County Council - Regular Meeting

Good evening, everyone. Let's be called to order here on this Kershaw County Council meeting, Tuesday, August 11th, 2026. School is back in session, and everybody's been getting back in the swing of things. Glad to have you here tonight. To start off, we have an invocation, which will be led by Councilman Danny Cato.

Let us pray. Heavenly Father, I just thank you so much for this night, for this time that we have to fellowship together here, do the work of your county. Dear Heavenly Father, we just thank you for your love, your grace, your mercies that you bestow upon us each and every day. Dear Heavenly Father, for the love that you give us, for the love that you have bestowed upon us in this county for giving us such a great place to live and to raise families. Heavenly Father, I ask that you'd be with us tonight as we conduct the business of this county. Lord, that you'd help our hearts and minds to be

Councilman Cato, thank you very much. Mr. Shoemake, do we have you on the line? You do. Thank you, sir. We'll excuse your physical presence, everyone. Mr. Shoemake is moving in his only daughter into college today and tomorrow, I believe. And so tender moments, but very important. Thank you for joining us. With the invocation and pledge being completed, we're now on to the adoption of the agenda item number four. Do we have a motion on the agenda?

Make a motion we adopt the agenda as submitted.

Mr. Tucker has a motion. Is there a second on the agenda? We have a second. Any discussion on the agenda? Any discussion remotely, Mr. Shoemake?

We'll move it to a vote. How do you vote, Mr. Shoemake, on the agenda? That's a yes remotely for Mr. Shoemake. All those in person, raise your hand if you're in favor on the agenda. Ms. Hannon, it's unanimous. The agenda is approved. That moves us on to proclamations item number five, a placed on the agenda by councilman Danny Cato honoring former sheriff Steve McCaskill, who we see here today, along with family and friends and supporters. Do we have a motion?

Do we have a second approving this proclamation? We have a second. Any discussion at all before we move to a vote and can hear more from Mr. Cato. Since I've got the floor now, we'll move it to a vote for those who are present all in favor, raise your hand. It's unanimous in favor of those who are present and voting. Mr. Shoemake, how do you vote on the proclamation, 5A?

That is a yes from Mr. Shoemake remotely. Ms. Hanna, it's unanimous for the record. Mr. Cato, you have the floor.

This is an honor for me to present this tonight, and I want to read the proclamation, and I'll have a lot more to say after that. But tonight's proclamation is honoring Steve McCaskill, And it says, whereas former Sheriff Steve McCaskill has dedicated 36 years of extraordinary and exemplary public service to the citizens of Kershaw County, and whereas during his tenure as sheriff from January 95 to January of 2011, he demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to public safety. And whereas former Sheriff Steve McCaskill successfully implemented vital community

Thank you so much, Mr. Cato. You still have the floor.

You know, I really don't know how to start. I've got so much to say. I worked for this man for 15 and a half years, and we've remained close ever since the last day. He was part of a changing time in Kershaw County and in law enforcement, probably like none other. We've seen the computers come into play in the 90s. We saw cell phones come into play. We saw emails come into play. And the internet come into play. Social media come into play. He was the first sheriff to ever have the bloodhound unit. A narcotics canine. A bomb canine. A boat patrol. He established the resident deputy program, whi

Thank you, Mr. Cato. Well said. Any other comments or discussion from council members who are present?

You know, Sheriff McCaskill and I go way back. I can remember when he first walked into Hector Brule's Sheriff's Department, which was right over here at the courthouse. He was standing there. I said, what are you doing here? He said, well, I just got a job as a deputy sheriff. I said, well, I was hired last week. And then I'll tell you something about him, too. We were in Boy Scouts together. He may not realize this. He made Eagle Scout. I made Tenderfoot. I think they kicked me out. I was running my mouth so much. Steve McCaskill, I have much respect for. He's got deputies now that still tre

One more thing for anybody else who goes forward. I know that we've got several deputies here tonight. It was brought to my attention earlier tonight, and Sheriff Bone wanted me to tell you all that he couldn't be here tonight. He is in North Carolina in a class, and he really hated that he couldn't be here tonight. But I think there's only six deputies in the sheriff's office right now that work under Sheriff McCaskill. I mean, it's been a while. We're getting old, Danny. I'm getting old, too. But there's only six left, and I just wanted to share that before anybody else.

Thank you, Mr. Cato and Mr. Jones. Mr. Tucker?

Excuse me. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Sheriff Steve McCaskill, Mr. Walkin' Tall. That's the way he carried himself. That's the way he ran his department. And I want to tell you thank you for the many years of just excellent service and being willing to always put yourself on the line and expect the same out of your deputies to deliver first class service. Not everybody can do it and not everybody should do it. But you had your way of hailing that sheriff's department officer. And your law enforcement team that no other will probably ever be able to repeat. And with all respect, I often tease the ne

Thank you very much, Mr. Tucker. Other council members who are present?

Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, if I might. Might add something to it. Sheriff McCaskill, it's good to see you tonight and your wife. It's good to have you with us. You were the sheriff of my generation. And I think for me, as I sit here and listen to everything that Danny had to say, all the good things, I'll say this. Danny talks about you a lot. There's a tremendous amount of respect for With Danny's referencing you in a lot of conversations where you're not around, and I'll say that in a very positive way, he's looked up to you because you led. And being the sheriff of my generation, I

You didn't want to find out who Steve McCaskill was.

