County Council - Regular Meeting

She scoot down every time.

You can you can let her know that I will. They got

Oh, I know. I didn't I didn't It wasn't a targeting thing. I promise. I didn't care. I had no idea who it was. It could have been Sammy. It could have been Brand. Could have been Ben. When I used that one you got that one. You got some verbalization there. Russell yelled it there. Good.

Jimmy Jones, how you doing? I know. Trying to call your dad, too. Denny. Good. I ain't dead yet since before lunch. Let's get going, guys. Like to welcome out everybody tonight. Thanks so much for coming to our U August 12th, 2025 Kershaw County Council meeting. Understand we have Mr. Tucker on the phone calling in remote. Mr. Tucker, are you there? Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman, I'm here.

Glad to have you. Let's get on to the agenda. We've been called to order. We have the invocation and pledge tonight by Vice Chairman Russell Brazzle. All right, everybody stand and I'll say the prayer. Dear heavenly father, we come to you this afternoon through a season of mourning. We've we've had several family members in my own family that we've lost. My mother-in-law Kathy Merritt, my cousin just yesterday, Mark Barfield. Lord, we just lift up those families and and know that that through your peace and your salvation that we'll find peace and that all the family members will find peace. God, we just pray for all those hurting in our community. Those are two examples. Lord, we know that there are many people hurting and many people in need of your peace and mercy. Lord, give us wisdom tonight. Give us give us thoughtfulness in our in our words and in our in our actions as we as we do the business of Kershaw County tonight. All this we pray in Jesus name. Amen.

Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, Mr. Brazzle. That brings us to item number four, gentlemen. Adoption of the agenda. Is there a motion? Make a motion we adopt the agenda. Mr. Kato, is there a second? Second. Got a second, Mr. Brazzle. Any discussion at all, Mr. Kato, or otherwise? None here. Seeing none, we'll move it to a vote. Mr. Tucker, how do you vote? Yes.

That's a yes from Mr. Tucker. For those in person, raise your hand if you're in favor. Miss Miss Hannah, it's unanimous for the record. Agenda is approved. Next up on the agenda, we have public comments. Mr. Deose, do we have anyone signed up? Mr. Chair, members of council, uh, we have one speaker signed up, Miss Henry Gustoson. Uh, civics education workshop. Miss Gustoson, please.

Thank you. Good evening. Um, it's a pleasure to be back so soon, but I I will have to say I want to share my personal condolences with Councilman Russell Brazzle and um, Councilman Brandt Thomasson for Mayor Elizabeth and um, Councilman Sam Tucker for your parents. A lot of loss there. So, um, hopefully tonight we can move forward with our county and do some good things. And I'm here to share some good news. Um, for those who don't know, uh, repetition is the key to a lot of success in events. So, I'm here representing, um, one of a committee of six for a Kershaw County civics education workshop. It's uh, I was here at the last meeting and I'm just going to review this again for everyone watching and listening. Um, this is a free civics's educational workshop. It's been especially creative for our citizens of our county. Uh, it's informative. It is nonpartisan and it's for anyone who wants to learn more about local government and to build better civil engagement. Um different topics include our core functions of local government, best practices for communications with elected officials, um public commenting instructions and guidance at local meetings and voter registration information. Um it's structured in two segments and part one was actually last night. It was led by Charlie Barono with the Municipal Association of South Carolina. He was a very informative and um it was a great presentation. He'll be back to do that again on September 27th. Meanwhile, we have part two which will be on August 25th. And this uh

particular part two of the workshop is going to focus in on the public speaking aspects. How to deliver a good effective message with our elected officials. What does that look like? What are the rules for Kershaw County and our town council meetings? Because we all know we're not supposed to do Q&A, right? I just broke that rule because I just asked you. So, we'll be doing that. Uh we'll also be talking about uh voter registration. What is new in Kershaw County? what is good and and most everything is good about our voter registration here in the county which is a good thing but there uh been improvements to the things going on um we met with the director of voter registration Miko Reic about what number one issues are for our county how can we um be better citizens and you know update a registration etc and then the last part um I'll be leading which is going to be uh how how to address how to talk with our elected officials, how to best approach them. And I've given this speech a number of times before different groups, so I think it could be beneficial for the public. So, um, everyone, all the countywide officials were sent invitations and information, and we continue to get the word out. We have a QR code for, um, for signing up. Oh my gosh, I'm not going to talk another two minutes. Um, we do have a QR code. The workshop again is for educational purposes only. Please pre-register anyone who wants to go. Um information booklets are being provided which are very comprehensive. They've been well researched for this county and um we just encourage anyone uh to come especially our elected officials. We had uh Judge Deborah uh Brandham there last night and also Councilman Wiltz was able to drop by before He had a planning

meeting, but he came by towards the end of our program last night. Um, so I I just we thank you. Uh, we thank you for what you do. I thank you for what you do. Um, this is one way, me personally, as your former senator, to continue to give back somehow to be involved and engaged with our community. And I just feel like civic engagement is so very important and um, civility. So, how do we do that? and the workshop um that's one of the main aims of this workshop. So um thank you very much and I have information with me if any of the public here would like to have that. Thank you very much Miss Penry. Uh Mr. Deose, did you say no one else was signed up for tonight? Correct.

Okay. Thank you. Then that concludes public comment and that takes us to item number 6A under public hearing. No votes needed. I'll go ahead and open up the public hearing. This is related to uh an ordinance to amend the ZLDR related to commercial event venues, rural event venues, and rural country clubs. Uh currently second reading is on the agenda for tonight. It's open. Do you have anybody signed up, Mr. Debose? No, Mr. Chair. Anybody present wishing to speaking speak on this particular public hearing? Seeing none, we'll go ahead and close the public hearing on 6A. And that takes us to approval of the minutes under 7A. Do we have a motion?

I'll make a motion we approve the minutes. Mr. Shoe make with the motion. Is there a second? Second. Mr. Tomlinson, any discussion or amendments needed? Seeing none, we'll move to a vote. We'll go remote to Mr. Tucker first. Mr. Tucker, how do you vote on the minutes? Yes. That's a yes from Mr. Tucker. And for those in person, raise your hand if you're in favor of the minutes. It's uh abstain. You okay, we have uh Mr. Shoemake, Connell Kato. I saw his hand at some point. Tomlinson and Jones in favor. And any opposed or abstaining? I just have to abstain due to absence.

We have Mr. Brazil abstain for the record, Miss Hannah. Thank you. The minutes are approved. That takes us to item number 8A. Mr. Mr. Administrator, any other background or update we need before we move this to a motion? Nothing new. Okay, gentlemen. On 8A, this is uh second reading regarding the minor subdivision uh which we discussed quite heavily. Last time, first reading was July 22. Do we have a motion? I move that we adopt a second reading of the ordinance. All right, we have a motion. Is there a second? Second.

Mr. Thompson has a second. Any further discussion? Um, so I was I was absent obviously for the uh the first reading. Could I get a clear definition from our attorney? So this um this ZLDR text amendment would redefine minor subdivisions as anything less than five lots. Um five lots would be the greater than five lots would be the new trigger for major subdivision uh requirements and review processes. Okay. Um are there any um family exemptions?

So there are existing uh exemptions in state code regarding what is defined as a subdivision. Those typically are addressing um partitions of property due to uh someone's passing through their descendants. Um additionally they're exemptions for five or greater acres. But um for this minor subdivision um ordinance, no, it's set at um greater than five lots uh would trigger a major subdivision.

Well, let me and if I can just throw in there, the only change to the amendment is the number. So, we didn't make any other changes. We literally just changed the number from more than whatever it was to more than five. So, just as an FYI, no. So could we between now and the the last reading, could we add a family exemption? So if a a family was dividing 10 acres amongst seven children or six children, it wouldn't become a problem for them.

