Meeting recap · March 14, 2023
Council authorizes $12 million recreational revitalization proposal
Council voted 4-3 to accept $6 million in private donations from MUSC and the Health Services District, contingent on the county matching those funds to support a multi-sport complex and improvements to existing facilities. The proposal now moves to the Finance Committee to identify funding sources, including potential ARPA reallocations.
8 votes8 passed1 split
The vote behind the headline
Acceptance of $6 million donation and recreation proposal:
Council approved a $12 million recreational complex project funded by private donations and local matching funds.
Parks & rec
Yes 4 · No 3
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Yes 4 · No 3
How they voted
✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Derek Shoemake✗ K. Guinn✗ Jimmy Jones✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
This measure formalizes the county’s acceptance of $6 million in private donations from MUSC and the Health Services District to develop a multi-sport recreational complex. The proposal stipulates that Kershaw County will provide a $6 million match, bringing the total project budget to $12 million. Of this funding, $10 million is earmarked for the Woodward Park multi-sport facility, while $2 million is allocated for maintenance and repairs at existing recreational sites across the county. This decision sparked significant debate among Council members, with some advocating for immediate action to modernize facilities, while others expressed concern over the necessity of a formal vote before the Finance Committee reviews potential funding sources like ARPA. Public reaction was polarized, with supporters highlighting economic growth and youth development, while opponents urged the county to prioritize infrastructure, EMS, and jail capacity. The measure passed in a 4-3 vote, with members Guinn, Jones, and Tucker, Jr. in opposition. The proposal now heads to the Finance Committee to determine the specific allocation of matching funds.
PASSED For 4 · Against 3
Who said what
» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: advocated for the motion as a significant investment in the community and recreation revitalization ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: emphasized that this project is about improving local recreation facilities rather than just travel ball ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: expressed concern that the vote was rushed despite an initial 90-day window for due diligence ▶︎» Ben Connell Chairman: voiced disappointment that the motion was brought forward without prior notice or discussion with leadership ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ showhide
Acceptance of $6 million donation and recreation proposal:
Council approved a $12 million recreational complex project funded by private donations and local matching funds.
Parks & rec
Yes 4 · No 3
▸
detailsless
Yes 4 · No 3
How they voted
✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Derek Shoemake✗ K. Guinn✗ Jimmy Jones✗ Sammie Tucker Jr.What this was about
This measure formalizes the county’s acceptance of $6 million in private donations from MUSC and the Health Services District to develop a multi-sport recreational complex. The proposal stipulates that Kershaw County will provide a $6 million match, bringing the total project budget to $12 million. Of this funding, $10 million is earmarked for the Woodward Park multi-sport facility, while $2 million is allocated for maintenance and repairs at existing recreational sites across the county. This decision sparked significant debate among Council members, with some advocating for immediate action to modernize facilities, while others expressed concern over the necessity of a formal vote before the Finance Committee reviews potential funding sources like ARPA. Public reaction was polarized, with supporters highlighting economic growth and youth development, while opponents urged the county to prioritize infrastructure, EMS, and jail capacity. The measure passed in a 4-3 vote, with members Guinn, Jones, and Tucker, Jr. in opposition. The proposal now heads to the Finance Committee to determine the specific allocation of matching funds.
PASSED For 4 · Against 3
Who said what
» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: advocated for the motion as a significant investment in the community and recreation revitalization ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: emphasized that this project is about improving local recreation facilities rather than just travel ball ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: expressed concern that the vote was rushed despite an initial 90-day window for due diligence ▶︎» Ben Connell Chairman: voiced disappointment that the motion was brought forward without prior notice or discussion with leadership ▶︎
Administrator’s employment contract:
Council voted unanimously to approve the employment contract for the County Administrator.
Unanimous · 7-0
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Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek ShoemakeWhat this was about
The County Administrator, Danny Templar, serves as the chief administrative officer for Kershaw County, overseeing the daily operations of county government and executing policy directives set by the Council. This vote formalized his employment terms following recent administrative transitions. While the specific financial terms and conditions of the contract were finalized in the packet reviewed by members, the vote reflects the Council's consensus on his leadership and ongoing performance. Maintaining a stable administrator is a priority for the Council to ensure continuity in county services and staff management. This action was completed during the Old Business portion of the meeting with no debate required from the members. The move reinforces the Council's commitment to current administrative leadership as they navigate upcoming projects like the recreational complex and infrastructure studies.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Hire and appointment of Hannah Parler as Clerk to Council:
Council unanimously voted to hire Hannah Parler as the new Clerk to Council.
Appointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek ShoemakeWhat this was about
Hannah Parler was selected from a pool of over 60 applicants to serve as the new Clerk to Council, a role responsible for maintaining official records, managing meeting agendas, and supporting the Council's legislative processes. County Administrator Danny Templar recommended her for the position, citing her 17 years of professional experience in local government, specifically her work within Lee County and municipal city councils. The Clerk to Council acts as the primary liaison between the administration and the elected body, ensuring that public records and meeting minutes are handled with precision. Council members expressed confidence in her ability to handle the demands of the office, noting her preparedness during the interview process. Following the unanimous vote, Ms. Parler was introduced to the Council and public, marking the conclusion of an extensive search process to fill the vacancy.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Danny Templar Presenter: praised Hannah Parler's significant professional experience and recommended her as an excellent addition to the county staff ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: welcomed Ms. Parler to the county and jokingly inquired about her professional connections to his home county of Lee ▶︎
Jail space and needs study:
Council voted unanimously to authorize a needs study for the county detention center.
