Meeting recap · December 10, 2019
Council formalized a new travel policy requiring all ticketed travel and lodging for council members to be booked through the clerk to council, with reports submitted for inclusion in upcoming agenda packages
This decision follows a robust debate regarding transparency and the use of public funds for economic development travel.
9 votes8 passed1 failed2 split
The vote behind the headline
Policy Change for Council Travel Appropriated Funds:
Council formalized a new travel policy requiring all ticketed travel to be booked through the Clerk.
Unanimous · 3-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 3-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Tom Gardner✓ David Snodgrass✓ Ben ConnellWhat this was about
Council unanimously approved a new policy requiring all ticketed travel - including air, rail, and lodging - for council members to be booked through the Clerk to Council. Once bookings are confirmed, the information must be presented to the council and included in the next agenda package for public information. This motion was introduced by Councilman Jimmy Jones following a debate regarding transparency and the use of public funds for economic development travel. The discussion surfaced after a council member traveled to Washington, D.C., without prior broad notification to the full board, leading to concerns about accountability. While some members argued that formalizing existing informal practices was unnecessary, the board ultimately agreed that having a written policy was a positive step for transparency. This policy applies to all future travel funded by the county and ensures that all such expenditures remain a matter of public record.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Votes at a glance ▸ showhide
Camden High School Football Team Resolution:
Council recognized the Camden High School football team for their successful 2019 season and achievements.
Schools
Unanimous · 3-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 3-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Tom Gardner✓ David Snodgrass✓ Ben ConnellWhat this was about
Council unanimously passed a resolution honoring the Camden High School football team for an outstanding 2019 season. The team finished with a 12-2 record, secured the Class 3A Region 4 championship, and reached the state semifinal round. The resolution highlighted the team's impressive scoring record and individual player accolades, as well as the naming of Coach Brian Rimpf as Class 3A Coach of the Year. Council members expressed pride in the team for representing the entire county and serving as positive role models for local youth. The team and coaches were invited to the meeting to receive the formal recognition. This ceremonial measure serves to celebrate local student-athletes and strengthen community spirit, acknowledging the hard work and dedication required to excel at a competitive level. The resolution was formally presented to the team during the meeting.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Ben Connell Chairman: noted his pride in the team as a fellow graduate of the local high school system ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: emphasized that the team represents the entire county and praised the coaching staff ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: congratulated the players on their hard work and the community spirit they fostered ▶︎
Meeting Schedule for 2020 (Amendment to add September 22 and October 20):
A proposal to add two specific meeting dates to the 2020 calendar failed in a 2-4 vote.
Yes 2 · No 4
▸
detailsless
Yes 2 · No 4
How they voted
✗ Ben Connell✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ B. Burns✗ T. Gardner• David Snodgrass · not recordedThe meeting video didn't make clear how the members in grey voted; their votes fill in automatically once the county posts the official minutes.
What this was about
Council considered an amendment to the proposed 2020 meeting schedule that would have added two extra meetings on September 22 and October 20. The motion, introduced by Councilman Derek Shoemake, was intended to compromise between a one-meeting-per-month schedule and the traditional two-meeting schedule. Supporters argued that additional meetings provide better access for residents and help clear zoning business more efficiently. Opponents, including Chairman Ben Connell and other members, favored the proposed schedule of two meetings from January to June and one meeting per month from July to December to account for lower seasonal workloads. The amendment failed with a 2-4 vote. This vote solidified the decision to maintain the lighter, less frequent meeting cadence for the second half of the year, despite concerns from some members regarding the potential for infrequent updates or slow processing of items.
FAILED For 2 · Against 4
Meeting Schedule for 2020 (Main motion for two meetings Jan-June, one meeting July-Dec):
Council approved a meeting schedule featuring two meetings monthly from January through June and one thereafter.
Yes 4 · No 1
▸
detailsless
Yes 4 · No 1
How they voted
✗ Jimmy Jones• Tom Gardner · not recorded• David Snodgrass · not recorded• Ben Connell · not recordedThe meeting video didn't make clear how the members in grey voted; their votes fill in automatically once the county posts the official minutes.
What this was about
Following the failure of an amendment to add more dates, Council voted 4-1 to approve the main motion regarding the 2020 meeting schedule. The approved calendar dictates that Council will hold two meetings per month during the first half of the year, January through June, to accommodate budget-related discussions and higher administrative volume. From July through December, the schedule shifts to a single monthly meeting. Councilman Jimmy Jones cast the lone dissenting vote, maintaining his preference for a consistent bi-monthly schedule throughout the entire year. This schedule ensures the county can address peak legislative needs during the spring while reducing the meeting frequency during the slower autumn months. The next scheduled meeting under this new calendar was set for January 14, 2020. This decision formally establishes the operational calendar for all public board business in the upcoming year.
PASSED For 4 · Against 1
Blaney EMS Station Funding Transfer:
Council approved the transfer of $560,000 from EMS reserves to construct a new EMS station in Elgin.
EMS & fire
Unanimous · 3-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 3-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Tom Gardner✓ David Snodgrass✓ Ben ConnellWhat this was about
Council voted unanimously to transfer $560,000 from the EMS reserve fund to build a new EMS station at the Blaney Fire Department site. The facility is part of the county's broader move toward a professional fire service, which necessitates separating EMS operations from the existing fire station buildings to ensure adequate space for both departments. The project is estimated to cost approximately $550,000, consistent with the pricing of two previously constructed stations. Officials noted that the project is being funded through internal reserves rather than debt service, which they claimed would save the county between 25% and 33% compared to projects tied to federal bonds or the Davis-Bacon Act. The station will be built directly behind the fire department, with construction slated to begin as early as January 2, 2020. This is the third EMS station the county has undertaken within the last year.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Policy Change for Council Travel Appropriated Funds:
Council formalized a new travel policy requiring all ticketed travel to be booked through the Clerk.