I could look into that, but um there very well could be some equal protection concerns um implicated in that, but I'm happy to look at it and discuss it with you, Mr. Brazzle, and see if if something could be crafted. Okay. I that that's my only it's not my only concern, but that's my um biggest concern at this moment. I don't have any problem moving it forward is uh as previously agreed, but I do have some concerns regarding that. So, we'll be sure to talk about it between now and the next reading. Thank you, Mr. Brown. Any other comments or questions? So, this is second reading. Mr. Jones,

I'm sorry. Thank you. So, this is second reading. We'll have third reading to go. I think that'll give us a good point in time to whatever amendments we or changes we want to make, we can make. Yes, sir. Thank you. I'm sorry. I guess that's what I was hearing from Mr. Brazzle. Yes, sir. Okay. Okay. Thank you. I don't see any other comments or questions. Uh for those present, Mr. Tucker, anything remote? No, sir. All right. Hearing none. And seeing no further discussion, we'll move it to a vote on second reading for um 8 uh B, excuse me, 8A. All in favor, raise your hand. It's unanimous for those who are present in voting. And Mr. Tucker, how do you vote on 8A? Yes.

That's a yes. It's unanimous, Miss Hannah, for the record. All right, gentlemen. That takes us to item number 8B. This is the ordinance on second reading regarding commercial event venues, rural event venues, and rural uh country clubs. Do we have a motion? Uh yes, Mr. Chairman. I make a motion. Okay, we have a motion. Is there a second? I'll second. I yield. I Okay, we got a second for Mr. Schumake. Um any further questions, comments, amendments?

Yes, Mr. Chairman. I'd like to make an amendment um to the proposed ordinance. So, make a motion that we change from 5 acres to 10 acres minimum lot size in section 27-3 period B um titled rural event venue and section 28-2 period A titled rural country club um this amendment just to clarify. All right, I need a second. Yeah, let's get a second for any further discussion. Do we have a second? I have a second.

Mr. Ko has a second. Yeah, just to provide a little bit more clarity, I think um what this does is two things. One is a protective measure. Um I know there were some concerns about um being able to have rural event spaces within right next to properties um in neighborhoods. So we took the minimum lot size from 5 acres to 10 acres. Uh that expansion kind of prevents, you know, your larger uh track neighborhoods that are coming up, kind of your agricultural neighborhoods, um from having a event space right right next to them. Um, so we think it's a good opportunity and also it's an economic development opportunity I think we can really push out and try to get um some mom and pop venues going forward. So appreciate y'all support.

Okay, we got the motion in the second. Mr. Kato, you have the second everything. He I have nothing to say. He's got everything covered. Okay, we we're on the Tomlinson amendment at this time. Any other questions or comments? Yes, if I may. Mr. Jones. Even though I even though I do not like the ordinance and I'm probably not going to vote for the ordinance, I like your amendment and I will support that. Thank you, Mr. Jones. Thank you, Mr. Jones.

And seeing no other comments or questions, we'll move it to a vote. And I didn't hear anything from Mr. Tucker, so we'll just go ahead and have those vote who are in person. All in favor of the Tomlinson amendment on 8B, raise your hand. You have Shoemake, Brazzle, Conan for those who are in person. Miss Hannah, for the record. And Mr. Tucker, how do you vote remotely? Yes. Okay. It's uh unanimous on the Tomlinson amendment. Now we're back to the original motion and the ordinance. Any further uh discussion, amendments, or questions? I've got a question. Yes. Tuck. Go ahead, Mr. Brazzle. Would would this impact anybody with an existing u business or venue? O

only if they were going to expand that business, anything else? anything that is in existence operating right now um I believe staff you know it's water under the bridge they are permitted they are operating if they did not conform with this they'd be an existing nonconformity and the only way this would trigger would be due to an expansion of those uh venues so let me ask a question regarding barns can I build a 7,000 square foot outdoor barn on my private part property for my private use and this not affect it.

So, if you're building a barn on your property, um chances are if it's for a use, you're exempt from permitting period um per Department of Agriculture and um state statute. So, again, I'm not trying to give it it depends answer to you, but my my point my point is this. Some people build very nice barns, shooting houses, all kind of nice things on their own property for their own use or the use of them and their friends. Um maybe it's just folks they do business with, but but it's not a business activity. They're not charging for it.

Would this have any confliction with that? you know, this is intended only to regulate um venues that are being used for a kind of for rent scenario. Would it would it would it create opportunity or hamper opportunity?

Oh, I think um as drafted, this creates opportunities. Currently, these event venues are are really only allowed in rural areas associated with a bed and breakfast. And that has been a huge hurdle for applicants to to meet. I mean, if you want to run an event venue, um, having to construct some sort of bed and breakfast structure to allow it seems a bit rude Goldberg and and and how you're regulating. So, um, and it's something staff has struggled with. uh staff use this as uh opening the door to a lot of um citizen desires and um applicants they've had come in wanting to do this type of use and just not having a box to put it in. So, the only other point of concern that I have is it's a pseudo reszoning, if you will, for an event space, which I have no issue with someone having an event space in the country. I think that's cool. You got a piece of property, big pond, you want to have a wedding venue, that's great. Maybe a place for the reception, what have you. Um, a lot of those areas don't have the uh the sewer or the water for the fire protection that a commercial space or an industrial space would have. So, is is that going to be a blockade? Is that going to trigger something that would cause a blockade for people to be able to do this on those properties?

Because if it if it is, it's kind of fruitless. So there there may be practical impediments to um some property owners being able to have an event space on their property. I think some of that would be dependent on the scope of the space that they uh wanted to um erect and again what services are available. But it's it's not dissimilar from um say someone with a rural property wanting to um just operate a a plain old business out of it or a restaurant or shop where they have invitees from the public.

So what what's the trigger for a sprinkler system? So sprinkler systems are are highly dependent on what someone wants to do. If you have a structure that has a kitchen in it, I believe state law allows you to have up to 99 people without having a firewall, but you still might have a sprinkler system. So, um I I believe I think there's a square. I think there's a square footage trigger.

I think it's generally 5,000 square feet. And so it it ultimately becomes a business decision. If I could just comment on it, uh Mr. Brazle for the person who wants to develop something something like this or spend the money on their property. It's if you're going to build 7,000 ft², you make a business decision about I I can host a larger event, put more heads and beds, and uh it's worth the additional cost. Or you build 4,999 square feet and have uh have less construction costs per square foot based on not having a sprinkle. It has to do with fire area. So you could have a larger building, but you would put in fire barriers to reduce the square footage of each fire area. Okay?

There's a gentleman we're working with now. That's a perfect example. He had a uh an occupant load in the 290s. So we were able to put in a firewall to separate specific areas so he could have a certain amount of people in each area. And he didn't have to have a structure system. Considerably less expensive to do a fire barrier. Okay. So, you're saying you could do nine or 10 or 12 thou? I think it used to be a 12,000 square foot trigger.

So, you are going to be allowed to by your maximum square footage and yes, it's going to be uh I think 12,000 for the A2. No, for the A3s and 5,000 on the A2s. I'd have to check and see, but there there are ways to navigate. Yes, absolutely. Okay. Though I can't design it for you, I can give you a little guidance and say, "Look at this specific code section or have your design professional look at this specific code section and it may help you out with what you want to do." Yeah. Shoot them straight. Yeah. Exactly.

Yeah. Yeah. Tell them what they can and can't do. I like that. So, I think this is good. I just All those concerns have been in the back of my mind since the conception of this ordinance, so I can support it tonight. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Brazle. Any other questions, comments? Mr. Chairman, I'd just like to ask a couple questions. I've had a few uh texts recently about this. I just wanted to confirm that the for equinim related um activities like horse shows kind of similar to the rodeo out 34 um and ecoin clinics. This doesn't have any effect on them going forward. Right.

I would defer to Mr. Abscowski, but I believe a lot of those ecquin uses are already specifically contemplated in the um table of uses. Um this is intended to address kind of wedding reception areas um you know, graduation parties. Yeah. Event more event space. Events. Yes. We've got Mr. Joey at the mic. Yeah. No, I I completely agree with you've been deferred to. Uh so yes uh your current code actually allows those uh uses. So that this this text amendment does not impact the allowance of those uses. Thank you. That's what I thought. I just wanted to confirm. Sure. Appreciate your help. Absolutely.

