Machine transcript of the county's live stream. Each » marks a change of speaker; the captions don't say who is talking, and names are often misspelled. For the readable version see the recap; the official record is the county's minutes.
» Mhm.
» Mr. Jones. I'm going to get it started. Sorry. Sorry. We are called to Don't blame it on Steven Smoak.
» [laughter]
» Thank you, Jimmy. We're called to order. Um, appreciate everybody coming out tonight for this Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 Kershaw County Council meeting. So glad to have all of you here. We've been called to order and we're going to have an invocation pledge of allegiance led by Councilman Danny Cato. Let us pray. Dear heavenly Father, we just come to you tonight and we thank you again for all the many blessings you've given us, Lord, for all your grace, your mercy, your love. Dear heavenly Father, we just thank you for all. We ask you tonight that you'd be with us as we conduct the business in of this county that you'd have us to come here with humble hearts and open minds and Lord that you just give us the wisdom and knowledge that we need to lead this county in the right direction.
» Lord, we ask and lift up for the ones that are sick, the ones that are bereaved. Lord, we just ask your healing and and hedge of protection over them, Lord, and that you just be with them and their caregivers and their families. Lead, guide, and direct us, dear heavenly Father. Lord, be with this nation. Be with this nation as we're in a time of war. Be with us as as uh dear heavenly Father, as we try and strive to go in a better direction. Lord, I just pray for our nation and our leaders. I pray for our first responders and our men and women in law enforcement and our military services. Lord, just lead, guide, and direct us now through this night and in the rest of this week. For it's in Christ's name we pray. Amen.
» [clears throat]
» 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.
» [clears throat]
» Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair. Yes, sir.
» I would like to say that's one of the best prayers I've heard. But you were loud. Great, Lord.
» [laughter]
» He he he yells it out, but it must be living in our country. I'll second that. That was an outstanding prayer. Thank you, Mr. Cato.
» [laughter]
» All right, we've got the invocation and pledge uh done. Next up on the agenda is the agenda. Do we have a motion? Make a motion we approve the agenda as submitted by Ms. Hanna. We have a motion. Is there a second? Second. We have a second. Any discussion on the agenda? And is Mr. Brazell joining us remotely? Is he on? Mr. Brazell, can you hear us?
» Mr. Chairman. How are you, sir? We can barely hear you, but I can tell you're there. We're doing good. Thank you. Um, seeing no further discussion, we'll move it to a vote. All in favor of the agenda in person, raise your hand. Any opposed? Seeing none, it's unanimous in person. Ms. Hanna, Mr. Brazell, how do you vote? I vote yes. That's a yes remotely from Mr. Brazell. Thank you. Next up and very important for tonight, we have a proclamation on the agenda. Um, Mr. Jones put this on and I'm glad to join him on this one. This is recognizing the Lugoff-Elgin High School wrestling team and also in particular Logan Hinton. Um, fellas, so I can talk about this. I make a motion that we approve this proclamation as submitted in the packet. Do we have a second? I certainly second it.
» You got the second. I got something to say, too. Absolutely. All right, it's up for discussion. Would you like to say anything, Mr. Jones?
» If I could, because I'll let you get into the weeds with it cuz you know wrestling better than I do. But I'm going to tell you tell you we're making a habit out of this. You're doing such a great job. We appreciate you. Appreciate you so much, that beautiful wife of yours. Appreciate all you've done cuz you absolutely put Lugoff-Elgin on the map. Yeah, if you had another one Hinton on your wrestling team, you'd even be greater. But thank you for all you do, buddy. Thank you, Mr. Jones. I'm sure we'll have a lot more to say each and every one of us.
» But going through the proclamation and before we bring uh some of these young men up and of course have Coach Monroe speak and recognize his coaches and uh parents who contributed throughout the year, I just wanted to mention that um the team finished second in the state, which is no small feat in the class and division that they're competing in. There are some buzzsaw teams out there that they uh that they're up against and competing against. And so congratulations on that. Wrestling's an extremely tough sport. No offense to anybody else, but we would always say that wrestlers use every other sport to warm up and then we go compete. It's just it's a grueling and very hard sport and especially for those that have to care more about weight.
» As a heavyweight, it wasn't as much of a big deal for me. Um, but it's an extremely tough sport which only support from parents and coaches and individual hard work and team support can get you to these type of achievements. But talking about Logan,
» [clears throat]
» 5A state champion, Logan, would you raise your hand?
» out Is he out there? You stand up for us? Stand up, sir. I'm not going to I'm not going to wrestle him, Chairman. He don't want to mess with him.
» [laughter]
» 190 lb of romp and stomp and twisted steel. He was one of only two 5A wrestlers to record a pin in the state finals. Has an outstanding record, many outstanding uh wrestler achievements at various tournaments. And uh this is reflective of many of his um his teammates as well. Just a really great team, Coach Monroe, that you put together and that these parents and others have supported and the coaches have supported. But I get ahead of myself. Let's go ahead and move it to a vote. All in favor who are in person, raise your hand. The proclamation is approved unanimously in person. Ms. Hanna, Mr. Brazell, how do you vote on the proclamation? Proclamation I vote absolutely yes. That's a yes Mr. Brazell's ready to wrestle from overseas.
» [laughter]
» You going to make him stand You going to make him stand at the whole meeting?
» No, no. You can go ahead and sit down. Yes, sir. Thank you. [laughter] The whole meeting, Jimmy? He's a very good listener.
» you back.
» [laughter]
» I thought he was about to ready to wrestle you, Jimmy. Those Those days are gone. If we could at this point, Coach Monroe, before we have Logan and the team come up uh for a picture and presentation of the proclamation, if you wouldn't mind stepping to the mic, is there anything you'd like to share about this team, um about the coaches or Logan? Uh first of all, let me just say that uh I want to thank the coaches for keeping me in line and making my job a lot easier. As far as Logan goes, you know, we got some younger coaches that get out there and wrestle around with him because the older coaches we're not we we're not going there. Um, parents, thank y'all for all the support. Thank y'all for being here. Um my wife for putting up with me during the season for She should be standing up there with you.
» three years.
» [laughter]
» Um I As far as the team goes, uh we we had a phenomenal season. We we we lost a couple of starters before the season really even got off the ground. And we were kind of scrambling. Um we had a couple of guys step up and fill those 138, 144 lb weight classes. One of them is back here right now, Cody Wonder, one of our seniors. And um we got some really, really good senior leadership, you know, Gabe Rush was a North-South wrestler. Three-time state qualifier. Um, he's been one of our leaders. Just short of 200 career wins. Came up wound up being our all-time pins leader. Um and a lot of these guys were, you know, all-region wrestlers. We had about eight or nine of those. Um and then as far as Logan goes, um one of the most dominant seasons that I've seen.
» Uh both of his losses came at the Southern Slam. And um one of those was to a nationally ranked wrestler that he lost by a couple of on a controversial call. Um and then after that tournament, he was absolutely lights out. And um it it was unbelievable to watch him compete. Um he about gave us a heart attack in the state finals. He fell down in the match uh early. 6-0, [snorts] is that what it was? And um but he never hit the panic button and true to form Logan showed up and he turned into Logan. And that's what he does. Um he doesn't say a whole lot. He does his talking on the mat. I love that. [clears throat] Um and more than anything else, I'm blessed to coach him. We're we're lucky to have him and even more than that, we're glad we got him back for another year. So.
» But that's that's pretty much it. Thank you so much, coach. For your seniors, um how many do you have going to wrestle to the next level? Um Gabe's going to Newberry to wrestle and um as far as I know, that's all of our seniors that are going on to wrestle at the next level. Um we got some pretty good juniors that are coming up that may have that opportunity. So. The um and I also want to say this as far as these seniors, Cody and uh Gabe here that have been with us, Jonathan Abney is also Is Johnny here? Johnny's not here, but uh those guys that have been in the program 4 years, um it's a pretty awesome accomplishment to be in the state finals for 4 consecutive years. We've come up short 4 years, but um we keep knocking on the door. Eventually, you know, we'll knock it down.
» So um I want to thank them because program wouldn't be where it is today without their leadership and without the foundation that they've laid for the program. So. Coach, before I hand it off to other council members for any comments or discussion or questions,
» [clears throat]
» I just want to mention uh some of the my lifelong dedication to wrestling anyway. I've experienced through Coach Cooper, Coach Kearse. I can't see
» I can't see everybody else who's in the back, uh Mr. Shumpert, but so some of these guys have been coaching since I've been in high school and [clears throat] um and they're still dedicated to the sport and helping the next generation, you know, work hard and learn the lessons that come from from such a tremendous sport. Uh councilman, any Yes, Mr. Jones.
» I I know they hadn't spoke yet, but thank you for giving me one more opportunity. I I want to say this to your to you and to your your your young folks out there, your your men that are wrestling.
