County Council - Regular Meeting

of May 18th, 2026 to order. I'm going to ask Councilman Ravendale to give me a moment thanks or give us a moment of thanks before we proceed. Let us bow our head in a word of prayer. Father God, we want to thank you for allowing us to come out to conduct some business of our county. Father God, we always pray that decision that we make be in the best interest of the one that we serve. Father God, we're going to pray for mankind everywhere in these United States, especially in aber area. In Christ Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen.

Thank you so very much, Mr. Brown. I hope each and every council person has looked at the minutes of the May the 4th meeting and that if you note anything need to be corrected, please do that at this time. If not, I would appreciate a motion and a second that those minutes be received as written. Wait. So move, Mr. Chairman. Second. Moved by Mr. McCaster and second by Mr. Garvin that the minutes of the May 4 meeting be received as written. All in favor, please say I. I.

Any opposes? Eyes have it and the motion is carried. Again, for those of you who may not have attended any of our meetings before, we have public comments at the beginning of our meetings and we have it in two areas. We have public comments of agenda items, public comments of other matters. Uh public comments of agenda item and I open the floor for that. You will approach the podium. Uh name the item that you want to comment on and then make the comments. Same thing when we close that we go to public comments of other other matters. That mean anything that you want to bring before council at that time you may bring it. Remember this is not a conversation piece. This is a comment. We listen to your comment. If something need to be cor corrected or clarified, we will ask the administration's or the attorney to do that. So, and please try to stay within the three minutes allotted. I will not cut you off if you close to the end, but I'm just trying to say for everyone else try to stay within that time frame. So, now the floor is open for public comments of agenda items. Public public comments of of agenda items. Hearing none, you will uh I just got a note to recognize the FCC

Family Health Center. Yes, sir. Glad to have you with us today. Thank you, sir. I don't want anyone else to take that personal. Everybody in here is important. So, but if he has a title, we just recognizing him. So, thank you so much. Thank you. I want to say something, please. Um, for some reason Stan, I don't know your last name. All I know is Stan. Warblaw. W A R D L A W. Okay. Stan, um, is the CEO at the Family Health Center. And we pass out food with Harvest Hope every first Friday of the month. And when I first met him, I was telling him about our project. He said, "Oh, I'm coming out to help." And he's been out there to help us now twice. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you, man.

Welcome. appreciate it. Next, we're going to close the public comments of agenda items and open the public comments of other matters. If you have public comments of other matters at this time that you would like to comment on, you may approach approach the podium. State your name and the title of the comments and Okay, Sid, come on down. Price is right. Sid Golf on the 250th anniversary of our nation. Times can be revolutionary. The revolutionary war actually began on April 19th, 1775, a year earlier. So it's already 251 years and one month now with the shot heard around the world. The Declaration of the Independence begins with when in the course of human events. That means at any time he continues that one people meaning any people must and may appeal for guidance to the laws of nature and of nature's god. Um on the 155th anniversary of the declaration of independence culage pronounced these words as he was our president. About the declaration there is a finality that is exceedingly restful. It is often asserted that the world has made a great deal of progress since 1776. That we have had new thoughts and new experiences which has given us a great advance over people of that day. And that we may therefore very well discard their conclusions for something more modern. But that reasoning cannot be applied to this great charter. If all men are created equal, that is final. If they are endowed with inalienable rights, that is final. If governments derive their just powers from the consent of the government governed, that is final. No advance, no progress can be made beyond these

propositions. If anyone wishes to deny their truth or their soundness, the only direction in which he can proceed historically is not forward but backward toward a time when there was no equality, no rights of the individual, no rule of the people. Those who wish to proceed in that direction cannot lay claim to progress. They are reactionary. Their ideas are not more modern but more ancient than those of the revolutionary fathers. Also, I've mentioned to to at least one person on council on PBS. If you'd like to start preparing for the 250th anniversary, there's a good series if you've got access to PBS. Uh the the American Revolution. It covers a lot of stuff I didn't know. My wife and I were able to watch it a while back and it was very um historically representative and it filled in a lot of holes for me. Thank you.

