County Council - Regular Meeting

for counseling and development fire professional fraternity and alpha kappa sorority and whereas Mrs. Marie Patricia E Bennett Glassen Gay has lived during the administration of 15 presidents of the United States. Two governors of the state of South 21 governors of the state of South Carolina and 11 presidents of South Carolina State University. And now therefore, be it resolved that Orangeburg County does hereby acknowledge the outstanding contributions made and services rendered by Mr. De Blasting Game to the United States of America, to the state of South Carolina, and to the county of Orangeburg. It is with heartfelt honor and pride that this woman of the station be given this resolution on the second day of March, 2026. We have further resolved that a copy of this resolution shall be spread across the permanent written records of Artsburg County. Attest uh Amber County Council John Wright chairman Jenny Cooper Smith Councilwoman District 5 K clerk to council Mrs. Blasting. Congratulations. You got one at your birthday in Atlanta on the 14th, but we we want you to stick around to take pictures later. And would the audience have who came to witness this, please stand? Those of you and Mr. Would you wave your head proudly? Go ahead.

I would like to thank the council for this resolution and a special thanks go out to Miss Jamie Cooper Smith uh and her staff. It really makes one feel good when they are given a resolution from their county and I appreciate it and I will enjoy it forever. YOU DESERVE IT. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH. I tell you what, you look good to be yours is to get it wrong. Good, too. Thank God for you. Yes.

I'd like to say something to Miss Blasting Game. There's not many people who have seen 15 presidents of the United States, 21 governors for the state of South Carolina, and 11 presidents for South Carolina State University. All I got to say is you go, girl. She's a sweet lady and always on the bus with us riding during the football games at South Carolina State too.

Any other comments before I have a comment? Yes. I really appreciate hearing the resolution and seeing sitting next to each other that um being a Christian means everything to your marriage. um that those are words to live by and thank you for that example. Thank you so much. Okay, at this time I will yield to Councilwoman Walker to read resolution for Wisconsin. Well, I'm going pass. Do I need to pass them one at a time or not?

Do I need to? All right. That's That was my intent. Okay. Wait a minute. Now she doesn't have one. I just he pass it down. No, no, no. She was asking her whether we were going to pass it and I told her we read them all and then pass them on if that's okay.

State of South Carolina, County of Orangeburg resolution sponsor Councilwoman Leticia Walker. a resolution honoring the Eagle Scout class of 2026 for historic achievement in South Carolina. Whereas on February the 7, 2026, the anniversary of the Orangeberg massacre when three students were killed, 28 wounded, a day of solemn remembrance in Orangeburg, South Carolina was also marked by hope, faith, and historic achievement. And whereas during the Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony held at Trinity United Methodist Church in Orangeburg, five young men attained the rank of Eagle Scout, scouting America's highest honor, representing the largest group of African-American young men to earn this distinction at one time in the history of South Carolina. And whereas each of these young men fulfilled rigorous requirements, including earning a minimum of 21 merit badges, serving in leadership roles within their troop, and completing a significant community service project designed to leave a lasting and meaningful impact. And whereas the rank of Eagle Scout is earned by only approximately 6% of scouts nationwide and reflects years of perseverance, leadership, character development, and meaningful community service. And whereas these young men were mentored and guided by Scouts Master Ron Mosley of Troop 500, Scout Master Ernest Nimmons of Troop 190, and supported by their respective scouting ministries at New Light United Methodist Church and Trinity United Methodist Church grounded in faith and commitment to servant leadership. Now therefore, be it resolved that the county cap, excuse me, that the Orangeburg County Council hereby honors and commends Duran Brley, Kamari Kley, Melvin Hart, Sha Nimmons,

and Willie Towns III for their historic achievement in earning the rank of Eagle Scout and for exemplifying leadership, integrity, service, and faith. Be it further resolved that this council recognizes and commends Reverend Shirley Peterson Gordon and Scoutmaster Ernie Ernest Nimmons in whose honor the Eagle Scout class of 2026 was named and further recognizes Scout Master Ron Mosley for his dedicated mentorship and steadfast commitment to developing young men of character and service in our community. adopted the second day of March, 2026. Attested by our clerk to council, Connie Nportee, chairman Johnny Wright, Senior, and myself, Councilwoman Leticia Walker, District 7.