Right. But I knew who Steve McCaskill was. I'm glad we never met any further back in those years. But a family, a fine reputation in our community, friends of ours, and always pleasant. anytime we've ever ran into you. I'm just so, so happy tonight to be a part of this and to be able to help present this. Danny, thank you for putting this together. This is top-notch, fantastic. You deserve every kind word and more. So we're so proud that you are such an integral part of Kershaw County. Thank you. Amen.

Thank you, Mr. Brazel. And the statute of limitations, I believe, is run on anything else you may have been involved in back in those days. Any other council members who are present have any other comments or discussion? Mr. Shoemake, remotely, any comments or discussion?

Thank you, Mr. Shoemake. I'll just conclude before we have you come up, and I believe we've got the resolution here and a picture with any family you want to bring up as well. that I was a young man, if I ever was. I was a young man whenever you were serving as sheriff, and I always remember you being an example in the community. Everybody looked up to you, and more importantly, everybody respected you and feared you a little bit, which you might need if you have that occupation. Everybody looked up to you, and you're a good example, and I appreciate that very much. Any other comments or discu

Mr. McCaskill, I was just going to mention that you can feel free to share any remarks if you like. We can do it after this or before. At your leisure. Come on up. Let's take a picture.

Thank you, Rock. Thank you. Sheriff McCaskill.

Thank you very much, Mr. Cato. Mr. McCaskill, Sheriff McCaskill, we'll give you a moment to clear out. You don't have to stay. You can if you want to. Any family members or friends that want to depart are able to do that as well. And then we'll get back on the agenda. That's part of what makes Kershaw County special. Yes. Thank you again, Mr. Cato. Gentlemen, back on the agenda, right on time with item number six, public comments. Mr. DuBose, do we have anyone signed up for public comment tonight?

Ms. Strickland, I'll just say as you're coming up, this is a time for council to hear from the public. It's not a question and answer. The time that's been allotted by the council will show up on the screen. And, yes, ma'am, look forward to hearing from you.

Ms. Templer. You can hand the documents to Mr. Templer.

Thanks for coming out tonight. Mr. DeVos, who do we have next on public comment?

Mr. DuBose, who do we have next on the public comment section?

Let me just ask Mr. DuBose. Do we already have his address?

Mr. McCarty, I meant to do it on the first speaker, but I always try to give people just a little bit of extra time beyond what the council has allotted. So I'd either ask that you conclude your remarks, or we can seek a motion from the council if they want to extend the time in any way. Are your remarks about done, or do you need?

Yes, sir. Thank you. Thanks for coming out tonight. Mr. DuBose, who do we have next on public comment?

Mr. Holland? Yes. I'll just mention that your time has expired by counsel. If you're able to conclude, please.

Okay. Thank you for coming out tonight. Mr. DuBose, who's up next?

Thank you, Ms. Franklin Moore. Appreciate you coming out tonight. Mr. DuBose, who do we have next?

Thank you, Ms. Conto, for coming out tonight. Mr. DuBose, who do we have next on the public comment section?

Thank you, Mr. Corley, for coming out tonight. Appreciate you coming out. Mr. Dubose, I think the eighth speaker, who's signed up next for public comment?

Thank you for coming out tonight, ma'am. Appreciate you. Mr. DuBose.

Thank you for coming out, Mr. Webb. Mr. DuBose, does that conclude the public comment section? Yes, sir. Okay, gentlemen, that concludes public comments. Thank you, everyone, for coming out tonight. That moves us on to item number 7A, public hearings. Do we have anyone signed up for the public hearing, Mr. DuBose?

Okay, we'll open and close the hearing as no one has signed up. This is a public hearing on an ordinance to amend the Kershaw County ZLDR, Zoning and Land Development Regulations section to create a zoning overlay district entitled Master Plan Development District. First reading was on May 26th. Planning Commission meeting was July 13th. Seeing as no one has signed up to speak on this public hearing, we'll go ahead and close the hearing. Correct, Mr. DuBose? And that concludes the public hearing. I'll just note there may be some motion or commentary on this matter, which would be 10D later in

Motion we approve the minutes as submitted by Ms. Hanna.

Mr. Tucker has the motion on the minutes. Is there a second on the minutes? Mr. Cato has a second. Any discussion on the minutes? Seeing no discussion, we'll move it to a vote on the minutes. All in favor? Who are present and voting, raise your hand. Mr. Jones, how do you vote on the minutes? It's unanimous in favor for those who are present and voting. Mr. Shoemake, remotely, how do you vote? That's a yes remotely. It's unanimous for the record. Ms. Hanna. This moves us to item number 9A, placed on the agenda by Mr. Brazel, inmate work crews, road crews. For discussion only, do we have a motion?

I'd like to make a motion to continue the discussion. We started it, and I was not here in person. Is there a second?

Thank you, Chairman. I'll just direct this question at our administrator. We discussed the potential of having our inmates, whether it be voluntary or involuntary, help keep Kershaw County beautiful and clean by getting back to that pre-COVID work crew environment. And I had hoped that maybe someone, the director of the jail, could come and speak to us. Is that something that we could hear from him in the future in the next meeting or two?

So I'd just like to hear from the jail administrator and give him time to repair. Maybe in two meetings he could give us options. If we did it in the past, we can do it in the future. So I know it's just a matter of whether or not we have the appetite for it. So I'd like to hear from him on that, and I don't have any more questions or inquiries today. Okay.

Thank you, Mr. Brazel. Any other comments or discussion? Mr. Jones, you have the second.