Thank you so much Sid for the update and information is power so it's always good to listen to something that's information. Good evening green and street

green. I came before you today because I'm really hurt by the city, the county, and the state of South Carolina for all the hard work that I've done to get a black history museum on that railroad corner and to be neglectful by the city, the county, and the state of South Carolina. I fought hard to get a museum on that corner and I've been disrespected here, city council meetings and elsewhere. And the lie stopped here. C Williams did not want anything on that corner. That was all my doing, all my idea. And everybody gives Cece Williams credit for it. And they need to stop lying. And I don't know what kind of man he is. Ce Williams is a wimp and a rat to take credit for somebody else's work. He's not even a human being. I started this 20 years ago when door around the time when Dora first started. I was the only person of color on there and the younger person on on that on that meeting that board and I worked hard even doing that time to try to get a medium on that corner. When I called Cece Williams a couple years ago to get him involved, he cussed me out, told me off on the phone, hung the phone up in my face, said that he didn't want no parts. I called South Carolina State's president, classman's president. I got in contact with the county and the city. Nobody wanted to come on board with me. I did all this work by myself. By myself. I wrote articles that was in several newspapers in South Carolina. Some of the articles even went across the United States. And I got some highlighted on page two and on page four because when I started this, it was supposed to be a black history museum, not a civil rights museum. So everybody

can donate their work towards it. I also wrote wrote an article on page four sheet number four about what the museum could do when other people don't need it. When Cece Williams read the article, he called me and told me off on the phone again. That museum is not going to have enough room for my stuff and you want other people to bring their stuff there. I say civil rights didn't stop in the 60s and the 50s. Civil rights is still going on today. So in order for that museum to be a success, it needs to keep continual and build on to what's going on today also. And he did not like that. But I'm just sick and tired of people get people giving Cece Williams a credit for all my hard work. I fought for this. I went into churches even during co I collected signatures and everything petitions to get a me on that and Har at the last meeting you really hurt me when you looked at Mr. Williams said, "Well, your husband is gone now. He left out the meeting, but we going to make sure that his crimination come true." That was my truth, not Cece Williams. And the lie stops here today. And I also forming a army to fight against this mess. I don't care if I got to protest that museum before it open, after it open. I don't care. Somebody from this council or the whole council needs to meet with me within the next two or three weeks. I'm tired.

Okay. Thank you, Mr. Green. Anyone else? My name is Gloria Rick Mahhat. I'm William M and I'm going through something about that situation. I hear every week my son is complaining and it's not good for him and making his blood pressure go up and something need to be done about it and the only when you hear thing Cecil music it's not Cece moment it's the state music and anybody should be able to put what they want to put in there from the civil right don't give he don't call the shots the state caller. So I think somebody need to write a letter to William apologize. I think they need to call a meeting because I'm tired seeing my only child hurt by this. Thank you, Miss Glory. Any other comments? Hearing none, we will close the public comment portion of the meeting and we are going to our regular meeting. And first item on the meeting

is proclamation. First item proclamation for GM PMS week and read as follows. EMS week May 17th to 23rd 2026. designate the week of mid 17 23rd 2026 as EMS medical service week

whereas emergency medical services and vital public service whereas the members of the emergency medical service teams are ready to provide life-saving care to those in need 24 hours a day 7 days a week

we have access to quality emergency care dramatically improve the survival and recovery rate of those who experience sudden illness or injury. Whereas emergency medical re medical services fill health care gaps by providing important out of horsefield care including preventive medicine follow-ups and access to tele medicine. We have the emergency medical service uh system consists of first responders, emergency medical technician, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, firefighters, police officers, educators, administrators, prehosp nurses, uh emergency nurses, emergency physicians, trained members of the public and other out of hospital medical care providers. And may we have the member of the emergency service medical service teams, whether career or volunteer, engage in thousands of hours of specialized training and continue education to enhance their life-saving skills. Whereas it is appropriate to recognize the value and the accomplishments of emergency medical services providers by designating the emergency medical service week. Now therefore, the county council for Orangeburg County in recognition of this event do hereby I proclaim the week of May 17th to 23rd 2026 as emergency I mean emergency medical service week. The 52nd anniversary of EMS week premium is EMS week providing outcomes together. I encourage the community to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities in honor of

EMS professions and the essential service it provides. That's right, senior county council chair. How Harry Howard Young County administrative 14 clerk to county council. I get a motion and second to pass this proclamation. Second moved by Miss Coopa Smith and second by Mr. Law Frasier to pass the MS proclamation as read. All in favor, please say I. I.