Yes, sir. and Mr. Mooseley, Mr. Nimmons, y'all stand as well.

Thank you so much, Mr. Chair. I want to say something. There's one young man in the group and he's over here looking. Do you remember me? Um, Mr. Clayton, stand up, Grandma. Kamari is not here. Kamari. Kamari. That word.

Oh, okay. Kamari was should have been here cuz his name is on the list here. Whenever we had dancing classes, you know, line dance classes, he would come and would just sit and play with it. Would never get up out of his seat. very very disciplined would just sit and play with his games and stuff and mama grandmama's out there dancing and having a good time and I admired that because the first thing I said most of the children when the parents would bring be running around I have to tell them please tell your child to sit down you know because I don't want them to get hurt but never did I have to tell Kamari to sit down he would come in and just as obedient as he can be leave those games and that's it and go home with his grandma

with your your Thank you all for coming. Mr. Chairman, um I would just like to say to the scouts, y'all have broken barriers. Statistically, y'all are not supposed to be where y'all are. And what society says and who society says y'all are, y'all prove them liars. I like that word. And and I'm just so proud of you all because y'all are not supposed to be wearing that uniform. Y'all are not supposed to be doing community service, leading your communities. And y'all are not supposed to be an example for boys who look like you are.

So I just thank y'all so much. Thank you Mr. Mosley, Mr. Nims, Mr. Way Meer for the time that y'all have invested. I know Mr. Mosley is dedicated 139%. Um, Miss Cheeseboro is constantly sewing patches for y'all uniforms. I know all of that stuff. But I'm just so proud of y'all. And keep keep it on because no matter what, y'all are always on stage cuz somebody's watching. So be that person and be that light that other young boys want to be like. Okay? Keep shining. Y'all are doing great things. comments before we go to

State of South Carolina County of Orangeburg resolution sponsor Jamie Cooper Smith Women's History Month Reverend Whereas before the 1960s and 70 women and your rights women's History Month at one time neglected was neglected in all areas healthcare, sports, business, education, government, public science, law, the arts, the military, and all other areas. And whereas in 1979 is the Norma, California school district sponsored a women's history week to promote the teaching of women's history in its schools. And whereas Women History Month began as a single week and as a single event. And whereas Congress passed a resolution making the week a national celebration in 1981. And where a group of women campaigned with representatives from schools, libraries, and museums to expand the celebration to a full month. And Congress approved in 1987. And whereas the month of March is to pay tribute to women of every ethnic background, race and class in America whose commitment to nature and the planet have proved invaluable. Excuse me. And whereas in 1995, every sitting president has issued an a annual proclamation designating the month of March as women's history month. And whereas because the Women's History Alliance desires to honor the round round theclock frontline workers and caregivers during the pandemic, the 2026

history month women's history month theme is leading the change. Women shaping a sustainable future. And whereas women now are excelling in practically every area as men. Women are astronaut, presidential candidates, Supreme Court justices, governors, college presidents and air force powers, CEOs of multi-million dollar companies, entrepreneurs, school superintendent, well vice presidents of the United States, and the list goes on and on and on. Now therefore be resolved this second day of March 2026 that Orangeburg County Council recognizes and applause the achievement made by women of the plan of the past the present and their future pioneer and their pioneering the future be further resolved this second day of March 2026 that a copy of this resolution shall be spread across the permanent written record of Orangeburg County Council Johnny Rod, chair Janie Cooper Smith, district clerk to council.

Thank you so very much. The next resolution is uh this is the state of South Carolina resolution in honoring me of M. Tammy McCarti. Whereas, Miss Tammy was a distinguished media professional and proud owner and operator of Tammy Media Group, earning recognition as a renown media personality throughout South Carolina and beyond, particularly with the Charleston and Low Country region. and where through her visionary leadership, creativity, and commitment to excellence, Tammy built a respected media platform that elevated voices, celebrated culture, and strengthened community connections. Whereas in October 2020, Tammy McCory was contracted to manage the Orange County Center Conference Center, excuse me. where she carried out her duties with exceptional professionalism, integrity, and dedication and terror of passing on February 3rd, 2026. On the way out, during her tenure managing the Hardware County Conference Center, she enhanced the facility's visibility, strengthened community engagement, and uh ensure that events were executed with excellence and class. Whereas Miss Tammy was a passionate mentor who inspires countless individuals, particularly aspiring media professionals and entrepreneurs, freely sharing her knowledge, experience, and encouragement to help