» [clears throat]
» He wants you to win. He's going to support you when you win. He I personally witnessed from the 6th grade through the 10th grade, my son lost so many matches, we're going to write a book on how to get pinned in 2 seconds. But he never quit. And what he learned from Coach Monroe and your wrestling team, my son worked out as hard as anybody there. He that's he accomplished his setting goals and when he went to college, two bachelor's degrees. When he went to Carnegie Mellon on a 95 cent ride and he's a he's a wonderful musician, but he he'll tell you in a minute, he runs ultra marathons right now. He'll tell you that he trains based on what he learned from Coach Monroe. That was the biggest factor of his life was Ted Monroe.
» So even though he may not have wanted that, he never gave up and that's the point. He never gave up on my son either just because he wasn't a a starring champion. Thank you, Ted, personally. You too, Mr. Larr Thank you so much, Ted.
» Thank you, Mr. Jones. Mr. Cato, please. Just a huge congratulations goes out to you young men and coaches and for the dedication and the effort that you put forth. People really don't understand how hard it is to win a state championship. I never got to experience that in any of the sports I ever played, but that is that is a tough feat is to win a state championship. And I hope we never slip slip up and missed an opportunity to recognize any state championship team in this county from any school, no matter what the sport because that is an an an outstanding feat and I just uh thank y'all for your dedication and congratulations on all your accomplishments. Thank you, Mr. Cato. Any any other council members Yes, sir. Mr. [clears throat and cough] Shumpert.
» Yeah, again, I join everyone else's congratulations. I see some moms and dads for you seniors out there. My son played high school sports and he did not play at the next level, but I'll tell you just in this year that he's been since he's graduated, what I've noticed is the lifelong friendships that I can tell he's already developed. So for you young men, you know, even if this is your last year wrestling, you're developing a network that's going to last forever. I see it with my friend Ben over here, the people he wrestled with, he's still close to and that will be the foundation of your professional success and your personal, you know, network for the rest of your life.
» And Coach Monroe, you've done a great job and I would just like to say to Coach Monroe specifically, you've obviously put together an amazing wrestling program that's beyond anyone's dispute. But um my daughter has had you as a teacher and I will tell you that you are also an exceptional educator. And you know, it's one thing to be a great coach, but to be a great coach and a great educator, you are a massive asset to Lugoff-Elgin High School and our community. So thank you, sir. Thank you, Mr. Shumpert. Mr. Tucker. You do know he's coming over to Camden next year, right? No.
» I'm just kidding.
» [clears throat and laughter]
» Sammy, stop. I just had to say that. Um congratulations uh to the Lugoff-Elgin High School wrestling team. Um I was sitting here, Mr. Chairman, and I I kind of want to read this whole proclamation cuz it's such it's full of such good stuff, but I do want to piggyback on what coach said earlier about uh you seniors being there 4 straight years. That's that is an amazing achievement within itself. Um it's hard to do that um on any level, whether it's high school, college, or professional. Um so um pat yourselves on the back and take the congratulations. And I want to say
» [clears throat]
» uh to all of you, uh keep your grit. Keep your commitment and your determination as you go through life. Uh this sport and all sports that you participate in on the high school levels, even in the rec department when you're coming up, it teaches you how to get along with others. It teaches you how to work out problems and issues. It teaches teaches you how to dig in deep um when no one else may have the faith that you can do it, that you can dig in and actually I call it a gut check. Check your gut and make things happen that people have probably counted you out for. So um with your support team and all the folks that love you over the years, uh stay steady on your feet and stay focused. Congratulations. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Mr.
» Brazell, anything to share comments or discussion remotely? Yeah. Sorry, I'm obviously can't see anyone, but I wanted to offer congratulations uh to the coaches, to the students. Um Mr. Brazell, we can barely hear you. Is there any way you can get closer to the mic or maybe we can turn the volume up a little more? Yes, sir. Try try again.
» Can you hear me?
» [clears throat]
» So I just wanted to offer congratulations to the coaching staff, all of the coaches, all of uh the teammates. What a what a great what a great achievement. You guys y'all remember this uh when you're when you're much older, you'll look back much like we do now. Um I wanted to add that Rick J is with me and he wanted to offer his congratulations as well as we are both away together on work. So he was he was a a wrestler much like Chairman Connell and um I know that's special to him too, so um so proud of you guys. Thank you, Mr. Brazell. Uh Hudson J's dad is there as well uh sharing congratulations. Um before we bring you up, I'll just share lastly and this is maybe a little bit of tough piece of advice, but I think it'll help you win next year.
» Everybody out there's got a mama and daddy generally that loves them. This [snorts and clears throat] is directly to the wrestlers. They got coaches that care about them, but that static, everybody has that. If you want to get that victory next year, you have to figure out right now what the other guys that you're going to compete against aren't willing to do in the off season. Cuz this is when you win, right now. I see I see coach and and the real coach Tolar nodding yes. You've got to put the work in right now and build up a bank of work that when you step on the mat next year, you have no doubt that you're worthy of a win because the other guy hasn't worked as hard as you. Like you earn it right now.
» And so put in the work in the off season and uh we'll be encouraging you every bit of the way. If we could, let's give them a hand and have all the wrestlers and coach come up. Anyone else you want to have come up?
» [applause]
» Mr. Chairman. Yes, sir. They are going to 4A, so they can whip up on some more folks in [laughter] 4A. Going down, Ben? Come on, we'll stay up. There's just so many of them. Make sure you can see. Now, you hang that on your I love you wall, that Logan. What do you weigh at 190 lbs?
» [laughter]
» You ain't Hey, lean and mean, that's what he
» [snorts]
» What'd you weigh in high school, Ben? All right, 215 first year, 220 second. Come on up. Sammy? We cannot see you. You can't? That's Ben Big Head.
» [laughter]
» How about you? Thank you, Martin. Stand in the chair, Sammy.
» [laughter]
» I've done that before, Danny. Don't dare me. They had the same problem at the when you went there. One, two, and up. That's
» [laughter]
» At least somebody was honest. They were going to take the picture without me.
» [laughter]
» Yes.
» [applause]
» Yeah. Nice. Thanks Chairman. Thanks Councilman Jones. Appreciate y'all [clears throat] doing it. Thank you guys. We'll give them a moment to clear out.
» [clears throat]
» Took everybody out, didn't it? Thank you very much Mr. Jones. Yes sir, he is. Um thank you very much Mr. Jones for that. That moves us back on to the agenda. We're on the public comments. Mr. DeBose, do we have anyone signed up? Yes, there are three speakers signed for public comments. Yes sir, Mr. DeBose, who do we have first? First speaker is Chris Criminger, EMS response times. Thank you Ms. Criminger.
» [clears throat]
» Be glad to hear from you. You've got 5 minutes. Good evening gentlemen. Thank you for your time. My name is Chris Criminger and I live and own a business on Lake Wateree. I would like to touch on a subject that has been discussed here before at the Council meetings, emergency services. I've done a little research into the emergency response times in South Carolina, specifically Lancaster, Chester and Fairfield counties. Both my research and my social media page reflect the same situation. Rural response times are long, sometimes as long as 45 minutes. The population of these counties is beginning to notice this problem just as we have and are demanding answers just as we in the Liberty Hill Beaver Creek area have. Chester County has about half the residents of Kershaw County.
» Their solution is to configure or reconfigure an existing fire station in the West Chester fire district to an ambulance station to serve the western half of the county. Lancaster County has twice the residents of Kershaw County and one of the solutions proposed by the fire service itself is to train their firefighters to be EMTs. This proposal is actually before the Lancaster County Council right now. I have not been able to find any information on Fairfield County whose difficulties with EMS fire response is a whole lot different than ours. Kershaw, Lancaster and Chester counties at least have a hospital. Fairfield does not. I imagine their challenges are pretty hard to overcome and couldn't begin to think of how they would mitigate these challenges.
» So for the residents in our area to ask that either Beaver Creek fire station or Baron De Kalb fire station be reconfigured as a fire ambulance station or to train KCFS firefighters as EMTs is a reasonable request. The lack of services at our end of the county has been ongoing for years. Before it was somewhat understandable. Probably 95% of the homes in the area were vacation homes. Now those vacation homes are permanent residences for more people. Just as population growth has affected Camden, Lugoff and Elgin, so it has affected our area. And it's not just the lake problem. There are hundreds of homes in the area not on the lake, but they are in the same emergency services desert we are and may not realize it. If you look at the map of your own districts, Mr. Brazell and Mr.
» Cato have the most rural districts and the worst coverage. This is the way it has been for years and we would like to see it changed. In closing, just let me state these comments that I and the others are making are in no way indictment or criticism of the KCFS. We are proud of and indebted to the men and women who put their own lives on the line to save others. We are also happy to see that the KCFS is reaching out to the community with the open houses at the fire department. They have had three so far and I hope they have more just to raise the awareness that they are there and possibly recruit the manpower that they need. Thank you gentlemen for listening.
» I hope that we in District 1 and District 6 can count on you doing the right thing and working with the fire service to bring down response times and therefore making Kershaw County safer for all of its residents. And I would like to request that my written comments be put into the meeting minutes. Thank you Ms. Criminger. So um Well, we'll take a copy of that. Mr. DeBose, who's the second speaker? Next speaker is Tommy Swan, friends of Goodale is the subject. Yes sir, Mr. Swan. Good evening Mr. Councilman. Tommy Swan, I'm president of Friends of Goodale [clears throat] State Park and our nonprofit organization is partnering with the state parks and friends of and of Goodale State Park in the betterment of of the park for improvements and things like that.
