Council moves forward with third reading of industrial fee agreement
In a session marked by budget discussions and recognitions, the council advanced a fee agreement amendment for Canfor Southern Pine and established a path for future fiscal deliberations regarding capital projects and impact fees.
8 votes8 passed
The vote behind the headline
Ordinance amendment to fee agreement (3rd Reading):Council approved an extension of an investment period for a Canfor Southern Pine fee agreement.
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
This ordinance authorizes an amendment to an existing fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement with Canfor Southern Pine, Inc., and its affiliates, New South Lumber Company and New South Camden Properties. The amendment extends the project's investment period, allowing the company to complete planned upgrades. Plant Manager Robert Byrd noted that the company has already invested approximately $70 million, exceeding their original $35 million commitment, and employs over 200 workers. The measure passed its third and final reading with a 6-0 vote, solidifying the agreement to support ongoing industrial development and job retention in Camden. Council members expressed gratitude for the company's long-term partnership with the county.
The adoption of the agenda is a routine procedural step required to officially commence the council meeting. During this item, Councilman Sammie Tucker Jr. moved to approve the agenda, which was seconded by Councilman Brant Tomlinson. Chairwoman Katie Guinn called for a vote, and the motion passed unanimously. This step ensures all planned discussion items and legislative business are formally recognized for the session. Following this, the meeting proceeded to ceremonial proclamations and scheduled public hearings as outlined in the agenda.
Council issued a formal proclamation recognizing St. Matthews Baptist Church in Lugoff for its sesquicentennial anniversary. The church was founded in 1873 by former slaves and has served as a vital community pillar for 150 years. Council members highlighted the church's contributions to the county's spiritual and social fabric. The proclamation was motioned by Sammie Tucker Jr. and seconded by Derek Shoemake, receiving unanimous support from all council members present.
Approval of meeting minutes from April 25, 2023:Council officially approved the minutes from the previous meeting held on April 25.
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe
What this was about
This vote was to confirm the accuracy of the official record of the April 25, 2023, council meeting. Following the motion by Sammie Tucker Jr. and a second by Brant Tomlinson, the minutes were approved with a 6-0 vote. Chairwoman Katie Guinn noted that the clerk would post the approved minutes to the county website for public access. The discussion included brief appreciation for the clerk's thorough documentation of council proceedings.
This ordinance authorizes an amendment to an existing fee-in-lieu-of-tax agreement with Canfor Southern Pine, Inc., and its affiliates, New South Lumber Company and New South Camden Properties. The amendment extends the project's investment period, allowing the company to complete planned upgrades. Plant Manager Robert Byrd noted that the company has already invested approximately $70 million, exceeding their original $35 million commitment, and employs over 200 workers. The measure passed its third and final reading with a 6-0 vote, solidifying the agreement to support ongoing industrial development and job retention in Camden. Council members expressed gratitude for the company's long-term partnership with the county.
Kershaw/Fairfield Multi-County Industrial Park agreement (2nd Reading):Council advanced the renewal of the joint industrial park agreement with Fairfield County.Jobs & economyParks & rec
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake
This ordinance concerns the second reading of a restated agreement for the Kershaw/Fairfield Multi-County Industrial Park. Because the original agreement is set to expire in June 2023, the two counties must ratify the park boundaries and amend the agreement terms. Attorney John DuBose explained that this mechanism allows for favorable tax treatment of industrial investments and ensures that revenue generated from park properties is shared appropriately between the jurisdictions. The motion passed 6-0. Final adoption is expected after the exhibit detailing the properties is fully populated in coordination with Fairfield County.
Zoning map amendment for Tax Parcel #294-00-00-045 (1st Reading):Council approved the first reading of a zoning change to allow a mobile home on property.Taxes & budgetDevelopment
Yes 6 · No 0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe
This ordinance changes the zoning designation of approximately 89 acres at Tax Parcel #294-00-00-045 from R-15 to RD-2. Property owners Alan and Donna Barton requested the change to allow the placement of a manufactured home on their land for personal residence. Staff clarified that while some neighbors expressed concerns about a potential mobile home park, the parcel is landlocked and limited by a private easement, which legally restricts the property to a maximum of three dwellings. The Planning Commission recommended approval unanimously. Council members supported the request after hearing the owners' intent, and the motion passed 6-0.
This resolution honors Colonel Loren Webb, a retired U.S. Army officer, for his distinguished military service and his ongoing contributions to Kershaw County. Among his many achievements, Colonel Webb served in Korea, Italy, and Vietnam, earning numerous awards including the Legion of Merit. Since moving to Camden, he has served on the airport commission and as a mentor at Woodward Field. The council approved the resolution 6-0 to rename the Woodward Field control room in his honor and place a commemorative honorarium at the site. A ceremony is planned for early July to celebrate his service.
• Katie Guinn · not recorded• Jimmy Jones · not recorded• Sammie Tucker Jr. · not recorded• Danny Catoe · not recorded• Brant Tomlinson · not recorded• Derek Shoemake · not recorded• Russell Brazell · not recorded
The official minutes don't say how the members in grey voted on this item.
Impact Fee Study: Consultant Matt Noonkester presented a high-level briefing on the ongoing impact fee study, detailing the legal framework for assessing fees on new development. No formal action was taken, but the council discussed the potential for service zones and the long-term methodology for establishing rates.
Finance Committee Recommendations: The committee presented initial recommendations for ARPA and ATAX funding, including $6M for recreation, $165,000 for EMS chassis, $63,000 for the Kirkland Community Center, $100,000 for the Wateree River Boat Ramp, and $100,000 for the Arts Center. These items were presented for information only; no votes were taken.
FY23/24 Budget: The County Administrator presented a detailed overview of the proposed budget, noting it includes a three percent cost-of-living adjustment for employees and addresses various capital equipment needs without tax or millage increases.
Coming up▸showhide
Second Reading of Zoning Map Amendment: Scheduled for May 23, 2023.
Second Reading of Annual Budget: Scheduled for May 23, 2023.
Third Reading of Zoning Map Amendment: Scheduled for June 13, 2023.
Board and Commission Nominations: Scheduled for June 13, 2023.
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.