I just have a question to my colleagues on if you had an opportunity to review the executive white paper report that was sent by the director of our detention center. which he outlined it in a 60-something page document on the reasons why his recommendation is not to allow that to happen from constitutional law, state law, federal law, and staffing and many other things. There was a list of reasons that he had researched not to enter into this arena. And I know we've done it in the past, Mr. Brazel, but laws change every year over that General Assembly and to the Congress that represents us. S

Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Any other comments, discussion, Mr. Jones, if I can.

And I, you know, having basically been the project manager, building the jail there and now and running the other jail prior to that, I know things change in 20 years. But I think a lot of your local jails still do litter pickup. And our administrator is right. You cannot put a pre-sentenced person out there. But we used to have a lot of family court detainees, and they are sentenced. And that's mainly who we used to go out on litter pickup detainees. I haven't seen a jail roster. I don't know how many would be sentenced or not. But you cannot put a pre-sentenced out there. But I tell you this

They don't get five years for three months.

If you'd look in there, that'd be great. And, you know, when I was jail administrator, it was difficult to do the pickup. But we did it. And we did utilize what sentence people we had in there. And I'd rather see them out working than to just be sitting there three hots in a cot all day long. But if you could just look at that number and get back with us as well, I'd appreciate that.

I'll just note before we recognize anyone else, I didn't see any hands pop up that I think it was around COVID that there were a series of cases or statutes and regulations that were passed in relation to having inmate crews clean up on the road that made it much more problematic and expensive based on the ratios that required to monitor those folks. And it almost would be more cost effective to hire somebody to go out and clean up the particular area based on how many paid or overtime related staff members you'd have to have out there fully armed. providing specific transportation for the inm

And COVID was a bunch of stupid laws too.

Well, you know, everybody has their opinion on that for sure. That's right. I thought it was good prior to that time when the regulations were different. I think they've changed, and maybe we can get some more information. And if it can be done, we can look at it. Any other comments or questions, discussions?

I just have to say, I do think it's just reasonable what Mr. Brazel asked for. It's very reasonable. And, of course, Mr. Temple said he'll supply that to us. And just look over the list. I mean, you can tell me. I trust you on that. Just how many senators you do have at this time.

Okay, so that's everyone who was in person. Mr. Shoemake, any commentary, questions, or concerns remotely on this particular item? Discussion number 9A.

Thank you, Mr. Shoemake. Again, it might be more effective to hire individual folks from the community to clean up a particular area on a contract basis if we wanted to do that and there's an area that needed it, as opposed to having inmates go out and do it based on the additional costs that are related. Okay, no votes required on item number 9A. So that concludes item number 9A. We've got a series of first readings. And then again, I think we might move a second reading. Item number 10A is a first reading, a title only. relating to an ordinance approving a private hangar contract at the Kers

Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a motion that we approve.

Mr. Tucker has a motion. Is there a second on 10A? We have a second from Mr. Tomlinson. It's entitled only, but do we have any discussion?

Okay. No discussion from those who are present. Any discussion remotely from Mr. Yu, Mr. Shoemake? Well, I've got your attention. How do you vote on 10A remotely?

That is a yes from Mr. Shoemake remotely, Ms. Hanna. And for those who are present and voting, raise your hand if you're in favor. That is Mr. Tucker, Brazel, Connell, Cato, and Tomlinson in favor. And any opposed, raise your hand. Mr. Jones votes against, so it passes 6-1. Ms. Hanna, first reading passes on 10A. Item number 10B is another first reading, entitled only. It's related to a multi-county park or MCIP between Kershaw County and Lancaster County, South Carolina, to create and develop a joint county industrial park. The geographical boundaries would initially be within Kershaw County

Mr. Tucker has a motion on 10B. Do we have a second on 10B? Mr. Thompson has a second on 10B. We're still in first reading title only. Is there any discussion?

I have a question. Is this specifically involving Project Ballast?

Any other questions? I'm curious. Mr. Thompson, you have a second. I'm sorry?

Yes, sir. And just to confirm, so any future Filos are able to go into this MCIP, correct?

Just out of curiosity, I've been sitting here almost six years, and it's typically been Lee County in which the fee and lieu of tax agreements, the partnership has happened with Lee County. Not that I'm opposed to it, but any particular reason why now it's Lancaster instead of Lee?

I guess, would it be a fair statement to say that their laws would have to parallel with our laws for said agreement to be valid? And maybe some counties wouldn't have a parallel law? Or is it just happenstance that we're in a rotation?

Yeah, that's per county. So there's 46 counties that would determine how MCIP funds are distributed as they come in. But in short, I thought that it would be a good idea to connect with other counties that we didn't have MCIPs with. We got them with some of the smaller counties, nothing against them at all. But I think there's a market out there for 1% money to come in Kershaw County. We put a lot of projects, as we're able to, into other MCIPs, and we're sending these funds to other counties. And Lancaster, with all of its growth, I'm interested in having potential arrangements with large gro

Makes sense. I was just curious as to why the change. We hadn't really had conversation about it, but that's a perfectly legitimate explanation.

Thank you, Mr. Jones. Any other, Mr. Tucker? Yes, sir.

Mr. DuBose, just want to make this clear. So on second reading, we'll get a majority, if not 100% of these answers that folks are looking to hear tonight when we go to second reading. Am I correct by stating that? Correct. Thank you.

Okay. Thank you, Mr. Tucker. Any other comments, questions, concerns? Okay. Mr. Shoemake, anything remotely? Hold on. Please pause, Mr. Shoemake, Mr. Jones.

Thank you. Mr. Chairman. Mr. Tucker, I look forward to that. Getting some of those questions answered as well, too. Yes, sir. Thank you. But at this time, I cannot support it.

