Meeting recap · December 8, 2020
Council honored local high school football teams and outgoing state legislators
The meeting focused on celebrating the success of the Camden High School and North Central High School football programs, as well as recognizing the two decades of service provided by Senator Vincent Sheheen and Representative Laurie Slade Funderburk.
7 votes7 passed1 split
The vote behind the headline
North Central High School Football Team Resolution:
Council honored the North Central High School Knights for their impressive 2020 region championship season.
Schools
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ David Snodgrass✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Tom GardnerWhat this was about
The resolution celebrates the North Central High School football team, the Knights, for an outstanding 2020 season that included a region championship, their first since 1992. The team advanced to the class 2A semifinals, outscoring opponents by 281 points throughout the year. Council emphasized the team's ability to overcome significant adversity, including the aftermath of an F3 tornado that displaced the school and its facilities in January, followed by the logistical hurdles of a COVID-19 impacted season. The resolution also honors Coach Tyrone Drakeford, who was named the 2020 region 4 2A coach of the year. Council members highlighted the team's perseverance and noted that their success provided a sense of hope and unity for the county during a difficult year. The ceremony concluded with the recognition of several key players and staff members who contributed to the team's historic turnaround.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: highlighted the team's historic region championship and their resilience following a natural disaster. ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: expressed pride in the team and complimented Coach Drakeford's leadership and professional experience. ▶︎» Ben Connell Chairman: remarked on the inspiration gained from the team's ability to triumph over extreme environmental and social challenges. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: congratulated the team on their success and jokingly suggested they assist the University of South Carolina. ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ showhide
Camden High School Football Team Resolution:
Council recognized the Camden High School football team for their 2020 AAA Lower State Championship season.
Schools
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ David Snodgrass✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Tom GardnerWhat this was about
This resolution honors the Camden High School Bulldogs for their successful 2020 football season, where they finished with a 9-1 record and claimed the AAA Lower State Championship. The team, coached by Brian Rimp, overcame the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain their athletic excellence. The resolution highlights the team's offensive prowess, which averaged 475 yards and nearly 48 points per game, alongside a stout defense that recorded 37 sacks. Individual honors were also noted, including senior running back Willis Lane Jr. being named a Mr. Football finalist. Council members praised the players for their hard work and the life lessons they learned on the gridiron, which they hope the students will carry into their adult lives. This ceremonial recognition celebrates the school's long-standing tradition of athletic success and provides a point of pride for the Kershaw County community.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Ben Connell Chairman: praised the team for their dedication and for embodying the community's winning tradition. ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: congratulated the players for overcoming adversity and acting as leaders in the community. ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: praised the players for the life lessons learned through sports and urged them to continue working hard. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: jokingly asked the team to share their winning strategies with the University of South Carolina football team. ▶︎
North Central High School Football Team Resolution:
Council honored the North Central High School Knights for their impressive 2020 region championship season.
Schools
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ David Snodgrass✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Tom GardnerWhat this was about
The resolution celebrates the North Central High School football team, the Knights, for an outstanding 2020 season that included a region championship, their first since 1992. The team advanced to the class 2A semifinals, outscoring opponents by 281 points throughout the year. Council emphasized the team's ability to overcome significant adversity, including the aftermath of an F3 tornado that displaced the school and its facilities in January, followed by the logistical hurdles of a COVID-19 impacted season. The resolution also honors Coach Tyrone Drakeford, who was named the 2020 region 4 2A coach of the year. Council members highlighted the team's perseverance and noted that their success provided a sense of hope and unity for the county during a difficult year. The ceremony concluded with the recognition of several key players and staff members who contributed to the team's historic turnaround.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: highlighted the team's historic region championship and their resilience following a natural disaster. ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: expressed pride in the team and complimented Coach Drakeford's leadership and professional experience. ▶︎» Ben Connell Chairman: remarked on the inspiration gained from the team's ability to triumph over extreme environmental and social challenges. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: congratulated the team on their success and jokingly suggested they assist the University of South Carolina. ▶︎
Resolution Honoring Senator Vincent Sheheen:
Council honored Senator Vincent Sheheen for his two decades of service in the state legislature.
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ David Snodgrass✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Tom GardnerWhat this was about
This resolution recognizes Senator Vincent Sheheen for his 20 years of public service, including his tenure in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 2001 to 2004 and his service in the State Senate from 2004 to 2020. The document highlights his efforts in land conservation, his leadership in securing federal stimulus funds during the Great Recession, and his instrumental work in the removal of the Confederate flag from the State House grounds. Council praised Sheheen for his nonpartisan commitment to Kershaw County and his ability to work effectively across the aisle. Although the Senator could not attend due to health precautions, the resolution also acknowledged his wife, Amy Sheheen, for her steadfast support and contributions to local organizations like Historic Camden. The resolution serves as a formal appreciation for his legacy of advocacy for education and economic development in the Palmetto state.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: noted the Senator's humility and the effective teamwork he displayed throughout his legislative career. ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: recalled how the Senator reached out to him after he was elected to council to offer guidance and support. ▶︎» Ben Connell Chairman: thanked the Senator's family for the sacrifice of time spent away from him during his years of public service. ▶︎» Danny Catoe Council Member: expressed gratitude for the Senator's help with various projects in his district during his term. ▶︎
Resolution Honoring Representative Laurie Slade Funderburk:
Council honored Representative Laurie Slade Funderburk for her nearly two decades of service to the county.
