commentary.

» Proclamation of memory and recognition of William Gainwell Bill Major Jr. Whereas our lives is full are 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 saved and lived provides family and friends with the opportunity to reflect and remember. And whereas known to many as a civic icon to Kershaw County, William Gainwell, Bill Major Jr. was a member of most of Cam Camden civic organizations. He was a life member of the VFW, the Camden Shrine Club, the Kershaw Lodge of Ancient Freemasons, and a SC Hall of Fame bowler. And whereas since moving to Camden as a youth in 1935, Mr.

» major was the first boy scout in Kershaw County to be awarded the rank of Eagle Scout, saludiatorum of his class at Camden High School in 1940, first sports reporter for the Bulldog, later named the Palmetto Leaf, staff artist for the Golden Black yearbook of 1940, and captured the 1939 and 1940 SC State High School doubles tennis championship. And whereas after completing high school, Mr. major attended Wford College and Ferman University and entered the military service in 1943 as a second lieutenant in the Army Airore. He was one of a handful of triple-rated navigator bombardiers and a pilot in the 20th Air Force. with great success in his military career.

» After retiring from the military and returning home in 1949 with a distinguished flying cross, a bronze star, and two purple hearts, he started a 38 care career in banking and retired from banking and served 20 years as a crossing guard at Rosco's Corner. And whereas called into active military service during the Korean conflict, Captain Major served as Captain Major in the commanding officer of Company B, the 713th Gun Battalion of Camden's National Guard unit. And whereas William Gainwell Bill Major Jr. served and lived a well-onored life, leaving a legacy of memories for his family and generations to come. Now therefore, be it known that Kershaw County Council honors the memory of William Gainwell Bill Major Jr. for all of the great success he shared in Kershaw County and serving our country signed this date. Mr. Jones, M.

» Mr. Chairman, thank you so much and thank you for presenting that as well, too. I just want to say that there's not much more I can say because there's no words about it. This man is one of our local heroes. We have many of them, but he was one of our local heroes. His son has been involved in many, many things throughout our county as well. And I'm just honored here tonight to to be able to put this on the floor for for this family. And uh before we end, I'd like to ask your son to come up and say a few words after y'all finish as well, too.

» Any further comments?

» Thank you so much, Mr. Jones. Um did you you said you had some family members here, including his son?

» The microphone.

» Microphone.

» Yes, sir.

» You may not need it, but we got

» Oh, I don't need a microphone. talk in it for the folks.

» Know me sometimes I'll speak my mother comes out.

» Please do talk into the mic. You got some people watching you remotely who won't be able to hear you.

» Hello.

» Okay. To all you people listening out there.

» Yes, sir.

» Uh my name is William Rusty Major and uh I'm honored to be here tonight and and thrilled that the county council recognized dad. Dad was the real deal. Um, I think uh I thank uh Jimmy Jones for pushing this forward. Uh, dad touched a lot of people, a lot of lies. Uh, and he uh left a lot of footprints in Kershaw County. Big footprints. And I've I haven't come close to filling a half of one yet. But I just want to say this. I want to thank you again on behalf of my sisters Sander Reeves and Gloria Boone. And I accept this word on his behalf on on his behalf as his only son. And if I uh am remembered for anything in Camden uh for half of what dad did in his life, I'll be a pretty good man because he was a great man. Thank you very much. God bless you all.

» Well said. I feel the same way about my dad. We have a proclamation here. If you want to come up. Yes.

» We'll take a picture. We'll present that to you. Mr. Jones, if you would step up.

» Mr. Jones. often. This is a foregone conclusion, but all in favor, raise your hand. Miss Hannah, I saw you about to slap my wrist over there. I just do them anyway. [Music] All right. Hold up.

» All right. One, two, three, and four and a half. God, that would have been bad, wouldn't it?

» All right, gentlemen. That brings us to the next item on the agenda, public comments. Mr. Deose,

» we have seven speakers tonight. Uh, first speaker, Henry Gustoson on civics's education workshop.

» Miss Penry, please.

» Good evening. It's been a while.

» Welcome.

» Welcome. I'm here to spread good news. Uh I'm Henry Gusson, um a former senator for this area and I continue to be um engaged and uh love where we live and I continue to support and encourage good civil engagement which seems to be continuing to be a challenge for so many people. Uh, I am part of a committee. I'm leading a committee that has developed a civics education workshop for Kershaw County, specifically designed for Kershaw County and for the residents of Kershaw County. Uh, each of you have received a letter.

» I know y'all already know that and you have the press release in front of you, but we are going to be um we have several people on our committee here tonight, including Griffin Belaloo and Alisa McKim and I and there three others on that committee um from three different organizations and elected officials actually came to us and asked us to do something help, you know, help help teach the public and help get them more engag engaged on what's happening in Kershaw County and how to best um foster civil discourse and and education and just knowing um uh how our government works and how to best contact our uh officials and how to do public speaking and who does what in Kershaw County.

» Um, I know there were a number of times in my time at the state house where I would get many, many, many calls of things that had that really were y'all. It was on you. And I'm sure y'all get calls that maybe you should go to a different area in Kershaw County. Um, so I think it would be really good if people really understand who does what. Um, and and how to build those relationships with our officials in a very effective way. Um we're also going to be teaching about uh thing we have met with the director of voter registration Miko Reic and um they are they have really improved some things upon our voter registration. We're going to be doing a section about um what is their number one issue which includes people updating their addresses.

» So that kind of tends to um you know uh make problematic timing. If you're going to vote and then you haven't done that, it takes time. They had to call the DMV, blah blah blah. Um also, uh for poll workers, we need about a hundred more poll workers in Kershaw County. So we're going to help them with that. Um we're also going to address misconceptions and and address what is good and what's happening. Uh there are lots of pockets across the United States where there are issues with our voting issues um with corruption and I can tell you very personally with firsthand knowledge without exception Kershaw County is right on point. We are doing great in these areas. We follow the laws. We follow the rules and um we're going to be like I said that's going to be part of it.

» Um we're also going to be talking about the role of the election board. you know, who are they? What do they do? Well, they have to certify the results, right? They're the ones who do it. Um, so all these things being said, uh, it's a two-part workshop. That's how it's structured. And it's going to be presented, uh, twice the community over three different dates. Um, and part one is going to be offered on its own. Part two is going to be offered on its own. And on a Saturday, you can get part one and part two. This is uh uh Miss McKim, Mrs. McKim is going to explain more about the details about how to do it and um how to get involved and how to and all the registration and everything else. But um learning critically, engaging civy, and just having better civic education locally.

» Um we are just thrilled to be able to present this at no cost to the public or to you. And we hope each of you will be able to attend at least one. Even you, Miss Parlor, everybody here, attend at least one of these um workshops. Okay? You're not required to, but certainly we would love to have you there. We're not going to ask you to do anything. Okay? Unless you want to, but that's another story for another day. Uh I do thank you for your time, your work on Kershaw County Council. We uh if this goes well, we will have a part two. That's why it's called 1.0. We might have a workshop 2.0 next year. Thank you so much.

» Thank you, Miss Benry. Mr. Deose,

» next speaker is Linda Caner. Uh, temporary moratorum.

» Miss Canader. Yes, ma'am.

» Pay attention. Pay attention. Sammy,

» I'm always paying attention, Mr.

» Chairman Connell. If you didn't have such members, if you didn't have such a long name, it wouldn't take me so long to write it down.

» Go ahead.

» But you weren't the only one.

» Go ahead.

» This is going to be short. Kershaw County residents have spoken with overwhelming support for the proposed temporary moratorum on the large subdivisions, as have most of the county council. We look forward to the passage of this important ordinance tonight. Thank you.

» Thanks for coming out tonight, Mr. Dose.

» Next speaker is Lynn KTO. Mortorium and impact fees.

» Miss KTO.

» My name is Lynn KTO. from 1265 Sanders Creek Road. And first, I want to thank you. I want to thank you for riding this out. It's t taking taken a long time guess us to get here and people are counting on you to make the decision for this third reading of the ordinance for the moratorum which will help prepare help us prepare a comprehensive plan and a capital improvement plan for Kershaw County and also when you vote on the ordinance for the impact fees for large developments. Your residents are counting on you for this. And I want you to think about what you talked about at the last meeting. For those of you who are here, you recognized Mel Pearson's family. And you brought up all the things that Mel Pearson had done and he had gotten gotten done.

» And it was kind of a miracle how much he had gotten done. And I thought about that and how he might have gone about doing that. And one of the things he's he was able to do was to get people to trust him. people trusted he was going to do the right thing for the the city of Camden and Kershaw County. I know people trusted you. They voted for you as council members to make decisions to help Kershaw County. And this is one big decision, a really big decision that'll be heard about across the state. So, I want to thank you in advance for making a decision to vote on the ordinance for a temporary moratorum and voting for impact fees for Kershaw County because this is going to help our residents and prevent them from being taxed in the future and help for improvements in Kershaw County.

» Thank you for your time and I know you don't get a lot of thank yous, but I do appreciate what you do. Thank you very much.

» Thank you, Miss KTO. Mr. Mr. Deose.

» Next speaker is Alisa McKim, Civics Workshop.

» Miss McKim, please.

» Hello. Hello, Kershaw County Council. Thank you so much um for everything that you do. My name is Alisa McKim. I am a Lugaf resident. I live in Pepperage and I am the Lugaf executive committeeman and I'm here on behalf of the um Steeples Chase Republican Women. And as Penry was saying, we have kind of a coalition of not just women's group, but our Kershaw County GOP um when we are planning this um civics 101 workshop. And I want to make sure that we're clear too, it is nonpartisan. It is not about um Republicans, Democrats. It's for everyone.

» It's for the whole community because there's a lot of um citizens and even people that are engaged in politics that really don't understand who to go to like who you going to call when you have an issue with this thing or um and I know you guys get those calls and it's not in your wheelhouse. So, um they're just they aren't don't know who how to go about engaging civily especially. So, um we have um we'd like to reach across the aisle to the Democrats as well. Um, and we want to make sure that this is branded as a non, even though we're Republican women and the GOP are helping to present this, it is a nonpartisan event. So, it affects everybody, all citizens. Move this just a little bit.

» Um, so the things that we'll be talking about um are basically just the core function of the local government. Um, best practices for communication. I know that you guys um get some heat up here. Um, so we it'd be nice if people would treat you guys respectfully because you you you deserve that. So, um, anyway, we'd like to help people with that. And then as Penry was saying about voter registration information, as a poll manager, I can say it is a mess on election day when people don't have their stuff in order. And it it really is um I'm glad that see that there that's a new addition. Um, so the dates that we're talking about and a lot more, too, but um I'll keep it short.