Okay. Thank you, Mr. Jones. Mr. Shoemake, any questions, comments on 10B remotely?

That was a yes vote from Mr. Shoemake remotely. And seeing no further discussion, we'll move it to a vote for all those who are present on 10B. All in favor, raise your hand. That is Tucker, Connell, Tomlinson, and Shoemake in favor. And all opposed, raise your hand. That is Brazel, Cato, and Jones opposed. 10B passes on first reading, Ms. Hanna. All right, this moves us on to item number 10C, another first reading title only. It's related to an ordinance to amend the Kershaw County Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development, the ZLDR, related to Section 3.2.6 regarding exceptions to height l

Make a motion on first reading title only, Mr. Chair.

Mr. Tucker has a motion. Is there a second? Second. We have a second. I'll second. Okay. Mr. Shoemake yields. Mr. Thompson has a second. Mr. Tucker, any discussion? Still in first reading, any other discussion? Mr. Thomas, any other second?

Just would like to get some clarification from staff, if they could.

Perfect. Thank you, Mr. DeBose. Thank you, Mr. Thomas. No more questions. Any other discussion with those who are present?

Well, Mr. DeBose, let me just ask you or maybe somebody on County Council, why now?

Well, I don't think he knows, but you can try. Well, he's the county attorney.

Go ahead and try. If I'm not mistaken, he also attends the Planning Zone Commission meetings, right? Correct. Yeah, and, of course, we've got the chairman of the commission out here. Can we hear from him on what he thinks about these smokestacks? And my question is, why now? Because you know who this is about. We all know who it's about. We all know what it's about. but we're just not talking about the exact elephant in the room.

Oh, Lord. Thank you. Thank you so much for those kind words. You know, guys, we need to be more transparent on this. I really believe we need to be. Yeah. And let me say this, too. You all know I've only got four and a half more months. I'm not doing this to get reelected. I'm doing this because it just absolutely is not the right way. We're rushing it. I felt like we rushed through Project Ballast. And we're rushing now, all of a sudden, going to give this exemption to this height. Let's just say, which I don't think we are right. I think we're wrong. But let's just say we are right. The publ

Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Jones. Mr. Cato.

You know, I agree with Mr. Jones. I don't always agree with Mr. Jones, but I agree with him tonight. But I have an issue with both of these first readings and Because it's all directed to one particular item on the agenda. And it's all to that one thing. And, you know, this company was going to do a variance. And then they pulled the variance. And now we've got this. So I don't understand how this comes up after the company pulls the variance. So far, that's the way it's been. If it goes beyond the standard that we have set forth now, you file for a variance. So why is this changing all of a s

Thank you, Mr. Cato. I'm happy to respond to some of these questions. Not that I'm the poster child for this particular project. But, again, Project Ballast, I think, has been one of the most open economic development processes ever. Never has the council ever taken a site visit, which I arranged, so that everyone could see what a potential project like this might look like. Everyone who attended and was able to see the project and take it in or ask questions since December of last year was able to ask for any information they were interested in. And at the time of the tour, almost every porti

I think just to kind of defend that for myself, I'll be the first to tell you, I toured the facility. The facility was nice. It was clean. I didn't see anything wrong with it. But to be honest, I didn't know what questions to ask because I knew nothing about it. So, you know, I'm kind of in a learning process, and I ain't ashamed to admit when I don't know what I'm talking about. And I'll be the first to tell you that I toured it, and I thought at first it was nice and it was clean and they'd done an outstanding job where we went. But there's some questions you didn't even think about. I'd have never thought about a stack height or any of that kind of stuff.

Or a possibility of that. Yeah. And I understand and I won't say this in front of everybody. There are so many rumors that are just absolutely not true. I'm telling you. People's talking about data centers. I ain't never been brought up up here and I can assure you of that. You don't have to believe me. But there's just so many rumors and that's the part that's really destroying people is the rumors and the misinformation that's being put out there. So I just wanted to say that You know, I'll still have a bunch of questions because I don't know what I need to know about this.

And I'll just share as well. Economic development traditionally in Kershaw County, and I guess it's like this in every other county, this is the only one I've served in, is usually a much shorter runway. And I personally didn't like that as much because I thought that council members did not have as much time to ask questions and investigate things as much as they want to. Typically, it would be maybe a first reading in title only, and then you'd have two readings. And so over one month period, you could land on a third reading on a philo. And so you're looking at roughly 30 days to get your q

I call for a question. Bet you do. Well, we have to move on. We can't sit here forever.

I'm getting a message that the system booted him off.

Okay, well, we need to move on and vote. I call for the question, Mr. Chairman.

I was off. I hit my mute button, but I hit the wrong button, so I apologize. Mr. Shoemake. No comment. Okay, I want to make sure, have you had the opportunity to hear the discussion? You just got booted off?

Oh, you booted yourself off. All right. Well, no comments from Mr. Schumacher. That's a yes, vote remotely. Seeing no further discussion, we'll move it. And we've had the question called by Mr. Jones, which I'll honor. All in favor who are present, raise your hand. It is Mr. Tucker, Mr. Connell, Mr. Tomlinson in favor. All opposed? Mr. Brazel, Mr. Cato, and Mr. Jones opposed. It passes on first reading and title only. That is 10C. Item number 10D. Do we have a motion to defer or otherwise? I'll make a motion to defer. To which meeting would you like to defer so we can get a second?

To a later date. Two meetings, one meeting? I would need, let's say two.

