Council approves $6 million donation and initiates $12 million recreational revitalization project
In a 4-3 vote, the council accepted $6 million in donations from MUSC and the Health Services District to fund a multi-sport complex at Woodward Park and revitalize existing county facilities. The council also requested that the Finance Committee identify an additional $6 million in matching ARPA funds to finalize the $12 million project.
15 votes15 passed1 split
The vote behind the headline
Remove ARPA recommitment and refer to Finance Committee:Council voted to remove an ARPA recommitment item and sent it to the Finance Committee.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake
What this was about
Council voted to pull an agenda item regarding the recommitment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. proposed that the matter be referred to the Finance Committee for a more thorough review and recommendation. Councilman Brant Tomlinson seconded the motion, and the body voted unanimously to approve the referral. This move is intended to ensure that any potential commitment of federal ARPA funds undergoes the necessary due diligence within the Finance Committee before coming to the full Council for a final vote. The Finance Committee, chaired by Tucker, is currently tasked with vetting all budget-related requests to determine fiscal feasibility. This action underscores Council's current focus on maintaining budgetary oversight and ensuring that all fund allocations are scrutinized against the County's long-term financial priorities.
During the adoption of the agenda, Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. moved to rename the upcoming budget workshop to a budget retreat. This change was procedural and designed to better reflect the nature of the scheduled meetings. The motion was seconded by Councilman Derek Shoemake and passed with a unanimous vote. While seemingly a minor clerical adjustment, it signals a shift in the style of Council's upcoming internal planning sessions. The council members have emphasized the need for better communication and collaborative governance as they approach the fiscal year budget process. This change ensures that the terminology aligns with the Council's goal of fostering a more cohesive and strategic planning environment. No further public or official debate occurred on this specific nomenclature change during the meeting.
Remove the Health Service District Update:Council voted to strike the Health Service District update from the evening's agenda.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake
What this was about
Following the change to the budget retreat nomenclature, Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. made a motion to remove the Health Service District update from the night's agenda. This item was originally scheduled as part of the formal business, but Council moved to defer it to a later date. The motion was seconded by Councilman Brant Tomlinson and received unanimous support from the council. Removing the item allowed the Council to streamline the evening's proceedings, as they were already hosting several public presentations and required time for a lengthy executive session later in the evening. There was no specific reasoning provided for the postponement, though it is standard practice to defer updates when time is constrained or the relevant stakeholders are not prepared to present. The update will likely be rescheduled for a future meeting when it can be given full consideration.
Remove ARPA recommitment and refer to Finance Committee:Council voted to remove an ARPA recommitment item and sent it to the Finance Committee.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake
What this was about
Council voted to pull an agenda item regarding the recommitment of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. proposed that the matter be referred to the Finance Committee for a more thorough review and recommendation. Councilman Brant Tomlinson seconded the motion, and the body voted unanimously to approve the referral. This move is intended to ensure that any potential commitment of federal ARPA funds undergoes the necessary due diligence within the Finance Committee before coming to the full Council for a final vote. The Finance Committee, chaired by Tucker, is currently tasked with vetting all budget-related requests to determine fiscal feasibility. This action underscores Council's current focus on maintaining budgetary oversight and ensuring that all fund allocations are scrutinized against the County's long-term financial priorities.
Adopt agenda as amended:Council officially adopted the evening's agenda after incorporating the previously approved changes.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake
What this was about
Following the individual motions to alter specific agenda items - renaming the budget retreat, removing the Health Service District update, and referring the ARPA item to the Finance Committee - Council voted to adopt the agenda as a whole in its amended form. This procedural step ensures that the official meeting record reflects the exact items Council intends to discuss. The motion passed unanimously, finalizing the path for the rest of the meeting. Adopting the agenda is a critical step in maintaining order and ensuring compliance with the County's rules of procedure. By cleaning up these items before moving into public presentations and formal business, the Council ensured that the meeting would stay focused on the updated list of business items, which included several new business matters and an executive session for legal review.
Approve minutes of February 24, 2023:Council approved the minutes from the February 24 meeting with one member abstaining.
