Council advances new road construction standards and employee flex-work policies
Council approved second reading of an ordinance to update road design standards by adopting South Carolina Asphalt Pavement Association criteria, aiming to improve long-term infrastructure durability. Additionally, Council passed two resolutions to modernize human resources by adopting new policies for employee telecommuting and compressed work schedules to aid in recruitment and retention.
9 votes9 passed4 split
The vote behind the headline
CASE 24-10 Ordinance to update road design standards (2nd Reading):Council passed an ordinance increasing road construction standards to a minimum of 3.5 inches of asphalt.Roads
Yes 4 · No 3
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How they voted
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Katie Guinn✗ Jimmy Jones✗ Russell Brazell
This ordinance amends the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations to adopt the design criteria of the South Carolina Asphalt Pavement Association (SCAPA). The measure replaces outdated standards and establishes a minimum pavement design thickness of 3.5 inches for all new roads dedicated for public maintenance. Staff and consultants argued that current thin pavement designs have led to premature road deterioration, forcing the county to bear maintenance costs sooner than expected. While some Council members raised concerns about increased development costs and the potential impact on affordable housing, proponents emphasized that the new standard ensures long-term infrastructure quality and a 20-year design life. The second reading passed 4-3, with Chairwoman Katie Guinn and Council members Jimmy Jones and Russell Brazell opposing. Final approval is scheduled for April 23, 2024.
Ordinance to amend membership for Clean Community Commission (2nd Reading):Council approved the second reading of an ordinance adding two at-large members to the commission.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Derek Shoemake
This ordinance amends the Kershaw County Code to increase the membership of the Clean Community Commission from nine to eleven members. The measure establishes two at-large positions to improve countywide representation, correcting an oversight regarding the lack of representation from certain areas like Bethune. The ordinance requires each Council member to nominate one person from their district, with the two new at-large members available for nomination by any Council member. This update is designed to ensure broader geographic diversity in the commission's efforts to keep the county clean. The second reading passed unanimously following a brief discussion on the importance of maintaining representation across all districts. A third and final reading is scheduled for April 23, 2024.
CASE 24-06 Rezone property on North Side Of Mill Creek Trace (2nd Reading):Council approved rezoning approximately 4.9 acres from R-15 to RD-2 to allow for residential use.Development
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Derek Shoemake
What this was about
The ordinance rezones 4.9 acres located at 116 and 120 Mill Creek Trace in Elgin from R-15 (Low Density Residential) to RD-2 (Rural Resource District). The property owners, Joe and Cindy Smith, sought this change to allow for the placement of a manufactured home on the vacant portion of their property for their son, similar to a previous rezoning they received in 2015 for another family member. Because conditional rezoning is not permitted under South Carolina law, the request was processed as a general use rezoning, which allows all permitted uses within the RD-2 district. The Planning and Zoning Commission previously provided a unanimous favorable recommendation. The Council approved the second reading unanimously, and the matter is set for final approval on April 23, 2024.
CASE 24-08 Rezone property on West Side Of Smyrna Road (2nd Reading):Council approved rezoning approximately 6.38 acres from MRD-1 to RD-2 for residential use.DevelopmentRoads
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Derek Shoemake
This ordinance rezones 6.38 acres at 1147 Smyrna Road in Elgin from MRD-1 (Rural Resource District) to RD-2 (Rural Resource District). The applicant, Andrew Collins, requested the change to allow for the placement of a single-wide manufactured home as his principal residence, as the current MRD-1 zoning only permits double-wide manufactured homes. As with other rezoning requests, this was processed as a general map amendment. The staff analysis found the request compatible with surrounding land uses, and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval by a 7-0 vote. The Council approved the second reading unanimously. Final reading is scheduled for April 23, 2024.
CASE 24-10 Ordinance to update road design standards (2nd Reading):Council passed an ordinance increasing road construction standards to a minimum of 3.5 inches of asphalt.Roads
Yes 4 · No 3
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How they voted
✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Katie Guinn✗ Jimmy Jones✗ Russell Brazell
This ordinance amends the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations to adopt the design criteria of the South Carolina Asphalt Pavement Association (SCAPA). The measure replaces outdated standards and establishes a minimum pavement design thickness of 3.5 inches for all new roads dedicated for public maintenance. Staff and consultants argued that current thin pavement designs have led to premature road deterioration, forcing the county to bear maintenance costs sooner than expected. While some Council members raised concerns about increased development costs and the potential impact on affordable housing, proponents emphasized that the new standard ensures long-term infrastructure quality and a 20-year design life. The second reading passed 4-3, with Chairwoman Katie Guinn and Council members Jimmy Jones and Russell Brazell opposing. Final approval is scheduled for April 23, 2024.