Any other questions, comments? Mr. Tucker, anything remote? Yes, sir. Um just remind them I don't know who stood up was answering Russell's question. I had no idea who it was. That was Mr. Mr. Joy Adams Ruskcowski. He means before. Oh, before that's who stood up last before him. Oh, before him. Let him know I'm Yeah, I'm blind. I can't see. So, introduce themselves. Okay. I guess they assumed you were uh looking on the screen. We'll make sure we announce all names for you. Okay. Thank you.

Yes, sir. Any other questions? Okay. Hearing none and seeing none here, we'll move to a vote. On second reading for 8B, all in favor present, raise your hand. We've got Schumake, Brazil, Connell, Kato, Tomlinson in favor. All oppose who are present. Mr. Jones in opposition present. And then uh remote Mr. Tucker, how do you vote on 8B second reading? Yes.

That's a yes from Mr. Tucker. For the record, Miss Hannah passes on second reading. All right, that takes us to item number 8C. This is second reading. Uh any new developments, Mr. Administrator, we need to be aware of before we move to a motion. Just um just a little update. So, the town of Elgen did vote on this. Um and so this is just more of a contingency should anything fall through. They're still in a negotiation phase, so we didn't want to lose valuable time. Okay. Okay. So, this will be a back stop for them if they need us to assist for a short period of time, 90 days. Do we have a motion on second reading on 8C? I will move that we accept second reading on 8C.

Mr. Schumick has the motion. Is there a second? I'll make the second. Mr. Bzel has the second. Mr. Shoemaker, any discussion? I just appreciate everybody supporting this. Obviously, we're a small county and our municipality sometimes are smaller except for that behemoth Camden. Uh, but over in Elgen, they can use the help. So, I appreciate you guys helping them out. better catfish stomp this year. That's right. That's right. Mr. Browsley, you have the second. Yeah. Bring back the rods. Absolutely. Mr. Browzer, you have the second. Any comments, questions? No, no comments. No, just h happy to be able to support Elgen. That's all.

Thank you, sir. Anything else from those who are present? Seeing none, we'll go to Mr. Tucker who's remote. Mr. Tucker, any comments, questions, amendments? No comments. I vote yes. Okay. Well, with that, we've got the remote vote. Yes, Mr. Tucker. For all those who are present, raise your hand if you're in favor. On 8 C. Miss Hannah, for the record, it's unanimous and passes. Second reading. 8C. This takes us to 8D, a third reading. Mr. Templer, I know you were going to have some discussions between last reading and now. Any updates for us before we move to a motion? Just other than the way we've removed all the stops and we're ready to proceed. Okay. on 8D third reading. This is regarding uh

Mr. Chairman, I think you might have your numbers different than I have. Yeah, 9A. I do. You have AD? Yeah, Jimmy doesn't have Oh, well, hold on. I didn't get the highlighted corrected agenda. Let me I'm I'm going to cheat real quick and piggy back off. And while you're doing that, Mr. Chairman, I guess we can clarify for the record that the one that is labeled corrected agenda is the agenda we adopted for tonight. Correct. All right. So, that moves us to item number 9A, resolution approving intergovernmental um judicial services agreement u related to the magistrate's court and we just heard from Mr. Temper on 9A regarding the resolution. Do we have a motion?

I'll make a motion. All right. Mr. Thompson has the motion. We have a second. I'll second. Mr. Schumick has a second. Mr. Tomlinson. Um, can we have staff kind of provide some background information?

Sure. Um, members of council, what you have before you is just an agreement that will allow uh Kershaw County magistrates to um help the city of Camden out with their their bond hearings over at the jail. They have two judges over at the city. Um and so they're constantly on a every other week rotation and just to try to get a little bit of a a breather in their their rhythm over there. Um this was in discussion for some time. We uh I spoke with Judge Davis who was in in communication with Tommy Morgan over at the city. So all parties are in agreement. This just allows us to interface uh and set bond for city charges over at our jail. And there is a a funding mechanism that will allow us to recoup the the the time and pay for pay our magistrates that work for the city. That's all been worked out as well.

Okay. So, just to kind of sum it up, I've had had a few judges call and they were saying they're over their head in the bond coverage. Um, yes. And it's just being able to help and and that is and it's going to help us out with the jail if we can get people out on bond with the jail. Correct. I was just about to say that is an important function with our current state of things over there. So, Mr. Templer, will this be fulltime with our magisters or would this be strictly just managed by the chief magistrate?

So, yes, he has some or a lot of latitude in there to make adjustments on the fly. It doesn't paint him into any corners or any anything like that. He he he can make adjustments as needed based on his what's going on over in our magistrate's office. So obviously we will remain the priority, but we're certainly willing to help out over there. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Shay, go ahead.

Yeah, I this came up before us last time. I asked that we defer it so that we could talk to the judges and I appreciate Mr. Templar doing that. I've had the opportunity as well to talk to some of our municipal judges in Camden and magistrate judges uh here for Kershaw County and they've all been in support of this and so I appreciate Mr. Templar going back and talking to them to make sure um you know that that they're on board with this. So it doesn't cost us any money and it provides needed coverage for our municipal partners in Camden. So I obviously fully support. Thank you Mr. Schemeck. Any other Mr. Brazzle? Yeah. One last point of clarification. I think maybe Mr. Tucker has something as well. Mr. Tucker, if you like to go ahead, you go first, sir.

No, sir. I yield. Go ahead. I'll wait. Um, my only concern is that it would take away from court time or opportunity for us to move cases through on the county level. Is that is that an issue? No. These are outside of the the regular bench time that these magistrates would have. This is just a specific function to essentially unarrest somebody over at the jail for release or bond and to keep them in there. So it it is a function. It typically takes place at 8 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon. So and and it's understood that there is a rotation. So um we have a a new magistrate coming on. So any any any conflict time conflicts?

Not that I'm aware.

If one if one appears, can we undo this? Yes, the the the key uh operative cause in all of this and the actual agreement is under section two services where the it says the county comma with approval of the chief magistrate comma will provide x y and z services. So um talked to judge Davis about that. I think everybody's very clear that the discretion to provide these services and at what level is wholly rest with him and as Mr. Templar referenced. Obviously, the um county handling its business will take precedent, but um yeah, if if it becomes an issue or a point of friction, um Judge Davis is again wholly in control of the um provision of services

and council can recall this if necessary. Correct. Yes. I mean, y'all could void this, but again, um, as structured, it is essentially what Judge Davis is willing to do and nothing more as structured. Okay. Thank you, sir. Thank you, Mr. Brazzle. Any other questions, comments? Mr. Tucker, yes, sir. Mr. Tucker.

Yeah. Um, Councilman Brazzle and Councilman Schm kind of covered it. Uh, my question was, um, this is has a, um, indefinite date. Is that intentional or um do we want to put a date on it? I didn't see it on my copy here, which I I've just got the agenda. And um the other was um with the compensation that's not costing Kershaw County um taxpayers. That's coming from another coffer. Am I correct?

Yeah, correct. On the funding and um the term of this is triggered on the effective date, which is essentially date of passage and signature. Uh, Mr. Tucker, there was some um logistics early on in that the Kershaw County Magistrate Court did not believe it would have an additional judge until January. um that timeline has changed now and um given that they might have some availability to provide this coverage um in the coming months. Um the and again having clarified with Judge Davis and all involved the exact parameters and that Judge Davis does have kind of the sole discretion uh the matter was placed back on the agenda because again it is actionable now uh when the magistrates uh court has has their new magistrate judge start. So, I guess you said all that to say no, there's no um drop dead date on this. It's indefinite.

Well, the the term goes until June uh 30 of 26, so the end of this fiscal year. It does have Yeah, it does have essentially an autorenew type setup. Um but either party can provide written notice that they don't want to continue with the agreement anymore. And again, um it is uh it is at the discretion of Judge Davis and yes, council could essentially undo it at any time. Okay. Well, you you answered the question when you gave me the June date. I don't have that my packages there because I'm usually there. So, due to I wasn't able to make it because of medical reasons, um I don't have all that information with me. I just have the um agenda front sheet.