others achieve their goals. where she wore a multitude of hats. Entrepreneur, media personality, manager, mentor, visionary, and community advocate, leaving a lasting imprint on all who had the privilege of working alongside her. Wears her unwavering professionalism, contagious positivity, positivity, signature million dollar smile, resilient and grit and exemplify the very best of leadership and service. And may as her passing on February 3rd, 2026 leaves a profound voice voyage in Orangeburg County, the Charleston, the low country communities, and across the state of South Carolina. Now therefore, be it resolved that Hburg County Council hereby honors and celebrate the life and legacy of Tannon for her invaluable contribution to Orangeburg County, her distinguished service in managing the Arber County Conference Center and her broader impact throughout South Carolina's media and business dimensions. yet further resolved that Orangeburg County Council experienced deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolence to her family, friends, colleagues, and all who were touched by her life and work. It further resolved the second day of March 20 26. This resolution shall be spread upon the official minutes of Orangeburg County Council and a copy to be presented to the family of Miss Tammy as a lasting expression of our county's gratitude of the county's

gratitude and respect by county and 14 county council county council Johnny right senior chair At this time we will ask for a motion and a second passes of the four resolution that have been read. After that we will do the presentation and picture check. So move Mr. Chair second.

Move by Mr. Ravenale and second by Lord Fraser that we pass item 345 and six as read. Uh all in favor of it let be known by saying I. I opposes eyes have it for motion care at this time. We take a minute to do presentations to the individuals and pictures and then we'll go back into our regular agenda.

Mr. Chairman, I'd like to add something else to um Tammy's resolution. Tammy also had a television program show down in Charleston once a week. To include that in the resolution, please. She had a television show down in Charleston once a week.

You want to take pictures, don't you? Yeah. You have to come take pictures. Yeah. You want to present one by one? Uh yeah, you got one by one. Again first. Um is anybody here first? Well, yes. I know you bring your husband with you. Bring your husband with you.

Yes, please. Yeah, she want Okay. Um, Madison, you have the plaque already. You will present that at your your um birthday,

but I want you to take a picture of counsel and Let's see what we can name can't be seen. No, no seen. Is that okay? Attorneyal. Attorney, is that is that okay? Nobody can see his name. I'm more concerned with how y'all are stand.

Well, That's better. Oh, she wants to hold his hand. You can hold that.

Council, you just look closet. Got everybody.

That's it. Scott, would y'all come forward? And Mr. Mosley, Mr. Nims, or Mr. Way, would y'all like to say something? Y can y'all can um y'all can introduce yourselves

Sean Nimmons, Eagle Scout. Billy Towns, Eagle Scout. Our members, we're missing uh two of our Eagle Scouts, Kamari Cleley and Duran Brley. Tamari is at work and Duran had practice at school, so they weren't weren't able to be here uh this evening. Um, council members, um, uh, citizens of Orangeburg County, um, this is a great honor that the county and you all are giving these, uh, young men, uh, and our organization, Calling America, uh, and, uh, New Life United Methodist Church and Trinity in Troop 500 and the rest of the scouts uh, that are serving. Uh, this is a great honor and we want to thank you all for for your support. Thank you for recognizing them on this great occasion. Um it's a great organization and if you all continue to support uh scholar in his efforts um and what we do. Thank you.

I'm a sister Scott master way. Um it's been a joy watching these young men on this journey. It hadn't been easy for them. They had to work hard and they had to endure me and Ron which we known as Batman and Robin. So I couldn't think of a more proud moment in my life to see these young men embark on the next journey of their lives because I know they already trained and prepared for it. They just got to put it in motion.

Um good evening everyone. I'm Ernest Nimmons and on behalf of myself and Trinity United Methodist Church, we would like to thank the council and all of you for supporting these young men. This is their honor and I again I would like to thank you for recognizing them on the the effort and time they put into to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. It is um something that is not um easily done and as you've heard about the percentage of scouts that achieve Eagle Scout. So in terms of the number of scouts that achieve nationally um Eagle Scouts of Scouts of color that percentage is even less. So they have what they've done is an amazing accomplishment and again I applaud them and thank you for recognizing it. I'll give it to you. And then you can just hold it.