» And on Saturday, April the 11th from 11:00 to 2:00 p.m., we're going to have family fun day. We do this once a year and we just invite the community to come out to the park and have some fun with and join in the activities that we have. We got a lot of activities lined up this year and it's going to be a great. We've got about 23 different exhibits lined up and the state rangers will be out there. So it's just our opportunity to for those who have never been out at the park before to come out there and just see the park and see the improvements that that we're making at the park with our partnership and also see what's going on at the park.
» If you've been out there lately, you've seen they've cut a lot of trees down as part of the deforestation uh project and from that we're going to be able to double the the length of the walking trails out there. So um for East Camden, that's a great improvement. It gives them a place to go to. So we're looking forward to hosting this event and the prior Friday, if you feel so led, if you if you're open on your calendar, we're having a cleanup day at the park in preparation for this event and we invite the public just to come out there and do a little bit of light uh cleanup and join us with the parks and the rangers and help us clean up and get ready for it. We're proud of this park.
» Uh I've been going to this since the 60s and it's always been near and dear and hopefully you know, this this park will someday return back to the glory that it once had and uh we're seeing improvements uh bearing fruit. So the attendance is really going up. And thank you for your support of the park and we hope to see you out there. Come out there and join us. What was the date again? April 3rd? Saturday, April the 11th is the family fun day. Friday, April the 3rd is the park cleanup day. And that's from 9:00 to 12:00. I I know it's getting beautiful out there. Thank you so much. You're very welcome. Thanks for coming out tonight. Next speaker is Melody Harden. Subject is Pecan Orchard. Yes ma'am. Okay. Good evening.
» As many of you already know, I am Melody Harden and I live on Blackberry in the Pecan Orchard. I'm speaking tonight regarding the lack of response we are receiving from the county administrator staff and county council regarding phase one and work to be completed in the Pecan Orchard. On March the 10th, after attending county council meeting and not hearing an update regarding phase one, I emailed the county admin staff and county council regarding conflicting information and lack of updates we in the Pecan Orchard are receiving. For those that have not read the email, I will provide a few examples of some conflicting information we're receiving. On January the 14th, Mr.
» Tepler, our staff, emailed that plans were to begin at the end of January and included a groundbreaking of the project for the 1st of June, at no point indicating funds were an issue. On February the 20th, at a meeting with county staff, we discussed many items including several hurdles that need to be addressed before phase one can begin. One of the issues being the vacant lot on Blackberry and a small mention regarding the expense. On February 24th, at the finance committee meeting, it was clear a big issue is funds for the work to begin. From the discussions, it appeared that the estimates were close to or more than double the original amount that county council approved for the work to be completed.
» The same day, February 24th, at the county council meeting, there was a quick discussion regarding the finance meeting and the fact that additional funds would be needed. At that meeting, it was stated that an update showing what funds would need to be completed for phase one would be provided at the next county council meeting which would have been March the 10th. On March the 6th, we were provided an update stating work is continuing with utilities and engineers planning to relocate utility lines and water lines. This March 6th update stated when the work is complete Mr. Templar anticipates progress with quote shovels in the ground for the drainage issues. These are just some of the conflicting updates we're receiving that are concerning and bring up questions.
» Also, the lack of responses we are receiving is frustrating and unacceptable. Every email since March the 10th has included Mr. Templar, Mr. Blanchard, county staff, as well as all county council members. After receiving the update from Mr. Templar on March the 6th, myself and two others meant emailed with questions and concerns. According to my email records, none of us have received a response with answers. I proceeded to email again on March 16th since I had not received a response to follow up on my questions and to request a weekly update. We did receive an update on March 18th from Mr. Templar, but unfortunately, it didn't provide any real updates. He stated that the allocated funds were there and basically maintenance on Blackberry is being done.
» Again, several emails with questions and as of today, we have not received the response. The issues and questions I had that Mr. Templar, staff, and or county council have not addressed are: First one, I'm aware that county council allocated 350,000 to complete construction, but my understanding is that almost half of those funds have already been spent on engineering and surveying. That leaves approximately 200,000 approved for the project. County staff has not addressed this in any of our updates. Yet, at the finance committee meeting on February 24th, it was clear that there were not enough funds allocated to complete the entirety of phase one.
» Why did the finance committee not provide any update during the March 10th county council meeting? If not at the meeting, why hasn't this been discussed with Mr. Templar? And if it has, why hasn't he updated us with this important information? If there are insufficient funds to complete phase one, why are the utility and water lines currently in the process of being moved? Again, let me remind you, during this process, many of us will be losing part of our front yards, flower beds, and pecan trees that cannot be replaced.
» Why has the finance committee chairman or its members not responded to the questions directed specifically to them regarding funds needed and or an update that was supposed to be provided two weeks ago? I would like an update from everyone involved that is transparent, honest, truthful, and concise. Thank you. Thank you for coming out tonight, Ms. Harden. Mr. Bose, anyone else signed up? That concludes public comments. That concludes public comments, gentlemen. That moves us on to a presentation, item number 7A. Hill Gold Mine, do we have the representative here? I don't I don't see the representative here. So, we'll move that on for another agenda item next meeting, Ms. Hannah. We'll follow up with them. Might have to see somebody got caught up.
» Um Approval of the minutes is next on the agenda, 8A. Do we have [clears throat] a motion on the minutes? I'll make a motion to approve the minutes. Okay, do we have a second? Second.
» [cough and clears throat]
» Any discussion on the minutes? Seeing none, we'll move it to a vote. For those who are in person, raise your hand if you're in favor. It's unanimous in favor for those who are present and voting. Mr. Brazell, you still with us? How do you vote? Yes, sir, still with you, buddy. Yes. That's a yes remotely from Mr. Brazell on the minutes. Ms. Hannah, it's unanimous in favor. Next up, gentlemen, we have a series of ordinances. First one's item number 9A. First reading, Mr. Administrator, any background or any update we need before we get into motions or considering this? Um Nothing pressing. I can speak a little bit more about during discussion. Okay. Do we have a motion on number 9A? This is a ordinance to amend the official zoning map, 32 plus or minus acres. I'll make that motion. Mr.
» Shumpert has the motion. Is there a second? Second. We have a second. Mr. Shumpert, you have the floor. Yeah, this is the motor park, right, Danny? Yes, sir.
» Yeah, so basically this ordinance is we they've come before us a couple of times as they've purchased property adjacent to their land to rezone that property. Basically, it allows them to create buffers. They need to rezone it in order to purchase it, obviously to the extent they grow, it's land for them to grow into. So, what this fundamentally is is a chance for a very, very good business that's been doing great things for Kershaw County to have a buffer in into which it can expand in the future. So, I think that's the short version of it and why I support it. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Uh yes, I see Mr. [clears throat] Cooley's out there who's representing that old motor park up there. Y'all had a house full Sunday uh Saturday when I rode up through there Sunday.
» Um but I um I think this is a great um partner and economic development opportunity for uh the citizens of Kershaw County and they've been good, good neighbors [clears throat] to uh the folks behind me there by the purchase their property or have been very respectful to running in hours and operation that makes sense that does not make a bad neighbor. So, thanks and I'm in support of this tonight. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Council members who are present, any other discussion, comments, questions? I think we need to note that the land surrounding this is also already in GD if I'm correct. Is that correct?
» Correct. Everything in the motor park plus so it basically just be expanding that footprint. So, the contiguous usage are certainly GD. Yep, so it isn't spot zoning or any of those other issues. Thank you, Mr. Cato. Mr. Jones? Just a couple of questions. I absolutely support this, but I have some questions. Um Mr. Bose, was there a planning commission meeting? Did they get to review this or they don't have to? Yes. Uh this went before the planning commission. Um they held the public hearing. Uh no speakers came to public hearing and um planning commission, I believe, recommended um a map change unanimously to uh council. Very good. Thank you all. Thank you, Mr. Jones. Mr. Brazell, uh any comments or discussion remotely? No. Um not that I'm aware of anything.
» I I support it and uh understand all the reasons why. Thank you. Okay. Uh seeing no further discussion from those who are present, we'll go ahead and have uh your vote, Mr. Brazell. How do you vote remotely on 9A? Yeah, I vote in favor of. That's a yes remotely from Mr. Brazell, Ms. Hannah. And for those who are present and voting, raise your hand if you're in favor. It's unanimous in favor. And we would excuse Mr. Thomas tonight. He had a family obligation uh in honor of Mary Elizabeth who, of course, passed away last year. That takes us on to item number 9B, another uh first reading. Anything before we get going, Mr. Administrator? Um no, Mr. Chairman, members of council. It's just a text amendment uh redefining a guest lodge from four bedrooms to not exceeding 24. Okay.
» Uh do we have a motion on 9B, first reading? I'll make a motion to approve it. Mr. Cato has the motion. Is there a second?