Yeah. Understood. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Any other comments or questions? Mr. Jones.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, members of County Council. Um, I can assure you that this is a win-win for the jail. No question about it. As far as I'm concerned, this I don't need any explanations. U, we did this 25, 30 years ago for a short period of time. It worked out extremely well. And I just want to commend whoever brought this before us tonight because, you know, we've got inmate sitting in jail that's been there a year, maybe longer. You know, we need to get some please out. We need to get some bonds set. We need to keep them moving as a type two facility. We're we're not a correctional facility. We're a jail. And there's a huge, huge difference. So, to whoever brought this before us tonight, thank you. And I certainly support it. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Jones. Any other questions or comments? All right, we're on 9A. Seeing none, we'll move it to a vote for those who are present. All in favor, raise your hand. Miss Hannah, it's unanimous by those who are present in voting. Mr. Tucker, how do you vote on 9A, the resolution? Yes. That is a yes. It's unanimous for the record. Miss Hannah, it passes. Gentlemen, that takes us to new business. We're on number 10A, placed on the agenda by Councilman Sammy Tucker Jr. with the Finance Committee. Do we have a motion on 10A?

Mr. Chair, I normally don't make motions across the phone, but I like make a motion that um we um approve um storm water um analysis and um fe study. Yes, ma'am. Yes, sir. We're going to need to hear from you one way or the other. So, thank you for the motion. Is there a second? I'll second. Mr. Schumake second. Mr. Tucker, you had the motion.

Okay. Thank you. So, uh the uh finance committee met uh two weeks ago now will be um week before last and had a very very um informative meeting. Um we were there a couple hours actually and we got a chance to hear from the engineers and uh and staff in reference to the storm water um study that we have charged them with coming up with and at this point in time um they're at the point where they need to do an analysis and fee study to see what that looks like uh charging the citizens for storm water. And that's just as simple as I can put it. This will also help um our dirt roads, our other subdivisions like that's like Pecan Orchidge and things of that nature. And that amount is $80,000. And I'm happy to go into where it's coming from or where I would like to pull it from um if you need me be. Um or if there's questions, I can answer those.

Yes, sir. the finance committee would be up to date on that number, but just for the benefit for the rest of council, could you let us know where the funds would be coming from? Yes, sir. So, um, at this particular time, I've talked to staff. Um, that funds will be requesting to come out of our emergency funds, which got 2.5 in it, 2.5 million, and we're asking for the storm water study is going to be approximately $80,000. So, we would like to pull that out of emergency reserves. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Um, any further presentation or recommendations uh from you before we hand it off to the second?

Uh, no, sir. I I just thought it was very uh informative information that they gave us and I'm pretty sure Danny or one of the staff members be happy to go over or uh in detail or one of the council members. Okay. Uh, council members, any other question? Mr. She make I think you have the second.

Yeah. Just you know this comes about from you know obviously pecan Orchard is something we've talked about here but you know not just Pecan Orchard. Here's an example of what we're talking about. There's this funky state regulation called MS4 which basically says certain urban-like areas have special regulations for lack of a better word. And as we're a growing county so many of the areas in our county that used to be considered rural are now considered part of the MS4. What that means is even though the county isn't responsible, for example, for a drainage pond on a neighborhood, if DHCK comes into an MS4, which is basically at this point all of Elgen, it's about to be all of Lug. If DHCK comes into an MS4 and a drainage pond for a neighborhood isn't up to par, even though the county doesn't own it, the county gets fined. Richland County a few years back was fined millions and millions of dollars, negotiated down to a few million for this exact issue. The only way to address issues like this is to look at standing up a stormwater department. Maybe it doesn't make sense, maybe it does. This is a required legal first step. And that's just one example. Um, we get calls routinely about retention ponds that a developer has has sort of passed off but passed off to no one. They they literally have no owners on the tax map. So, that's the type of thing that a storm water department needs to look at. Not to mention the roads, the runoff, and numerous other issues. And so that's one of the reasons that the finance committee is recommending this. Um, and again, there's in the big agenda packet, there's a whole slew of stuff, but I think the one that jumps out to me is, you know, just the retention ponds alone are are something that could put this county into a, you know, eight figure hole with the state.

Thank you, Mr. Schumick. Any other questions or comments? All right, seeing none, this would require a vote on um 10A and it would be a vote on acceptance of the recommendation for a feasibility study and the expenditure of $80,000. I want to make sure I have that correct, Mr. Deose. That is correct. Okay, we'll move it to a vote then seeing no further discussion for those who are present. All in favor, raise your hand. It's unanimous by those who are present in voting. Uh Miss Hannah and we'll go remote. Mr. Tucker, how do you vote, sir? I vote yes with a thank you to my colleagues. Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. So, Miss Hannah, it's unanimous and AA uh passes and the funds will be allocated.

Mr. Chairman, Mr. Brower, could I make one small comment?

Sure. Um, I was able to attend that finance meeting and and just listen and uh listen to the presentation and the concerns that Derek just spoke about and um Jonathan Hog made the presentation. And I just wanted to say that he as our county engineer did a very good job of explaining the the reasons why. And I was very impressed with the presentation. And um sometimes things seem odd and and how we arrive at this and how this finishes, I'm not quite sure, but I know that his the the intellect and the thought that went into trying to make sure that these these old subdivisions are properly cared for and that the the dirt roads in Kershaw County are able to be maintained and and everything that goes along with that um I was quite impressed that day. So, I just wanted to to brag on him a little bit and and to say thank you to him and and the entire staff and engineering team here at Kershaw County as well as our administrator for having that brought before us.

Thank you, Mr. Brazzle. Mr. Administrator. Oh, go ahead, Mr. Tucker. Uh yes, sorry about that. I just want to piggyback on um vice chairman's comments and if um and our administrator can make this decision as well, but uh that presentation at any time uh if council wants to have that before all seven of us um I highly recommend it um at whatever appropriate point because it was just that informative as the vice chair said. So just putting that out for thought. Thank you Mr. Tucker. Mr. Templer. Yes, sir. I was just going to mention that Jonathan is here tonight. we have members of the the storm the ad hoc committee um and he has a

a version of that that just simply puts forth what this uh this ad hoc committee came up with um and I commend them for their time and effort that that was valuable information good cross-section of the community um but Jonathan is prepared if y'all would like to to see that um it's not a million slides it's probably about 10 slides but it's just very um very good information. I don't know if we need to see it tonight or we're good. They were good. Yeah.

I mean, how about forward us the slides and so everybody can digest them and if they have follow-up questions, we'll do that. He's uh he's excited about that. I did want to recognize those who are on the stormwater ad hoc committee. Uh thank sometimes you get appointed and you're like, "Okay, what did I get volunte?" But um I just wanted to mention Jay Johnson, Brian Cox, Jess Coulter, Molita Raven, Billy Smith, Bob G and Georgie who we have here tonight and also George Delk. We appreciate your service and you can see it's turning into results. Often these things are either statutoily required. Um you have to do a feasibility study before you can determine if there's going to be assessment. And it's important in Kershaw County at this time because in some ways we lean heavily on sewer to try and pay for storm water when really they're different. and we haven't had a storm water um organization or or real dedicated approach up until this time. And so this was an important step. I appreciate you gentlemen and ladies serving. If there's nothing further on that item, that'll take us to item number uh 10B. This is a finance committee update on Pean Orchard. And beyond an update, are are we going to have a vote? Is there any uh seeking of funds under 10B?

Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman, we'll we will be seeking funds. Um I would like to make a motion on the amount and then go into explaining here in just a little bit. Yes, sir. Please, your motion.

Uh I'd like to make a motion that we fund phase one of PCAN Astridge uh for uh $350,000 that will be coming out of the emergency reserves as well. And I'm happy to explain any further. Oh, sorry. in my motion to I would ask staff to continue to pursue the grant and any other funding that can come in and will come in because the the phasing of this in phase one is going to be spread out as well. So the grants and stuff that we're pursuing and any other thing um use that money first or replenish the reserves because we are still chasing some grants and things of that nature.