» the dates that we're planning for first the first one is August 11th and I have flyers for all of you that I'll leave with you that also have um a barcode on it and the barcode um is for it's um $0. It's free but if you come to the door and you haven't registered in advance so we can get a headcount it'll be $5 at the door if you haven't registered in advance. That's just for our for um planning purposes. So I'll leave you guys with each one one of these and then I have some to also pass out as well. But the dates are August 11th um at 6 PM and that's at the American Legion. On August 25th is part two at 6:30 at Proctor Hall. And then that's for the second part and part one and two combined is a Saturday on September 27th and that will be at 9:30 in the morning at Bethun Elementary.

» And so they've been kind enough to um hopefully we'll have a great turnout and we hope that we can um have you or all of you or some of you join us for that. So thank you so much and um for all of you do and thank you for your time.

» Thank you Miss McKim.

» Thank you

» Mr. Bose.

» Next speaker is George Puland I believe. Uh last name is hard to read. Ordinance.

» That's it.

» Mr. Puland please. Uh George Puland, last uh the last county council meeting we had, um I stood up here and spoke a little bit about the zoding ordinance and how unclear um the writing was and what was really going to happen. I I think a lot of you agreed on that. That's the reason why it was deferred to today. Um, I there's a little more clarity, but I think there's still a lot of wording that needs to be uh detail oriented in in reference to where these event centers that somebody might want to put up, whether it be a soccer field, baseball field, a wedding event, uh, center, or whatever it may be. I think starting going in into we need to keep the rural areas of the county rural.

» Uh I think a lot of the a lot of the folks that live in the rural areas, they don't want these event centers in in next to their houses that have been in the family for, you know, decades. Um and I think that um limiting these event centers to commercial areas. I understand the whole I understand the thing about the bed and breakfast and and all that. Um, and I think that uh limiting these event centers or these venues to commercial areas only and if somebody has a farm that they want to have a a a uh a wedding at, then that farm or the person having the wedding should have to apply for some sort of permit or exemption. And if they get caught doing it without it, then they get fined. But I think right now, uh, Mr.

» Jones spoke about this the last in the last uh county council meeting is it creates a lot more for a department that can't handle what they're what they have to do now. There is there's there who's going to enforce these ordinances? People are still going to have weddings on farms and there's still there's nobody to enforce or regulate this and it's just it's going to continue to happen. Having the ordinance there helps but I think you know who's going to enforce it at this point. Um, I'm going to give you I'm going to give you um a situation that I know personally and I I spoke about this I think the last time is that there is um a family area over in uh Elgen in the county part of Elgen that was passed down back in 1921 from to kids and then their kids.

» Well, one of the family members had sold off just under five acres to an individual who went to planning and said, "I'm going to use it for agricultural purposes." And specifically from the planning department, they told me that he was going to use it to have donkeys and some livestock. Fine. He didn't do that. He put he clearcut the property, put in a soccer field, built buildings, never got permits, never went to planning. And this is the type of thing that the ordinance needs needs to clarify. You know what is going on now? This is back in at the end of November, beginning of December of last year. Here we are eight months later. Nothing. No cease and desist. Nothing nothing's happened. I've talked with the sheriff the last time he was here. He sent his because there's a bar.

» They're cooking food. Um they have a full a full commercial type building built on this property and it was never zoned or or even got permission to be built. Um they're not using any septic. They're using portag johns and whatnot. Uh you know trash is now finding its way into the woods. There's hundreds of people down there. They're having organized events. And under um the rule of the RD2, what's not allowed under 7-Eleven is um uh spectator sports or spectator events. As far as I'm concerned, soccer games where there's, you know, hundreds of people down there with referees and a bar and and and food, they're they're down there spectating and that should not be allowed. That that property should that a cease and desist should have been sent a long time ago.

» uh under 73 or 71394 um it's also not allowed. So and then but there's a section in there's another section that contradicts this. So there's contradictions to these in the same codes. So they it says you can have you can have these type of events as long as they're not commercial. But this one here says you can't have spectator sports. as far as I'm cons as far as I'm concerned. Somebody going down there, hundreds of people, you know, 67 cars parked all around these soccer fields. So, uh, the sheriff actually emailed me back about this and he had a couple of his, um, deputies go down and, uh, they've notified ATF about the alcohol sales.

» Um, but again, here it is eight months later, and I have heard nothing back from planning about what's happened with this, and they're still holding events down there. And this is uh 1090A Cherokee Boulevard. 1090A Cherokee Boulevard in Elgen section of uh Kershaw County. Thank you.

» Thank you, George. Mr. Deose.

» Next speaker, I believe it's uh Andrea King. First name is difficult.

» Miss King.

» Oh, okay. Uh bypassing that one. All right,

» next speaker is Brenda and the last name is not quite legible

» to me.

» Brandon. Yeah,

» Miss Brandon, please.

» Thank you all for having this meeting today. And I would just like to detail what

» Yes, ma'am. If you could speak into the mic just so everybody can hear you. Thank you.

» Uh I would like to just ditto what George got through saying. I live at 1028 Cherokee Boulevard and I can attest to this. People need to be aware that we live out in a rural area, farms out there. I have a farm. Goat Daddy lived has his place less than a quarter of a mile from my house and he was beside himself when all this has been going on. The noise, the PA systems, the whole things. If this ordinance is changed where this can go on, we will never have peace and quiet in our neighborhoods again. So, I hope that you will consider all of this and at least do something for the rural areas. We do have much better deputy service out of our area now, but it used to be that we would call and it may take an hour because I live on the Richland Kershaw County line.

» It's not any fun waiting for a law. And the deputy said when all of this was taking place, he went down in there and he said there was over 200 people in this place. The PA system had the trees swinging and the music was unreal and everybody was upset. I'm sure they got quite a few calls that night that one particular night. It's never been that loud again, but it is still there. And like George said, this is less than 5 acres of land. And they have moved in there and put all of this in there. And when you look through there, there's probably not more than two porta potties that I can see out there in that area. And if you got 200 people piled in there, this is what we could be looking at if this ordinance is allowed to go through is just to get rid of the bed and breakfast.

» We need to consider the rural areas as well as the commercial areas. And this might be good for a commercial area to get rid of the bed and breakfast, but we need to take everybody into consideration. Our tax money goes in there as well. So, I hope you will uh will pay attention to that when you when you consider this and think of us because we've been there a long time and I understand what's going on. A lot of older people are dying. The kids are selling out the land. We've got housing developments moving in all around us. And with scout coming in, it's only going to get worse. That's another thing. So, please keep us in mind when you've consider this. Thank you.

» Thank you, Miss Brandon.

» No further speakers, Mr. Chair.

» No further speakers. Thank you everyone who came out tonight. That concludes public comments. Next item on the agenda, gentlemen, is item number 7A. It's a public hearing regarding amending the ZLDR and definition of minor subdivisions. I'll go ahead and open up the public hearing. Mr. Deose, do we have anyone signed up for the public hearing regarding 7A?

» Mr. Chair,

» seeing no one signed up, is there anyone present who wants to speak on item 7A, definition of minor subdivision? Seeing no one, we'll go ahead and close the public hearing. That takes us to item 8A on the agenda, approval of the minutes. Do we have a motion?

» Make a motion we approve the minutes from July 8th. Mr. Kato has a motion. Is there a second?

» Second.

» Mr. Thompson has a second. Any discussion, Mr. Kato?

» Seeing none and seeing no further discussion, all in favor?

» Mr. Tucker,

» I I will be abstaining from my absence, please.

» We'll note that for the record.

» Any further discussion?

» I'll be abstaining.

» Mr. Jones abstaining as well.

» We still have a corn present and four able to vote, so we're good. All in favor of approving the minutes with two abstensions, please note those, Miss Hannah. All in favor, raise your hand. It's unanimous for those who are present in voting and not abstaining, Miss Hannah. All right, gentlemen. This takes us to item number 9A. This is a first reading under ordinances relating to minor subdivisions. Uh before we get a motion, Mr. Administrator, any background or context we need?

» No, Mr. Chairman.

» Okay. Do we have a motion on 9A?

» I'll make the motion.

» Second. All right, it's on the table, Mr. Schumake.

» Yeah. So, what this amendment does is it redefineses the definition of major subdivision and minor subdivision so that effectively anything above five lots is considered a major subdivision. Currently, under our ordinances, it's 10 or more and is considered a major subdivision. And this brings that number down. And the reason for that is major subdivisions have a whole separate set of rules they have to follow. Uh the minor subdivisions do not. It's much easier to build a minor subdivision. And if we look at the historical pattern in this county, you don't see a whole lot of minor subdivisions that are really between sort of five, six, and seven. It tends to be these two groups.

» these small little two three sub subdivisions that are really just sort of family type land or you know truly small subdivisions or these sort of eight or nine unit deals that really kind of come close to skirting the edge. They're usually bigger developers, bigger kind of developments. And so this kind of keeps in it it puts the definition in keeping with what the reality of the situation is, which is this ordinance is designed to protect people who are doing very small limited development from overburdensome regulations. So by moving this number it allows us more flexibility. Uh when we start when we start doing moratoriums and other things as we go into ZLDR and we start looking at large scale changes it changes the definition of major subdivisions so we can more appropriately address those subdivisions that are creating problems.

» Thank you Mr. Shoe. Mr. Thomas, you have the second.

» Thank you Mr. Chairman. Um I I agree with Mr. Shoe on this. I think we're in a situation right now where we have a, you know, we do have the large developments, but there's a lot of the smaller ones that are coming uh to our county here. And if we look at it, the it's a smaller strain, but it's still a strain on our infrastructure. If we continue to grow and do that, uh this is going to be a great um thing to be implemented in Kershaw County because it's going to provide more assets and not going to put the bill on the back of the taxpayer for people coming to Kershaw County. Um I'm in support of this tonight. I' I'd be happy to have more than one as a major subdivision. I don't but um I'm happy with more than five. So,

» Mr. Chair,

» Mr. Jones,

» thank you. Thank you so much. Um I initially brought the moratorum before county council a few meetings ago and it was u I did it at the request of the planning commission and the planning commission they identified the problem areas as major subdivisions. They said Jimmy we're not having any problem with minor subdivisions. We're having problems with major subdivisions. So, of course, then there was an amendment made and and and and and it passed and we are where we are now. And I have supported up to this point to try to massage it. Let's see if we couldn't compromise and get to some kind of agreement.