All right, to the second meeting after this one, Ms. Hanna. And do we have a second? Second. Mr. Thompson has a second. Any discussion or you just want to vote? None needed. Okay. No discussion from the movement.

I got a question. Mr. Jones has some discussion. You're talking too fast now. Look, why is it so necessary to put a timeline on for it to come back? He said at a later date.

I mean, it could be next year if he prefers, but do you want to bring it up in two meetings?

I'll bring it up to Mr. DuBose to make sure that it's handled correctly. I'll put it back on the agenda.

Just some for a future date? Yeah, likely two meetings, but sure. All right, so no vote on the matter, so it doesn't fail. It can be brought up again. Let's move it to a vote for those who are present. All in favor of deferring? What did you just say? Let's move it to a vote for all those who are present. All those in favor of deferring per Mr. Brazel's motion. It's unanimous for those who are present and voting. Mr. Shoemake, how do you vote? And forgive me, I didn't recognize you for any discussion on it. That is a yes, it's unanimous on deferral, Ms. Hanna. All right, we've got item number

Okay, thank you very much. Mr. Jones, you have the motion?

Okay, we have three seconds. Mr. Cato, I heard first, I think. Okay, Mr. Cato has a second. Mr. Jones, any discussion before we move it to a vote?

I think our probate's here. Our probate judge is here.

Yes, ma'am. Yep. Judge Brandon's in the back. Thank you for being here.

Listen, thank you for being willing to take all this on, Judge. I know it's extra work and everything.

Mr. Tucker, have a question? Yes. Yes, sir. Go ahead.

So, Mr. DuBose, if you and Mr. Templer could go to page two, I just want to make sure we're on the same understanding on the language. And The first paragraph to the top talks about cases from these fees by outside agencies. As long as she holds these hearings, payment of salary shall commence upon receipt of adequate revenue. So that's reimbursable is what you're saying? So – Or adequate revenue in the general fund. That's kind of vague to me as for the chair of finance, so I need to get it clear.

Right, yeah. I want to know whether we're paying as the work is done or is it being reimbursed as the funds come in?

So it would be running like the federal government. You do the work, pay out, and then they reimburse you. Correct. That's how the cogs ran.

Go to page 3. So if you go down where it says this agreement shall automatically renew for the success of one-year periods beginning July 1 of each year, ending in June 30 for the following year, is that going to be read into the budget each year or automatically just renewed without approval?

Thank you, Mr. Tucker. We're still on 11-A related to the resolution. Any other discussion from those who are present? Mr. Shoemake, any discussion remotely?

I heard a yes vote from you, Mr. Shoemake, on 11-A, and thank you, Judge Branham. For those who are present and voting, raise your hand if you're in favor on the resolution 11A. It is unanimous. For those who are present and voting, Ms. Hanna, it passes. That brings us to new business, item number 12A, convenience center hours placed on the agenda by Mr. Jones. Is there a motion?

Well. I'm going to go back to what I said at the last meeting. And, uh, I'm concerned about the lake. I'm concerned about the community center hours. Um, when it comes to Sunday, Sunday afternoon, especially when you got the Lugo side of the lake, you got the Camden side of your lake. I don't know. Y'all probably haven't gotten any calls. I don't know, but I have, and I've got, there's not a person up there that I've talked to at the lake that isn't concerned about this. And, uh, I just wish we could get a reconsideration. And I know that Mr. Timbers was gracious enough to say that once they t

Well, I was just going to ask, is this a new business item for discussion only, or is there a motion?

No, no, no. I'm not going to make a motion tonight.

Yes, sir, Mr. Chair. Mr. Chair, I'll share some data with you. that I received from staff, and it's the savings of $166,000 on what they have in place right now by, excuse me, just having to transport and store the solid waste containers is $15,000 savings. Closing on the reset dates of Sunday and Monday is $50,000. And along with that, Stores, they're double handling those containers. Um, the, um, legal staff and enforcement that they have to put out there to, uh, The check is $18,000 a year. Another $16,000 is from contractors and people with the large trailers and stuff dumping in the recyc

I need to follow up on that. First of all, I'm not talking about the Elgin site. I'm talking about two sites on Lake Watery. And those numbers, you can make numbers. I mean, we make the numbers we want to see. And it's all legal. But bottom line is, I just can't buy that. That opened up for three to four hours on Sunday afternoon. Years ago, whenever we first brought these recyclings here, I was actually on the committee when Austin Sheehan was here and some others. And I went with Hammy Moat to look at recycling centers before they existed here. And the intention, because I've heard a lot abo

Sorry, I lost Mr. Brazel. He had the second.

Okay. can the gentleman who represents the lake speak go ahead thank you i wanted i wanted councilman jones and councilman tucker to get all that out now that they're done i'm not finished if i if i may i've had several uh many phone calls uh one of which is is we were basically policing the station and a gentleman who owns a home and several thousand acres was told that he would not be allowed to use the recycle center the gentleman resides i think maybe in charlotte north carolina but owns a large timber farm and a home on either on the lake or on the farm i'm not sure maybe maybe both pays

And this is to Mr. Brazel's point. I've experienced in other counties where they will require you to show proof of a utility bill that you can have the utility company, even if you own it as a second home or in a business, they can put you as care of your actual name. And I've seen that work well in other facilities I've been familiar with. You just pull it up or you get an email, you opt into email service or notice of your bill. You can pull up the email, show the worker, and then you're able to dump your trash. It seems like a pretty easy fix instead of You know, draconian, uh, driver's lic