» I'll second. Mr. Shumpert has the motion. Mr. Cato, you've got the floor. Um I just think that it's just talking about guest facilities. This is not um any kind of housing developments or anything of that nature. This is more of a guest facility where somebody would come and stay and visit our county. So, I I think this is uh I think this would be useful and beneficial to Kershaw County. Okay, thank you, Mr. Cato. Mr. Shumpert, you have the second? Yeah, I agree. This is uh this is exactly what we want to see done in our rural lands. I mean, this is uh rezoning that would allow, you know, lodges and and higher end type of economic development engines that don't put strain on infrastructure.
» So, uh I think this paves the way for some really great economic development and tourism opportunities for for Kershaw County. Thank you, gentlemen. And I'll just note that the applicant has made the representative, Mr. Smoke, available tonight if the council has any questions or any comments that he might need to respond to. He's here if y'all need him.
» I have some questions for him.
» [laughter]
» Of course. I thought you might have. Mr. Mr. Smoke, please come on up. Mr. Jones?
» Can I start? I served eight years with that man, folks, standing right there. And he and I went at it head to toe. It's good to see you. I don't think you've been back in this room till now. That might be [laughter] true. But anyway, welcome back. And I I really would just like to know just kind of an overall very quick Absolutely. Thank you, Councilman Jones.
» And I said no questions. Good to see everybody. And um Steven Smoke uh for the record here and uh here on behalf of Candy Root Lodge Holdings, who is the applicant in this case for the text amendment. And my client is in the process of making a significant investment in multiple golf courses in Kershaw County. And this is a request that's in furtherance of that project. Uh you'll also see an amended version in front of you that I
» [laughter]
» Yeah, that I put in front of you all and and passed out all the staff as well at the changes.
» Thank Thank you, Mr. Tucker. The changes are in blue and the changes were just in response to some of the comments and concerns from your wonderful wonderfully thorough planning commission who who really vetted this and and had those comments and I think we've addressed them all with our those changes, but if not, there there are two more readings and we're here and and ready to work with with staff this council to make sure this is something that works best for everybody in the community because we do see it as a as a project that that is going to benefit the county and just something that'll be good for everyone. I have a question Mr. Chairman, any other questions?
» I'm Thank you.
» Mr. Shemwick, yes, sir. Yeah, I just want to confirm so the the proposed amendments which I think we could probably take a look at for second reading since we just looked at them, but as I understand and I just I know you I've from talking to the planning commission what this does just so folks are aware, what this what these amendments do as I understand it is make it make the zoning change even more restrictive. In other words, the only thing that this would allow to come into these these venues is something that has you know, a lot of land, a lot of buffer zone. So it basically further protects the land. Your use the use that your client proposes is one that is not the concern, but the idea is we're creating an ordinance change and so all that follows or have the same ordinance.
» And what this does is create buffers and substantial green space because of those buffers. Is that the general idea? That that is it, Councilman. Thank you for pointing that out. And I'll give you even more background because this this section came into being back in the fall. I think in October. Roughly around that time frame and the prior planning commissioner was you know, did a good really good job, commendable job and he did the primary drafting on this and in doing so he was drafting it more broad and then that seemed to be a concern planning [clears throat] commission was that it was maybe too broad and so we've narrowed it down even more really so as to apply just to golf courses.
» So you know, the the changes you see in front of you say that you have to have an a golf course operated for this to apply. Mr. Chairman. Yes, sir. If it's appropriate which I think it is, I would like to make the amendment to this ordinance as we have it now so we can get this read into the first reading and then that way when it comes second, we won't have to worry about that.
» I'll second that. All right, we've got a motion to amend on the Cato. So now we've got a first and a second on the Tucker amendment. Any discussion from those who are present and we'll need to hear from Mr. Brazell as well. Any discussion? Just we'll make sure for the public we have it written and that'll be in the minutes and so we'll obviously see that in our minute in our package. And you're proposing it be amended as reflected in this hand.
» Absolutely. I just want to clarify the legal staff has already reviewed and vetted this with Mr. Smoke. Correct. Mr. Smoke provided those blue line edits that are were responsive to planning commission comments earlier today. Again, they're very discreet edits. Um Mr. Smoke's correct that the planet previous planning director um drafted this as rural country clubs to also contemplate uses that might be a a pool that has a membership that is rural. Um to allow that type of structure. Um no one's come in to apply for that and that's a pretty rare occurrence anyway. Um a component of this was this guest lodging, but as originally drafted, you could conceivably have a private pool membership club with guest lodging and that looks an awful lot like a hotel maybe. So um what Mr.
» Smoke did from the original draft is um really kind of remove those other components instead of having it be broadly rural country clubs, it is now rural golf clubs, rural golf resorts. Um if those other uses were to occur or start occurring at planning staff level, they could be addressed with a different box. Um So uh yeah, that's that's the legal input on it. Again, no real heartburn about um the proposed edits. Um the small matter that Mr. Smoke and I will discuss as far as just sharpening the pencil on one little aspect I picked up on, but nothing substantive that would affect rural development. Thank you, Mr. DeBose. Any other discussion from those who are present? Good stuff, Stephen. Mr. Brazell, anything remotely? Mr. Brazell, anything remotely? We may have lost him for a moment.
» Um Chairman, sorry. It's just a long ways apart here. Can you hear me okay? Go go ahead. Yeah, you got to speak up. Yeah, I'd like to commend Steven Smoke for the work that he's done. I think it's fantastic for our community. Steven, I do thank you. Um regarding golf courses or driving ranges or anything like that and um maybe some exceptions and explicit rules that we're making for these courses. Um I'm thrilled frankly to to see this sort of development in Kershaw County and and surrounding counties as well. I think it's healthy. I think it's good for our community to have these sorts of activities that'll be an economic engine as well as um job opportunities for locals. So it's all fantastic. When it comes to zoning, it it would be a question for um John DeBose.
» Are there any zoning regulations that prohibit golf courses in in our current current zoning? Yeah, um so our allowed use card and and the interim director Mr. Hoover may be able to speak to this uh off the top of his head more explicitly, but one of the issues um that kind of led to this is that um this wasn't a use that was allowed in these rural districts as conceived. So um if there's any desire by council to more holistically look at regulations around golf courses county wide um as far as where they're allowed uses or not, certainly something that staff um and administration and legal can explore. Um but uh yeah, the the the setup that applicant wanted to um pursue and other similarly situated applicants under the regulations last September August could not have occurred.
» The October amendments made these uses more of a possibility and again, this is fine tuning the regulations to more precisely fit golf courses and again um remove some of the um theoretical possibilities, maybe not practical possibilities, but theoretical possibilities for undesirable uses that planning commission identified. And and that's and that's more to the buildings, the the housing and that sort of thing. Is that right? Correct. Planning commission's concerns were not about a golf course. It was this idea that the guest lodging component could perhaps exist and continue on its own um in the once upon a time wrong and a and a course fails. Um the amendments Mr. Smoke prepared are responsive to that concern. Okay, perfect.
» Now in our current zoning industrial residential rural residential um are there any zoning um issues in any of those for just a golf course without without a um a lodge of sorts or or housing? The the man with the answers just stepped to the podium, Mr. Zach Hoover, interim planning director. So I will defer to him. He has I believe has the ZLD are pulled up. That is correct. This is Zach Hoover, director of planning and zoning. The golf courses fall under the golf, tennis, and swimming clubs land use in our ordinance. They are permitted in all zoning districts except for the office district O1 as well as the B3 district. So they're permitted outright in the rural districts. What was the other one you said? O1 and then B3. Okay. That's a business district. That is correct. Okay.
» So I could a development area such as where a public would be or a some sort of a retail establishment. Yes. Okay, well good. No, I think it's fantastic and I really do commend you and what you've done with Steven Smoke. Um I'm in full support.
» [clears throat]
» Thank you, Mr. Brazell. How do you vote on the Tucker amendment? Uh if if that's what's needed to complete the task, I'm I'm in full support of the amendment. Okay, on Tucker amendment we have a yes vote remotely. For those in favor on the Tucker amendment, voting in person raise your hand. It's unanimous on the Tucker amendment. That puts us on the original
» [clears throat]
» motion Mr. Cato as amended. Any further discussion, council members? Seeing none, will vote by those who are present and voting on the motion as amended all in favor raise your hand. Again this is on 9B that's unanimous in favor for those who are present and voting. As amended Mr. Brazell how do you vote on 9B? 100% full support. That's a yes remotely from Mr. Brazell Miss Hannah it passes. As amended on 9B. Thank you very much. Thank you Mr. Administrator and staff as well. That takes us to 9C Mr. Administrator any background we need before we dive into this one? Mr.
» Chair members of council you have before you just a an ordinance that is going to complement the city's ordinance on what we would consider aggressive panhandling where use any intimidation or coercion to or making any citizen feel compelled to hand over something. That they wouldn't normally want to and in in the setting of panhandling. I think it's also a safety issue as well. We'll take it up. Do we have a motion on 9C in first reading? I'll make that motion. Mr. Shewmaker has the motion is there [clears throat] a second? Second. There's a second by Mr. Tucker Mr. Shewmaker.