» But I I I just I'm having problems creating more legislature, more uh I don't want to say bureaucracy, but but but basically it is that that's really not hasn't been identified as the problem. And uh I I just feel like that uh major subdivisions I wish we were sticking to that. But obviously uh this is where we're at. So we'll be taking a vote tonight. Thank you,

» Mr. Jones. Thank you. Any further comment or discussion. Again, we're on first reading. Seeing no further comment or discussion, we'll move it to a vote on the shoe motion. All in favor raise your hand. It's Shoemake, Connell, Kato, and Tomlinson in favor. All opposed. Tucker and Jones opposed for the record. Miss Hannah passes on first reading. That takes us to item number 9B. Any context or background we need, Mr. Administrator?

» Uh, no sir. Just continuing with the efforts to add Creed Solar into this uh this uh Mip or Multicounty Industrial Park.

» Oh, we're on 9B. Sorry, not 9C.

» Oh, I'm sorry.

» 9B. Um, so this one here is is uh coming back up that this uh this item came up earlier. Council asked that we go back and um offer some more information to individual council members so they can be a little more indexed in. And so this is this item coming back up for y'all. I have staff here to answer any questions.

» Thanks, Mr. Temple. I know everybody's working on it. Do we have a motion on item number 9B?

» I'll go ahead and make a motion for first reading only.

» Motion for first reading. Second.

» Is there a second? Mr. Tucker has a second. Mr. Schumac, you had the first.

» Yeah. So, I think you know Mr. Puland and I believe it was Miss Brandon that spoke, I think made some really great points and I think just from my conversations with my colleagues and listening up here when we deferred this, I think we all have some hesitancy about doing this. Um, but I do think it's fair. I did want to make one point of clarification because when we I made a when we had the meeting last I guess it was two weeks ago whenever we deferred this we had uh Joey from planning and zoning up here and there was a lot of questions put to Joey about why this why this was even done or written and I personally uh was it

» four weeks ago

» four weeks ago. So four weeks ago and I want to do something you don't hear a lot uh from a politician but apologize for what I think is a pretty big mistake at least that I'll own up to. Um, on December 10th of last year, this council actually directed planning and zoning to write this amendment. Um, I pulled the minutes cuz I thought I remembered that, but I wasn't sure. So, I don't want to say anything then. But I pulled the minutes and a council member made the motion. It was seconded. This council unanimously with everyone present passed it and specifically made a motion for the planning and zoning to write a venue code for RD1, RD2, and MRD uh to to propose owner requirements for an event venue.

» So, there was questions when Joey got up here about why did this happen? Where did this come from? And you know, Joey, I think rightly, you know, just kind of deferred because he's not here to try to get political or throwing it under the bus. But the reality is this is here cuz we asked for it with a unanimous vote and directed planning and zoning to do it. So, however we vote is how we vote, gentlemen. That's fine. But I do personally want to apologize to planning and zoning and Joey for making it sound as if we were curious how this came from when the reality is is we asked for this and we unanimously said we wanted it. So, I'm going to vote for it for first reading for for that reason so that we can examine whether this makes sense. And if it doesn't, that's fine.

» We can vote it down on second or third reason. I I do think Mr. Pulley and Miss Brandon made some great points that we need to consider, but that's all I have.

» Thank you, M. Shoe. Mr. Tucker, you have the second.

» Uh, yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and um, thank you, Mr. Shoemate, for standing up and correcting the um, thoughts and the uh, actions that really took place here on council. I also would say um, Georgia, I've been knowing you for a while. Um, I hear your plight. I understand you and Miss Brandham's concerns. I will support it tonight, but I do think this needs to be massaged as well. Um, but I want uh my colleagues and the public to know too that um without this we're asking planning and zoning in some degree to put a square peg into a round hole when these things come up.

» So, we've got to find a way to make it easier on planning and zoning to enforce and uh be able to approve when it is right to approve and uh deny when it's right to deny, but at the same time um be able to give people their privacy. Um I've lived in the rural part of Kershaw County most of my adult life and uh I enjoy that for a reason. um because of the quietness, the owls, the the chickens, all that good stuff that happens at night or early in the morning. So, um let's uh continue to have conversation and let's figure out what would be best practice moving forward. Um if this will work.

» Thank you, Mr. Go ahead. I I yield.

» Mr. Jones, he yields. Go ahead.

» Y'all probably want to hear from me first anyway. What I got to say, you know, there are laws on books called disturbing to peace. And Mr. K, I know you know that and I know our lawyers know that up here, I just this is this is not the answer to what the gentleman George got up here and talked to. This is not the answer to it. You know, I tell you what, uh all of you who may have a birthday party in your front yard or get married on your front porch like I did. I'm have the government telling me I can't have a wedding my wedding on a front porch or my front porch. Well, if we pass this, I wouldn't be able to have had my wedding without permission from the government on my front porch. I'm sorry. This is overreach. And who was unanimous? Did I vote for that?

» Uh, you were the second annual.

» Well, then I was wait a minute. Then I was drunk. Okay.

» Like a sailor, right?

» Yeah. Because I don't vote for it tonight. And and I'm not ashamed that I've been called out voting for it back then. Uh but as I said, I I don't really drink, but I must something. Jesus. But and he's great. But anyway, I'm voting against it tonight because I don't think it's right. I've been to parties to some of the folks out here have had in their yard just celebrating the birth of their child or or celebrating uh some significant event or just wanted to get to get together. And uh I'm gonna tell all of you out here now, we're going to have to get permission and and and yet all these questions that we have can't be answered. Um and and folks, I'm going to ask you to really think about this. We can't even enforce the laws we've got now. And I'm going to tell you something.

» These inspectors can come. They they they they come in here, they write you up, then they go back to their county where they live and you pay the bill. I didn't mean to get loud. I've been working on that. Um that that upsets me. We got more outside agencies or contracts with people coming in here doing our work in Kershaw County. Not from Kershaw County, but their their firms are or businesses from outside Kers County. We have contracted with them. They're coming in here and in some ways to me it feels like they go through this county like a costo. And I'm going to tell you guys something. I don't appreciate it. And that's not the work for me on county council that I want to see. I don't want to see the citizens treated like that. We've got to have regulations. We got to have laws.

» But I've got one I'm going to talk about which is pertaining to all this that I got here. A friend of mine got in the mail with a 20- year old subdivision. He's being told he'll be fined if the retention pond isn't fixed. Well, we haven't done We have a responsibility with retention ponds. We haven't taken care of our business. So, we'll host somebody 20 years. They they're not even the company's dissolved. It's not even in They're not even doing business now. They don't exist. Folks, we just need to slow down on creating the bureaucracy. And the other night, four meet, four weeks ago, whatever it was, uh, you know, we couldn't even get our questions answered. There was confusion with staff. I'm not apologizing to anybody. Uh, I apologize to the public. Okay.

» Our employees get a good salary. We got a lot of $100,000 a year employees, too. They get a good salary. They get good benefits, but some people are being laid off. So, I think our employees have it pretty dog on good. What who I care about is the citizens of Kershaw County. And uh I was told and I've been told this many many times. Oh, please be careful. Don't mention my name because they'll come out and they'll take it out on me. Let me hear of one government official taking it out on somebody or citizen. Call me. I promise you we'll stop that ASAP. You will not be threatened by any department or talked to disrespectfully.

» Now, I don't think you should be you should be talking disrespectfully to the staff either, but bottom line is I've had point after point made to me the rudeness and uh the ugliness that was shown to them by some of our folks who once again I think if you take a poll how many people is uh going out inspecting live in our county, you'd find not very many live in our county. But they going to come in here and regulate you. Okay. I'd be voting against this even if I did second it a year ago. Thank you.

» Thank you, Mr. Jones. Mr. Kato.

» Uh, yeah. I I don't necessarily agree with everything you said, Mr. Jones. From what I hear from Mr. pooling. I have I have to say that it seems that what we have now is not working because if it was working, we wouldn't have the problem over there that we have. So, in in order to solve the problem that we have, we got to change something. Now, is this whole ordinance uh what we need to change? No, I don't think so. I'm I'm not again I'm not in love with everything that's in this ordinance, but I do believe that there needs to be some changes. I do believe we've set up here, most of us have set up here and talked about property rights by owners. If if I own a barn and enough acreage of land that I can have a wedding out there from my daughter or son, I need to be able to do that.

» I I need to be able to do what I want to do on my property as long as it's within the bounds of the law. But this ordinance that and and I'm going to support this on the first reading tonight only because I don't want it to die and I want to see some corrections that we can all come together and and agree on because something needs to be done because what's going on now is not working. And that's evident by what we heard tonight. So, we've got to do something to change things. And it's not creating more bureaucracy. It is trying to make things better for the citizens of Kershaw County and for the I listen, nobody lives in any further rural area than I do. I'm nine miles to the nearest Dollar General. I bet there's nobody else in here that lives 9 miles from the Dollar General.

» Who measures that?

» I did. Try this afternoon. So, um, so if there's anybody in here can speak about rule, I guarantee you it's me. I love the whipppper wheels, but but we do need to find a fix and common ground to this. And just killing it and kicking it out is not going to do any good. So, I'm going to pass it on first reading and I hope that somewhere down the line we can find a solution to everything that fits the needs of everybody.

» Mr. Kato from the Bermuda Triangle of Kershaw County. Thank you so much. the northern part of the county.

» Discussion.

» Yeah, Mr. Chairman, I just wanted some clarification. Um,

» Mr. Deose, so within this ordinance, would it prevent so on my farm in Antioch, would it prevent me, my family, or any of my extended family or guests to have a wedding on my property?

» No. The ordinance is intended to regulate um accessory uses um put on these properties that are rented to individuals.

» So forprofit entities.

» Correct. Correct.

» So it wouldn't prevent an individual um property owner from having a wedding or hosting a party or or allowing somebody else to utilize their property.

» Correct. within um the definition sections. Again, it's it's all focused on rentals um to people for private social events such as weddings, receptions, banquetss, meetings, or other gatherings, but it doesn't prohibit um people from using their property privately for private events that aren't, you know, it's not a rental situation with Joe Smith from down the road.

» Thank you so much. Um and I I appreciate my colleagues. I asked uh last meeting to push this back so we get kind of more time to really dive into this and I don't think this is a perfect ordinance. This is something that's a sticky situation. Um but going back to Antioch having even though it is zoned general development. So out of all the RD2 and Antioch there's one little circle that's general development and it has a rodeo, a community center and everything. And that is a staple, a highlight piece for Antioch. Um, all of my family, friends, every single person from Antioch goes there when the rodeo's there. It It's a It's a great event. I don't think that needs to be everywhere at all. Um, so this could be something we could we may need to look at tailoring.