Just a quick question. How many sites do we have altogether? So we're talking about... 20% of the sites which probably account for 5% of the waste. So your savings is still going to probably be a 95% to 97% savings, even if you just open that small window for household trash on Sunday afternoon in those locations, those remote locations. And I will say, I think Ben's idea is valid and fair. The only thing I would say is I know Internet service is spotty, so somebody may have to have like a paper copy. So let's just be soft on – Yeah, but initially, let's be soft on how we implement those and n

Per Mr. Jones, no votes required, no motion's been made. That will conclude item number 12A on convenience center hours. Next up, I've placed on the agenda 12B, council meeting schedule, vote B will be required. I'll make a motion that regarding the council meeting schedule for the rest of the year, we've been previously provided and voted on it earlier in the year. I make a motion that we cancel the, November 24 and December 22 meetings for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday weeks. Is there a second?

I'll second that motion. I'm eating turkey and celebrating the good Lord's birth.

Likewise. There's been some years where the second half after the budget or, you know, second three quarters of the year almost. We've only had one meeting per month. That's not this year. We've got so much scheduled and so much going on and talking with the administrator and with legal counsel. Those are the only two meetings that make sense to do without for the rest of the year. I recommend that we have every other scheduled meeting for August, September, October, November, December, except for the two that we just mentioned that we'll bring up for a vote. Do we have any discussion?

I would just like to say that's normal trend for us to cancel those two anyway, so we're just doing it early.

Yep, everybody gets to plan their holiday travel a little bit better too, staff and us.

And I appreciate, Mr. Chairman, the fact, and believe me, I'd love to go to one meeting a month, but I appreciate you realizing we do have a lot going on. We need to keep our two meetings a month, at least for the other months prior to the November, December.

Yes, sir. Any other discussion from those who are present? Mr. Shoemake, any discussion? And if not, how do you vote?

I say yes remotely for Mr. Shoemake. All in favor who are present, raise your hand. It is unanimous, and the amendment will take place. Thank you, Ms. Hanna. That brings us to item number 12C. We've got a whole slew of council members put their names on this one. Moratorium related to data centers. Initially placed, I think, by Mr. Jones, but we have Mr. Brazel, Tomlinson, and Cato on. I'm not sure to what extent someone's going to make a motion first or amendments.

Well, I told Mr. Brazel that I would yield to him if he had a motion he wanted to make.

I'd like to make a motion to place a moratorium on data centers and anything that resembles one for a period of five years so that Kershaw County, as well as the state of South Carolina can put guardrails and clearly defined how we want to move forward as a state and as a county.

We have a motion. Is there a second? I'll second. Mr. Jones has a second. Mr. Brownsville, you have the floor.

So there's been a lot of discussion and to Danny Cato's point, speculation on is there going to be a data center in Bethune in conjunction with the power plant? I can tell you I have not heard that. No one has told me that there will be. I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt, no one has said, Russell, there's going to be a data center. Follow the power plant. As a matter of fact, I've been told the exact opposite. With that being said, I think while we're talking about the future of Kershaw County, we need to clarify the situation. We need to find out if we are asked in the future, and Jo

Let me rephrase the question. Would there be a gateway for a data center via a known or existing zoning regulation?

So at this point in time, a data center could not be adopted and built in Kershaw County without a change in zoning regulations.

in which that would have to be deferred to Planning Commission. There would be a public hearing. It would be a very open, transparent process. Is that? Correct. OK. So that answers a question that I think begged to be answered by many people in the public, including myself. Now that we have that question answered and on the record, I think if we could install a moratorium of five years, that gives us ample runway to see what the future holds, to find out what the state's going to do. They're working on it. Gentlemen, thank you for being here tonight, sir. House member?

Thank you. Mr. Reese, Representative Reese, thank you for being here tonight, sir. We need to learn more about what the House and Senate feels about these data centers and where they see South Carolina in a global race for storied data. From flock cameras to iPhones to who knows what, our data is being sold. I'm not saying I agree with it. Our data is being stored for large corporations, for federal government, military. Data is being stored somewhere. And some people would say, well, would we rather the United States store our data, or are we afraid that it could be in the hands of someone el

I don't. Okay. First off, let me just say this. I agree with everything the citizens said here tonight when they got up and spoke about their concerns about Project Bios, the gas plant, and also a data center. I've got to be realistic to myself. I know for a fact, when I put this on the agenda, Of course, Councilman Browns and I have been talking, but I was pleased to see that a couple of my colleagues put their name on the agenda with me. I was glad to see that. But I'm going to be realistic. I support the five years, but I know it's not going to pass. It's not going to pass. So I want to mak

You're making a motion to amend to 12 months?

All right. Motion to amend takes priority. Any further discussion? Is there a second? I'll second. There's a second. Any further discussion?

Yes. You don't have to be a weatherman to tell which way the wind's blowing. I don't know why a five-year moratorium wouldn't pass unless there was something on the radar.

Mr. Chairman? You asked for commentary. Yes, sir.

