Council members approved a $109,000 funding allocation to retain the current Cassatt Fire Station site while authorizing $50,000 specifically for landscaping and buffers to address neighbor concerns
The decision follows a lengthy public discussion regarding project transparency and site selection proximity to residential property.
8 votes7 passed1 failed2 split
The vote behind the headline
Opioid Recovery Fund Approval for The ALPHA Center:Council authorized the ALPHA Center to apply for opioid settlement funds on behalf of the county.
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Danny Catoe✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Russell Brazell● Jimmy Jones (recused)
Council voted to authorize the Chair to send a letter allowing the ALPHA Center to apply for up to $561,228.03 in guaranteed political subdivision opioid settlement funds. Mara Jones, director of the ALPHA Center, explained that the center acts as a subject-matter expert to ensure the funds are used for the most effective abatement strategies, including hiring a coalition leader. The center is required to report outcomes to the county and the settlement board. Councilman Jimmy Jones recused himself from the vote due to his marriage to the director, Mara Jones. The motion passed unanimously among the remaining five voting members.
Adoption of Agenda:Council approved the meeting agenda for the January 24, 2023 session.
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
What this was about
This was a routine procedural vote to finalize the items to be addressed during the January 24, 2023, Kershaw County Council meeting. By adopting the agenda, Council set the order of business, including the various resolutions, ordinances, and public presentations that followed. This formal action ensures that the public and Council members are aware of the topics for deliberation. The measure passed unanimously with six members in favor, providing the necessary framework for the evening's proceedings to move forward efficiently.
Minutes of January 10, 2023:Council approved the minutes from the January 10, 2023, regular meeting.
Yes 5 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Danny Catoe✓ Russell Brazell✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson
What this was about
This vote was to officially approve the minutes of the regular Kershaw County Council meeting held on January 10, 2023. Accurate meeting minutes are a legal requirement under the Freedom of Information Act and serve as the formal record of Council actions and deliberations. Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. abstained from the vote, as he was not present at that specific meeting. The motion carried with the remaining five present members voting in favor.
Council voted to adopt the minutes from the special meeting held on January 12, 2023. These records document the decisions made during that specific session. Similar to the previous vote on minutes, Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. abstained because he did not attend the January 12 meeting. The remaining members approved the record as accurate, ensuring the transparency and historical integrity of Council's legislative activities.
Resolution Expressing Support for Parental Rights in Education:A resolution aimed at increasing parental oversight in public education failed to pass Council.
Yes 1 · No 5
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How they voted
✓ Russell Brazell✗ Katie Guinn✗ Jimmy Jones✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.✗ Brant Tomlinson✗ Danny Catoe
Council considered a resolution proposed by Councilman Russell Brazell that sought to express support for parental rights regarding the education and upbringing of children, particularly regarding human sexuality curriculum in kindergarten through fifth grade. The resolution encouraged local schools and governmental entities to ensure parental consent before exposing children to such topics. During the discussion, opponents argued that the school district already effectively protects parental rights and follows state law, and that Council should not overreach into educational governance. Supporters emphasized a desire to protect children from age-inappropriate content. Ultimately, the resolution failed with a 1-5 vote, as only Councilman Brazell voted in favor of the measure.
Amended and Restated Ordinance Determining Rules and Order (3rd Reading):Council finalized new rules of order to increase internal transparency and committee accountability.
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Danny Catoe✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Russell Brazell
Council approved the third and final reading of an ordinance meant to codify rules and order for Council operations. The ordinance included several significant amendments, such as setting a clear deadline for agenda preparation, refining the Chairperson's role in signing documents, and establishing strict procedures for the Finance Committee. The amendments ensure the Finance Committee cannot hold matters indefinitely, requiring recommendations within 14 days. Councilman Jimmy Jones championed these changes as essential for transparency and preventing ambush tactics during meetings. Councilman Russell Brazell cast the lone dissenting vote. These rules are now in effect, fundamentally changing how Council handles its business and inter-committee relations.
Council formally appointed Lauren Reeder to serve as the Interim Clerk to Council. This role is essential for managing Council records, agendas, and administrative tasks until a permanent clerk can be hired. All six council members voted in favor of the appointment, demonstrating confidence in her ability to fill the gap during this transition period.
Finance Committee Appointments (B. Tomlinson, S. Tucker, Jr., J. Jones):Council established its new Finance Committee by appointing Brant Tomlinson, Sammie Tucker Jr., and Jimmy Jones.Appointments
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Danny Catoe✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Russell Brazell
As mandated by the newly approved rules of order, Council established a Finance Committee to handle budgetary and fiscal oversight. Council members Brant Tomlinson, Sammie Tucker Jr., and Jimmy Jones were appointed to the committee. Chairwoman Katie Guinn further designated Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. to serve as the committee's Chair, citing his budgetary experience. This move is intended to ensure more thorough fiscal scrutiny and accountability in county spending moving forward.
Council voted to authorize the Chair to send a letter allowing the ALPHA Center to apply for up to $561,228.03 in guaranteed political subdivision opioid settlement funds. Mara Jones, director of the ALPHA Center, explained that the center acts as a subject-matter expert to ensure the funds are used for the most effective abatement strategies, including hiring a coalition leader. The center is required to report outcomes to the county and the settlement board. Councilman Jimmy Jones recused himself from the vote due to his marriage to the director, Mara Jones. The motion passed unanimously among the remaining five voting members.
Council members held an extensive discussion regarding Planning and Zoning operations, with members expressing frustration over reported staff interactions with the public and calling for a more service-oriented approach.
Administrator Danny Templar committed to providing a timeline for the upcoming Comprehensive Plan, which will serve as a venue for further public and contractor engagement.
Public comment▸showhide
Nine residents provided comments during the meeting. Public input focused primarily on the Cassatt Fire Station construction, with neighbors and local residents debating the site selection, the need for increased transparency regarding project timelines, and the request for adequate buffers to mitigate noise and visual impact.
Additional comments addressed the desire for improved Parks and Recreation facilities, the implementation of parental rights resolutions, and general oversight of county planning processes.
Coming up▸showhide
Council will continue work on the Comprehensive Plan and monitor the progress of the Cassatt Fire Station, with staff tasked to provide ongoing updates regarding buffer construction and project expenditures.
This is an independent summary prepared from the county's official published minutes and the meeting's live stream, not an official county communication.
How this recap was made: Prepared from the county's official minutes (the verified vote record) combined with the meeting's live stream (quotes and discussion). 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.