» Um, I will support this tonight on first reading. um because we do have two additional readings going forward and we can we can push it back and really get into the nitty-gritty. But I appreciate all of staff's hard work and um Mr. Joey with planning and zoning and all his hard work putting this forward. Thank you.

» Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Mr. Jones,

» any further discussion?

» Yeah. Yeah. Thank you so much. Um well, I mean, you know, we say, okay, it's a private event, but if I'm paying a wedding planner to come out there and do my wedding, I'm paying fees. I mean, and I know we may say, "Oh, that's not what Listen, let me tell you. Once we pass this, it'll be interpreted by the enforcement and uh because there there's a lot of services that we rented and we paid for, you know, and uh to have our event and it was a beautiful wedding and I'm glad I did it 27 or 28 years ago." Um, but I I I just guys and and and Mr. Kato, you're right. Something needs to be done. But I just think that we we have laws on the books right now disturbing the peace and some other things that the sheriff can go out there and they can enforce.

» We're creating more bureaucracy that we don't have the staff to enforce what we what we have on books now, but yet we're going to throw more out there. It just m just makes no sense to me. I'd like to see this table tonight and for us to have a workshop on it instead of rushing it through first, second, and third reading.

» Thank you.

» Thank you, Mr. Jones. Any further discussion?

» Mr. Chair,

» Mr. Temper. Yes,

» if I may. I I think there's some blurred lines here in in what the spirit of this is versus some of the concerns in the community and just

» Could you speak in my I can't hear you, Mr. Zra? There are some concerns here um that I think there are stemmed from some blurred lines. What the spirit of this is what we're trying to do is to allow staff to make more concise decisions and when it comes to certain events that people want to have or facilities on their property. We have one in in question now where somebody has purchased a a property and they want to have an event space there. It's it's in a rural area. Um but now what they have to do is identify as a bed and breakfast. That that is that is far from what they want to do.

» Um, so now they're having to go through these hoops uh if they want to utilize their personal property and and create a living quarters to just just to to force fit this their desire or their desired use into what we have which is an antiquated ordinance. The types of uses in in today's hospitalitydriven society are marketkedly different. We have Airbnbs now. People come, strangers come and stay in your home. We are just trying to get a few more tools in our toolbox to allow staff to make decisions where people want to and have an absolute right to use their personal property. Um, these are commercial driven event venues.

» Um, this makes me not have any concern about if I want to have some people over to my house for Fourth of July that someone's going to come over there and write me a ticket. Um, there are spaces in this county that just by default sports events are allowed. If if someone has five acres and they want to take up a game of soccer and it's it's an appropriate facility, nothing wrong with that. So, um I there are some questions. Uh Joey is here. If there are any deeper questions, if you'all want to move on, that's fine. Um I I just if if any dialogue is needed, I um

» Thank you, Mr. Administrator. I I just had a few comments in wrapping up. There's no further discussion. So, I think the council's been relatively deliberate on it so far by delaying it already to ask more questions. Um I think there's a lot more work to be done. all supported on first reading tonight. What I hear from staff and folks in the community is you need to have better enforcement mechanisms because it's not working now or there need to be greater penalties for folks who are violating. A penalty that you pay attention to. A penalty that you won't pay attention to is not a penalty.

» Um and so I I think there's that and it's it's first reading and so you know you've got at least another uh month, month and a half or more depending on what happens in the future to see where this goes. But we've got a a request and plea from staff to give them better opportunities to address these kind of concerns in the community. And then you have other properties um some of which I think are grandfathered already. But if someone stopped operating them in that way as an event space, then that could go away and you might lose some of the great spaces that you have in Kershaw County. Uh unless unless you have provision in the code to allow for it. So, more research to be done, I think, more work to be done and I look forward to digging into it and seeing if this is something that works.

» Any further discussion, comments, questions. Seeing none, uh, all in favor, raise your hand. On first reading, it's Shoe, Tucker, Connell, Kato, Tomlinson in favor. All opposed. Mr. John opposed. Passes on first reading. That takes us to item number 9 C. Mr. administrator, any background or context we need before we move uh for seek a motion?

» Just just very brief, sir. This is um an opportunity for us to potentially assist the town of Elgium with some of their planning and zoning responsibilities as they find themselves in a deficit for people to do that type of work. Their uh their their inspector has left. So, this would be a mechanism to allow us to step in and assist.

» Thank you, Mr. Administrator. Council, is there a motion?

» Yes, sir. I make make a motion that we read this entitle only uh for in a government agreement with the town of LG employees.

» Mr. Tucker has a motion. Is there a second?

» Second.

» Mr. Sheum has a second. Mr. Tucker.

» Uh I think the administrator said it all and um I'm thankful that we're moving in that direction to help one of our municipalities here in in our county. So, thank you. And just to further explain, the uh the town of Elgen is engaging with a an outside contractor and this is in case something um were to go wrong or they just don't meet their their agreements. This is this allows us to move forward with three readings in a public hearing to allow us to interface with them and take over. They have some projects that are underway that would um we don't want to see languish.

» Mr. Sheam, you had the second. No, I know that the mayor reached out to Mr. Templar and I appreciate him being so responsive. Uh, no, no comments other than that.

» I'll just mention that um, Town of Elgen has been doing some good work over there. They did have their planner pass away. Uh, Randy, his last name escapes me. Outstanding guy. He he passed away though a couple few years ago and then they transitioned to this service and now they've just found themselves in a spot. And so I think uh if we consider 90 days of assisting them if needed, even if it's needed, um that could be very helpful. Any other discussion, comments, questions?

» Mr. Chairman, if I may to um Mr. Administrator, also remind them about some possible assistance from the COG.

» Um those conversations may have taken place while I was out. So,

» but um if there's anything you have that you may know of, I'm not

» I didn't realize all this because I've been kind of been on for rock the last three weeks.

» Um but um I will contact Dennis tomorrow and make sure he reached out to the mayor.

» Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Mr. Jones,

» thank you. Uh Mr. Templar, will the inspector, our inspectors be in inspecting their laws through the 90 days or ours or will ours carry through to the town?

» This would be the legal mechanism for us to be able to enforce theirs. So, just like a in law enforcement where you have a mutual aid component. Same thing.

» Yes, sir.

» That that does clear that up for me. And this is 90 days only. You know, I've never gotten any complaints from people with over overburdeness uh when it comes to planning and zoning or it comes to inspections in the town of Elgen. So, they must be doing something right. I will support this tonight.

» Thank you, Mr. Jones. Mr. Tucker,

» so um Councilman Jones brings up a good point here. Um is 90 days is going to be um

» enough. Um you mentioned some things that could go ary like who they choose may not be a good fit may have problems choosing someone. Uh there's several things. Um is that going to be enough time or do we need to amend the days and more like 180 days 6 months? I'm just speaking because that'll take them out to the new year. So, and and that's a great question. And what we're trying to do is balance our workload with their needs. Um, I don't want to put uh a sword above their head, but I'm trying to create a a set of bookends that we operate within. And um but I I will say uh you having conversations with uh Mayor Emmens, she is meeting with Safe Build. Um that's pretty solid company. We've we have used them in the past as a stop gap for us. So, and I've even provided her with another organization. So, but my understanding is those there is a meeting Thursday and so we will know more.

» Thank you. I appreciate that,

» Mr. Chairman.

» Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Mr. Jones,

» Mr. Tucker, I'm looking forward to seeing how well it's going to work out with the Elgen folks with our inspectors the next three months because I get sick and tired of the complaints. Well, gentlemen, just for context, I think the idea is we have another two readings. That gives uh the town ample time to figure out uh if there's a contractual partner they can have to do this work. And in the meantime, it gives us the flexibility to amend on second or third reading to address if there's a longer term need. Uh, keep in mind we're we're bumping up against the comprehensive plan being completed and jumping into the ZLDR rewrite um with council taking on the workload. And so I think uh in conversations with staff, the 90-day mark was one that looked tolerable without hiring anybody else.

» Right.

» Correct.

» Okay. Thank you. Any other comments, questions? Seeing none, we'll move it to a vote. All in favor, raise your hand. Miss Hannah, it passes unanimously for those who are present in voting. That was 9C. Um, Mr. Temple, now we're on 9D. This is the joint industrial and business park. Any uh background or update we need before we move to a motion?

» Just deja vu just getting Creed Solar into the Lee County Mip. That's all.

» Okay. Thank you. Do we have a motion, gentlemen?

» I'll make the motion.

» Mr. Schumake has the motion. Is there a second?

» Second.

» Mr. Tomlinson. Mr. Shoe, any commentary? Nope.

» Mr. Tomlinson, any other discussion? I think we talked about it last time. All in favor of 90D on second reading.

» Can you just give us some clarification?

» Mr. Jones,

» give us some clarification.

» Sure. The administrator just took us through u that this is uh Creed Solar and doing the joint industrial park that's required typically by state law for uh economic development incentives and

» assets. Thank you.

» Anything else? Okay. Okay, seeing none on 9D, we'll move it to a vote. All in favor, raise your hand on second reading. Miss Hannah's unanimously in favor by those who are present in voting on second reading 9D. All right, 9E. This is a third reading related to the 1.76 acres that Kershaw County um has proposed to sell and the related contract. We've talked about it in depth. Any other update we need, Mr. Templer, before we move to a motion?

» No, sir.

» Okay. Okay. Do we have a motion on third reading on 9E?

» Mr. Chairman, I make a motion. We approve.

» All right. We got a motion. Is there a second?

» Second.

» Mr. Tucker has a second.

» Like to make an amendment.

» Mr. Tucker, you have a motion for amendment.

» Yes, sir.

» All right. What's your motion to amend?

» I'd like to make a motion to amend the purchase and sales agreement that is in exhibit to the ordinance if the proposal realign format include the agenda packet. Uh, Mr. Mr. Deose can go into further if needed.

» Mr. Deose, any

» second?

» We got a second on that.

» Mr. Bose, any explanation?

» Correct. Uh council discussed a desire to deed restrict this property such that uh American Battlefield Trust. Not that they would do this. Turns around, sells it to, you know, Shell Oil a year from now and a gas stations at that corner. Um the American Battlefield Trust receives grant funding for these purchases and their properties are always um very restricted from that standpoint because the grant funds are going to preserving these historic sites or um purchasing property that serves um an ancillary purpose to these historic sites. So that money has strings attached. Um the county also wanted strings attached to the conveyance. Those are now reflected in the um purchase and sell agreement have been discussed with American Battlefield Trust and the restrictions will square with their uh grant restrictions.

» Okay. Thank you, Mr. Bose. Any other comments, questions?

» Thank you.