Okay, Mr. Mr. Tucker has a motion on the table. Is there a second? I'll second. Mr. Ko seconds. Mr. Tucker, any further discussion?

Yes, sir. So, um, this right here would be once again the funds come out of emergency reserves. Um, you heard what I said about continuing uh seeking other ways to uh to pay for this. This would be what we call phase one uh which at the very probably first six months there's going to be approximate cost of about $60,000. Um the reason why the finance committee wanted to fund the entire project so we can have our utility providers to know that we're in the game to complete phase one. So that was very important coming from our our engineer, our county engineer. So I wanted to make sure of that. But also I want to make sure that we replenish this money back in reserves or pay for it outright um as we continue to search other means and ways to pay for this.

Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Any further comments or questions, Mr. you make.

Yeah. I just want to say briefly, I think anyone who attended the last finance committee probably knows that I have had and have some of my reservations about this, but I want to just point out this is a really good example of what sort of compromise looks like, talking through things looks like. You know, Councilman Jones and I, Councilman Brazil and I have talked about this, Councilman Tucker, uh, as well. and I have my reservations, but you know, these guys have done a really good job sort of explaining the importance of this uh for those folks out there and in spite of those reservations, I'm moving forward on this and I just think this is a really good example of how we may not always be 100% on something, but you know, I trust the gentlemen that are up here with us and I appreciate your hard work and advocacy for these folks and you know, I hope it all works out great and certainly you have uh my vote for this tonight.

Thank you, Mr. Schum. Amen. Any other comments or questions?

Yes. I just like to say thank you to this county council, but I also want to recognize our engineers. They did a great job when I walked in the last finance committee. I think it was finance committee meeting. I came in a little bit late just to hear some things going on. But just listening to them talking how how they helped us understand how we should do phase one and and that's in its completion and phases one two three whatever it is wouldn't be a bad thing overall. But but thank you to the engineers for that and uh where if they're here wherever and I want to thank you county council for being open-minded and you're right um we we we have sat down we've talked about some other issues and that had a big effect on me understanding some of the other issues we had on the agenda tonight as well. But thank you so much and for your support of this. I appreciate it.

Thank you Mr. Jones. Any other comments or questions? Seeing none, I'll I'll go ahead and um comment before we move it to a vote and actually ask Mr. Tucker, how many phases and what projected additional costs might there be? Or is this phase one and completion of phase one what the finance committee is seeing as is what needs to be done uh legally and what we can do practically with the lowlying nature of it for the pecan orchard.

Yes, sir. So, Mr. Chair, um you you hit hit the nail on the ham hammer. Um the uh phase one uh was served the most benefit. I guess that's the word I use to the citizens. Um, and that means completion of phase one. And um, what the finance committee did was we we briefly talked about phase two and briefly talked about phase three, but you can't get to first, which I mean, you can't get to second with your foot on first. We took the baseball approach. Let's conquer phase one and then as we develop and stand up uh storm water and other entities and continue to dig for money, we'll look and see what phase two is going to cost and where we're at with that. But right now, the finance committee mostly focused on phase one.

Okay. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Um, I can support this tonight, but I just will comment I had my own heartburn on this after looking at the historical documents that indicate um disclosures made to the private property owners and the developer historically before the road system was taken over by the county that uh they needed to work on their engineering. They needed to figure out quite a few things related to storm water and drainage which apparently never happened. And so now the county is in some ways holding the bag. Um, the engineers I speak with indicate that in order for it to be a county standard road, and what the county did was take over a a non-conforming road in a non-conforming state, and it would have to remain that way because according to the engineers, you'd have to tear the houses down and do about 3 or 4 feet of fill within the subdivision because of its low-lying nature to drain it properly and make it county standard roads. And so I think this is going to be our best effort to to try to address some of the issues in there given the historical context and and just the geographic and um to topographic nature of that subdivision. Uh it's beautiful and pecan trees apparently like a lot of water and like sometimes lowlying areas and that's just the nature of that subdivision. But I can support it tonight.

Mr. Chair, may I? Mr. Jones, Mr. Temple, I'd like to thank you as well. Thank you, sir. You and I've had a lot of discussion about this over the last year or two or whatever, and I know you've been out there. You've been upside down all around, and I appreciate it. And uh just everybody's support tonight. Thank you. All right. Thank you, gentlemen. Let's move it to a vote for those who are present. All in favor, raise your hand. Miss Hannah, it's unanimous by those who are present in voting. And Mr. Tucker, how do you vote remotely? Yes.

A yes from Mr. Tucker remotely. Miss Hannah, it passes. Uh 10B. All right. That takes us to item number 10 C placed on the agenda by Councilman Derek Schoemaker. Uh ZLDR rewrite procedures and related requests. Mr. Shoemaker, is there a motion?

I do. I have a motion. Uh I make a motion that Kershaw County Council request that the chairman under section 5.2 Two of the amended and restated ordinance determining rules and order of business establish the ad hoc smart growth rewrite committee as outlined in the document titled smart growth rewrite committee and that we adopt the document as the findings and directions of council to set forth the specified task limited purpose and limited duration of this committee. This document has been included in the agenda packet provided to council members and to the public and for council members it's new business and it's in the PDF that was posted. That is my motion. All right, you've got a motion. Thank you, Mr. Shoemake. Is there a second? I'd like to second the motion. Mr. Brazzle has the second. Mr. Shoemake, your motion's on the table.

Yeah. So, I won't read the whole thing. Obviously, it's a it's a lengthy document and um I've been working on this and discussing this. I've had individual discussions with each of you up here. So, none of this is a surprise to anyone here, but just for members of the public, what this is doing, as you many of you know, we have the comprehensive plan that should be coming in front of us in September. The planning commission has finished their version of it. It's with the contractor. It will hopefully come back with some minor revisions that may be legally required and then come to us for passage. The second we pass the comprehensive plan, it is time to get started with the really important work and follow-up step of rewriting the entire zoning code. If you go online, that's a 300 plus page document that goes into how people build sheds, uh, the event venue, everything we've talked about, many of the things we've talked about tonight are in the ZLDR. And every decade or so is required to be revisited. The growth in Kershaw County that everyone else has seen is enormous. Just a couple quick points. We grew 6.01% from 2010 to 2020, last census period. We have already grown on best estimates twice that in only five years. If we assume a 2% growth rate for the remainder of the decade, which by the way is very conservative because we've only had one year with a less than 2% growth rate. We are looking at a growth rate of just under 24% at the end of the decade. Four times what we did the decade prior. We're already seeing it. We see it in our schools. We see it on our roads. We see it in Pan Orchard. The only way to combat that is really smart zoning. So, we have to take that lead. I do think it's important. Planning Commission serves a vital role and they're integral in this process. But what this process does is sets up a committee that would have the first draft of the ZLDR that will have council members on it that will come to council first and that is so the body that has to answer to the public is the body putting pen to paper to draft these

documents. It puts us in the driver's seat and blunt bluntly it puts us in the blame seat. So, it's our responsibility to make sure we grow this the right way. This is a continuation on a lot of the smaller things that we've worked on together. You know, Councilman Brad and I have talked at length on the uh minimum lot size issue. We've had the moratorum, the minor subdivision. All of this is sort of band-aid patches to do this important work. It's not sexy, but in my opinion, this is the most important work this council is going to do in the next five years. Thank you, Mr. Shoe. Mr. Mr. Browley, you have the second.