Any opposes? Eyes have it. The motion is carried. Uh, next item on the agenda is Lucas and I'm going to miss Councilwoman Walker to read that. Mr. Chairman, I'm sorry. Can we um recognize the EMS workers so they could leave? I apologize. I know y'all are busy folks. I appreciate that. Somebody may be having an emergency right now. So, thank you. Thank you so much for all you do. Okay. Be safe. Have a nice summer.

Thank you, Mr. Sto. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate you. Okay, M.

State of South Carolina, County of Orangeburg. Proclamation Lupus Awareness Month, May 2026. Sponsor Councilwoman Leticia Walker, proclaiming lupus awareness month for May of 2026. Whereas lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks healthy tissues affecting the skin, joints, kidneys, brain, and other vital organs. And whereas an estimated 1.5 million Americans and more than 5 million people worldwide are living with some form of lupus. And whereas systemic lupus is the most common and often most serious form of lupus affecting multiple organ systems throughout the body. And whereas lupus disproportionately impacts women accounting for approximately 90% of cases particularly women of color who face higher rates of diagnosis and more severe outcomes. And whereas discoid lupus a chronic form of contagious lupus primarily affects the skin and can lead to permanent scarring, hair loss and emotional distress. And whereas lupus is often difficult to diagnose due to its wide range of symptoms and early detection remains critical to preventing long-term damage and improving quality of life. And whereas what I once dismissed as a simple discoloration on the bottom of my feet and blotches in my hair were early signs I did not yet understand. And it was not until I experienced a persistent burning sensation on my face that I sought medical attention and began my journey toward diagnosis. And whereas during one of my lupus outbreaks, I looked in the mirror and did not recognize myself as my complexion had changed dramatically, reminding me of the physical and emotional toll this disease can have on those living with lupus. And whereas as a discoid lupus survivor living with this chronic condition, I stand as a testament to resilience, strength, and

the importance of awareness using my voice to uplift and empower others affected by this disease. And whereas increasing awareness, education, advocacy, and research funding is essential to improving outcomes and ultimately finding a cure. Now, therefore, the Orangeburg County Council, sponsored by Councilwoman Leticia Walker, do hereby complain, excuse me, proclaim the month of May 2026 as lupus awareness month in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. Be it further proclaimed that all residents are encouraged to raise awareness about lupus and its impact, support those living with lupus and their families, promote early detection and access to care, and advocate for continued research toward prevention, treatment, and a cure. In witness whereof, I here unto set my hand and cause the seal of Orangeburg County to be affixed this 18th day of May, 2026. attest Johnny Wright senior our chairman Leticia Walker council woman for district 7 and Connie Nport clerk to council.

Thank you so much Councilwoman Walker for reading that and could I get a motion and a second for pass Mr. Chair second move by Mr. Loris Frasier and second by Miss Cooper Smith that the pass the resolution that was read. All in favor of it, please let no by saying I. Proclamation. Sorry about that.

Any opposers? I have the motion carry. Thank you. Next item on the agenda is audience and you have three uh third reading ordinance. First one is the for consideration of a request from GH I mean GRHH performance Hburg LLC to reszone property at 3029 five chap road in Orangeburg tax map number 0216-005- 026 as far as agriculture district to commercial general district. Yes.

Yes sir Mr. The chairman of planning commission met on April 8th, 2026 to discuss the recommendation uh from GRH performance LLC. Uh the site is made up of one is made up of 12.87 acres. It's going from forest and agriculture and requested to go to commercial general for the purpose of a digital sign. Uh the property's location is um close to Jeff School of Excellence. Uh there are zero citizens that suppress express their support. Zero citizens expressed their opposition. Property owners were notified by mail about the meeting. They were given opportunity to submit comments electronically, by email, by phone or in writing to planning director or meeting in person. Uh the planning commission presents this to you after public hearing discussion with the five to zero approval.