» All right. Seeing none, thank you for uh for working on this now that we're at third reading. I remember bringing up, you know, could this be flipped and what restrictions do we have in place? And between the grant or the language now that we looking at on third reading, I think the county's interest will be protected. Yes.

» All right. Seeing no further discussion, we'll move it to a vote. All in favor on third reading, raise your hand. Miss Hannah, it's unanimous. Uh passes on third reading. Those who are present in voting. That's 90 as amended. Correct.

» Okay. Thank you, Miss Jim.

» And at this point, um we're going to vote on it as amended. So, we have the motion that passed. All in favor on voting uh as amended, raise your hand, and it passes unanimously as amended.

» All right, gentlemen, that takes us to number 9F on the agenda. Mr. Administrator, any updates or context we need before we seek a motion?

» No, sir. Just third reading and um that's it. Thank you, Mr. Minister. This is third reading in relation to U impact fees being assessed in Kershaw County. Do we have a motion?

» I'll make the motion.

» Mr. Shoe, we have a second. Mr. Tucker has a second. Mr. Shoe.

» Um, Mr. Chairman, I have a an amendment to make.

» All right.

» What's your motion? Um, I move to amend Kersaw County capital improvements plan to allot or allocate the first target year for implementation of eligible parks and recreation projects in the fiscal year 2627 rather than fiscal year 2526. So that the total expenditures for all projects during fiscal year 2526 will be zero and the total expenditures for the following projects will be allocated as follows. A total expenditure of 91,163 for Wolver field airport expansion fiscal year 2627. Total expenditure of 100,313 for the Bthun Copeland park expansion in fiscal year 2627. a total expenditure of 104,326 for the Boyd Young Park expansion in fiscal year 2627 and 376,74 in fiscal year 27 and 28. A total expenditure of $122,50 for the Elgen Community Park expansion fiscal year 2627. And that is my amendment. Mr. Chairman,

» got a motion to amend. Is there a second?

» I'll second.

» Mr. Schumick has a second. U Mr. Tomlinson or Mr. Schumank, anything else?

» Yeah. Um just kind of for the motion, um the legal has advised that the expenditures uh appropriated for the fiscal year are to be included in the county's annual budget ordinance. Um this budget was adopted prior to the impact fees and the fiscal year has already begun. So, it's just kind of pushing it back so that way we don't have to reopen the budget. Uh, which would be a process where we have to go back for through three readings and I don't think anybody in the audience or anybody up here wants to do that. So, this just pushes it back. Um, so we can talk about that the next year.

» Yeah. No need to reopen the budget or the millillage after we've just gotten through it and did all the work.

» Um, Mr. Schumac, anything you have to say?

» I would just note that all these are expenditures that come from the impact fee. Um, these are not new, you know, these are expenditures based from the impact fee. As we discussed before, the impact fee is fairly limited on what it can be used for. It can only be used for things that specifically tie into growth. And we're not going to see a huge windfall from this particular impact fee because we're also doing it in conjunction with it appears to be a moratorum. So, uh that's why these are the projects that were selected because they had to be projects that could be done relatively inexpensively. Uh part of the impact fee process for those in the public is a full project has to be funded and completed. So you can't just sort of put money in a an account and just hold it for a while.

» You've got to complete these projects on a relatively tight time frame of about 36 months. So uh that is why these projects specifically were listed. And that is also why the amounts are small because we're going to shut growth down and so the only growth that's possible for at least the next moratorum period are those that are already approved and not actually pulled a permit on.

» Thank you, Mr. Scheme. Mr. Tucker, I

» I um ditto on what Mr. she may was just saying uh wanted to make sure everyone had a clear understanding on that on how the moratorum may affect this. The good part about it that I really do support is that we'll be able to collect and we can actually see what that looks like before we go spending and then we end up having to pull funds from the general um fund to um to finish or complete a project. So this will give us a good look and then by um we start planning next year for the 26 27 budget moratorum will have been lifted and we should be in good shape. So with those things happening um I think that this is the best way to move forward with our impact fees.

» Thank you Mr. Tucker. Mr. K2,

» I guess this I just for clarification purposes may be a legal question. These expenditures that are listed um they can be changed or amended at a future time as long as it fits within the

» Yeah, it's correct. So, you have a shot clock on these fees and they're tied to specific projects and expenditures. But um the enabling act, state legislative enabling act for impact fees requires that um council through staff essentially report each year on collections, allocations, and appropriations of these impact fees. So there's a yearly report that's generated. Um, typically that's tied into the uh budget process and timed with the fiscal year budgeting process. So those rates of collection can be reviewed and these projects that are funded either wholly or partially by impact fees um the funding stream can be adjusted for them so that they get accomplished in time and the impact fees don't have to be refunded.

» Um this amendment not only uh with the appropriations portion uh aids in that there is a little more runway on the rate of collection what that looks like and by next uh budget year the impacts of the moratorum can maybe be uh projected if that moratorum passes later tonight.

» Thank you Mr. Kato. Any further comments discussion?

» Yes if I may. As usual, I've been very polite and quiet sitting over here wait just listening to everybody else. Um, how much is the total on all these projects we're talking about?

» Do you mean the total impact fee?

» Yeah, the total on the the recreational projects that Mr. Thomasson was talking about, the 100,000 here, the 200,000 there. What's the total amount?

» So, you got what?

» 100,000.

» Yeah. One, two, three, about a little over 400,000. 450,000. close to 500.

» Bottom end of four.

» Yeah, it's about 4 425 or so.

» So close to 500,000. Um

» Okay.

» Why? We're doing this so we don't have to reopen the budget because it should have been part of the budget.

» Well, the this couldn't be part of the last fiscal bud year budget because the fees weren't enacted,

» right?

» So, they didn't exist to appropriate. The issue is the budget's now passed. the fees look like they will be enacted and imposed and they can certainly be collected um and not expended. But um with expenditures in this fiscal year, the options for council would be to if the funds needed to be spent this year uh reopen the budget for a supplemental appropriation. And again, that's a involved process. Um given that there's a um these are finite projects um staff and legal consulted

» give an explanation on fin projects.

» Yeah. Shift shifting everything out a year essentially uh keeps the budget from having to be opened and again provides more historic data to um uh finance and admin about rate of collection and what money is actually on hand

» and it gives us opportunity to go ahead and try to complete some projects. Yeah, I mean these um whatever project

» it sounds like they they kind of hold us to the wire to complete a project when the money's coming from that that source

» which would be something great for us because government normally doesn't complete projects.

» Correct. Yeah. Um and again the state legislature when they uh uh put this development impact fee structure in place again did see fit that there uh be a lot of robust reporting and transparency um by way of this annual report on collections allocations and appropriations for impact fees.

» Thank you

» Mr. Chair.

» Mr. Tucker.

» Um Mr. Jones I stand correct at 794556

» 700,000. Yeah, almost 800,000.

» Thank you.

» You're welcome.

» Yeah, the initial estimate was for next fiscal year and then the additional amount is for two fiscal years from now,

» but without the moratorum, we were we were projected to do a little over a million on impact fees. So,

» being very conservative.

» One other um point for council that I will note. Um, thus far as this ordinance has been progressing, um, it has had an effective date of blank 2025 inserted in the ordinance. Um, you know, it's certainly council's discretion as a policym board to have the ordinance be effective immediately or 30 days from now or whatever y'all see fit. But, um, I do note that there is a blank for the effective day of the ordinance. Um so uh would solicit that from council as to when they when council would want these um this fee structure to be in place.

» You need a motion for that then?

» I would make a motion to amend it and to say the effective date is immediately.

» All right. Is there a second on the motion?

» I'm going second this motion, but I have a question.

» Mr. Tucker has a second. Further discussion. Mr. Tucker.

» Mr. Templar, can you guys be prepared to receive this immediately or do you need to? I prefer it be immediately.

» Okay.

» Done.

» All right. So, at this moment, we're on the shoe make at the at this moment we're on the shoe make uh amendment. Um and then we'll get to the Thomasson amendment. Mr. Jones, any further? Do you have your hand?

» Yes. I I have a question mainly just for the administrator and legal maybe. So, we've got recreation projects listed with this fee. What projects can we do with this fee? I know we don't have to do recreation. that other projects we can do and as long as we complete them and do them in a whole not leave half undone. Correct.

» So these fees are currently

» I can take that as the administrator. I think he asked me. Um

» well no I asked either one of you. I want after you speak after you speak I want his legal opinion.

» Sure. Um I plan to put this money into recreation and I also more importantly plan to put this money into solid waste. um we are busting at the seams with garbage from growth and I think this is the most appropriate mechanism to handle that we have um so expansion is is a key word so unfortunately we can't uh replace but we have to expand Elgen uh convenience center is in dire need of improvements and expansion obviously that's because we're we are growing most so I'm excited to have a funding stream to be able to handle Okay. And and thank you because that hadn't been mentioned and I appreciate you bringing that up. Let me ask you this and you're right.

» Our recycling centers are are really getting in bad shape and they need so we putting so much in recreation when we've got so much that needs to be done at our recycling centers. And I know you're not going to have enough to complete the recycling centers.

» Sure. Well, it with uh recreation we can there are more um reasonable projects that we can get to realistic projects because we we're only acquiring X amount of dollars. And we have to be realistic and intentional on the projects we set out and recreation. There are there's a lot of opportunities to again take this funding from growth and enhance our recreation experience. So you you could add things inside of a park, another amenity.

» What about public works? Can this can this money these fees be used for public works?

» It it so with public works, it's got to be expansion. we can't offset costs which I wish that would be we would be having probably a different conversation but we have to expand so um with again going back to the Elgen convenience center so we would add more compactors we would add uh increase the footprint of that facility which it needs um paving because we've increased the footprint of that area and um and these these two areas allow us to use these funds that are will be taken in countywide to be able to put that money in back into the county

» countywide $790,000. Danny, tell me um how much that is going to be for the recycling centers and how much that going to be for the recreation.

» Well, the the items laid out in the amendment are uh let me get back to that. That's it's

» and and I want the county attorney to be prepared to answer my question about can we use that money to complete or to take care of projects in excuse me in some subdivisions. So with

» where storm water's concerned

» again the the recreation components those those are uh items that we can quickly fund and quickly complete the uh the solid waste components are going to take a uh more time. So this is just what we have identified right now. Um but we clearly will have projects for solid waste. that money just goes quicker with solid waste because of the costs are so so high. Um $790,000 sounds like a lot of money and it is to any individual, but when we look at these projects and the costs, we we we move the needle, but we just want to make the most of our enhancements and the most of this money as we can. Now, that money slows down a little bit when it comes to these projects with solid waste because the projects are bigger and more costly.