Thank you. Appreciate your comments. I haven't heard anything about data centers, but what I am for is about regulations. I think we need a pause to put regulations in place. None of us know anything about data centers. Looking at the state right there, Representative Reese, you all have had two years to look into it. You still don't know anything about data centers, do you? is something that is coming down the line that is growing in our state very fast. And we have to take a pause to be able to get things in place. Mr. Holland said in his comments, I believe it was Iowa that was referenced,

I have a question for clarification, just so I understand legally what we're looking at. And, I do support a moratorium for a period of time. Five years, I think, would actually not be constitutional. I've been looking at this for about six months, and there's a case called Sierra Club, which I don't want to get in the weeds on, but that was a little over two years for a complete comprehensive plan rewrite that was found to be okay. That's not what we're doing here. Whatever we do for moratorium has to be rationally tied. Think about the building moratorium that we had on residences for major

Well, I think for this council, that's an essential question because either there is an industrial zoning out there that allows for it, and so a moratorium would directly impact somebody's private property rights, or it doesn't and it won't. And so that brings up a question of mootness for us on what we do. Of course, tonight, in order to have an actual moratorium, it would have to be in the form of an ordinance. And so it'd have to be a first reading, second reading, third reading and a public hearing that would occur. And so whatever vote we have tonight will be a recommendation, um, for sta

Mr. Chairman, if I may. Mr. Jones. I don't care if it is allowed. I don't like it. And this body has the right to change that. And I would tell you, I'd vote for 10 years, but I just know it's not going to pass. I want to make sure when we walk out of here We've got a moratorium, 12 months, that's something. And to make sure that we have regulations, those two things were the key words in my motion.

Mr. Jones, that's the question is, if it's not allowed anywhere, then a moratorium could be moot because you can't do it at all.

Well, listen, you're saying could be, could be. We don't know. What I know tonight is that I think this council should enact a moratorium for 12 months. and make sure that there's regulations in place if and when it needs to happen.

So I agree with you, Mr. Jones. One of the issues that I have with five years, I wish we could just band it all together, but that's not possible, okay? We've got to be reasonable. I mean, you know, we can sit up here and we can make things sound good and try and get applause and all that kind of stuff, and that's fine, well, good. But we've got to reasonably think about what we're doing with this. If we did it for five years, I'd be off-counsel. I want to see it to the end. I want to make sure that things would, I don't have but a four-year term. So I could be off council. And I wouldn't be a

Correct. And think about this. We just approved no height limit on stacks. Okay, I mean, come on, guys.

Councilman Cato, I agree with the very first part of what you said and most of what you said, but just especially the part that says we need to know what can and can't be allowed in Kershaw County. The way I see it, If a data center's currently allowed in a certain zoning code, it's likely that it's maybe a light industrial or a heavy industrial zone, which we only have a few parks that qualify here in Kershaw County. A data center is not interested in building in a park. They're interested on building in a very remote farm. maybe 1,000 acres or more, that's gonna be zoned RD1, RD2, and it's l

Mr. Brazel, I have a suggestion. I need your vote, Mr. Russell. Are you done? I have a suggestion. I think, I mean, any one of us under our rules could place this on an agenda item for next meeting. And so right now I'll update the clerk that I think we should place it on an agenda item for next meeting. I don't know that a vote is needed tonight, but I think we've got to get clarification on whether or not it's actually allowed or whether or not.

That's fine. But, or whether it's a moot issue. based on zoning, because I think I've heard something different in economic development. Like Mr. Brazel, I'd like to know the answer to that, because either there's a private property right that could be infringed or not. If not, then there's less restrictions on a potential moratorium that is moot.

I think we've infringed on a lot of properties up in Bethune, to be honest.

Thank you, Mr. Jones. Mr. DuBose, do you have a response?

My suggestion is, regardless of the vote tonight, I'm already going to have it on the agenda for next time. So we can vote or not, but I'm going to have it on the agenda for next time. Whether or not we need to pull it will be the question, and how long it will be after it's in first title only will be the question. But I think Mr. Brousel's right. We've got to get to the bottom of it. what is actually allowed in Kershaw County versus not. And this is new. This is a question of first impression, as they would say in the legal world. There's no precedent that we can look to. Am I correct, Mr. T

Mr. Kato. Just a legal question. So if we go, what, Mr. DuBose, if we went forward with the vote tonight and we still got our answers at the next meeting, you know, if we find out that the vote's null and void, I guess it has to be dropped. But at least if we vote on it tonight, we're one step closer.

Would it not start a pending ordinance doctrine?

Well then let's vote on it and have, have, have a leg rather than no leg. And to Ben's point and to Jimmy's point, I think, I think we do both things and just know that, that during this process, it's, it's going to be, it's, it's going to be of my opinion to, to look for ways to protect Kershaw County and, um, I think we can move forward.

Thank you, Mr. President. That's what we're trying to do with the moratorium. I appreciate that. I call the question.

Well, you can, but I'm going to check on any other discussion from those who are present. And we haven't also heard from a particular council member who's remote. Mr. Shoemake, any discussion? Do we still have you?

Thank you, Mr. Shoemaker. Can I say something? Mr. Jones. I don't want my data sent overseas either, but I'll tell you what, if it's something that needs to protect our country, let Ford Jackson have the data centers. They got a lot of land over there. But I don't want one in my neighbor's backyard. So anyway, you listen. Yes, sir. I'm making too much sense up here, obviously.

I just have a question about process. So we do this moratorium for 12 months. I know that there's already, because it was in my council briefing to talk about a little bit, there's already ordinance out there from other counties. I know for a fact Chester has one. I think Beaufort has one down in that area. Yeah, so why are we not? handle this moratorium like we did with the growth. Why can't we work unilateral? In other words, if the moratorium is in place, we start processing the information for regulations, regardless of what the House does. And no offense to Representative Reese, who I lov

Any other discussion? All right, seeing none, and with the acknowledgement that the vote may or may not be moot tonight, we can move forward with the vote. We're on the motion to amend first before we get back to the original motion. And my wife told me not to get mad tonight, so I'm not. The motion of a force is essentially a motion to direct staff to place on the next agenda.