Public safety
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek ShoemakeWhat this was about
The Council authorized a formal study to assess the current capacity and future operational needs of the Kershaw County Detention Center. This measure was proposed after concerns were raised regarding the facility's proximity to its maximum capacity and the potential for long-term operational challenges. The study will evaluate whether the jail meets current state standards for Type 2 facilities and what improvements may be necessary to ensure safety and legal compliance. While funds were not explicitly set aside in the initial detention budget, the county has a line item available for urgent studies and professional evaluations, allowing the project to proceed without additional tax levies. The County Administrator will coordinate with the jail administration to define the scope of work and identify a firm to conduct the analysis, with a full report expected to be presented to the Council at a future date.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Yard waste grinding services contract:
Council voted unanimously to award the annual yard waste grinding contract to the lowest bidder.
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek ShoemakeWhat this was about
Council awarded a contract for yard waste grinding services at the county landfill to Lee County Composting and Recycling LLC, the lowest bidder at $130,000. This is an annual, DHEC-mandated operation required to manage debris accumulation and maintain compliance with landfill inspection standards. The process involves grinding roughly 45,000 cubic yards of accumulated material to create capacity for future disposal needs. Council members questioned the significant price discrepancy between the low bid and other submitted quotes, but administration clarified that $130,000 is consistent with historical cost increases related to fuel, mobilization, and specialized machinery operation. By choosing the lowest qualified bidder, the county ensures that the entire volume of accumulated yard debris is treated and removed, preventing operational bottlenecks that had occurred in years when incomplete grinding left material untreated.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Authorization for Administrator to discuss land adjacent to Woodward Park:
Council voted unanimously to allow the Administrator to begin preliminary talks about acquiring land near Woodward Park.
Parks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek ShoemakeWhat this was about
Council authorized the County Administrator to initiate preliminary, non-binding discussions with the owner of a specific 30-acre parcel adjacent to Woodward Park, identified as parcel C284-00-00-015LSE. This authorization allows the administrator to gauge the owner's willingness to sell or donate the land to the county for potential future use. Any actual purchase or binding agreement remains subject to future Council approval, ensuring a high level of fiscal oversight. The motion was framed as a necessary procedural step for any future recreational expansion, allowing the county to determine if acquisition is even feasible before investing further in project plans. Discussions regarding the terms of a sale or donation will remain confidential under existing county procurement and FOIA policies regarding contract negotiations until such time as they are ready for formal public action.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Rescheduling April 11 meeting to April 18:
Council voted unanimously to reschedule their upcoming April 11 meeting to April 18.
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek ShoemakeWhat this was about
Council approved a motion to shift the regularly scheduled April 11, 2023, meeting to April 18, 2023. The rescheduling was requested due to the anticipated absence of three council members and the County Administrator, who are scheduled to attend an Illicit Drug Use and Opioid Summit on the original date. By moving the meeting to the following week, the Council ensures a full quorum is present to conduct county business. This change was coordinated with staff to ensure all necessary meeting logistics and legal advertising requirements are met. The move highlights the Council's prioritization of their public-safety-related training obligations while maintaining the ability to fulfill their legislative duties during the April cycle.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Routine procedural votes:
Council took several routine procedural votes, including adopting the amended agenda, approving meeting minutes, and adjourning.
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
Unanimous · 7-0
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek ShoemakeWhat this was about
Council conducted several standard procedural actions to facilitate the meeting. This included the adoption of the agenda with amendments - such as shifting a budget workshop to a budget retreat and removing specific items for Finance Committee review - and the approval of minutes from meetings held on February 24, 25, and 28. Minor corrections were noted for the records, including updating administrative titles. Finally, the meeting concluded with a formal motion to adjourn. These actions ensured the meeting adhered to the county's rules of order and that all previous legislative activities were officially recorded.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Who said what
» Jimmy Jones Council Member: reminded colleagues of the importance of including supporting documentation with agenda items for transparency ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: supported the call for transparency but emphasized that council members retain the right to add items as necessary ▶︎Includes: Adoption of the agenda as amended, approval of minutes for February 24, 25, and 28, and adjournment.
Discussed, no vote ▸ showhide
- Rules of order regarding agenda documentation: Councilman Jimmy Jones raised concerns regarding the inclusion of items on the agenda without accompanying supporting documentation, citing council rules on transparency and disclosure.
- East Camden study: The County Administrator announced that a survey concerning road drainage and safety for over 1,000 residents and businesses in East Camden will begin distribution on March 20.
- Larry Doby Park: Discussion occurred regarding the need for assessments of existing facilities, including Larry Doby Park, to ensure historic assets are maintained alongside new recreational proposals.
Public comment ▸ showhide
Seventeen residents spoke during the public comment period.
The discussion was primarily divided between those supporting the recreational complex as a driver for local economic growth and tourism, and those urging the council to prioritize existing infrastructure needs such as EMS, jail capacity, drainage, and current park maintenance before funding new projects.
Coming up ▸ showhide
- Town Hall (Bethune): Thursday, March 16, at 6:30 p.m.
- Next Council Meeting: Tuesday, April 18, 2023 (rescheduled from April 11).
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.