Unanimous · 3-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 3-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Tom Gardner✓ David Snodgrass✓ Ben ConnellWhat this was about
Council unanimously approved a new policy requiring all ticketed travel - including air, rail, and lodging - for council members to be booked through the Clerk to Council. Once bookings are confirmed, the information must be presented to the council and included in the next agenda package for public information. This motion was introduced by Councilman Jimmy Jones following a debate regarding transparency and the use of public funds for economic development travel. The discussion surfaced after a council member traveled to Washington, D.C., without prior broad notification to the full board, leading to concerns about accountability. While some members argued that formalizing existing informal practices was unnecessary, the board ultimately agreed that having a written policy was a positive step for transparency. This policy applies to all future travel funded by the county and ensures that all such expenditures remain a matter of public record.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Zoning Map Redesignation (13 acres, R15 to RD2) (3rd Reading):
Council gave final approval to rezone approximately 13 acres from R15 to RD2.
Development
Unanimous · 3-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 3-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Tom Gardner✓ David Snodgrass✓ Ben ConnellWhat this was about
Council unanimously approved the third and final reading of an ordinance to rezone two parcels of land totaling approximately 13 acres from R15 (Residential) to RD2 (Rural Development). The proposal had previously received a favorable 4-2 recommendation from the Planning Commission and had successfully passed its first two readings before the council. There was no public opposition or controversy voiced regarding this specific zoning change during the meeting. This redesignation allows for different land use density on the affected property, supporting the county's ongoing planning and development goals. As this was the third reading, the ordinance is now formally adopted into county law. The rezoning process ensures that the property's designation matches the intended use, and this decision marks the final step in the legal process for this site.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Zoning Map Redesignation (14 acres, R15/GD to RD2) (3rd Reading):
Council gave final approval to rezone approximately 14 acres from R15/GD to RD2.
Development
Unanimous · 3-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 3-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Tom Gardner✓ David Snodgrass✓ Ben ConnellWhat this was about
Council unanimously approved the third and final reading of an ordinance to rezone two parcels of land comprising approximately 14 acres from R15 and GD (General Development) to RD2 (Rural Development). The ordinance moved through the standard legislative process, having already been reviewed and approved in two prior council meetings. No significant public feedback or objection was raised during the meeting process. The move to RD2 zoning is part of the county's effort to manage growth and standardize land use classifications within the region. With this third reading completed, the ordinance is officially adopted. This final approval concludes the zoning transition for the property, providing clarity for future development based on the updated designation approved by the Planning Commission and the Council.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Fee-in-Lieu of Tax Agreement for Midlands Regional Rehabilitation Hospital (3rd Reading):
Council approved a tax agreement for a new $17.8 million rehabilitation hospital project.
Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 3-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 3-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Tom Gardner✓ David Snodgrass✓ Ben ConnellWhat this was about
Council unanimously approved the third reading of an ordinance authorizing a fee-in-lieu of tax (FILOT) agreement between Kershaw County and Midlands Regional Rehabilitation Hospital, LLC. This agreement facilitates the establishment of a new medical facility representing a capital investment of approximately $17.8 million. The project is expected to create 133 jobs with an average salary of $25 per hour. The approval followed a public hearing earlier in the meeting, during which no public opposition was expressed. Council members expressed enthusiasm for the project, viewing it as a strong example of economic development that will provide specialized healthcare services to the region. This vote formally finalizes the tax incentive structure needed to move the hospital project forward, fulfilling the county's commitment to supporting new commercial investment.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Zoning Map Redesignation at J.O. Farms (1st Reading):
Council approved the first reading to rezone 772 acres from RD2 to GD.
Development
Unanimous · 3-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 3-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Tom Gardner✓ David Snodgrass✓ Ben ConnellWhat this was about
Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance to rezone approximately 772 acres in the Antioch area from RD2 (Rural Development) to GD (General Development). The Planning Commission had previously recommended approval of the rezoning by a 5-1 vote. Council members spoke highly of the project and the property owner, Johnny Outlaw, for his efforts in creating a community asset and hosting events. The rezoning is intended to accommodate a broader range of development activities on the large site, which local officials suggested could include recreation or other community-serving uses similar to existing successful local ventures. While this was only the first reading, the strong unanimous support reflects the board's confidence in the applicant’s vision for the area. The ordinance will proceed to future readings for final ratification in the coming year.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Derek Shoemake Council Member: supported the zoning change and commended the owner for his work for the community ▶︎» Ben Connell Chairman: praised the applicant for his leadership and initiative in the Antioch area ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: expressed his full support for the project based on the quality of the applicant's reputation ▶︎Discussed, no vote ▸ showhide
- Council discussed the status of road improvements in the Lugoff area and requested a staff report.
- An update was provided on the county's solid waste department, confirming the department has operated in the black for the last three years.
- Phil Gaines presented a progress update on the new visitor center, noting a projected spring 2021 opening.
- The Clean Community Commission reported on recent litter cleanup efforts and identified deer corn bags and alcohol containers as significant litter sources.
Public comment ▸ showhide
Resident Wesley Crowley expressed concerns regarding county land management and economic development practices, and announced his intent to run for a council seat.
Coming up ▸ showhide
- The next scheduled council meeting is January 14, 2020.
- Spring litter cleanup event is scheduled for March 21, 2020.
independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.
How this recap was made: Prepared from the meeting's live-stream transcript. The county's official minutes (the verified vote record) will be cross-checked automatically once the county publishes them, often a couple of months later. This is an automated summary written by software (a neural-network summarizer working from the documents above). Rely on the official county record for anything important.