Yes. Thank you, Chairman. Um, very well stated, Councilman Schumake. I'll say this. Um, it wasn't easy at all to get to the point of a moratorum and it came with heartburn and I don't want any of that to be in vain. Um, I feel like the opportunity is now to get this right and to put our heads together and do the work that basically shapes Kershaw County for the foreseeable future. Um, we can either bicker and argue and screw this up and not have a smart quality growth future or we can we can get this right. We can nail it. And I think we've got the team and the council and um all the commissioners on the planning and zoning board to to do this and do it right. Um I think an ad hoc committee smart. I think this is the way to do it and to get public input and um there's no question Kershaw County is going to grow. There's no question that there's going to be future development. Uh we're not against growth in and and building of homes. I just know that if we do it the wrong way and if we don't have a vision and a future, Kershaw County is um is going to is going to look really different than than it can. So I appreciate Derek's work on this. I appreciate you putting this together and bringing it bringing it to us. And um we've got just about seven or eight months now to get it right. and I intend to help do that.

And and Mr. Chair, if I may just quick I for the benefit of the public. Yes, sir.

The way this committee would work is it would have seven members. Two members would be from county council. One member would be from the planning commission. The other four members would be members of the public recommended to the chair. Based on our rules, the chair picks members of the ad hoc committee, but that would be the basic makeup. Uh vice chairman Brazzle and Chairman Connell would serve as advisor members. So, they'd be part of any meetings they wanted to be part of. So, you know, you'd have substantial council input, which was kind of the goal of this. So, there's council input along the way. So, Chairman Brazzle, I vice chairman Brazzle, Chairman Connell, and then whatever two members of the council let up on the committee would be sort of the steering committee as to council. A planning commission member is selected by Chairman Connell, and then four members of the community to be selected at probably hopefully our next meeting by Chairman Connell based on input from council. So, sorry, chairman. I just want to make that clear.

Thank you, Mr. Schumick. Any further comments, questions? Um, yeah, m Mr. chairman, while we're while we're looking at it or do we need I don't know if we need to vote on it, but I Derrick's put a lot of hard work in into this and appreciate you um getting this document prepared and I agree that going forward, but I'd like to make um or recommend nominate um Derek to serve as chairman of the committee. Okay. Thank you. I think we do require a vote to actually form it. Um at least I think Mr. Schumix is requiring a vote, but thank you for the recommendation. with all his work on it. That's intuitive in many ways. Thank you, Mr. Tomlinson. Um, any other comments, questions, Mr. Jones? Mr. Kato, who who wants it? If I had one,

hold on, we got three of them in line. Go ahead, Mr. Kato. If I had one recommendation on the four people, I'd like to see at least one from different areas of the county and not just be Camden or Lugoff. I'd like to see one from maybe District 6, one Camden, one from Lake Watery, one from Elgen. Yeah, Mr. K2. I'm going to get y'all's feedback on that over the next two weeks and I'm reserving uh appointment of uh civilian members of the committee until the next meeting and so we'll just talk about that as it's been brought up tonight and would have to pass a vote to actually be created. Thank you, Mr. Kato. Mr. Jones was next and then Mr. Tucker.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of county council. You know, initially I was not really in favor of this. Of course, I hadn't read it. Derek did give me a copy and I appreciate the more I read it, the more I felt like I understood it. And this takes no authority away from planning commission who I think has done an outstanding job in any way, shape or form. It it goes back to what you and Russell had just said is that it it's more transparency puts more eyes on it is also you know I think it even helps give planning and zoning some direction you commission. So I mean after I really read it and looked at it I did understand it better and Councilman Schumck you did a good job on this one. I'm going to support it. Thank you Mr. Jones. Any further comments or questions? Anything remote, Mr. Tucker?

Yes. I just Well, you told us to hold it, but I'm gonna say it now since you gave me the mic. Along those same lines, um I know Councilman Kato was asking about someone from District 6, but I would also as far as the council appointee, I would highly recommend Brent Thomasson for two reasons. one um he's been involved in this from the beginning as well, but he's on the Camden side of the river and she made his on the uh west side of the river. So that gives out two representatives from um both sides of the county just planting that seed. Mr. Chairman, thank you, Mr. Tucker. As Mr. Schumake is trying to throw gang comments. Um all right, any other comments or questions before we move to a vote?

No, I just I I just can't believe that I agree with what Mr. Tucker just said. Thank you. Must be the medication. All right. So, as to formation, as to formation, we'll move it to a vote on Tensy. All in favor uh who are present, raise your hand. Miss Hannah, it's unanimous for those who are present in voting. Mr. Tucker, how do you vote remotely? Yes.

That's a yes from Mr. Tucker remotely. So, it passes unanimously. And before we move on to the next agenda item, um I'll go ahead and and take the chair's authority to appoint Mr. Shoemake as the chair of this committee which we've just formed and uh I think it's natural and I was thinking about this already someone from the Westwater area and the Eastwater area Mr. Thomasson just gave me the nod he's willing to serve and wants to help out and so I appoint Mr. Thomasson as the second council member and then I'll confer with councel uh privately or otherwise over the next two weeks before we appoint members of the public. Thank you very much gentlemen. Miss Hannah, it passes. All right, that takes us to uh council member briefings. Mr. Mr. Kato, do you mind going first again? Sure. I'm going to be short this sweet.

Go ahead.

U, we had an incident this week that, uh, I want to bring to everybody's attention. Of course, most people already know, but the importance of our our school bus stops and we had a young child hit this week up on Lockheart Road. And so I I want to I want to caution not just parents but drivers during this school year to be extra cautious with these school buses and school bus stops as some of these children uh may get a little bit too close to the road sometimes. But I want us to I want us to really stop and pay attention to to what's going on around us especially during u school times during the morning time and the evening time. Um, I I don't know this person uh personally, but it could have been a lot worse than what it was, and it was bad enough as it was, but it could have ended in in in tragedy, and I'm just glad it didn't. So, I just ask that we all be a little bit more cautious during these school days. And secondly, and lastly, uh the 49th annual uh Shrine Club Jamberee will be held this weekend, Friday night. It'll be held this year at North Central High School. It will kick off at 6:30 with Ellie versus Lakewood. It'll follow by Camden versus Blewood and then North Central and Calhoun County will be the last game of the night. So, I encourage anybody that would to come out to North Central and support the three county teams. And this this 40 49th annual Jamberee. Thank you. That's all I have.

Thank you very much, Mr. Kater. Mr. Tomlinson.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have a a few things. Um, one I wanted to to highlight, I've had some citizens from the Maver Hill area um, kind of in constant contact regarding the airport for farms um, development that's coming up. That was Blue Banning and Zoning um, a year ago, I would I think, but they had some concerns about the exit and entry off of Beverly Hills. I know that they have big issues with flooding during heavy heavy rains on the other side. um and wanted to see if they could potentially sit down with the developer, maybe talk to somebody with planning and zoning, maybe just see if there's something that a developer would be willing to maybe make it a emergency egress um spot, but just seeing if there's some way to work and then also the retention pond um kind of where that's going since there is some flooding issues. Just making sure that all that's done and I'm sure that our staff has been very diligent about it, but if y'all wouldn't mind, I can send you the names. I don't want to mention them on here, but just wanted to highlight that. And then also, please keep the families in your prayers of Judge Michael Stegner, who recently passed away, the stagger family. He he was a judge for over 20 years. Um, an attorney, my a personal friend, his father, he's a great guy, great steward for Camden. And then also Miss Jean Holland. Uh, so the Holland and Brandon family. Miss Jean passed away on Sunday. So, please keep their families in your prayers.

Thank you very much, Mr. Tomlinson, Mr. Jones,

just a couple of things briefly. Um, Councilman Brazle, to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers go out. I know what you've been going through with uh your wife's mother and uh we all send our prayers from the Jones family. I'm sure you're here as well. And also with Mark Barfield, your cousin, what a guy. He was really a great guy. You his mom was a legend in this county. She worked here many, many years. So our our thoughts and prayers are always there. And Mr. Tucker as well with his with his dad. You were a good son, Sammy Tucker, you took care of your dad, your family, and uh you'll be rewarded for that one day. But anyway, I just wanted to say that before I get into the this other stuff right quickly, if we could, uh Mr. template. Is there any way I'd like to get a recreation department update at the next county council meeting? I've had a couple of people call and um just some things that we we can talk about later on, but I just want to run them by you as well. Um also the uh the impact fee. I had some people call me and I don't know that anything can be done, but um it was like for a replacement mobile home. I think they were saying they were going to pay $2,000 for a replacement on their mobile home. So, I just want want to take some time and look at that and make sure that I give them the correct information. If that's a mandate, it has to stay that way or is there something we can do to maybe, you know, give them some relief on that. I I don't know. But I probably can't do anything because I voted against it. So, I realize that as well, too. But I'm bring I can I can, you know, run my mouth a little bit and and put this information out there. So, having said that, uh, me Mr. Chair, members of county council, that that concludes my report for the night.