Yes 6 · No 0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake
What this was about
Councilman Brant Tomlinson moved to approve the minutes from the February 24, 2023 meeting, with Councilman Derek Shoemake providing the second. The motion passed with a 6-0 vote. Vice Chairman Russell Brazell abstained from the vote, a common practice if a member was absent from the meeting or had a potential conflict of interest. The approval of minutes is a standard administrative task ensuring the accuracy of the historical record for public record-keeping. The remaining six members voted in favor, confirming the meeting summary accurately captured the events and official actions taken on February 24. No specific discussion occurred regarding the content of these minutes before the vote was called.
Approve minutes of February 25, 2023 (as amended):Council approved the minutes for February 25 after a correction was made to the text.
Yes 7 · No 0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake
What this was about
The minutes for the February 25, 2023 meeting were presented for approval. Councilman Danny Catoe requested an amendment to correct a name in the Coroner's Report section, changing 'Catoe' to 'Templar'. Following this correction, the Council voted to approve the amended minutes with a 7-0 vote. Again, Vice Chairman Russell Brazell abstained from the voting process. This amendment highlights the Council’s commitment to ensuring accuracy in their official transcripts. Once the correction was noted and seconded by Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr., the body moved quickly to finalize the approval, allowing them to proceed with the remaining items on the agenda.
Amend Wateree River Public Boat Ramp motion:Council voted to strike the phrase 'as amended' from the Wateree River Public Boat Ramp motion.
Yes 6 · No 0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake
What this was about
Chairwoman Katie Guinn requested a motion to amend the pending business regarding the Wateree River Public Boat Ramp. The amendment specifically removed the phrase 'as amended' to clarify the finality of the motion. The Council supported the change with a 6-0 vote, while Councilman Danny Catoe abstained. This procedural clean-up ensures that the legislative language remains precise and unambiguous for the official record. By clarifying the motion before the final vote, Council avoids potential confusion regarding the scope of the decision being made. The item reflects Council's continued attention to the details of recreational infrastructure projects throughout the County.
Final motion for Wateree River Public Boat Ramp:Council passed the final version of the motion concerning the Wateree River Public Boat Ramp.
Yes 6 · No 0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake
What this was about
Immediately following the technical amendment to the language of the motion, Council proceeded to vote on the final motion for the Wateree River Public Boat Ramp. The item passed with a 6-0 vote, with Councilman Danny Catoe again abstaining. This vote finalizes the Council’s direction regarding the ramp project. The Wateree River Public Boat Ramp remains a significant point of interest for local residents and recreational users, and this vote clarifies the official position of the Council on the matter. By moving this forward, Council continues to address the specific needs of the County's outdoor infrastructure and water access points, fulfilling their oversight role in maintaining these public facilities.
Accept administrator's contract:Council voted unanimously to accept the new contract for the County Administrator.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake
What this was about
Council moved to approve a new contract for the County Administrator, Danny Templar. The motion was initiated by Councilman Derek Shoemake and seconded by Councilman Brant Tomlinson. The Council voted unanimously to accept the terms of the agreement. This action formalizes the employment arrangement between the County and its top administrative official. During the subsequent Administrator’s Briefing, Templar expressed his gratitude to the Council for their continued trust and approval of the contract. The unanimous vote demonstrates the Council’s collective support for the administration's leadership as they move into the busy budget and project planning season. This contract ratification provides the stability needed for the County staff to continue executing the Council's policy objectives.
Authorize County Administrator to discuss land adjacent to Woodward Park:Council authorized the Administrator to hold preliminary talks about purchasing or receiving land near Woodward Park.Parks & rec
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake
What this was about
Councilman Derek Shoemake motioned to authorize County Administrator Danny Templar to enter into preliminary, non-binding discussions with the owners of property adjacent to Woodward Park, specifically parcel C284-00-00-015LSE. The purpose is to gauge the willingness of the owners to sell or donate the land to the County. The motion specifies that any eventual purchase would remain contingent upon a future, formal approval by the full Council. Councilman Brant Tomlinson provided the second. Initially, Councilman Jimmy Jones requested an amendment to include Larry Doby Park in the discussions but ultimately withdrew his amendment. The motion passed unanimously. This authorization represents a low-stakes, exploratory step for potential future expansion of the County's recreational footprint near Woodward Park, ensuring the County explores all options before committing public funds.