» So, we have to be very intentional to not step into something we don't have the shoes for when it comes to the money. If we have a project and we um we're too aggressive and we have that three-year timeline, if we fail to meet the completion date or we know we're failing to meet the completion date, that's going to grenade my capital budget at the end of a year because we're going to have to cover that cost. So there's a there's a level of confidence in these recreation components. Um and we there's a degree a necessary degree of strategy needed in in the more expensive projects. So we

» Well, you've done you've done a great job uh explaining why we're going to do the recreation projects. I appreciate and I do appreciate you bringing up the solid waste and I'll give y'all my reason for asking that in a second. Mr. attorney, can we use some of that money on the uh impact fee for subdivisions with their drainage?

» So impact the impact fees that are imposed for um parks and wreck, you impose impact fees for discrete government service areas, fire, EMS, parks and wreck, they're all in boxes.

» Public works.

» Yeah. The money that comes into the box uh for public works or parks and wreck.

» You never mentioned public works, though.

» Yeah. has to stay in there. For public works, uh the fee category is municipal facilities and equipment. There are some uh restrictions on impact fee expenditures. It has to be qualifying. So essentially, it has to be a capital expenditure greater than $100,000 for a piece of equipment. Um that would hamstring the ability to uh use the funds for um other things. You can use impact fees for doing engineering studies and clearing and site prep for facility sites because that's part of the general capital improvement, the structure that's being put on the property.

» Can you can you go in and create drains where there's been no drainage in a subdivision?

» Um, if you were entering private property to spend money for the benefit of

» it's our it's our roads, our responsibility. So, I don't know that uh road improvements are typically handled with impact fees. They're generally so expensive that um local governments turn to uh capital project sales tax if they have major road improvement projects. Um

» tax speaking specifically about the Pan orchard, a project like that.

» Drainage is not a qualifying expense.

» Storm water.

» So, storm water will not meet it.

» No, sir. Mr. Jones, Mr. Bose, if I could just for context. So where this started was we had to do an impact fee study statutoily, it's required before you can even assess one. And so the statute after you do the study comes up with a formula that says what you can actually assess for an impact fee. And then within the study, it says the areas that might qualify. And based on the study and information we got back, it says recreation would qualify and solid waste or some of the equipment that you mentioned, Mr. Deose.

» And as I understand it, the recreation projects that were mentioned being conservative under this first attempt at an impact fee are lowhanging fruit that we can actually afford and know that we can get done in the timeline that's required so there's no clawback and we get penalized. I'm sure there will be solid waste projects. I use the Elgen Convenience Center. It is in dire need of improvements, but some of those improvements I think will be uh so expensive that the expansions and what you'll need to do might take two years or you might need to put it out for procurement to figure out what the actual bid will be. We already had bid related information for these projects. Correct.

» Yes, we we sourced this. So the these were the easiest things to fund that we're guaranteed we could do in Kershaw County because we already had bid related information which we don't have for some of the solid waste or other items in the county. Correct.

» Correct. And there's a there's the level of confidence with these projects is extremely high.

» Yeah. I mean we uh no pun intended because this is recreation but we can hit the ball out of the park you believe on this one on these recommendations because we already have the bid info. We're not going to be delayed on procurement and we know we can pay for them with the funds that we conservatively will believe believe will come in.

» Correct. I just wanted to share the context of where we came to where we've been.

» It's I wish sometimes that we could pick and choose the area in which we might spend these fees, but it's all governed by state law and in some ways I wish the impact fee could be a little bit higher, but it is it is what it is based on the formula that Mr. Deose has explained to me in detail before. And and if I may, you know, just to share on the the solid waste uh struggles over in the West Water area, it's been my vision for years to have what I call a layown area over somewhere located over there on an appropriate sized parcel to keep yard debris out of our um our convenience centers. It's just the most inefficient load to haul. We're just hauling leaves and branches.

» So they have the ability for um a layown area where citizens can go over in the on the other side of the bridge and drop off yard debris and it is ground up on that site. So that those are true expansions um just tangible improvements that people can see as a result of growth. But there, you know, we're just we're I don't want to say capitalizing on, but we're just using that revenue stream to make these expansions. So

» I I get I get all right. If there's no further discussion, I'm ready to call the question on the the two amendments that we have.

» Mr. Chairman, just for reference and gohead in the ordinance um section 6 um-261, limitations on expenditures of funds collected. It has line items right there uh what can and can be used for the expenditures of impact fees. So, it's highlighted within the orders, Mr. Johnson.

» Thank you, Mr. uh Tomlinson. All right. So, we've got two uh amendments in front of us. First one as we layer them is the shoe make amendment on timing related uh to immediiacy.

» No further discussion on that one. We'll move it to a vote in favor of making it immediate upon passage. All in favor?

» That is Shoemake Tucker Connell Kato Tomlinson in favor. All opposed. Mr. Jones opposed for the record. Miss Hannah. All right. That takes care of the shoe amendment. It passes. That takes us to the Tomlinson uh motion and amendment. Any further discussion on that one before I call the vote? Let's move it to vote on the Tomlinson amendment as previously stated. All in favor raise your hand. That is Shoemake Tucker Connell Kato Tomlinson in favor. Miss Hannah. All opposed. Mr. Jones opposed. The Tomlinson amendment passes. That brings us to 9E on third reading. As amended, excuse me, 9F on third reading as amended. No further discussion. We'll move it to a vote as amended. All in favor raise your hand. That's Schumake, Tucker, Connell, Tomlinson, Kato in favor, Miss Hannah. All opposed.

» Mr. Jones opposed. It passes on third reading. Miss Hannah, for the record. All right, gentlemen. That takes us number 9G. This is third reading regarding the temporary moratorium. Mr. Administrator, any context or background we need before we take up a potential motion?

» Uh, no, sir. Just third reading for anything greater than one residential lot.

» All right, gentlemen. Do we have a motion on 9G?

» I'll make a motion that we approve on third reading the impact fees.

» Impact fees.

» No, we just passed impact fees. That we're on 9G the temporary moratorium.

» I'll make a motion that we do the we enact a moratorum.

» Mr. Shoe has the motion. Mr. Tomlinson has a second. Mr. Shoe,

» you had the first.

» I do. And I'd actually like to make an amendment. Um,

» all right. What's your motion to amend? Yeah. Let me I had to write it down here because second

» kind of lengthy uh brand.

» So um and I'll explain it if I get a second. I move that we amend the moratorium more ordinance to reflect the changes that have been distributed via red line to the clerk of council for inclusion in the meeting minutes and to my fellow members of council. These amendments broadly change the time of the moratorum from 180 days to 255 days reflecting a 75-day increase to enable time to accomplish certain tasks. And they apply the moratorium to more than five lots which comports with our new definition of major subdivision. And for purpose of the record, I want to highlight some of the specifics. Not every single one because it's a long amendment, but highlight some of the specifics.

» The title would be amended to read an ordinance establishing a temporary moratorum on the acceptance and processing of applications for subdivision approvals of greater than five residential lots within the unincorporated areas of Kershaw County. Section G will now read that there is an immediate need to review article 5 of the ZLDR and possible amendments to article 5 of the ZLDR. Current section H would be deleted. Section K would be reumbered to section J and it would be amended to read as follows. that Kershaw County Council finds that the impact and strain of residential developments on county resources is not unique to major subdivisions. That term has been previously defined.

» And that the cumulative impact of subdivision projects of greater than five lots is similar to major subdivisions as that term has been previously defined. And that a mortorium should be imposed on residential subdivisions seeking to create greater than five lots. This is in keeping with Kershaw County's current efforts to redefine major subdivisions uh to mean a subdivision project greater than five lots. Uh current section M which would be renumbered section L will add the following language. Kershaw County Council further finds that an additional 75 days would give appropriate time to study these issues given the scope of review and the fact that the comprehensive plan is still with the planning commission. It will increase the moratorum from 180 to 255 days.

» Title of section two would be changed so that greater than one additional lot is changed to greater than five additional lots and the 180 would be amended to 255. And the text of section three will be changed so that exceeds two lots is changed to exceeds five lots. And again to recap the grament of these amendments is the moratorium goes from 180 days to 255 days and that more than one lot becomes more than five lots

» and that is my amendment. You heard second.

» All right. You got a second for Mr. Thomasson.

» Had a question.

» Um motion. No, I

» did. Any further comment?

» Yeah. So, uh I just kind of to explain a little bit. So, um you know, the planning commission initially said just major subdivisions, which was more than 10. And as I mentioned, we've had very few subdivisions of less than five lots that are more than just sort of families building a little, you know, family area or, you know, a group of close friends building together. And so by, you know, you're not adding any major development by saying, you know, by saying the moratorum applies to anything more than five lots. So if this passes as amended, anything more than five lots is subject to the moratorum. We're seeing very few things of five lots and under that are just not people building on family land, that sort of thing.

» Um, in terms of the time, the time frame is expanded because the planning commission just passed the comprehensive plan. However, that means that it goes to the contracting group that we've hired. That contracting group has to review it. It has to go back to planning for sort of, you know, final touches and then come to us. It is highly likely we don't see the comprehensive plan in front of us until at least September. So that's 60 days that we're just waiting because we can't do anything with the ZLODR without a comp plan. So I added 75 to account for those 60 days with a slight buffer. And that would give us in theory we'd get the comprehensive plan, have it voted on at least first reading, and then still have six months to make some strides toward what we need to do. So that is the reasoning for the specific amendments.

» Thank Mr. Schumick. Any further discussion? Mr. Chairman, I I'll just add, you know, looking at the AOD that we just got done a couple months back. We did the six-month moratorum on that and all the the hard work that staff did um time and efforts that community meetings putting uh the ordinance together along with other following documentation took over the six-month period. This is countywide. Um, so that extension is is going to be critical to be able to provide more time so we can make sure that we get this right.

» Thank you, Mr. Thompson. Any further discussion, comments, questions?

» I would like to note that while sometimes our lawyers help us, I wrote all that by myself.

» Okay.

» Quit showing off.

» Any other comments, concerns, discussion? Um, I can support this amendment tonight and in part the reason is I I I want it to be some balance there with individual property rights. Um, one of the deletions was an overlay district study that one we didn't have funded and two from all reports I understood it would take 12 to 18 months to conduct uh properly. And so one we hadn't funded it so we'd have to open up the budget and we just talked about how complicated that process is and how long it takes. you'd have to go through procurement to uh to pay for it. And so I view this as getting through a moratorum and addressing the growth concerns that we have, but also not making it go long unnecessarily and getting people back to what they want to do with their property. Mr. Jones,

» I have an amendment.

» What's your motion?