Thank you, Mr. Jones. Um, Mr. Tucker, I'm just looking at your seat. Anything to report?

Very briefly, Mr. Chairman, if I may. I just want to say once again, thanks to the DAS up there, all my colleagues, uh, thank you for your comments, Councilman Jones. I appreciate it very much. Um, I just want the public to know uh, for the ones who who follow us, um, that, um, a lot of good information was at the conference this year, um, that we attended and I learned a lot. We we learned a lot and there's some things that we'll be pursuing and our meetings uh especially the finance as we move forward to try to help us uh move Kershaw County forward. You know, we've got a lot of issues that we have to address that are big big ticket items and um learned a lot on um who we can lean on, how we can do those things, how other counties are doing their business, who's who's building detention centers and and courouses and things of that nature. So, just wanted to let you know that um the conference was a great conference this year and thoroughly enjoyed it. A lot of great speakers as well. That concludes my report.

Thank you very much, Mr. Tucker. Mr. Schumake.

Yeah, just a couple of little things. Shout out to Dobby Elementary School. They um two of their teachers got Palmetto State Teacher Association grants to help out with stuff in their classroom and um excited for that school. And full disclosure, my wife teaches there and I am biased, but it is the best elementary school around. Um, uh, thank you. I know she left, but I know I see, uh, some other folks in here that are involved in the civics's education. So, thank you guys for that. I think it's so critically important. Um, I also don't know if you guys saw the WLTX article, but the Kershaw County Sheriff's Office is the first sheriff's office in the state to start implementing some AI tools with some of their uh, automated processing. Uh, AI is certainly the wave of the future, so it's pretty awesome to see them get on the the lead of that. Um,

it's not going to be like Bojangles. I hope. No, I think the little they ask you what you want and then you have to repeat it. I hope not. Um, but Bojangles is also delicious. The best one is the one that um so um the last thing I want to say is uh this Friday, I know I think it's Friday for you too as well. I moved my son into Clemson. I think you moved your son up there as well, right? Yep.

You know, it's funny this kind of duality of things, right? like nothing makes a man tougher, harder than having a family to support. But at the same time, nothing makes a man softer than having kids. And in that softness, I've been very reflective these last couple of weeks, and I appreciate everyone up here doing this work to make our county better. You know, if I had to synthesize what I hope to ever accomplish doing this, you know, elected official job ever is that I want to make a county or help be part of making a county that my kids can come back to. Getting them to come back is my problem and a whole another slew of issues. But I hope to have a county they can come back to and come work in. And the first step is doing things like what we're doing today. And I know that's the goal of everyone up here who has kids. Some of you have been fortunate enough that your kids have come back here. most of us have smaller children and I think that's a shared goal. So, thank you guys for what we do up here. So, that's that's all I have. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Schumick, Mr. Brazzle.

Chairman, thank you. Um, I'd like to first and foremost thank each and every one of you for uh the the support that that you've shown myself and my wife and our family uh during the time of loss of my mother-in-law uh Kathy Merritt. We uh we got a phone call just hours before the last council meeting. I was actually downtown dressed to come to the meeting when I got the phone call and ended up driving uh to Greenville, South Carolina to where they're from. Um, she was a a loving mother and and wife and a wonderful grandmother to my three children. Um, she will be dearly missed, but I just want to say thank you to each and every one of you. Jimmy Jimmy drove up to the funeral and uh we we we didn't uh we didn't have a uh a way or anything. We we wanted it kind of small, but um Councilman Jones wouldn't have any other way. he found out. So, um, and to all of you that reached out, the the prayers and and emotional hugs were felt from each and every one of you and many members of the community reached out in our church as well. So, um, for all of that, I say thank you. But I as I reflect on that, I've got to I've got to recognize um our community's had some significant loss lately. Um there's a young man, Kaden McGuff, that was killed in a car wreck going to a uh cola wars Christian get together at Camden High School. and my daughter and I I had picked my daughter up the day before

and uh we Kaden's um girlfriend was was a friend of my daughters and it just really hits home. I deep condolences to his family and to um everyone affected. these situations um make you reflect on on family and and and life and how things can change in an instance, but my heartfelt condolences to to that family and friend group in here in the community. And um my good friend Bubba Baker, his son Brent, girlfriend was tragically killed in a car accident. and I didn't have the pleasure of knowing the young lady, but my heart hurts for for the family. I've known Bubba since kindergarten. And um just these are things that that are happening and and there there are others that that I'm not mentioning, I'm sure, or overlooking, but it's real impressive when a community pulls together through these situations and I've seen it and I just want to say one thing that's Christ, okay, at work in in this world here in Kershaw County. That's nothing more than Jesus Christ helping these young people through these situations. Um, and I just wanted to invoke the name of of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, for all of the families to include my father's first cousin, Mark Barfield, passed last night at 7:45. He had a hard fought battle with leukemia. And to to his family, all of my cousins and extended family, I just I want you to

know I'm praying for you and I'm thinking of you as well. And um all of these emotions are still pretty raw for the family, but I don't know how we would make it if we didn't have God in in our lives. And if you don't have faith, if you've never had faith, I'd like to publicly encourage you to look for it. And if if that's not something you you're accustomed to or kin to or disagree with, that's okay. But if you ever change your mind, look me up. I'd love to talk to you about mine. Um, we've got a situation that that's perturbed me, but it it doesn't perturb me as much tonight in light of everything that I just spoke about. Uh, we've had some issues with the building of the the boat ramp down at Veterans Park. I had the opportunity to speak with the owner of Alliance Engineering who's responsible for that project and he told me unequivocally that it will be built correctly. U we've had two concrete pores that had to be um excavated and replaced and I'll ask Mr. Templar to make sure I'm correct in saying that that was at no cost to the county.

Correct. We're holding their feet to the fire in the contract. It may take longer. Um, we're dealing with third party, lowest bid. I'd like to uh like to see it improve. I'd like to see things get better. And as soon as this rain breaks, I'd like to see that boat ramp finished. And it better be the best one ever built. I expect for it to be. They'll be pulling some more concrete out. I can promise you if it's subpar. But again, in light of everything else that I spoke about, that's maybe a little trivial tonight, but it needed to be said,

Mr. Chair. That concludes my briefing tonight. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Brazzle. Um, I'll just say we have great hope in the resurrection. I see those in the crowd who have experienced loss recently. Those who are on the dis or remotely calling in who've experienced loss and we have great hope in the resurrection. Um I'm very thankful for that and grateful that I'm in a position as Mr. Shoemaker and others have mentioned to try to share that faith with my family and particularly my children, the next generation. A few things to report uh gentlemen. First uh we've got Mr. Tomlin and Mr. you make now serving on the smart growth rewrite committee as we just discussed but I wanted to go ahead and um use the chair's prerogative to extend to the extent these folks are still willing to serve by 3 months the stormwater ad hoc committee with the additional funding staff tells me that there's going to be some need for a little bit more work a couple more meetings just to make sure it's done the right way and so to the extent you are willing to serve and staff's going to follow up individually with the names that I mentioned before we want to make sure that the feasibility study starts off the right way and continue so we get good data back to understand what we need to do for storm water in Kersaw County. So that committee will be extended um until November 28, 2025 which is the last business day in November and we'll revisit it at that time if we need to extend further. Uh thank you Miss Farmer for being here. I always enjoy seeing elected officials come and attend the meetings and uh tune in to what's happening in the county. and I wanted to give an update on my service on the SL COG as a member for the Santi Lynch's COG. I haven't been able to make a couple of the meetings this summer due to family travel and vacations with uh three younger kids, but thankfully I made the most recent one. I was there with Mr. Hanley and a few others from Kershaw County. And one of the issues that came up was the Spears Creek wastewater site seeking um approval for increasing their wastewater uh gallons per day from approximately 10

to 12 million gallons per day up to 22 million gallons per day over a 20-year period. And so, of course, we had several questions. We have deferred that vote. They were seeking a vote, but we've deferred that vote to the next meeting to get information about exactly what that means, if any of it's earmarked for Kershaw County. Uh to the extent the the Charlotte I'm just going to call it the interbasin water transfer issue, if that's not resolved and some of the flows reduced in the Watery River, how would that impact Kershaw County's ability to process affluent and have discharge rights, our economic development, our residential concerns as well for sewer? And I just want to put that on y'all's radar that they're looking for almost 100% increase and we need to make sure we understand um what we want there so that I can carry our vote to the cell cog and and give feedback on those issues as it comes because from that side everything gets processed and goes to the watery river. That's all I have for tonight. Um Mr. Administrator, do you have any briefing for us?