» Yeah so just a little bit more background this is nearly identical to what the city of Camden has already adopted and what we're starting to see in the city of Camden in certain parts of Lugoff is bluntly panhandling people walking up to cars or people walking up to people and begging for money and other things. And so what this prohibits to be clear and it's in the packet here so this is all in the packet. It prohibits these discrete things. You cannot aggressively beg meaning with begging with the intent to intimidate another so you can't do that. You cannot um you cannot aggressively beg you cannot obstruct traffic you can't touch the person you're talking to without their consent.
» You can't basically follow them around you can't block their passage you can't beg within 50 ft of a financial institution or an outdoor dining area or any shelter or taxi stand. And you can't beg you can't beg while the person solicited is in a vehicle or beg after dark or beg at a traffic intersection and basically that prohibits people being bothered and impeding the flow of traffic. We're starting to see more and more of it so this is a chance to sort of get ahead of that and like I say Camden's already done this they did this back in February and they've already seen some positive results from their ordinance. So that's a little bit of background on why I support it. Can I say something? Mr. Does the second yield?
» Thank you.
» Mr. Jones. Uh Mr. Shewmaker
» [clears throat]
» You are aware that we have an ordinance on the books. We do but it is a very
» Permitting permitting. What's that?
» It's for permitting. Like a panhandler if someone was going to set up a hot dog shop or they would set up you know a roadside as long as it's not fruit or something like that that's exempted. Or accepted by the state but they they have to come and get a permit and they can only get one or two a year. They have to give us so much so much of a notice. So I think this is good stuff. I support it but I would like that to be brought up and so we can all understand that we do have and actually we really stopped a lot of it over in Lugoff. Whenever that this I call it the Powers Dikes bill because every time they would show up at McDonald's Robbie Powers would call me fussing guy he'd be fussing and then Heather Dikes would do the same thing. So so that's what initiated me or sort of motivated me to go and get something done on it so we did. You see him you remember. Yes.
» And I don't remember exactly how the permit structure is but but but it's pretty tough and it pretty well [snorts] kept things under control.
» Mr. Jones just to clarify are you talking about permits for sales of goods or fruit? No no no no no I know fruit and things like that are exempted. This was just them setting up where this panhandler roadside vendor or whatever you know you have them doing couches you have you have them doing collecting money for the churches. I mean it it well or at least saying it was for churches I don't think it was I think that they trying to rob us there honestly. But the thing about it is that that they would use that as a front. And then I know one of them said they were with New Life Ministry Henry called me and said that is not New Life that's not our New New Life Ministry out there. It's got to be somebody from out of town and it was somebody from out of town. But anyway I I think this is good but I wish we had a copy of that to show what it is so we can bring it up to date as well.
» Let's get that before second reading.
» Yeah sounds good. Yeah. I'm familiar with that prohibition in the county code and you're correct Mr. Jones there is a structure that allows for organized permitted like fundraising solicitation by 501c3s exactly as you've described with some advanced notice and permitting. Um this uh explicitly addresses matters outside of that and under the conflict of law provisions those permits would still be available to people wanting to pursue them for those kind of legitimate solicitations. So yeah but
» this Derek I like this a lot. I mean I'm who did but it I just want to make sure
» I mean Camden bluntly and I got to give it to our folks on legal I mean they they did the heavy lifting on this.
» Yeah this is good stuff and and I'm glad to see it.
» I'll make a point on that kind of parallel passage Mr. Jones to print copies for council next meeting just informationally and have those at y'all seats. Thank you. And maybe even John look at in this section 2434 maybe we could even add just a couple of lines just to be expressed that this doesn't you know cuz it's a conflict of laws provision anyway maybe that it does not conflict with the ability to get a permit saying to what John is explicitly call out those sections dealing with that permitting system.
» Yeah we can do that that's a perfect spot for it. Mr. Tucker you have the second. Yes thank you Mr. Chair. Mr. DeBose I had a question underneath 2432. So item I beg while the person is being solicited in a vehicle and then item L beg at a traffic intersection which causes drivers to be distracted. I'm concerned about that because when we do boots and badges as Councilman Jones just brought up you're at 34 number one you're at the Millwood intersection you're at the Camden Street which is US1 and 521 and Broad Street. Those are great fundraisers. How do we address those issues when you're doing I believe I believe those fall within that existing code provision and again to Mr.
» Shewmaker's uh point and request that some verbage to that end be added to 2434 just to make it crystal crystal clear that this in no way intends to overrule or modify that that all exists as a separate bucket of allowable activity again if permitted in advance so that safety can be provided for.
» Yeah and they'd have to be permitted I mean that's the thing like even those things need to be permitted because that way the county knows they're happening and that way if the police do get a call I mean if they're not the ones doing it they can say well that's a permitted activity. Cuz I think it's nothing more frustrating I don't know if y'all have experienced this before but when I was doing a lot of driving with students I can jump off at the 98 trying to get home and the line's already long and frustrated and then you got you got my my guy my guy he's at the bottom ramp by the stop sign and the city says well he's not in the city he's on the I-20. Well technically they're right cuz if an accident happens on I-20 highway patrol will be called the work it.
» And then highway patrol won't do anything with him because he's not on the interstate. You know pedestrians are prohibited to be on interstates so he's right there in that donut hole where he's safe so I'm happy to see an ordinance like this that addresses it and I don't have a problem with people panhandling I just don't want it in our neck of the woods.
» [laughter]
» Any further discussion or comments from council who are present?
» Mr. Jones is Sam
» Yes I am. On that. Mr. Cato no No I have nothing.
» Before we go remote Mr. Brazell I just going to I've heard that it's become a safety issue particularly in yield lanes and you know those fast merging areas where people are leaning over and either just about getting clipped or actually getting clipped and causing other issues. Mr. Brazell any comments or discussion remotely?
» [cough]
» Chairman no I'm I'm in agreement with most of everything I'm I'm hearing tonight so no comments. Okay I'll go ahead and get your vote remotely. How do you vote on 9C? Yeah vote yes. Miss Hannah that's a yes remotely from Mr. Brazell. For those who are present and voting raise your hand if you're in favor. Miss Hannah it's unanimous in favor and passes first reading on 9C. Chairman Yes sir.
» There's never been a time that we have a call that the sheriff did not respond to send somebody out there. You know I realize there may be some twilight zone areas but they they they've come out and worked with us on it and appreciate it. Thank you Mr. Jones and thank you law enforcement chair for being here tonight. This moves us on to item number 10 10A we have a slate of various appointments and we'll take them one by one. 10A is on the A-tax committee. Do we have a motion Mr. Tucker? Yes I'll make a motion that we appoint the A-tax committee. I think we have about five appointments two four four four appointments cuz we did one last meeting. Do nomination. My nomination is going to be Mr. Deep Patel. I'll make a motion to an uh to a point. Yes, sir.
» Is there a second on the motion? Yeah, I'll second. Okay, Mr. Jones has a second. Mr. Tucker, anything further on Mr. Patel's appointment? No, no, thank you. Just a fine individual, very busy in the city and in the county. Um he's um a Thomas Sumter graduate along with USC, and he does a lot of good things here in Kershaw County. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Mr. Jones, you had the second. Anything on Mr. Patel's appointment? No, no, thank you. Uh Mr. Brazell, anything remotely? I thought we could do them all at once. Chairman, no, um nothing to add. Thank you. And we can do them as a slate, Mr. Wayne, unless you have individuals you want to discuss in particular.
» I'm fine to do it as a slate. We can go on past this one and then do the rest as a slate. Okay, well then Mr. Mr. Tucker, if you'll uh if you'll restate your motion, do you have the names of the other individuals?
» That's what I was looking for. It's It's in my other packet, but um Yeah, they're not They weren't in this packet. Mr. Brazell, uh since you're on, can uh you We don't have them in our packet. Can you give us the name of the person that you were nominating? We got them. Well, never mind. We got them. Mr. Tucker, will you restate your motion to include the four individuals as a slate for ATAX?
» Yes, I would like to make the following motion as a slate of appointments for District 2, Mr. Deep Patel. For District 4, Shane Duncan. No, you're talking about for the ATAX Committee? Yes. I was going to No, that's Well, that's what's No, We've got a couple. Yeah, yeah. Okay, let me hear who you
» Let me keep Let me keep going my and I might mix Cuz I'm going to have to readdress that, yeah. Okay. Um District 1, Casey Brazell. We're good. No, I know you are. And for District 5, Thomas Mulligan. Junior. Junior. Those are the four individuals. All right. So, that's the motion as a slate on appointment to the ATAX Committee. Do we have a second on the motion? I want to add to my motion if you didn't mind.
» Go ahead. So, District 1, 2, and 3, their terms will expire 3 11 of 29. And Districts 4, 5, and 6, their terms will expire 3 11 of 27. That staggers these terms so everybody's not depleted one time. And you're going to have to keep up with that, so I want to make sure you got those dates. Okay, great.
