Council passes fire hydrant ordinance for minor subdivisions
Council approved a new requirement that developers install fire hydrants in minor subdivision developments if existing public water infrastructure can sustain fire flow. This move aims to improve fire protection and potentially lower hazard insurance premiums for Kershaw County residents.
5 votes5 passed1 split
The vote behind the headline
Fire Hydrant Installation Requirements for Minor Subdivisions (3rd Reading):Council approved a mandate requiring developers to install fire hydrants in minor subdivisions with public water access.DevelopmentEMS & fire
Yes 5 · No 1
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How they voted
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Russell Brazell
This ordinance amends the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations to ensure consistent fire safety coverage across the county. Previously, fire hydrant installation was only required for major subdivisions, leaving smaller developments without specific requirements despite having access to public water infrastructure. The measure dictates that if existing water lines can support fire flow, developers must install hydrants every 500 feet along rights-of-way. Beyond immediate fire protection, the change aims to improve the county's Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, which could lower hazard insurance premiums for many property owners. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the amendment with a 6-0 vote in March 2025. Council passed this final reading with a 5-1 vote, with Councilman Russell Brazell voting in opposition. The ordinance takes effect immediately, standardizing requirements for both major and minor developments moving forward.
Fire Hydrant Installation Requirements for Minor Subdivisions (3rd Reading):Council approved a mandate requiring developers to install fire hydrants in minor subdivisions with public water access.DevelopmentEMS & fire
Yes 5 · No 1
▸detailsless
How they voted
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✗ Russell Brazell
This ordinance amends the Unified Code of Zoning and Land Development Regulations to ensure consistent fire safety coverage across the county. Previously, fire hydrant installation was only required for major subdivisions, leaving smaller developments without specific requirements despite having access to public water infrastructure. The measure dictates that if existing water lines can support fire flow, developers must install hydrants every 500 feet along rights-of-way. Beyond immediate fire protection, the change aims to improve the county's Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating, which could lower hazard insurance premiums for many property owners. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the amendment with a 6-0 vote in March 2025. Council passed this final reading with a 5-1 vote, with Councilman Russell Brazell voting in opposition. The ordinance takes effect immediately, standardizing requirements for both major and minor developments moving forward.
Conveyance of Water Facilities on Black River and Mt. Olivet Roads (3rd Reading):Council authorized the transfer of water utility infrastructure to the Kershaw and Lee County Regional Water Authority.RoadsWater & sewer
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
This ordinance facilitates the formal conveyance of water facilities located along Black River Road and Mt. Olivet Road to the Kershaw and Lee County Regional Water Authority, doing business as Cassatt Water. The infrastructure, which includes approximately 9,539 linear feet of PVC water lines, valves, and fire hydrants, was previously managed through a series of agreements dating back to 2005. By transferring ownership, the county is divesting itself of maintenance responsibilities and terminating a bulk water supply agreement with the City of Camden. This action aligns with the Water Authority's role as the primary service provider for that territory. The ordinance includes provisions to abrogate and cancel previous lease and water supply agreements, effectively streamlining utility oversight in the region. The transfer was approved unanimously as the final step in consolidating utility management under the regional authority.
Authorization to Acquire Real Property at 124 Battleship Road (Executive Session Action):Council authorized the county administrator to proceed with purchasing property at 124 Battleship Road.Roads
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Russell Brazell✓ Jimmy Jones
What this was about
Following an executive session discussion regarding property acquisition, the Council voted to move forward with the purchase of real property located at 124 Battleship Road. The motion authorizes the County Administrator to complete the acquisition process, contingent upon the successful conclusion of due diligence. This formal action ratifies and approves the purchase and sale agreement, allowing the county to finalize the transaction. While details regarding the specific intended use of the property were discussed during the closed session, the public vote ensures the county has the necessary legal authority to proceed with the contract. The acquisition was approved by a unanimous vote of the members present.
PASSED (Unanimous). The Council authorized the administrator to proceed with the acquisition following due diligence
Approval of April 22 Regular Meeting Minutes (Amended):Council approved the corrected minutes from the April 22, 2025, regular meeting.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Russell Brazell✓ Jimmy Jones
What this was about
The Council reviewed and approved the amended minutes from the regular meeting held on April 22, 2025. This action is a routine procedural step required to maintain an official and accurate record of the county's legislative business. During the approval process, the Council acknowledged that Councilman Brant Tomlinson abstained from the vote because he was absent during the April 22 meeting. These minutes serve as the formal documentation of all actions taken, motions made, and items discussed during that session. By officially recording these minutes, the county ensures transparency and public accountability for all members and staff. The approval was unanimous among those present and voting, consistent with the county's established governance procedures.
PASSED (Unanimous). Councilman B. Tomlinson abstained due to absence
Approval of May 2 Special Called Meeting Minutes:Council approved the minutes from the May 2 budget retreat.
Unanimous · 7-0
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How they voted - unanimous
✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Ben Connell✓ Danny Catoe✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Russell Brazell✓ Jimmy Jones
What this was about
The Council formally approved the minutes from the special called budget retreat held on May 2, 2025. Although no official votes were taken during the retreat itself, the minutes serve to document the presentations made by department heads regarding budget needs for the upcoming fiscal year. Councilman Russell Brazell abstained from the vote due to his absence from the retreat.
PASSED (Unanimous, with B. Brazell abstaining due to absence)
Resolution Honoring Three-Room Schools: Council unanimously recognized the historical legacy of the Julius Rosenwald colored schools in Kershaw County, honoring the students and educators who attended them during segregation.
United Way Presentation: Donny Supplee presented on the United Way’s community efforts, noting the organization's role in providing transportation and social services. Council discussed the current budget constraints facing the county in the upcoming fiscal year.
Board Appointments: Council discussed upcoming vacancies on the Airport Commission and the Kershaw Health District. Members requested further research to ensure statutory term limit compliance before filling these roles.
Public comment▸showhide
One resident, Donnie Sly, addressed the Council to express gratitude for the members' service and their work on behalf of the county.
Coming up▸showhide
Summer Meeting Schedule: Council will discuss potential changes to the summer meeting schedule at the next meeting, with a potential budget reading set for June 17.
Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.
How this recap was made: Prepared from the meeting's live-stream transcript and the official agenda packet. The county's official minutes (the verified vote record) will be cross-checked automatically once the county publishes them, often a couple of months later. 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.