Yes, Mr. Chair, I do. Um Mr. Jones, I do have some updates on some wreck projects, but if I don't address anything, you're certainly welcome to reach out with anything specific. So, this is um just kind of some updates on where we're at. Uh Willward Park, we continue to have structures go vertical, concession stands, um equipment shelters, they're e either up and awaiting roofs or utilities are being installed. The water line has been installed from Chestnut Ferry Road. Um, storm drainage is continuing to either temporary or permanent has uh is being established. So, a lot of site work there. Uh, the turn lane has been released for construction and will begin in the up and coming weeks. So, potentially uh the 17th of this month, but um as you know, we're have a lot of rain which is really impacting and hampering several of these projects. Uh Casey West, the rough subgrade, grading for the rough subgrade is has is underway. Uh the expansion of the detention basin, as we talk about storm water, we're putting in imperous surfaces and expanding that. So we have to take care of the storm water out there. Just part of what we do now. Uh drainage materials are on site and uh it seems to be moving along on schedule. Boyd Young Park grading still a lot of dirt um installation top soil infield mix irrigation system uh is being installed fence posts are up but that's intentional without the fence so we can uh install irrigation without um h damaging any fence or anything like that uh Copeland Park again grading and and uh infield mix we had an irrigation

Well, out there, uh, we did have to, uh, go through a change order on that. We had to drill deeper to get the proper PSI of water flow to properly irrigate these these new fields. So, um, it's been something that we have failed to do in the past. When we've installed fields, we put in nice grass with no irrigation, so it quickly goes away. So, um, the boat ramp is, uh, you know, obviously we're being hampered by weather. Um, we've had some setbacks. You know, we faced some challenges, uh, with with these projects. Um, this one's obviously not on time just due to some of the challenges we've had. But, uh, you know, we're still committed to this. This is a community project. Kershaw County is the one entity putting this in and providing this entity or this this amenity. This is a public improvement that's going to greatly increase the uh the recreational opportunities along our river. Um setbacks will always be a part of any public or private endeavor. Um and there's just no way around that. But uh we we do appreciate the public's uh patience and um understanding and uh and their support in these these projects. Uh I you know we talk about building communities and and this is where we're enhancing a community and we're we're installing and and placing in new or upgrading uh amenities that are just going to really impact the quality of life in Kershaw County. I mean these are going to just be top-notch facilities and uh you know we're all going to be proud to have been a part of these things. um they're here for

generations to come. Again, we have setbacks, but these are being built properly. They're going to be here. They're going to they're going to stand the test of time. Um and this is just a an approach to recreation that I don't think Kershaw County has had in in decades. and just really putting in quality features um and and paying attention to the details so they're sustainable and usable for generations to come. So, I I appreciate all the work that's been done on these with staff, with our engineering team, um our contractors. Uh but, you know, I just look forward to having these things done and and filled with people enjoying them. So, Mr. Mr. Jones, if you have any specific question on

Yes, sir. If you don't, excuse me, just one quick question. Are we within budget with the recreation? Yes, we projects all in inclusive.

What we have done is um some like with the boat ramp, we have had change orders. Um some of that was due to we used the uh the old the existing dock that was over on the other side. Obviously, we didn't want to put in a busted up dock that had suffered damage through the years of being used over there. We saved money on that dock, but it needed some repairs. So, um storm water drainage and piping, some stone just for stabilization, um reroute some of the access to the floating dock because once you started looking at these things um in in real time, it just made a little more sense uh to to make some adjustments. So, We're we're we're still on track with that project. Other projects have had some change orders as well.

The ball fields were in we're in financial good shape with that. We're not over what we have done there is through the we anticipated some of these increases um on the projects across the board again to get them done right to get them done across the board. Did it all fall within contingencies? the the contingencies because we're later in some of these projects, the contingencies are get getting lower. But what we did in our capital this year, we set aside money to make sure that we get these projects across the finish line. No debt, right

through right, this is just capital. We cut that capital uh funding out before we started looking at what we needed to do for our capital needs as a whole. So, we have funds set aside. Again, it's it's um we're pulling down our money first uh with the uh with Woodward Park. Um that was always the deal. The hospital money is still sitting there that they were kind enough to donate. So, um everything is is running along um and and we anticipated some of this with these projects as a whole. And you know, if you think about it, these are large projects. There's there's multiple large projects. So, um, we just had to be forward thinking and and look at where where we were with a little bit of trend analysis and and projecting with funding. Um, so I'm comfortable with where we're at.

Mr. Temper, do you have a projected do you have a projected completion date on any of these projects ex with the exception of the boat ramp? I know,

you know, with this weather, I'd be afraid to say. I I would be just as accurate as the weather, man, this week. So, um, you know, as soon as we can, but with what we're doing now with the weather and how wet this month has already been, um, a lot of what we need to do is site work, you know, moving soil and things like that. So that that you're looking at at least two weeks behind now on just with what has fallen out of the sky and you know since one August. So um so it would just be really difficult for me to throw something out there.

Mr. Chair, if I may, Miss Temple specifically uh with the West Complex and Woodward Field, are we within budget on both those projects? Yes, we we haven't overspent on those projects. No. And what we've done is we've drawn down some of the amenities. We've done some value engineering with Woodward. Um the turn lane was funded by CTC with the help of uh the rec commission looking at this project and seeing where they can trim some costs. Um so we've made adjustments but we've not thrown away the the spirit of the projects for saving money but

and we stay within budget. Okay, that that was my main question. Thank you so much. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, sir. Anyone else? Mr. Administrator, is that conclusion? Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Bose. Is anything other than executive session matters for legal briefing? No, Mr. Chair. All right. No legal briefing. Uh, council members, we have two executive session items proposed. One's related to matter subject to attorney client privilege, and another one's related to a personnel and employment matter, both under SE code section 30-4-70. We seek a motion to enter executive session on both these items. No vote is anticipated for the benefit of the public under 14 A and B. Do we have a motion? I'll make a motion we go into executive session.

Mr. Kato has a motion. Is there a second? Second. Second for Mr. Tomlinson. Any discussion at all? Seeing none, we move to a vote on entering executive session. All present and voting, raise your hand in favor. It's unanimous for those who are present in voting. Mr. Tucker, how do you vote? Yes. Miss Hannah a yes from Mr. Tucker remotely. We are in executive session.

Exit executive session. Motion we exit exe. Got a motion. Is there a second? Second. Got a second. Any discussion? Seeing none, we'll move it to a vote for leaving executive session. All in favor? I Miss Hannah, you can document those who are present in voting. We have Mr. uh Mr. Mr. Jones, you're in favor of leaving executive session for the record as well. Mr. Tucker is offline, so he won't be voting. Um, motion for adjournment. Make a motion we adjourn. Mr. Kato, is there a second? Second. Mr. Basel, a second. Seeing no discussion. All in favor, raise your hand. Mr. Tucker's offline. It's unanimous by those who are present in voting. We are adjourned. Thanks everyone.