» want a second? Who's got I second. We We do have a second. Okay, so on the slate, Mr. Tucker, you have the floor. Yes. So, um I just want to thank all these individuals that have they don't meet uh that often, but their work is so important to our budget and to our um organizations here in Kershaw County. So, I want to say thanks to all of the um candidates who put their names up to uh be appointed. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Mr. Jones, you had the second. Any comments? Good good slate of people.
» those who are present, any other comments or discussion on the slate appointment? Mr. Brazell, any comments or discussion remotely? I think uh because it's a slate, I think I'll need to abstain, uh Mr. DeBose. Yeah, I agree. I was going to have you do it individually so you so you could talk about some of them, but now we're on a slate and uh your sweetheart's included.
» All right, Mr. Brazell abstaining, we'll just move to a vote for those who are present. Uh all in favor, raise your hand. It's unanimous and passes for those who are present and voting, Ms. Hannah, on 10A as a slate. Thank you. I move to this item number 10B, Recreation Advisory Commission appointment. I believe Mr. Thomlinson had spoken with Mr. Tucker. Yes, sir. Is there a motion? I would like to make a motion that we appoint Mr. Matthew Downey uh to replace Mr. Shane um Kirkley. Kirkley. All right, is there a second?
» I'll second. Have a second, Mr. Cato. Mr. Tucker. Uh just wanted to say I had an opportunity to meet Matt. I I actually coached his brother. He kind of had to go back in the archives in my head to remind me of who his family was, but um I think a great um individual who's already uh doing a lot of amazing things in the coaching arena in our Rec Department. Want to see that um we continue to grow in the right direction and that the uh Rec as a whole is successful. So, I think this is a great appointment. And he's dedicated and committed. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Ms. Cato? I think Mr. Tucker said it all. All right. Uh council members, any other discussion for those who are present? Seeing none, Mr. uh Brazell, any discussion remotely? No, sir. I'm sorry.
» Okay, we'll go ahead and get your vote. How do you vote on 10B, appointment of Matt Downey to the uh Recreation Advisory Commission? Absolutely. What a fantastic choice. Thank you. That is a yes remotely from Mr. Brazell, Ms. Hannah, and for those who are present and voting, raise your hand if you're in favor. Ms. Hannah, it's unanimous for the record. He is appointed on 10B. And again, thanks to all those who might be listening or see this in the future for volunteering your time to serve. Um most of us have full-time jobs up here or significant family obligations otherwise, and we literally cannot do it all without these committees volunteering and stepping up to serve or work with staff on various projects and facets of the county.
» We just literally couldn't do it, and so we we're very grateful for your dedication and service. All right. Council member briefings. Mr. Mr. Brazell, I'm going to go ahead to you just just in case we lose you. You never know with someone especially overseas. Uh any briefing for us tonight? Chairman, thank you very much. I certainly appreciate it. Um made a few notes as I've listened to comments um from from our community to the Pee Can Orchard. Um I just want to say that that I hear you. We have had some continued discussions uh that I think are going to be fruitful, and um I actually thought we would hear about that tonight, but um probably waiting on to come back. We'll We'll find a way to move the ball forward soon.
» Um I would like to mention I've received a complaint about Vincent Road for a second time this year. Um I know that we have put some money into it. I do recognize that, and I've had positive conversations with Dane Cannon, but we do want to make sure that we continue to finish that project. Um Councilman Cato and I had worked together on that. And um I just want to make sure that that's safe and passable. Um Regarding EMS, I will be uh working very hard on rural health care and EMS this year, and collectively with others on council, and I've had some people reach out to me on a broader scale that I would like to introduce to council, and um find yet other ways to work on uh rural health care.
» That's That's going to be a That's going to be a very important topic probably for the next two to four years. Um I'd like to set some goals, and I'd like to achieve some goals. I'd like to find a way to have better access complacently through um different agencies. So, um Also, to uh make mention of Woodrow Park, and I think Councilman Cato, in in your area, there are just a few things that I would like to mention in in a general sense that need to be addressed in order to complete um some of the nuances of almost a punch list, if you will. I think it uh Boykin Park, there was a wiring issue that needs to be addressed. And at Woodrow Park, there's a drainage issue that uh needs to be addressed.
» If administration could work with the engineering team that we've employed to solve these problems, I would surely be grateful, as would others. Um It was fun. Councilman uh Tucker, myself, and Councilman Thomlinson were able to meet with junior leadership. Yes. I think that was just last Friday morning. Uh they posted something on Facebook. A great look looking bunch of kids. They were in there um talking about real topics, and it was really neat to see our next generation of future leaders at in council, and uh just learning learning some about um local government and how it plays a role in everybody's life. So, uh with that, I will conclude my remarks, and I look forward to seeing you all soon. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Brazell. Mr.
» Shumpert, we'll start with you for those who are present. Sure. So, uh a couple of things I just want to piggyback with for Councilman Brazell since he was joining us by phone and wasn't here, and I noticed Councilman Jones, we all we we are going to an executive session related to a contractual matter that affects a discussion of Pee Can Orchard. So, I fully expect to have some comments about pecan orchard after that executive session, but we have to have a discussion about a potential contractual issue. Um, so and probably a vote, but I don't want to get into that till we get to the motion. But yeah, so they'll So there will be something on pecan orchard after executive session.
» sitting out there
» Right. Well, that's why I wanted to say that. So I wanted to make that make that clear. Um, but in terms of the other stuff, uh, I don't really have much else. Uh, again, Sheriff Bone, thank you for joining us tonight. Appreciate you as always. Um, and our planning commission chairman Jonathan Proctor's here. Uh, he and I were doing some media stuff about some of the growth ordinances. Uh, we'll have a smart growth committee meeting later this week and um, we've got a lot on that agenda. So I want to thank Councilman Tomlinson, Mr. Proctor, Mr. Horton, Miss Miss Jackie, and Billy Smith, and Steven Smoke, who've been wonderful on that committee. And we'll have some big stuff to talk about soon. And that's all I have right now. Thank you, Mr. Shealy. Mr. Tucker. Uh, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
» Um, yeah, great stuff. So folks from pecan orchards will go when we go in executive session, please don't leave. Stay um, till the end. Um, I want to thank um, Councilman Brazell and also Councilman Tomlinson for junior leadership. Um, we miss Councilman Shealy. Um, he normally is a um, a pillar on that particular day to always come in here.
» to Charleston, my daughter. [laughter] But he has said you were you were doing things that you need to do as a father and we we respect that. But um, it was it it's a great class and it's a great opportunity to interact and be with our young people and um, just to give you a little brief um, synopsis on what took place. So we didn't call them by their names. We actually gave them the council members' names. So they were able Mr. Councilwoman or or like it was actually a gentleman sitting in your chair. So he was Mr. Conyers or Mr. Chairman. So Miss Hannah, we had um, Miss Hannah's uh, um, clerk to our council there sitting there and she did a good job and the administrator and the and the county attorney. So um, just want to say that went over well.
» Miss Hannah, I didn't get a chance to say it during the um, approval of the minutes, but thank you for the great job that you always do and I appreciate the way you laid this out, you and Mr. DeBose on the terms as well. Um, trying to make sure I have covered everything, Mr. Chairman. I [clears throat] know the cup is this weekend. Uh, I will not be attending. But for those who are attending, you have fun. Be safe most of all. I think it's supposed to be one of those days where it's not extremely hot. So hopefully you'll have a great time and be able to stay on your feet and actually count horses. That concludes my report. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Mr. Jones. Thank you so much.
» I'm glad we cleared up about the pecan orchard cuz that that's what you had I mean, I didn't I I haven't been involved in the weeds with you guys. I've been letting you do your job cuz you told me you gave me your word we're going to do something and we're going to do the right thing. And I appreciate that. That's why I want to make sure they're stay here so we can see what we come out and vote on after I'm I'm um, Oh, oh, I know what I want to say. I had the distinct honor today of uh, and my wife and I of going up to the Columbia Airport. And uh, I'll tell you one thing right now. I know what we see on the news, but that's not happening here in South Carolina. It's not happening at Columbia Airport. Uh, the folks there couldn't couldn't be any more helpful.
» The reason I bring this up, our [snorts] former uh, chairwoman was being deployed today along with a friend of hers, a a lawyer from She is a lawyer from uh, Sumter and she I can't can't remember her name, but anyway, they were both being deployed today along with a bunch about 100 200 other folks. And and there was a picture that that my wife took. It was of the uh, where all the soldiers meet, little area they had their form. And uh, they had all their bags sitting in front of that picture and I thought, "Look at that." It just it it just melts your heart seeing Listen, these guys are 18 and 19 years old. Mhm. And they're being deployed. Yes. You know, she's on her second deployment.
» Babies. Yeah. I mean, she got some age on her. I mean, you she's about 40 years old. But I mean, [snorts] but these kids but I'm these these young kids, I mean, it's just heartbreaking. Really especially [clears throat] at that age. But anyway, I'm very proud of our military service. I'm very proud of the people who serve. I'm very proud of me for serving. You know, I was a clerk typist.