Thank you, Mr. Administrator. Uh council, do you have any question? Now, could I get a motion and second for third and final reading on this item? So move, Mr. Chair second move by Mr. Garvern and second by Mr. Frasier that we pass third reading as described by the administrator. All in favor? I.

Any opposers? Eyes have it. The motion is carried. Item number four, third reading also for the consideration of a request from Ferguson Nent to reszone property at Graveyard Rock Road in Santi. Uh tax map number 0323-07-03 I mean 02- 002 from Forest Agriculture District to commercial general District Mr.

Yes sir Mr. Chairman planning commission met on April 8 2026 recommendation from Mr. open wind. They're requesting to move from commercial general to um from far and agriculture to commercial general. Uh the site is made up of one parcel calculated uh with 19.5 acres. Portion land for zoning is actually 10.91 acres of the southern side of Graveyard Rocks Road. The lot have access from Graveyard Rocks Road and the lot does not fall within the flood plane. Uh the adjacent property owners were notified by mail about the commission meeting. They were given the opportunity to make comments electronically, by email, by phone or to submit in writing to the planning director or attending purpose in person. There were zero citizens that expressed their support. Zero citizens express opposition. Planning commission presents this to you with a five to zero approval.

Thank you, Mr. Administrator. Um any questions? I get a motion, a second for passes of item four. So move, Mr. Chairman. Second. Second. Moved by M. McCaster and second by Miss Frasier that we pass item four for third reading as described. All in favor? I. I.

Any oppose? Eyes have it. The motion is carried. Item number five um also third reading for the consideration of a request from Rockspawn Road Associate LLC to resone property at Roxorn Road Utah tax map number 0372-00-01-00006 for forest agriculture to rural community district.

Yes sir Mr. chairman of the planning commission met on April 8th, 2026 um to make that recommendation for Rocks Pond Associates LLC. They're requesting to go from forest and agriculture to a rural community for the purpose of subdividing for a large track development um near old number six highway. The site is made up of 507.03 acres. The applicant is looking to reszone 100 acres of that portion of that track. Uh the property is adjacent uh to uh is near on number six highway and broaden lane and fredcon road and campground road. Portion of the property proposed for reszoning will be accessed solely by rocks pond road. Uh the property is currently undeveloped and is adjacent properties to the northsoutheast and west of the all zone for high road. Uh property owners were notified about the plan commission. and they were given the opportunity to submit comments electronically by email, by phone and writing to the planning director or attending meeting in person. Uh the information to submit comments was published in the TMD. Uh there were zero citizens to express their support. Two citizens express their opposition. Plan commission presents this to you with a 5 approval.

Thank you, Mr. Minister. Any questions? If not, could I get a motion and second for passing of item five as described? Move to adj by Mr. Garvern, second by Mr. Walker that we pass item five for third reading. All in favor? I I

opposes. Eyes have it. The motion is carried. Next item is also an ordinance for this is second reading and it's item number six and it's an ordinance uh authorizing Orangeburg County to enter into a lease regarding a property commonly referred to as 1520 Russell Street in Orangeburg, South Carolina tax number 0173-14-112 um 010 1 Z where I county shall be the landlord and monish construction cooperation shall be um quickly.

Yes sir Mr. Chairman, this is a lease that we will be leasing a piece of property to Monte Construction uh for the use as part of the construction process of the courthouse. Uh in that uh particular lease, we'll be leasing it to them and they will be using that at the time we instru about. The only other additional information is that the price is consistent with the price for charging anyone who would be uh renting that property.

Okay. All right. Council, do you have any questions? Not. Could I get a motion second for second reading on this item as explained by the attorney and administrator? So move, Mr. Chair. Second. Moved by Mr. Ravenale and second by Miss McCaster for second reading on item six. All in favor? I I.