My motion was a 12-month moratorium with us to also look at making sure there are regulations in place during that time. I understand that, Mr. Jones.

What I'm saying to you is that can't happen tonight. It has to have three readings and a public hearing. So it could be placed on the agenda for first reading.

Do you understand, though, that a moratorium is not passing tonight because the law requires three readings and a public hearing?

Yes, I understand that. But why are you asking me that stupid question? I mean, I know that. I understand it takes three readings. That's why I want to make sure we get the 12 months in tonight and the regulations because it takes three readings. And, you know, we've got a couple of months. It's not going to be one meeting a month. It's going to take forever to get this thing passed.

Yes, sir. I didn't think the question was stupid based on the context.

I'm not saying you're much smarter than me, sir. I'm just saying that to me that's just, I mean.

What this does is puts it on the agenda for next meeting. For first reading.

I'm making the motion tonight for first reading.

It's not on first reading, sir. Essentially, this puts it on the agenda for first reading next time. I'm just trying to clarify that for you, Mr. Jones.

Mr. Chair, you know we still got to vote on the amendment.

This is the amendment. We're talking about the amendment. All right, so all in favor on the Jones Amendment, raise your hand, present and voting. It's unanimous in person for those who are present and voting. Mr. Shoemake, how do you vote on the Jones Amendment?

That's a yes. It passes unanimously. Now we're on to the original motion. As amended, any other motions? Any other discussion on the original? As amended. All right. Seeing none, we'll move it to a vote for those who are present and voting. All in favor, raise your hand. It's unanimous. Ms. Hanna, for those who are present and voting. Mr. Shoemake, how do you vote?

That's a yes remotely from Mr. Shoemake. And so we do have a vote on 12C, but essentially it places on for first reading for the next agenda.

Thank you, Ms. Hammond. Just for clarification, did Mr. Brazel withdraw the motion for the five years? No, my motion was amended.

We just voted on my motion that was amended by Councilman Jones.

That's what happens to all this long discussion going on.

Correct. All right. That moves us on to council briefings. We've got first up, Mr. Cato.

I'm still thinking. It got deep, didn't it, brother? It got deep.

I want to thank everyone that had a part in tonight and the proclamation for Steve McCaskill and well deserved and I want to thank the sheriff's office for what they did for him tonight very deserving for everything that he done for this county and for that sheriff's office and I truly appreciate Appreciate them having a part in it. I want to say thank you to the Alpha Center. We had an opioid meeting today. I'm on the Opioid Coalition Advisory Council, and I tell you, I go to these meetings, and I'm more and more impressed with them each and every time I go to these meetings. They do some exc

Yeah, Camden had a scrimmage last Friday.

Thank you, Mr. Cato. Mr. Tomlinson, any report? Mr. Chairman, no report tonight. Thank you. Mr. Jones, any report? Thank you. I think we just lost Mr. Shoemake. Is he still on? Yeah. Okay. Mr. Tucker?

Yes, sir. Just very briefly. I was going to recognize House Member Reese, but he's gone already. I want to say that the conference that we attended a couple weeks ago was phenomenal. A lot of great information. Staff attended class as well as the council members and learned a lot and absolutely right. Data centers was the topic that no one wanted to speak about that everybody talked about. So learned a lot and then I just had a class last week up in Greer on economic development and we had that topic too on the data centers and a lot of good information is out there for us to learn from and if

Thank you, Chairman. It was really nice to see the McCaskill's here tonight. What a great family and what a great legacy. Danny, thank you. I think that was phenomenal. Thank you for doing that. I'd like to kind of give a shout out to a particular member of our Recreation Commission and And a large crew of people whom I can't name all. But Rick J. brought it to my attention. His good friend Clay Hanna is the manager of a Lowe's store. And Danny, correct me or help me. I think there were eight Lowe's stores that donated 25 picnic tables, sod, mulch to our recreation facilities and actually help

I really think it's cool that, you know, of the eight Lowe's stores, one of them was in Kershaw County. The rest of them, it was a friend of a friend and a phone call. Connections. Rick said we were talking about it over around the golf, and all of a sudden that happened. So isn't that wonderful? Amazing. Not to discount every other member of the Recreation Commission, but I just wanted to give Clay and Rick a shout-out and all of the managers and team members involved that came out and gave to Kershaw County. A tremendous amount of money, tremendous amount of time. Thought it was really cool

Perfect. Perfect. Thank you. That concludes my report.

Thank you, Mr. Brazel. I have no report for tonight. Mr. Administrator, any report?

Any dates that conflict with anything we need to be concerned with?

Because a lot of those trials run at least a week. So I'll keep y'all apprised. Okay. They won't keep you. All right. Legal briefing? Anything non-privileged? We do have one item for executive session. I'd seek a motion to enter executive session regarding discussions. Let me get through real quick. Discussions and negotiations incident to a contractual matter under SC code 30-4-70A2. Is there a motion?

And we've got a second. All in favor of entering executive session, raise your hand. It's unanimous, and we've lost Mr. Shoemake. We are in executive session. No votes anticipated after executive session. Any discussion on exiting executive session? None. Seeing none, all in favor of exiting executive session, raise your hand. It is the four who are present in the room that's in favor. We're out of executive session. Motion to adjourn, Mr. Chair. Second. Any discussion on adjourning?

Seeing no discussion on adjourning, all in favor of adjourning, raise your hand. It is unanimous. We are adjourned.