Stand back. That's not right. Well, you can

you know no longer Batman. That's it, right? Got to pay attention to the guy in the back.

Thank y'all. Thank you, sir. Did anybody come for a little paper?

Did anyone come to accept? Mr. Chairman, Miss uh Mr. McCarthy's daughter was supposed to be here and she said Miss Del was going to um accept on her behalf, but I don't know if she made it yet or not. Okay. I think if if you do later.

Okay. No, no, she's not coming, right? No. Okay. Well, you can I just like to say a few things though about Mr. Chair. the show of her shows.

Um Tammy was an incredible person and um those of you who ever used the conference center, you've got an experience and and she set the tone for how we did that, how the conference center was used, the the elegance of the facility, the professionalism and everything. And and as that uh resolution does say, her her smile was worth a million dollars cuz Tammy Tammy would smile up a storm and she did good things. Um, we've been in contact with her daughter and her sister and and they are very appreciative of council recognizing her and you know we it was sad to hear about the situation but she has a memory and that's lasting and um if you didn't know you probably heard um Tammy has been recognized from the state house the county council uh Claflin uh Charleston all over and that's the kind of impact she had. she will truly be missed. But I I can say this, you know, many conversations we had and and talking about, you know, how we should do the conference center and stuff and, you know, once she viewed the building one time, she said, you know, now Mr. Young, this is a nice place now, but how you treat the people is going to really make a difference. You got to give them an experience. And that's what she told me. I said, well, Tammy, come on and do it. And and she came. she uh she left and she came and she she did it better than anybody could be expected. So, you know, with this and resolution, I just thank county council for seeing fit to acknowledge her and uh for her family that's out there listening and looking on social media, just know she was loved and appreciated by Orange County. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Administrator. Appreciate it. Okay, council, there's no more other comment. We go back into our regular agenda at this time. Um, the next item on the agenda is uh taxing and I will y to the administrator. We have quite a list of those and we have the background information. We'd like to say thank you to the clerk and Mr. again for providing all the minutes of the meetings so that you could see those who requested these funds and listening the meeting what how the committee asked them questions and things of that nature. I think that was very good to give us that background information because it's to help understand uh the significance of where the funds are going. So at this time I'm going to administrator to Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman, the Orangeburg County Tax and Tourism Advisory Committee met on February 24th, 202 regular meeting. making the following recommendations for funding uh the town of Branchfield in the amount of $10,000 925 for the railroad days festival safe organizations for marketing and empowerment summer for 7,000 town of Utah for the Utah village festival in amount of 10,000 Grand American uh for Grand American at in Orangeburg for $32,000 Franksville youth sports for being upgraded for sport complex 1600 county of Orangeburg for Indian Bluff recreational security. 30,000 County Warsburg for promotion for South Carolina State and sponsorship events. 15,000 Orangeburg part-time players uh for advertising for the 2026 season $5,000 Orangeburg Fair Association for promotional 4th of July celebration $12,000 and the Orangeburg County Final

Center in promotion for future exhibits and implementation for $12,000 being presented to you for approval. Council, you've heard the report from the administrator. Any questions? No question because I get a motion and a second that we approve those recommendations from the staff. So move, Mr. Chair. Second. Moved by Mr. Garvin and second by Mr. Ravenell that we approve the recommendation as read by the administrator. All in favor, please say I.

I. Any opposes? Eyes have it. Motion to go. Thank you so very much. Um, next item is procurement and this is a soul source justification for amalance supplement supplemental payment program with the public consulting group PCG and I to the administrator to give a summary for the public on what this is all about. You have I know council you have a lot of background information on this reading. So, but I'm going to let the administrator summarize it and if you have any question, you can ask. Okay.