Resolution to amend Section M of Personnel Policies:Council amended personnel policies to allow employees to accrue annual leave starting their first day.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson
This resolution amends Section M of the Kershaw County Personnel Policies and Procedures. Previously, new employees were required to wait until the completion of their probationary period before they could accrue or use annual leave. Under the new policy, full-time employees will be eligible to accrue leave hours beginning on their first day of employment. This change is intended to serve as a recruiting tool, making the county a more attractive employer for highly qualified candidates. Council also corrected a clerical error in the resolution regarding leave accrual rates for employees with 15 or more years of service. The resolution passed unanimously.
This resolution adopts HRMP Policy 1-3, which establishes a formal framework for employee telecommuting. The policy allows department heads to identify specific roles suitable for remote work, provided that the arrangement does not negatively impact constituent services or productivity. The policy includes strict provisions for cybersecurity, data protection, and regular performance reviews, with a mandatory one-month trial period for any new arrangement. Proponents highlighted the policy as a modern recruiting tool necessary to compete with the private sector and retain skilled talent. Opponents argued that government employees should work in-office to ensure transparency and accountability. The resolution passed 5-2, with Council members Jimmy Jones and Russell Brazell voting no.
This resolution adopts HRMP Policy 1-2, permitting compressed work schedules for eligible county employees. The policy allows staff to complete their biweekly work requirement in fewer than 10 working days by extending daily hours. Like the telecommuting policy, this is intended to improve employee wellness, work-life balance, and recruitment efforts. The policy requires department head and administrative approval, and include mandatory performance assessments following a six-month trial period. Opponents expressed concern that these flexible schedules could result in reduced availability for constituents, while supporters noted that the policy does not close county offices and simply offers schedule flexibility. The resolution passed 5-2, with Council members Jimmy Jones and Russell Brazell opposed.
This vote grants the County Administrator authorization to begin drafting an ordinance to implement impact fees, specifically targeting the funding of capital projects related to solid waste and other infrastructure needs. Impact fees are one-time charges assessed on new developments to help pay for the increased demand placed on public facilities. Supporters of the measure argued that it shifts the financial burden of infrastructure expansion from existing taxpayers to new residents and developers. Opponents expressed strong concern that impact fees are not a viable solution for controlling growth and argued that the costs will ultimately be passed down to local citizens rather than large developers. The authorization passed 5-2, with Council members Jimmy Jones and Russell Brazell opposed.
Authorization to begin bid process for Veterans Park Boat Ramp (Layout 2):Council authorized the bidding process for a paved boat ramp at Veterans Park.Parks & recVeterans
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Katie Guinn✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Russell Brazell✓ Derek Shoemake
Council unanimously authorized the County Administrator to open the bidding process for the construction of a paved boat ramp at Veterans Park, based on the conceptual 'Layout 2' plan. The project aims to improve accessibility and infrastructure for boaters. This decision follows years of discussion regarding the project and is considered a long-awaited development for the park. The administration will now work with engineers to move the project to the bidding stage, with expectations that the process will take approximately 30 days to finalize.
Agenda Management: Council amended the agenda to remove a resolution regarding the widening of U.S. Hwy 521, moving it to the May 14, 2024, meeting.
Economic Development: Council entered executive session for a legal briefing on an economic development matter; no action was taken upon returning to session.
Procurement: Council authorized the Administrator to negotiate the potential purchase of real property, provided any final contract is ratified by a majority vote of Council.
Public comment▸showhide
Residents expressed significant concerns regarding rapid housing development and its impact on infrastructure, schools, and historic sites, specifically the Camden Training Center.
Speakers urged Council to prioritize responsible growth, consider impact fees or development moratoriums, and preserve the local equine industry. Other speakers raised concerns about artifacts on development sites and requested improvements to local roadways.
Coming up▸showhide
Third Readings/Final Approval: Scheduled for April 23, 2024, for Clean Community Commission membership and various zoning ordinances (Case 24-06, 24-08, 24-10).
Finance Committee: The meeting originally scheduled for April 11, 2024, was cancelled.
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.