» [laughter]
» And don't Martin, you you've heard that before, I'm sure. But anyway, and and I say that joking but I'm very proud to have been a clerk typist. Anyway, um, even though we have a former a former not a former Marine sitting down there. But uh, let me just say this to my colleagues. Okay, I don't know what's going to happen in executive session, but I want to thank you for I mean, pretty much taking this in bull by the horns and okay, we're going to get it done. We're going to do it the right way. I I'm very appreciative of that and I'm looking forward to our discussion there and our votes coming out. Because that is just something that's very important important to me and it's sure certainly anybody any votes cuz I don't need anybody's vote anymore. But it's about doing the right thing.
» And I thank y'all for that. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Jones. Mr. Cato. I'm not used to going last. Right.
» [laughter]
» Kind of shocked me today. Knocked me off my rhythm. Um, I want to follow up on the wreck thing. Uh, I've had some phone calls about the wreck and and and the ball fields whether they were being completed and uh, it's kind of threw things off schedule. We've had and I think Danny may touch on this a little bit in his so I don't take nothing away from him, but uh, I I I did check into this with the fields up at Copeland and the ones over at Boyd Young and and one of the major issues was the the one or two weeks of winter weather that we had with the snow and the freezing rain. It set us back on getting the sod ready for opening practices. And of course, we don't want to put people on the side and destroy thousands of dollars of worth of sod.
» So we're waiting on the sod to take root, which I I understand may be fairly close. Um, with this warm weather that we had. So that's that's one of the reasons. The other I think they had a pump that for whatever reason burned up. I don't know if it was a power surge or whatever the case it was up at Boyd Young, but one of the new pumps burned up and that had to they had to come in and replace that. So I just asked that, you know, bear with us. Um, we have got some really nice facilities up there. And and I'm I'm I'm speaking for up there because we've not we've not had any facilities like that in a very long time and they're they're new and they look awesome. And I can't wait for us to get on them and and start seeing our kids play on them. Um, spring break is next week.
» I asked that the students and and teachers and staff that they have a a great spring break, a good safe spring break. Easter be rolling around before we come back and I asked that y'all have a great uh, Easter Sunday and enjoy it with with um, with your church family and you enjoy it with your family and friends. And lastly, I'm I'm not I'm I'm not going to say this not elaborate on it too much because I am not going to take away from the great um, accomplishment that we celebrated tonight with Ellie wrestling team, but I want to congratulate North Central weightlifting team on their third straight state championship. And we will be doing something for them here in the near near future, but uh, what a great accomplishment for them and and uh, congratulations to them. That ends my report.
» Thank you very much, Mr. Cato. Congrats again to the Lugoff-Elgin High School wrestling team and all those engaged in athletic activities. It's not necessarily about the wins and losses, but the process of working hard to achieve um, what you can accomplish in sports. And actually, Mr. Jones, I'll just say I remember working with your son um, early on in his wrestling career and he was a hard worker. And that clear that clearly has stuck with him. So that's the lesson that was learned and that's what's important. Um, two other things I wanted to share. My son uh, if I if I can just take a moment of personal privilege, my son Bennett made the choice to be baptized and I was able to participate in that.
» And it is one of the happiest experiences I can share as a father, especially to actually be able to baptize him. Um, the spirit was strong that day and I just thank God for for such a beautiful family and a wonderful little boy. And uh, if you watch this one day, Bennett, I love you. Um,
» Congratulations. Thank you very much. Uh, for the public's notice and benefit and staff and legal, I plan on doing a special called meeting 3:31. That would be next Tuesday, 6:00 p.m. Uh, this would be a singular issue meeting uh, for the notice that would go out related to growth issues and we would have a first reading related to the smart growth committee recommendations, I anticipate. And um, and those growth issues in controlling growth and addressing that.
» [cough] [clears throat]
» That's all I have to report. Uh, Mr. Administrator, anything for us? Yes, sir, Mr. Chairman, members of council, just a few items. Um, first I'd like to thank staff uh, across the county as an organization for all the hard work they put in every day. Be it EMS or um, fire, law enforcement, or anyone in this building, the library, the jail. There's a lot of good people doing a lot of hard work and um, a lot of it is um, critical. So moving on to some park and wreck updates. Um, I know Mr. Brazell was talking about a punch list. We always have punch lists for these projects and I think um you know, I don't remember a time in Kershaw County that we've ever had this many large-scale projects going on, very complex projects.
» And but they're exciting and I understand why folks would want to be you know, playing on these fields sooner rather than later because they're very nice, but we want to we want to take our time with them and make sure that the the sod has set in to Mr. Cato's point and that they are playable so they are they're durable. We want these to last for um for as long as they can. Um we we do have some issues here and there again some with some of the uh um irrigation and things like that, but that that's kind of a nice problem cuz we've never really done projects in the past with the irrigation. So this this stands to the uh longevity of of these parks and and the beautification of them.
» Um So right now for the most part uh with Copeland and up in Bethune we are waiting on the sod to take place uh and and again Mr. Cato mentioned that with the warm weather I ex- I expect a lot of that to start hurrying up and and things like that. So we're going to play on them as soon as we can and as soon as they're ready, that's for sure. Um Let's see. Casey West expansion, the parking expansion is is basically done. We've got 70% grass growth over there so we're removing the uh silt fences as part of our we're going to re-roll some of the asphalt one in in April when that warms up just to get a a a smoother application out there. That was part of our punch list out there so. Um
» [clears throat]
» Some spring baseball participation numbers, uh total participation uh for baseball 828 softball 189 for a a total of 1,017. That's 143 more participants compared to last year. So we are growing and I attribute a lot of that to these new facilities we have. Technical soccer um total participation there was 385. So that's 1,402 total participation numbers for our youth in Kershaw County which is pretty exciting. Uh eighth opening ceremonies were this past weekend so 84 teams took individual and team pictures. Uh it's a lot going on, very busy day for wreck and and staff out there.
» Uh 2026 Egg Fest happened um and we had an Easter egg trail, food truck vendors with lemonade and Italian ice and games and story time with the from the uh Kershaw County library and we had a total participation out there of 965 which was an additional 350 compared to the last year. So a lot of what we're doing in terms of recreation and public engagement with the county is is growing. Um and it I you can attribute that to just natural growth in the county and again going back to some of the amenities that we have. It's just it's going to be top notch and I look forward to um you know, cutting ribbons on the rest of these and getting them going and having them uh part of the regular rotation for games and events uh throughout the county. So and that's all I have, sir. Thank you, Mr.
» Administrator. Um before we move to legal briefing, I would just mention let's um recall on budgeting for finance committee or otherwise as we plan that we've got a donor willing to pay for a conversion or at least half the cost of conversion for pickleball at Westwater and also uh Boyd Young
» Boyd Young in West- in Westville. Um and I I'm not sure if we'll have to take that one at a time and year over year in the budget, but those two the donor's aware of both of those projects with Westwater being the first priority and then I'd like to address the other one, too. Yes. And um that moves us to legal briefing. Anything non-privileged, Mr. Bose? Nothing non-privileged. Okay, that moves us to item number 14, executive session. I seek a motion to enter executive session under SC Code 30-4-70A2 regarding regarding legal briefing of a matter covered by attorney-client privilege. Do we have a motion? Make a motion we enter executive session.
» We got a motion and is there a second? We have a second. Any discussion from those who are present? Seeing none, um any discussion from Mr. Brazell remotely? Nope. All right, we'll take your vote Mr. Brazell at this time on executive session. Yes. That's a yes remotely from Mr. Brazell. All those who are present and voting, raise your hand if you're in favor. It is unanimous, Ms. Hanna, and we are in executive session. For the public's benefit, we do anticipate a vote after the executive session.
» Mhm.
» Mr. Brazel. Russell, can you hear us? Yes. All right, we can hear you. All right, seek a motion to exit executive session. Make a motion that we exit executive session.
» We have a motion, is there a second on exiting We have a second, Mr. Cato. Any discussion on executive session ending it? Seeing none from those present, Mr. Brazel, any discussion on exiting executive session? None, sir. All right, with none Hearing [clears throat] none, how do you vote, Mr. Brazel, on exiting executive session? I vote yes to exit. That is a yes. And for those who are present and voting, raise your hand if you're in favor of exiting executive session. We are out of executive session, Miss Hannah. That puts us back onto the agenda on the executive session item. Do we have any motions on item number 14A? Yes, Mr. Chairman, if I may, um What's your motion?
» I'd like to make a motion. I'd like to make a motion that we authorize county administrator to direct public works to perform heavy maintenance activity. The heavy maintenance activities will include road grading, ditching, driveway repair, and piping replacement, and pipe upsizing, um where uh practical, 18-in pipe, uh improvement and creation of an upper outfall, with uh replacement of cross piping at 404 Blackberry Place, install installation of riprap in selected areas, uh contracting for hydroseeding of maintenance work areas, external contracting for 419 Berry Place cross pipe and outfall project, uh which will include the cross pipe under Blackberry um junction box, and then a uh 36-in closed system leading to an open ditch um basin with riprap. That is my motion. And that's specific to Pecan Orchard, right?
