Kershaw County Council passed a resolution expressing strong support for Second Amendment rights and urged state officials to protect these freedoms
The move was a response to legislative trends in other states and was supported by both council members and local citizens in attendance.
5 votes5 passed
The vote behind the headline
Resolution Expressing Support for Second Amendment Rights (Resolution):Council passed a resolution affirming its support for Second Amendment rights and individual gun ownership.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
In response to gun control trends in other states, Kershaw County Council adopted this resolution to formally declare its support for the right of citizens to keep and bear arms. The document cites the United States Constitution and the South Carolina Constitution as the basis for these protections, urging state and federal officials to avoid any legislation that would infringe upon these liberties. While the resolution carries no legal authority to change state or federal law, members intended it as a clear signal of the county's stance on constitutional freedoms. Several members noted that they felt a proactive statement was necessary to express the local sentiment should legislative winds shift in the future. Public reaction was strongly positive, with multiple speakers commending the council for its stance. The resolution passed unanimously after council members discussed the importance of protecting the entire Bill of Rights and individual liberties.
Resolution Recognizing the Carolina Cup Racing Association (Proclamation):Council honored the Carolina Cup Racing Association for 87 years of promoting steeplechase racing in the region.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
This resolution formally recognizes the Carolina Cup Racing Association for its long-standing history of hosting premier steeplechase events in Kershaw County since 1932. The association has played a vital role in positioning Camden as a national leader in the horse racing industry, supporting related enterprises like equestrian supplies, trail rides, and horse shows at the Equine Park. The measure also acknowledges the organization's innovation in facility management, including the development of the Steeplechase Museum and the successful recruitment of cross-country races that draw thousands of visitors. By honoring executive director Toby Edwards and chairman John Cushman, the council highlights how these efforts provide significant regional economic spinoffs and tourism benefits. The resolution emphasizes that the association continues to adapt to changing economic climates, ensuring the historic venue remains a cornerstone of local culture and recreation. This was a ceremonial action passed unanimously to celebrate the association’s enduring contribution to the community.
Resolution Expressing Support for Second Amendment Rights (Resolution):Council passed a resolution affirming its support for Second Amendment rights and individual gun ownership.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
In response to gun control trends in other states, Kershaw County Council adopted this resolution to formally declare its support for the right of citizens to keep and bear arms. The document cites the United States Constitution and the South Carolina Constitution as the basis for these protections, urging state and federal officials to avoid any legislation that would infringe upon these liberties. While the resolution carries no legal authority to change state or federal law, members intended it as a clear signal of the county's stance on constitutional freedoms. Several members noted that they felt a proactive statement was necessary to express the local sentiment should legislative winds shift in the future. Public reaction was strongly positive, with multiple speakers commending the council for its stance. The resolution passed unanimously after council members discussed the importance of protecting the entire Bill of Rights and individual liberties.
Ordinance to Amend the Official Zoning Map for Property Belonging to Johnny Outlaw (2nd Reading):Council approved the rezoning of 72 acres to facilitate the construction of a private pistol range.Development
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
This ordinance rezones approximately 72 acres of property belonging to Johnny Outlaw from RD2 to General Development (GD) zoning. The primary purpose of this change is to allow for the construction of a new pistol range facility. The proposal had previously received a favorable recommendation from the Planning Commission by a five-to-one vote and passed its first reading before the council. During the second reading, council members expressed support for the project, viewing it as a practical extension of their recent support for Second Amendment rights. The council praised the development, noting that the facility is expected to be well-built and a positive addition to the county's infrastructure for firearm recreation. This vote marks the second reading of the measure, and a third reading will be required at a future meeting to finalize the zoning change.
PASSED (Unanimous). This rezoning from RD2 to GD is intended to facilitate the construction of a pistol range
Amended and Restated Ordinance Determining Rules and Orders of Business (2nd Reading):Council updated its business rules to standardize public hearing procedures and presentation limits.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
This ordinance amends the council's operating procedures to clarify rules for public hearings and presentations. The primary changes involve consolidating public hearing and presentation guidelines into two appendices. Specifically, the rules now limit the number of public presentations to three per meeting, unless approved otherwise by the council, with a 20-minute time limit for each. The amendments also introduce a requirement for individuals to identify themselves by name when participating in public comment, ensuring that the body knows who is addressing them. Council members engaged in a brief discussion regarding the importance of keeping these requirements simple and non-invasive while maintaining decorum. By standardizing these processes, the council aims to treat all citizens consistently and improve the efficiency of their meetings. This ordinance passed its second reading with the proposed amendments, and it will proceed to a third reading.
PASSED (Unanimous). This ordinance incorporates specific guidelines for public hearings and public presentations
Administrator Evaluation and Compensation (Compensation Increase):Council approved a 2 percent salary increase for the county administrator for the 2020 year.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ David Snodgrass✓ Tom Gardner
Following an executive session to evaluate the performance of the county administrator, the council returned to open session to vote on a compensation adjustment. The council unanimously approved a 2 percent base salary increase for the administrator for the 2020 calendar year, which equates to an increase of approximately 3,177 dollars. All other material terms of the administrator's existing employment contract will remain unchanged. Members used the opportunity to express their appreciation for the administrator’s leadership throughout the past year, particularly during recent challenges such as responding to the tornado at North Central High School and navigating personnel transitions within the fire service. The decision serves as a reflection of the council's satisfaction with his management of county operations and staff.
PASSED (Unanimous). Council approved a 2 percent base salary increase for the administrator for the 2020 calendar year
Council members and the administrator honored the legacy of the late Gene Falkenberry, a significant leader in the county fire service. Officials also provided updates on the ongoing recovery efforts following a tornado at North Central High School, the status of a proposed dog park near Watery Dental, and the upcoming MLK Day celebration.
Additionally, staff reported on the implementation of a new FAST team designed to address public works maintenance requests like potholes and signage within 24 hours.
Public comment▸showhide
Seven residents spoke during public comment. The majority of speakers expressed strong support for the Second Amendment resolution and praised the council for taking a proactive stance on individual rights.
One resident suggested moving council meeting start times to 6:00 p.m. to better accommodate working individuals, while another raised concerns regarding economic development and future growth opportunities for the county.
Coming up▸showhide
The next county council meeting is scheduled for January 28, 2020.
Third readings for the zoning and rules of business ordinances are expected to be held at upcoming meetings.
The administrator will initiate the budget planning process, including collecting goal and priority surveys from council members.
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.