Yes, sir. Mr. Chairman, the um Medicare um so um Medicare through the reimbursements that we receive from the Medicare patients that use the EMS, the county is required. And if we use a demonstrated uh vendor that manages our supplemental framework program by us using the um the um supplemental group, they can actually help us receive additional funds for that through the contingency fund that is allowed for Medicaid. And this is a contingency fund contract that is allowed through Medicaid, but you have to use a um servicing provider and our service provider that we already have which would be the public consulting group is the service provider for the ambulance supplemental payment program that we're requesting that you any questions from council. Can I get a motion and second that we uh accept that use that group as a sour source please? So move

second move by Miss Cooper Smith and second by Morris Frasier that we use the PCG group as explained by the administrator for this item. All in favor please say I. I. Any opposes? Eyes have it. Motion is carried. Next item on the agenda is appointment of boards, commission and committees. And uh we have four of them. First one is uh a appointment of Orangeburg County Library Board of Trustees for District 2. Madam Attorney, can I just let them appoint all those like we do the other thing or not? You can do them jointly.

Okay. All right. So, um at this time I would entertain a motion, a second for the appointment for district two. Read the name. Oh, you have mud that's in the background. You know who you who you dude Freddy district club. I'm sorry. That's a good name call. I wasn't thinking about that. That's good. Okay. Uh Mr. Could I get a second? Second.

Uh it was moved by Mr. Raven, the chair, I mean the person that represent District 2 from Mr. Loris Glover uh for that library board and I have a second by either Miss Frasier or Miss Walker. He's the one. Uh so all in favor we say I. Any opposed? Eyes have the motion car. Item B is appointment of Monro County Library Board also from district five. Miss um Mrs. Mayor Smalls. Can I get a second?

Second. Uh it was moved from district five representatives from Miss Mary Smalls on the board second by Miss Frasier. All in favor on that one please say I. I. Uh appointment of the board also for district six. Dorothy Spell. Dr. Dorothy Spell. Okay. I get second. Second move by Mr. Loris Frasier the representative for district 6 for Mr. Darcy Smail Spails. Fails, I'm sorry. And second uh by Miss Walker. All in favor, please say I. I.

Next, the last appointment on this is appointed by the code enforcement officer for animal control. Could someone appoint that, please? I know the name was background information. Mr. Travis Callum is being presented to you as a code enforcement officer and animal control officer for the county, Mr. Chair. Okay. Is he here today? Would you speak a little louder? I didn't hear you. Oh, I'm sorry. I said Mr. Travis Callum is being presented to you as a code enforcement officer and an animal control officer for the county. If he's here, you can stand. If not, he's not here. Okay. Supervisor is here, but he's not.

Okay. Could I get a motion and second to accept that? Make a motion to appoint um Mr. Callum the code enforcement. Correction. Second female female lady moved by Miss Walker and second by M. Frasier that we accept the uh enforcement officer that was presented by the staff. All in favor say I. I.

Any opposes? Eyes have it. The motion is carried. Uh the next item is a vote for executive session. Uh we vote for executive session for economic development update which is allowed under the code. Those of you who have it is South Carolina code 30-4-7885 says related matter related to the proposed location expansion of provision of services encouraging the location of expansion of the industries or other benefits in the area served by a public body and that's allowed under that code and this uh for the update on project slash slash I'm uh slice uh pro project profile. It's two. It's project slice slash and then f slash k slash a project profile.

That means formerly known as Thank you so very much. I don't all these names because formerly known as hey it's a team. Thank you. I'm the reason why I sent on the paper. You should you should have put forward for folks like me. Okay. You'll be all right. That's okay. All right. So, can I get a motion in a second? We go executive session for that. Mr. Chairman, second

second. Moved by Miss Cougar Smith and second by Miss Frasier that we go into leg session for those as explained. All in favor say I. Any opposes? Eyes have it. Before we vote for adjournment council comments for any council member or staff council member start missile.

I got one. I fixed the big one. I could um involve everybody in council chamber. Um 8:00 8:00 in a given morning I start getting calls about healthc care got part one A and B and etc and etc. And throughout the course of a day,

I probably get 20 or 30 different phone calls about whether you have healthcare and that's get annoying. And now my my public line, I got two lines, cell phone and my regular phone line. I take us off the hook half of the day. I get tired of hearing rain. If there's anything I talk to our legislators represented about it, I think they said something about in the state house where they had that kind of a conversation. Well, uh, something need to be done about that. That's that's saying I almost want to disconnect my my landline.