» is um addressed to Pecan Orchard. Yes, sir. Okay, is there a second?
» I I second that. Mr. Jones has a second. Any uh discussion, Mr. Tucker? You have the floor. Yes, I I want to say that um there's been a lot of time and a lot of energy and and somewhat of uh money spent um on this project, and I know that the citizens has been very frustrated. Um I make no excuses, but the wheels of government are extremely slow uh usually, but this has been um a little bit slower than a lot of us would like. Um I would like to also state that um the $350,000 is still there still there. We took the $126,000, did engineering studies, which was separate from because we had two votes on this project, one for the engineering, and then one for the cost for the repairs.
» Um this is going to help get uh the work done sooner than later out there, and I think that um the county started a little bit already with some maybe brush work and maybe some other activities. I have not been back out there to look yet, um but that is on my schedule to do, but I do want to thank the citizens out there for being patient, but this also eliminates utility movements, Pecan uh trees and other things and a big ditch in people's yard, where um you know, some will not be happy. The thing about this project is what the engineers may recommend you to do may not be pleasing to all the residents. And that And you got to find a happy balance, and I think staff has done that on how to to uh accommodate and fix some of these issues and problems.
» So, with that, I'm just want to say this in my statement as well in discussion, to be clear that the work will not solve all the all the overall flooding issues in the neighborhood. The county cannot fix the inherent uh hydrological conditions of the neighborhood, which the county has no control or responsibility for, so that can completes my discussion. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Mr. Jones, you have the second. You know, I uh we went into executive session, we had our conversation, and each one of you made your comments, and uh I respect that, but one thing that I'm I'm I'm I I I believe in my heart you got $350,000 is still sitting there. We we need to go ahead and staff has indicated along with you guys that we can do this for with that amount of money. We can get this project done.
» And of course, I think we're into the another part of it in just a few minutes with another motion or something else to help feed into this to make it right. But uh I just want to say that uh you folks in the Pecan Orchard are not my constituents. You're my neighbors and my friends. And I've never ever wavered when it comes to doing what I think is right for y'all, and I think y'all I hope y'all know that. Um but I appreciate y'all very much. I may not be on council in 10 more months after 20 years, but I'm going to still be your neighbor. I'm going to still still be there, and uh you know, I just I just appreciate the county spending this $350,000 on Pecan Orchard. I appreciate the directions that they gave. Let me say something, Mr. Chairman, I'm very proud of Russell Brazel.
» He he has stood firm and fought for this, and a lot of what you're going to do is what he said a year ago. I'll give him credit for that because that is a fact. But uh I do believe this this is going to be They they the county is going to do the best they can do, and uh if not, then we'll readdress it from there, but but I think this is going to help a lot, and I will thank y'all again for it, and uh I'm done. Thank you, Mr. Jones. Any other discussion or comments from council members who are present? Seeing none, Mr. Brazel, any discussion or comments remotely? Yes, so um I'm going to express some of the same concerns that I had in executive session. I feel like it's a bit vague. Um I I hope that we're looking at the entire subdivision. This is a lot of money for general maintenance.
» Um I'm going to support it, and and I really I'm really hopeful that the staff is going to follow through and do this right. I know it can be done. I just I need it to be done and done correctly and done in a timely fashion because we've talked about this too long. We've wasted too We've frankly wasted too much time, and time is money, so I'm ready to get the project started. I'd like for everyone to be met with and discussed with on a on a personal level. If somebody wants a pipe in their driveway, I want to make sure that we are able to do that.
» Um we need to take a very methodical and thorough approach as to how we do this, and I I think that was the concern early on is is to how we would approach this, and here we are back at the original thought process, and I'm just hopeful and thankful that we're going to get this done right, and I'm going to make sure that everybody's happy once we get done, and I appreciate everybody's time and consideration and diligence. Thank you, Mr. Brazel. Any further discussion from those who are present?
» Mr. Tucker. I I'd like to make an amendment or um restate my motion if Mr. Jones will second it. Absol- Well, let me hear first. Uh the the cost shall not exceed $350,000, um which includes the property acquisition for a property that is a part of the uh stormwater project. Okay, is there a second? I'll second that. All right, we've Mr. Legal Counsel, we've got two re-ups on the motion and the second. Everybody seems to be in agreement, and I do not hear any objections. Well, I thought that was clear. Yeah, well, he just re- he just clarified it.
» Yeah, I I I
» Not to exceed $350,000. Okay, seeing no further discussion, uh we'll take a vote from those who are present and voting first. All in favor, raise your hand. Ms. Hannah, it's unanimous for those voting in person, and Mr. Brazel, how do you vote remotely? I vote in support. That's a yes remotely from Mr. Brazel, Ms. Hannah. Are there any other motions on 14A?
» Okay, we have another motion. What's the motion? Yes, sir. I'd like to make a motion that we authorize the county administrator and county staff and the county attorney to pursue the purchase of a vacant lot in Pecan Orchard subdivision for sum not to exceed its appraised fair market value. I'll second that. Okay, we have another second, and just for clarification, this interrelates with your prior motion on the $350,000 cap. Absolutely, Mr. Chairman. Okay, thank you. Any discussion from Mr. Tucker? You have the motion.
» I just wanted to say um this is part of the hold up, too, because without this, it makes the project impossible to do, so um we had to uh do our due diligence in giving staff these directions to pursue this, and so um once again, not making excuses, just trying to do the best with what we have to work with. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Mr. Jones, you have the second again. Yes, you know, if I could, and I don't know how we do this, but Mr. Tucker, we had talked earlier about making sure there's some clear directions as to what needs to be done, and communication needs to be done with the residents of the Pecan Orchard or I know Mr.
» Brazel brought up just a little bit ago about having a meeting at you know, let you know, letting them know informing everybody what's going to going to happen, what we're going to do, but that have some kind of timeline. You know, so there's and and also good communication where everybody understands what's going on, and what progress is being made, and why there's delays, and why there's some change orders. You know, the people who we work for. Well, I think that's um more of a question directed to Mr. Templer, and I'm pretty sure he's been real good about giving us uh timelines and updates um on these various projects, so Okay, that would be I'm going to hold true that that will continue.
» Okay. And if there's something that Mr. Jones, and I'll say this, if there's something that um that you you're not clear on or you have questions on, uh don't hesitate to, you know, to follow up with staff or Well, no, no, I I won't. Danny knows that. Danny I've had many conversations over 20 years. But but but back to you and I, sir, and and one thing I will say is when we've gotten together, we've made things happen things happen. We don't agree on a lot of things, but when we do come together, we make things happen. We make it happen right. What I'm saying is that, you know, I you and I had a conversation, and there was going to be this is going to be said this clear instructions this to where we start when we start where we are, you know, They have that all all written out and documented. Uh staff does, the county administrator. And um
» Can we make sure we get a copy of that?
» Yes, sir. Give it to the people at Pecan Orchard so they can also know what to expect. We can we can get you a copy of that. Okay. Well, I mean, I'm fine other than that, but I I was just going to what you just quoted what you were saying to me. Yes, sir. All right. Mr. Jones, any further discussion? No. Mr. Tucker. Yeah, I just want to make one more point. Um the The has been identified in the engineering plans as a proposed location. God bless you. For storm water infrastructure that will serve storm water that is attributable to county roads in the subdivision. According to the engineers, the county roads in the subdivision are not the primary cause of storm water issues in the subdivision.
» That said, there are drainage issues with the county roads and the county has committed to addressing those issues. The parcel will provide storm water infrastructure that will service the storm water for the county roads and the county's heavy drainage maintenance activities in pecan orchards. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Any further discussion from those present? This is on the uh the second Tucker motion. Mr. Brazell, any discussion remotely? Hearing none. Mr. Brazell, we still have you? He's gone. Uh we lost Mr. Brazell. Let us know if he tries to chime back in on the second vote. Um Just a couple comments before we move this to a vote. So, just be patient with the timeline. Folks who are involved in this, uh it will involve procurement.
» These are state or county related laws that we're required to follow. For example, if hypothetically a property is acquired, council has to vote on that. We can't just make it happen willy-nilly. It has to be in a uh in a meeting in which we convene and a majority of council votes on an acquisition and it satisfies everybody. Each one of us is just one of seven up here. Uh so, we have to come to agreement on the terms for acquisition. Um but also there might be materials or contracted service that services that have to follow the uh procurement code as well. And so, that that varies the timeline some. All right. Seeing no further discussion and I still think we don't have Mr. Brazell with us, we'll move it to a vote. This is on the second motion on 14A post executive session. All in favor, raise your hand. Ms. Hannah, it's unanimous with all uh present voting in favor. Mr. Tucker
» Yes, sir. Motion to adjourn.
» Motion to adjourn. I was going to say that that concludes our business tonight. We have a motion to adjourn. Is there a second?
» Second. We have a second. Any discussion on adjourning? Seeing none, all in favor, raise your hand. It's unanimous. We are adjourned.