» Okay, my amendment is that we go back to my original motion. Major subdivisions only, no minor subdivisions because they're not the problem. We change nothing. We leave it as it is. Major subdivisions which is 10 or more. And I said all that by myself.

» All right.

» Keep it keep it simple. 10 or more where we are with major subdivisions 10 or more. And the mortorium also I forgot period for six months not not seven or eight months six months. I just for for clarity,

» please don't tell me you didn't understand what I said.

» I understood what you said. Uh just for clarity, are you making a motion on a matter on which you were not on the prevailing side previously?

» I was on the prevailing side. I'm the first one who brought it up.

» Okay. I just want to make sure

» you were not on the prevailing side the first time.

» I just want to make sure.

» But did you realize that?

» Yeah, I weren't on the prevailing side.

» I just wanted to make sure.

» Okay. I am on the prevailing side.

» Okay. Is there a second for Mr. Jones motion?

» I did that by myself, guys.

» There is no second.

» Thank you.

» Okay, so that takes us back to the um the current amendment that's on the table by Mr. Schumank. Any further discussion, questions?

» Um and ju just to clarify, Mr. Jones, we've already had first reading on a text amendment um to the ordinance to reclassify what a major subdivision is, right? So that would be a a conflict. It's already been first reading that it's been redefined of five or more than five homes is what a major subdivision is in Kershaw County until unless it fails.

» Well, it's not going to change the vote.

» It's moved because there's no second.

» All right. So that puts us on the shoe make amendment.

» It's showing off.

» Seeing seeing no other comments or questions, uh we'll move it to a vote. All in favor raise your hand on the shoe make amendment. Appreciate it. That is Shoemake, Connell, Kato, Tomlinson in favor. All those opposed on the Shoemake amendment, that is Tucker and Jones opposed. That brings us back to uh 9G as amended. Any further comments or discussion? Seeing none, we'll move it to vote on third reading as amended. All in favor, raise your hand. That is Connell, Shoemake, Kato, and Tomlinson in favor. All opposed. opposes Mr. Tucker and Mr. Jones. For the record, Miss Hannah, it passes on third reading. All right. Thank you, gentlemen. That brings us to item number 10A, Mr. Administrator.

» Uh, Mr. Chairman, what you have before you is a resolution that would authorize us to enter into a lease purchase for a fire apparatus.

» Okay. Do we have a motion? on 10 a

» make a motion that we approve the purchase of the fire.

» Mr. Administrator, can you too much chatter?

» Let's let a few folks want to clear out. Let's let him clear out if they'd like so that we can conduct the business of the county.

» Can you hear Mr. Jones? You good? All right.

» I'll second Mr. Tucker's motion.

» All right. Mr. Tucker have the motion. Mr. Thompson has the second. Mr. Tucker, you want to take at it or give?

» You can go to the administrator. Let's go to the administrator.

» Mr. Chairman, members of council, you may remember a while back we had an opportunity to take advantage of some um fire apparatus that were over in Sumpter or at an an upfitter that a company in North Carolina had.

» Mr. Administrator, let me just pause you please.

» I know it's an issue of great interest. If there's any interviews or anything being conducted, please conduct them outside the chamber. Thank you so much,

» Mr. Administrator. Please continue. Thank you for being the chairman, sir.

» Um, so a uh an entity up in North Carolina had ordered x amount of uh fire apparatus, but their funding fell through, so we were able to take advantage what I would kind of call a flash sale, but these are brand new vehicles. Um, we were able to the two uh apparatus. This concerns just one tonight, but this was a great opportunity to save money and have these vehicles on the ground ahead of what is probably about a three-year.

» We're talking about a bright shiny firet truck.

» Yes. Brand new.

» Okay.

» Yes, sir. Uh has that new firet truck smell.

» What kind of discount are we looking at?

» The these are uh it's probably about a two a little over $200,000. So, they were close to a seven figure piece of equipment, but um it was marketkedly reduced. So, and then with buying two, um, we were able to take advantage of a little bit more. So, great opportunity. This doesn't come along often, and then with the, uh, threats of tariffs and things like that, um, this is just a no-brainer, but this is ultimately the financing piece, um, that allows us to engage. We wouldn't have a payment for until next year out of that budget. Um, no prepayment penalty. Uh, so we are more than positioned financially to make this acquisition.

» Thank you, Mr. Timler. Mr. Tucker, you still have the floor.

» Uh, thank you. And Mr. Templer, um, this will be coming out of our fire budget to make this payment. Am I correct?

» Correct.

» And it's budgeted for this year and moving forward next four years. And I'd just like to thank uh Chief Glover and Chief Bullard to uh you know that they've obtained another fire apparatus through the COGS through a CDBG grant. Um that this is this is just good leadership down there and looking for opportunities to get the best bang out of our buck. So my hats off to them. They amazing job.

» Thank you, Danny. Any other comments or questions? You go, Mr. T.

» No, just said thank you. Okay, seeing none, we'll move to vote. All in favor on 10A. Miss Hannah, it's unanimous in favor for those who are present in voting. It passes. That takes us to 11A airport hanger 2 and three roof repairs placed on the agenda by the administrator.

» Mr. Temple, do you need a vote or is this just for updates?

» Um, this would be a a uh a bid award. Okay. Yes. So a vote. Yes. Um

» any summary before we move to a motion?

» This just continues our work out there at the airport. This has been much needed for years uh ever since I think I got over here 10 years ago. But uh continuing to repair the roofs over there so we can um seal up some stuff and just maintenance long overdue. So

» it's a problem when it's raining on the inside.

» Yes.

» All right.

» No, it's flooding on the inside.

» Yeah. Any motion? Uh on 11 A. I'll make a motion that we approve the uh repairs of airport hanger two and three roofs.

» Mr. Tucker has the motion. Is there a second? Mr. Thompson has a second. Mr. Tucker.

» Uh just thank you u Mr. Templar and staff for um staying after this. Like you said, long overdue.

» Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Mr. Thomas, you have the second.

» Look forward to voting yes.

» Any other comments or questions?

» I'll just say that you'll notice there's just one price down here. Normally we have a selection of but this is a uh cooperative purchasing network that is in South Carolina and it really streamlines things. Uh we've this is probably the fourth maybe the four third or fourth time we've you've used this particular group we uh were able to take advantage of some pricing over at the jail for a lot of those repairs. Um and this this system re vets the uh the individuals doing the work. So they have to kind of show that they are worthy of these projects. So

» they have good history.

» Yes. And they're experienced.

» Yes.

» Thank you, Mr. Champler. If there's no other comments or questions, I'll call it for a vote. On 11A, all in favor, raise your hand. It's unanimous in favor by those who are present in voting on awarding this bid. Miss Hannah, it passes. Uh 12. Council member briefings. Mr. Kato, would you mind starting?

» Sure. That was surprising.

» That was a shock. No, very brief. Um, I know tomorrow is employee appreciation lunchon and unfortunately I have a a conflict a scheduling conflict tomorrow, but I just want to I just want to say for any of the employees that's watching tonight or that's here, I just want to say how much I appreciate you. There's a lot of a lot of work and a lot of effort that goes into keep K to keeping Kershaw County running and from all the departments I'm you know I don't I think we take for granted sometimes um exactly what our employees do and what they go through. So I want to thank them. We all make mistakes. We all have issues. It's going to continue to happen not just in Kershaw County but everywhere. you're going to have things that happen, things that's going to leave us a black eye.

» That's just the way it is. But for the most part, I think we have an outstanding group of employees and I thank them for their service and for their hard work. Um, other than that, school will be starting back before our next meeting. So, I wish all the teachers and all the students a safe start and I I hope that they have a great year. Other than that, uh, that's all I have.

» Thank you, Mr. Kato, Mr. Tomlinson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, I would like to to thank um the Kersaw County Republican Women's Club and Steeplechase Kersaw County Republican Steeplechase Club um for putting together the civic uh workshops coming up. I think this is a huge opportunity to be able to kind of bridge that gap uh for learning and kind of getting into the government process there. There is everybody gets their information off of Facebook these days and and everything is right that you read. So, it's a good opportunity to be able to put together. And it's probably stuff that um each of one of us up here could learn. So, I really appreciate them taking that initiative and doing that.

» And just wanted to mention that my thoughts and prayers are with Russell Brazzle and his family um at this time. And I'd really thank my colleagues up here and all the citizens who have provided so much input and work on these impact fees. Um and then the moratorum kind of looking at how we can have responsible growth here in Kershaw County. This is a big step forward for cross count for Kershaw County. We still have a lot of work to do. Um but you're not going to get everything done in one day. So, thank you all for for all your hard work. Um I think it's a good day in Kershaw County here.

» Thank you, Mr. Thomasson. Mr. Jones.

» Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of county council. I'll be brief. One reason I have trouble spending a whole lot of money in other places is when we have an area such as the pecan orchard where existing ditches have not been cleared. They have cleared out causing further destruction due to the water having nowhere to go. No pro progress has been made to establish an easement for the pipe installed on 419 Blackberry. The pipes fallout is causing property damage to 417 Blackberry. Mr. Kanty, Dan Kenny, was notified about the main water line shut off being exposed in the road on Crab Apple Road on July 7th, 2025. Nothing has been done to correct this. If two cars need to pass at the same time, one of them will be forced to drive over it.

» Residents were told by an email from our administrator on 121124 that he planned on requesting funding from the emergency source. It means starting this project early and I want to thank him for that and uh but we are now one year into this and nothing has been done and I think council's the hold back. Um email updates aren't regularly being sent. In fact, they are only sent after residents make a stink or about it or it's on social media. They tend to get an email or some kind of update. This problem only exists due to Kershaw County's and I'm going to say it, our negligence. You know, these roads need to be maintained and um we would not be having this if they were and we need to Yes. And I think we also need to spend the money properly when it comes to it.

» I realized that Miss Templar didn't want to half do it and go out there with just half the money and do it, but we we find money to do everything else we want to do. Why can't we find the money to do that? It's been said on this county council that well, you know, if we do that, it's only x amount of number of people, but it's a million.2. That's too much money to spend for such little progress for such a small amount of people. Well, I put money before people. I mean, I put people before money and people before politics, and this is not political. This is a fact. I've been out there. These roads are horrible. You know, you got septic tanks that were flooding, draining into other people's yards. You got uh waters that look like ponds and that are being destroyed.

» And there's never been never been correction on the on this subdivision, but it needs to be done. And oh, by the way, too, and I tried to call you early today, Mr. Tucker, I know you've been very busy, but and because you always call me, you really do promptly back. Even though a lot of people say you don't call them, you call me promptly back. Um, but let me say this. Tonight is 7 the 22nd, the meeting of 22nd. And I thought that we had agreed that y'all were going, the finance committee was going to come back with a recommendation on the 22nd.