I just let everybody know what they have to say. I have I'm the only one. No, you're not. You're not the only one. I can tell you that. Two landers and cell phones to get them all. Not the only one. Is what it is. Miss Smith, I would just like to thank those Miss Miss uh Miss Haley, would you stand please? The president of Barnab Community Association. Thank you for getting that group together to come out to witness Mrs. Blessing game receive this honor.

Mr. Go. Yes, I have something to say. Uh, Mr. Chairman. Thanks, sir. I just wanted to thank the U Boy Scouts of America for coming. It's good to see all these young men. That's a blessing. And I'm going to give them a hand. I want to always give them a hand. The next thing I wanted to say is that um if you look around into the neighborhoods that we in Orange County, you see so much trash. So we need to we need to clean up because it's trash on from down to Springfield all the way to St. T Utah and Utahville

you know Holly Hill it's trash everywhere. So if you see trash let's let's get together and clean it up. We need to clean up. Thank you very much. But I've been speaking trash for the longest. And me, you know it. I mean, you know it. I trash my hair. But still,

I started to send you a picture. I've been coming in because they've been working on Columbia Road. They have about 12, 13 bags lined up, orange bags with a shopper and a shopping cart. They've been working. I I I have pictures that I'm looking that I've sent to administrator some I have more pictures are sent to me. I get telephone calls. Yes, ma'am. I get telephone calls from people about Thank you, Mr. That's all I have to say. Is it my time to speak English? Yes, ma'am. Yes, sir. Thank you. Go ahead.

Well, I would like for us to pray. for all of the families who have lost loved ones in Trump's war.

Please let us pray because no one want to lose a loved one. And this war, this is my personal feeling and in my opinion, it's a senseless war and it's killing people. I don't have any, but I feel for those whose children are being killed during that war. And I just hope and pray that it comes to an end. SW

I hear Mr. Mccaster first. Go ahead. Okay. All right. Just wanted to note with the comments about the the garbage. Just understand that Orangeburg County employs some dedicated men and women in litter control and animal control. We do not pay anybody to put trash down. We pay people to pick it up. Yes.

So, when you when you get upset about trash in the community, don't get upset at us. Get upset at your friends, your neighbors, your family, and your friends because they're the ones putting it down and we're doing the best we can to pick it up. And so, that's what you have to do. So, please help us. If you see people doing or putting trash or doing things they shouldn't be, help us in doing that. and and that that will go a long way because as we grow the county and we bring in development that that matters when they come to town to see Orangeburg County to decide whether they're going to put their business, their their location, their industry, all of that matters and we try to do the best we can to put put a a good light and a positive light on this county because we don't want anybody to look at us in a negative light. So, do what you can. And I just want to take the time to let the um staff of animal litter control, code enforcement, and all those out there who are out there watching or picking up or doing whatever they're doing right now that we definitely appreciate them because a lot of times they get fussed at like they're putting it down and they're doing they're picking it up and they're helping us better our community. So, I just want to applaud them and thank you and uh their supervisors here, Mr. Clarkson and also the division right

appreciate one more thing I'm not wrong with it like my co when people throw litter and someone picks it up that's taxpayers money being lost that money could be going someplace else so every time you see a piece of trash You think that's your money being thrown away cuz somebody has to pick up the trash that's been thrown out. That's your money. You pay taxes, people trash, somebody has to be paid to pick it up. That was show.

Mr. Chairman, I got one more thing to say because education matters and I'm a hush. I just want to thank Miss Haley being my kindergarten teacher and she and education does matter. I broke my arm when I was in kindergarten. She gave me a beautiful pillow and I'll never forget that. So, thank you. I appreciate it. That's well noted. That's a good comment. Um, thank you so much. Uh, Dr. Mara, thank you for coming to our meeting. Good to see you. Anybody else? Uh, Reverend Lebron, thank you for coming. And all of you, thank you all for attending our meeting tonight. Our county corner is here.

Our county. Hey Sean, how you doing sir? Good honor. Appreciate you coming or all of you whoever you are. See that's what helped me to start calling names. But just everybody just thank you all for coming out. Mr. Ernest Mr. Mr. Erns Nims is my homeboy. I hear you. See I didn't want to go into that cuz we used to tear them up in basketball.