Any opposes? I have it. Motions carried. Uh item number seven is a resolution and a resolution honoring Liy upon the occasion of their retirement from Orangeburg County. Agree. State of South Carolina County of Orangeburg resolution honoring Lahara Lipson upon the occasion of their retirement from Orangeburg County. Whereas Lahi has faithfully served the citizens of Rberville County as a member of clerk of court department and where she began employment with the county on November the 5th, 2012 and concluded a distinguished career on May the 8th 2026 compelling 13 and a half year of dedicated public service and where during her tenure miss um serve as court clerk demonstrating professionalism, integrity, integrity, and commitment to excellence. And whereas throughout her career, she made a significant contribution. And whereas though her unwrapping dedication and faithful service, Miss Ly has made a meaningful and lasting contribution to county and the well-being of its citizen. realize in addition to her professional duties, she has further demonstrated her commitment to the community through her involvement, services involvement and services beyond the workplace. And whereas her unwavering professionalism continues positivity, signature million-dollar smile, resilient and grit amplifies the very best of leadership and service.

And it is both fitting and proper that the county council recognize and express its sincere appreciation for her exemplary service, dedication, and contribution. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the county council of Orangeburg County hereby commends and honors Miss Li for her service of outstanding services and extend sincere appreciation for the dedication and contribution made to the county and its citizens. Be it further resolve that the county council extend it best wishes to Matt for continued success, good health and happiness in your retirement adapted this 18th day over here 26 Conne.

So move Mr. Chair second by M. Frasier and second by Mer Walker that we pass this resolution as read. All in favor, please say I. I. I have it. The motion is carried. Item number seven is wait a minute now. She's right. She's here. Right. She's here. You know, he's subject to everybody. No problem. No, no, it's not. He told me I had a rush, so I'm sorry. My bad.

No, she's here. No problem. We can do it. Well, I'd like to add my 10 cents worth to Miss Lah. Um, Cliff, would you please bring that bag down? Miss Lahi, on behalf of the Orangeburg County Council members, we'd like to present you with Lou. You want to take a picture of the door? Yeah. Okay. And enjoy your retirement. And whenever you get tired of staying home, come on back and do some volunteer work for us here, please. We beg you. Okay. I'll keep you in mind.

Thank you. behind.

What do you want us to do? Stand behind her.

Let me come stand by. All right. We have good right here. All right. All right. Make sure she between us would be better in the middle. No.

You brought me here. You got everybody everybody ready? There we are. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you. Get your back. All right, we already made the motion and second for

All right, next one is update from the public works department. I yield to chairperson, Mr. Bra. Yes, Mr. Chairman, council, we had one item on our list ran down the court wanted to be accepted into the county uh maintenance system, but the U committee recommended not to accept motion. So move second

move by uh second by Miss Coop Smith that the recommendation coming from the public works commission not to accept the road and council follow through with that. All in favor of it let me know by saying I

I have the motion. Thank you. All right. The next item is the vote for executive session and this is for um discussion of appointment by council and this is allotted under the freedom of information which is code 30-4-7 one for anyone who want to look it up. Discussion of employment appointment compensation promotion demotion discipline or release of an employee student or person regulated by the public body or the appointment of a person to a public body. However, if it's an adversary hearing involving the employee or client is held, the employee or client has the right to demand that the hearing be conducted publicly. Nothing contained in this item shall prevent public body discretion from beating the name of the other employees.

There we are. So can I get a motion second to go in executive session? So second move by M. Cooper Smith, second by Miss Fer that exe session for with no discussion. All in favor I. Any opposes? Eyes have it. The motion carried. Uh before we adjourn council starting from left to right, Mr. Lor says you always want to be the last. Can I say something before you begin? I'll be last. Cliff, run to my car. One more.

All right. All right, you got the floor down. Okay, I have the floor. You would not leave out here if you didn't. Right. I have got to talk, y'all. Um, today we had groundbreaking services and stuff for a new company that's going to be here in Orangeburg. And in the next two years, they will be employing over a thousand employees. And if I'm not mistaken, um, I think the starting salaries will be how much? Wow.

I think I heard something of between 20 and $25 an hour. Um, that's going to boost our economy. We're going to be bursting out of the seams and stuff here in Orangeburg and a whole lot of things will be happening at that time. And um I'd like very much for all of you all to be a part of that whenever it happens because I want to be still around and I want to eat some of the candy and all of that stuff that they got because I like sweets. Now having said that um Mr. F, Mr. Family Health Center Stan, would you please say something to the audience since you're here? I enjoy putting people on the spot.