» Can I respond to that, sir?

» Yes, you can. If if nobody

» I was funeralizing my father.

» Oh, I'm sorry.

» Yes. So,

» and you know what? I accept that. Yes,

» sir. was cancelled.

» Could we have it at the next meeting?

» Yes. I I'll go over that in my council brief.

» Okay. Thank you. And and and so so terribly sorry about your dad and you know you know I feel that way.

» Yes, sir.

» And uh also but guys listen Beacon Orchard is probably the worst when it comes to draining issues and we have an obligation and if it just helps one person I mean I don't care. I want to get it done. and I want to do it and I'd like to think that everybody here feels the same way and I want to thank you Mr. Tucker for saying that the finance committee you'll bring something back at the next county council meeting and um I also want to say that uh my heart thought as well with Mr. Tucker also with Mr. Brazle with his family issues tonight as far as some sickness in his family

» and uh prayers for all the families involved. And Mr. Chairman, thank you for the time and no interruptions and I appreciate it. I'm done.

» Thank you, Mr. Jones. Mr. Sheum.

» Yeah. So, um I also want to join Councilman Kato in uh welcoming back a lot of teachers are going to school really soon. I think in like the next two weeks. My wife was in her classroom today getting stuff ready. Um, and also want to thank the people that also make the school run, the bus drivers, cafeteria staff, janitorial workers, the subs. It takes a pretty massive village. You know, one of the things I know we don't run the schools, but um, obviously our school district is working hard and I know they're talking about impact fees and other things. You know, it's not uncommon to see classrooms of 25 26 very young children in them over the elementary schools. So, um, we're growing. That's a fact.

» So, congrats to all the teachers going back and you know, one of the reasons we're growing is cuz our schools are so fantastic. Uh, especially compared to many of our neighbors. So, um, congrats to all the teachers. Um, Sammy, sorry about your dad, man. So, uh, he was awesome. So, uh, enjoyed going to, uh, to celebrate his life with you. And, uh, obviously our prayers are with Councilman Brazzle dealing with the family situation now that couldn't make it at the meeting. Um, you know, that's all I have. I I I have some thoughts on the pecan orchard thing, but I want to see what we hear at finance committee. Um, but I think there's it's a complicated issue for a lot of reasons, but I don't really want to get into it now because I don't have all the data. We'll get more of that at the finance meeting. Uh, so that's all I have. Thanks.

» Thank you, Mr. Chum.

» Thank you, Mr. Ch.

» Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, once again, uh, want to say congratulations to all the employees of Kershaw County. You guys, uh, ladies and gentlemen are awesome. Um, unfortunately I will not be able to make the lunchon either tomorrow, but please enjoy and um, keep up the good work. U, we try to fight and make sure that you're taking care of from this das because we believe in you and you should have those same feelings and more and believing in the job that you do for the citizens of Kershaw County. So I want to say thanks for the job well done and look for another prosperous and great year. Um the um finance committee will be meeting on July 30th, which will be next Wednesday at 400 p.m. Um we do have uh a heavy agenda schedule.

» Um Pan Archers is on the top of that along with storm water um presentation. So um welcome you out if you're able to come or tune in. Um, Mr. Jones, we um we have been talking and discussing. It had not been for dad passing away, we would have had that meeting. Um, but uh I think

» I stand corrected on that. I apologize.

» No, no, you're fine. Um, I think that, um, after this meeting on the 30th, uh, we should have a better sense of direction as Mr. Sheum has said, Councilman Schuade has said, and we'll be able to, um, move forward. I can tell you that staff has been very very helpful in identifying some fundings and trying different things. Um once again, the last three weeks I've probably been under a rock, so I'm a little bit out of touch. I'll get back in touch and um we will have a very productive meeting next week. I can assure you. Um to the Brazil family, uh my heart and prayers goes out to them. Um I pray that all is well and God will um do what is best uh for for all um and um make whatever happens happens and have the family to understand it.

» I also want to say thank you to all of you up on this dis out in the audience administrator Mr. Bose, Miss Hannah. Um, when you do have tragedies and passing in your family, you really, really get to see who loves you and who picks up the phone, text, or whatever it may be. Um, it was amazing and very heartfelt when I looked up at Tuesday night and I saw all these faces floating around. Mr. Jones, I know you were out of town. uh floating around into the church uh as we were doing the uh visitation and uh reflection.

» Um and I just want to say a genuine thank you from the Tucker family because um when you're down in need and you're grieving and you're going through things and a lot of different emotions and thoughts are running through your head just like the Brazil family may be having tonight. It's good to have people you trust and love in your corner. So, I can't say enough of thank yous. So, with that, uh, that concludes my report, Mr. Chairman.

» Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Well, I'll just say, God rest the soul of Sammy Tucker Senior. Whenever we went over to that visitation, I couldn't tell if we walked into a stand-up comedy moment cuz everybody had jokes. Um,

» that's his life, man.

» Yeah. Your your dad was larger than life. Absolutely. And leaves a clear legacy. I even heard the younger generation talking about the lessons that they learned.

» Yes, sir.

» So, God God rest his soul and obviously we love you.

» Yes, sir. Love you too.

» Uh I happened to be with some friends last night having dinner to the extent you're interested and uh I said the prayer then too got volunttoled to say the prayer and as I ended the prayer the uh the lady sitting across from us, one of my friends just had her head down as earnest as she could be still looking down and she said, "Lord, please bless the teachers. Please bless the teachers." Yeah. And we all started eating and I heard her. I said, "What are you?" She said, "I'm still praying for the teachers." She is one, right? Right.

» Um, so yes, please bless the teachers as they're going back to school. And bless the students that they can have an outstanding year. That's right around the corner. Sorry also that I can't make the uh employee lunchon tomorrow. But u whether you're lucky or unlucky, I'm donating a smoked pork butt to somebody who wants to win. Whoever wins it at a m mutually convenient time, I'll smoke a butt and drop it off at your house. um really appreciate the employees and everything they do and thanks for putting the team together, Danny. Um and our hearts and prayers also go out to the Brazil family. I just want to echo that as well. Before we conduct any other business, um let's pray for him. Let's fast for them. Let's try to strengthen them as we can.

» Amen.

» That concludes my report. U Mr. Administrator,

» thank you, Mr. Chair, members of council. Um, Sammy, on on your your father, I'm incredibly sorry. And um, I was never so proud to wear the name of the garbage man. Um, Sammy told him, he's like, "You better watch. That's the administrator." I don't care if that's the garbage man. So, um, I've been the garbage man ever since. And, uh, I called him garbage. So, we went back and forth and

» he will be greatly missed. And, um, he just he made meetings fun. So, um, and I know he was smiling down perhaps, uh, right before I went on vacation, I actually had the honor to work with our janitorial staff for most of the day. So, I was truly the garbage man.

» I know most of the employees thought I was going crazy, but uh, maybe so, but it's a humbling experience. And what that allowed me to do was see regardless of what our employees do, whatever their tasking is the degree of professionalism, uh that that we have throughout this organization. Bessie worked me. I had never sweat like that inside an air conditioned building um other than being in the military. So, uh, she had me vacuuming, cleaning toilets, uh, mopping. Um, she even made me clean the vacuum cleaner filter out cuz it was Friday. So, um, but I what an amazing experience. I was so inspired to to as the administrator to watch the leader of our janitorial staff execute her jobs with so much,

» professionalism, and pride. I thought I was going to send a message, but you know, I was the receiver of that message. I was like, you know, I got to get better. Um, she Yeah, just just an amazing experience. So, uh, I was honored to to do that. Um, you know, our employees are are just at the center of my heart. Um, Sam does an amazing job. He he the our inspectors are tasked with a unique position in where they do not wear a badge or a gun and they are expected to enforce laws or what whatever are on the books. Um we will always have opportunities to improve and do better and I I hear the words coming out of my mouth as I was humbled by our janitorial staff who who just just taught me lessons. But um the fact that we have employees coming from out of town to me is a point of pride.

» They pass many viable opportunities along their way. Um employers and they choose to work with us. So I am incredibly thankful for the talent we have um the the improvements we've been able to make to staff the the professional acumen that we have brought to Kershaw County through these employees. And I think Sam is just a shining example. Um he's very knowledgeable. Um I I you know and one thing we don't see often is the emails that I get from all around the departments and from department heads and I really encourage them to share them with me. But it's it's the the feel-good stories um that we get to experience. So I know that they're doing good things. I I I just know it. I see it and I see the unsolicited feedback from the public for these individuals.

» Um, and the one thing I'll always say about our employees is uh, you know, they're citizens. They live in Kershaw County. They are taxpayers. They are veterans. Um, they they are professionals. They are mothers, fathers. They uh they're just they're just good people. And I have yet to work with finer people than the Kershaw County employees. Um, and I'm honored to be the administrator for these men and women that come to Kershaw County every day to this facility and put in the effort they do. And um I just I can't say enough about that. They inspire me. They make uh they make me want to do better.

» Um, you I the word or the number 570 rings in my head to where I look at that and I was like there's 570 people expecting me to be the leader of them and they put the onus on me and I I make decisions based on that number 570. Uh I you you know again Bessie just showed me what what integrity and just her version. It's just just an amazing experience coming to work here every day. So Sam, I appreciate you. I don't know if you're still here, but um keep plugging away. We're doing good things and I I just will not take or or miss an opportunity to brag on employees when I um I'll just end it there. So, Kershaw County employees, thank you so much.

» Thank you, Mr. Administrator.

» That's it.

» Mr. Bose, any legal briefing other than executive session items?

» No, Mr. Chair.

» All right, gentlemen. We have uh two executive session items. No votes anticipated. I think they're pretty brief. updates. Do we have a motion to enter executive session on 15 A and B?

» Make a motion to enter an executive session on 15 A and B. Mr. Chairman,

» is there a second?

» Second.

» We got a second. Again, these are all under SC code 30-4-70 A2 seeking legal advice. All in favor of any executive session, raise your hand. Miss Hannah, it's unanimous. For those who are present, voting with Mr. Jones having exited, we are in executive session. I'll make that motion.

» I'll second it.

» Got a second. All in favor of exiting executive session. Miss Hannah, it's unanimous by those who are present in voting. Mr. Jones uh absent. That brings us to a motion to adjurnn. Is there motion?

» Motion to adjurnn. Mr. Chairman,

» Mr. Tucker.

» Second.

» Mr. Tomlinson. No discussion. All in favor of adjournment, raise your hand. It's unanimous by those who are present and voting. Miss Hannah, thanks so much.