Award yard waste grinding service contract:Council awarded the yard waste grinding contract to the lowest bidder, Crew Boss.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake
What this was about
Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. moved to award the yard waste grinding service contract to the lowest bidder, with Councilman Brant Tomlinson seconding. The contract relates to managing the County's yard waste at the landfill. While the item was listed in the agenda packet as the purchase of protective clothing for firefighters, the voting record identifies the award as the yard waste grinding contract, likely reflecting a late shift in the items handled. The motion was passed unanimously. This contract is part of the County’s regular operational maintenance of its solid waste and landfill facilities, ensuring that debris from the County's convenience centers and public works operations is processed efficiently to minimize space usage at the landfill. Awarding these services to the lowest bidder aligns with Council's commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. moved to appoint Hannah Parler as the new Clerk to Council, with Councilman Derek Shoemake seconding the motion. The vote was unanimous. This position is vital for the administration of Council meetings, maintaining official records, and facilitating communications between the public and the council members. Council Chairwoman Katie Guinn and Administrator Danny Templar both publicly welcomed Parler to the team during the meeting. Her appointment comes as the County transitions staff roles, and the Council expressed confidence in her ability to handle the responsibilities of the role. Parler's appointment will be effective immediately, helping to ensure the smooth operation of Council's legislative and administrative duties.
Reschedule April 11, 2023, Council Meeting to April 18, 2023:Council voted to move the April 11 meeting to April 18, 2023.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake
What this was about
Councilman Derek Shoemake motioned to reschedule the regularly scheduled April 11, 2023, Council meeting to April 18, 2023, with Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. seconding. The change was approved unanimously. Rescheduling Council meetings is an occasional necessity to accommodate scheduling conflicts or to ensure a full quorum of members can be present. This move ensures that the Council remains on track for the budget cycle, as April is a critical month for Finance Committee deliberations and the preparation of the annual budget title. Public notice will be updated to reflect the new date to ensure citizens are aware of the change for the next meeting.
Perform a Jail Space and Needs Study:Council unanimously approved conducting a study to assess space and future needs of the detention center.Public safety
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake
What this was about
Councilman Derek Shoemake motioned to authorize a Jail Space and Needs Study, which was seconded by Councilman Danny Catoe. The Council voted unanimously to proceed with the assessment. The detention center has been a focal point of recent discussions regarding infrastructure and public safety needs, especially during the budget retreat held previously. A formal study will provide the data-driven information required to determine if the existing facility is adequate for the County's current and future population or if expansions or renovations are necessary. This action reflects the Council's commitment to addressing the long-term operational needs of the criminal justice and public safety departments, ensuring that the facility meets legal requirements and safety standards for both inmates and staff.
PASSED (Unanimous)
Discussed, no vote▸showhide
Council received presentations from KC Trails regarding trail advocacy and the "State of the Trails" report, as well as a briefing from the Camden Burial Project regarding the upcoming April 22 reinterment of 14 soldiers found at the Battle of Camden site.
Marsh Cat Compaction Services also provided a presentation on mobile roll-off dumpster compaction. During the Finance Committee update, members noted they are currently gathering budget information and have not yet allocated specific funds for projects, though they confirmed the availability of approximately $10.2 million in ARPA funding for consideration.
Public comment▸showhide
Public commenters expressed varying views on the proposed recreational complex, with some residents supporting the investment as a modernization opportunity and others raising concerns regarding potential maintenance costs, project transparency, and the prioritization of existing infrastructure needs.
Other citizens voiced concerns regarding alleged mismanagement at a local HUD-funded apartment property and requested election reform measures, such as a return to one-day paper ballot voting.
Several residents and council members also discussed the importance of professional conduct and respectful public discourse.
Coming up▸showhide
The next regularly scheduled Council meeting has been moved to April 18, 2023.
Finance Committee meetings are scheduled for April 3, 4, and 6 to discuss outside agency budgets and committee business.
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.