Donate. Yes, please. The speaker is here. Tell her not to eat candy. Not neither. She can come for a visit. Y'all got a dentist there, too. Good afternoon or evening. My name is Stan Warlaw. I think something is happening. I am the speaker. If not, you can use mine. Is it working? Press the button.

Raise it up. So, good evening. I'm Stan Warlaw. I'm the CEO at Family Health Center. I've been at Family Health Center for about probably about 16 months now. Really enjoying the work uh that we're doing in the community. Um, of course we do uh primary health care, we do dental services, we do behavioral health services and uh you want to know

it's general what general surgery general? No, we just do Yeah. It's primary healthcare. Yeah.

Um we serve about 15,000 patients a year. That averages about 40 something,000 visits. Uh this year 2026, our goal is to serve 16,000 patients with about 60,000 visits. So we are trying to expand. Uh we do have a renovation project that we are undertaking. Um and we do need $2.5 million. So if anybody knows anybody that has $2.5 million, um I would love to talk to them after this meeting. We also do mobile health services where we uh cover not just Orangeburg County but Bamberg, Calhoun and upper Dorchester County. Our mobile services do primary healthc care. Now uh we do have a dental van that we are looking for a hygienist uh to uh go into the schools and do that sort of work for us. So family health center is is expanding. Uh we I really appreciate you all having us and thank you for allowing me to talk. I'll be ready with my threeminut conversation about my 2.5 million but I just wanted to come into the house. You know you don't come to people house and ask for what you need first and come for a few visits and then we'll be back.

Okay. Well, before you walk off, Cliff, would you please come down with the bag? We're coming. No, we want you to go to your own dentist. I need to visit. So, on behalf of Orangeburg County and the council people here, we'd like to present this token of appreciation to you for coming and talking about the Family Health Center. Thank you very much. And I want you all to know that

when the Family Health Center first came to Orangeburg, I was on one of the boards. And I like to brag with people and tell them when you walk inside the building, you look on the re on the on the right and you will see my name engraved there as being one of the first person, let's say, on the board. And believe it or not, I still go there to the doctors, but I don't go there for the dentist. To have you. Yes. But please, please, we got to support the family health center. Um, I still go there and I enjoy going there. The people are very friendly and I enjoyed and thank you very much for coming stand. Appreciate it. Thank you.

Thank you. Again, you got everything. M.

Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman, first of all, I just want to uh say thank you. uh as it relates to EMS, you know, they had to go because a lot of them need to be on shift and some of them just coming off shift. But I just want the public to know that they comfort people like strangers. They do things, treat people like family, treat people on their worst day. They carry burdens that we will never understand uh through all the trials and tribulations that they see and they do a lot for this community and they save a lot of lives. So, we appreciate that. And we also uh as Miss Frasier said, thankful for the groundbreaking today and just appreciate county council for having the wherewithal to put in place the infrastructure that allow us to get this project today. A lot of times citizens don't see um the water, the sewer, the infrastructure that gets put underground. And they talk about what's not being done, but those things lay the groundwork for us to be able to grab and sustain jobs for this community. And it was no more prevalent today. So pass off to county council to see another project come to fruition and we got more to come. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Chairman, I had to say the same speaker of Mr. Administrator. Yes, ma'am. You are the greatest. I must say that you're the greatest. But it's not working. You commend other people on the duties they do. That's good. But I and I'm sure the other county council members would like to commend you on the well on the job that you do so well. You roll around and motorized leadership. I think you're fast at thinking and made you a quicker thing. Thank you. So I continue. Good job you're doing sir.

Thank you ma'am. I appreciate it. Well, let me have something else to say. Mr. here. Yes, ma'am. Um, on behalf of Council Harold, you'll get your candy afterwards. He don't need it. He can take it home to his children. Anything? Anybody else? Thank you all for all the comments and just wanted to add to the fact that all of the team Har's team is the one that makes him what he so remember that also. So all the team is good. It's a team effort. We work together to make it happen. Did I get a motion in a second? Second move

by Miss Cooper Smith. Second by Miss Frerier that we stand a journey. Thank you all again for coming to our meeting. All in favor of it?