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ David Snodgrass✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Tom GardnerWhat this was about
This resolution honors Representative Laurie Slade Funderburk for her service in the South Carolina House of Representatives, where she served from 2004 until 2020. Funderburk was recognized for her professional demeanor, her commitment to pro-business policies, and her active involvement in community coalitions such as Live Well Kershaw. Council members described her as an effective, behind-the-scenes leader who prioritized the needs of the county over political posturing. The resolution also recognizes her family for their personal sacrifices during her time in office. In conjunction with the honor, Council announced a public thank you parade to be held on December 20, 2020, to celebrate the combined service of both Senator Sheheen and Representative Funderburk. The ceremony underscored the county's appreciation for her legislative contributions and her efforts to foster local economic and social growth.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: praised Funderburk's quiet efficiency and her ability to build consensus across party lines. ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: thanked her for helping him navigate his early days as a newly elected council member. ▶︎» Danny Catoe Council Member: thanked her for her commitment to fighting for the needs of the county residents. ▶︎» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: commended her for being pro-business and consistently acting in the best interest of the citizens. ▶︎
Amendment to Meeting Schedule (2 meetings/month Jan-Jun, 1/month Jul-Dec):
Council voted to change the 2021 meeting schedule to twice a month through June and once monthly thereafter.
Yes 5 · No 2
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detailsless
Yes 5 · No 2
How they voted
✗ T. Gardner✗ A. Bozard• Ben Connell · not recorded• David Snodgrass · not recorded• Jimmy Jones · not recorded• Julian Burns · not recorded• Russell Brazell · not recorded• Sammie Tucker Jr. · 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 approved a modified meeting schedule for 2021, opting for two meetings per month from January through June, transitioning to a single monthly meeting from July through December. The measure was debated extensively, with members discussing the balance between transparency, constituent access, and government efficiency. Supporters of the twice-monthly schedule argued that it promotes synergy and allows for better handling of the upcoming budget cycle. Opponents preferred a permanent once-monthly schedule, citing that the infrequency of public participation in recent meetings suggested that fewer meetings are sufficient for conducting county business. The council also rejected an amendment that would have deferred the scheduling decision to the incoming council members. The adopted schedule aims to accommodate the workload during the budget preparation phase while reducing the total number of meetings during the latter half of the year.
PASSED For 5 · Against 2
Who said what
» Brant Tomlinson Council Member: argued that recent history shows only one meeting per month is necessary for county business. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: objected to the current council setting a schedule for the new members coming on board. ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: advocated for twice-monthly meetings to ensure the council remains connected to the community and its needs. ▶︎» Ben Connell Chairman: expressed a preference for fewer meetings, arguing that it allows the administrator more room to function. ▶︎
Rezoning of 70 Acres off Bulware Street (1st Reading):
Council unanimously approved the first reading of a rezoning ordinance for 70 acres near Bulware Street.
DevelopmentRoads
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ David Snodgrass✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Tom GardnerWhat this was about
Council voted 7-0 to approve the first reading of an ordinance to rezone approximately 70 acres of land located off Bulware Street. The property will change from RD-1 (rural development) to R-15 (single-family residential). County staff confirmed that the rezoning had received a unanimous recommendation for approval from the Zoning Commission. The R-15 zoning allows for a higher density, approximately 2.9 houses per acre compared to the one house per acre allowed under the current designation, due to the availability of public water and sewer services. There was no formal opposition from neighbors during the hearing. Council members confirmed that this rezoning is limited to single-family homes or townhouses and specifically excludes multi-family apartment developments. The measure now moves to a second reading in the next council cycle.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Lighting for KC West Ball Fields:
Council approved a $289,722 bid for the installation of lighting at two KC West ball fields.
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ David Snodgrass✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Julian Burns✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Tom GardnerWhat this was about
Council approved a bid of $289,722 to install lighting for two of the baseball fields at the KC West complex. This project is a continuation of the county's plan to complete facilities that were relocated when the school district utilized the previous field site for a new school. County administrator Vic Carpenter explained that the project had been delayed by COVID-19 budget constraints but was now deemed essential for the use of the fields. The lighting will be provided by Musco Lighting. Council members expressed support for the investment, noting that KC West is an important community asset. While this bid covers two fields, it was noted that two additional fields at the complex remain unlit; council members indicated that future recreation improvements will be addressed in upcoming budget retreats.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Discussed, no vote ▸ showhide
Council received an update on the Kershaw County fire services plan, noting that while the installation of paid personnel has significantly improved response times, budget constraints related to the pandemic have forced a temporary delay in the transition to 24-hour shifts.
Additionally, staff provided a COVID-19 update indicating a rising number of cases and hospital utilization rates, while clarifying that courthouse closures and trial suspensions are state-level decisions.
Members also held an executive session to discuss a legal matter with no action taken afterward.
Public comment ▸ showhide
There were no public sign-ups for comment during this meeting.
Coming up ▸ showhide
Council will hold its next meeting in January 2021. A thank you parade for Senator Sheheen and Representative Funderburk is scheduled for December 20, 2020, at 3:00 p.m., beginning at Cannon Elementary School.
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.