[5:49] Mhm. >> Okay.

[5:52] Okay, we are now at the appointed hour and I'm going to call the August 3rd,

[5:55] 2026 meeting to order. I'll [snorts] first call on Councilman

[6:01] Bishop McClendon for our prayer and then we'll say the Pledge of Allegiance.

[6:04] » Let us pray. Eternal God, our Father, we

[6:08] humbly come before your presence to thank you and acknowledge you as Lord

[6:12] of our life. We thank you for allowing us to have

[6:16] this County Council meeting tonight. We pray God that you will lead our

[6:20] chairperson as she conducts this meeting that will glorify you and

[6:25] edify this local community and this local county.

[6:28] We pray God now that you continue to give us favor, grace, and mercy as we

[6:33] all try to carry out your will. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

[6:38] » Amen. >> [clears throat]

[6:42] » I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America

[6:47] and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with

[6:54] liberty and justice for all.

[7:03] » [clears throat]

[7:06] » Okay, we'll move down to adoption of the agenda. Is there a motion to adopt the

[7:09] agenda? >> Motion.

[7:11] » Okay, I'll make a motion. Motion by

[7:14] um Bishop McClendon. Is there a second? Is there a second?

[7:18] » Second. >> Okay, second by Mr. Price.

[7:21] Any discussion? All in favor indicate by saying aye.

[7:24] » Aye. >> Any opposed?

[7:26] All right. Now we have two special recognitions tonight. I want to start

[7:30] off and I'll call him up here in just a second, but um this year it was my

[7:34] personal privilege to serve as the president of the South Carolina

[7:37] Association of Counties. And with that um honor also comes the opportunity to

[7:42] recognize a student in our county with a $5,000 college scholarship. And I

[7:49] did not get to choose the person myself. The way it works out is students

[7:54] throughout the county apply through a portal and then the top three are chosen

[7:58] and a committee chooses from those three. And I am honored tonight to

[8:04] recognize Trey Sellers who is from Chesterfield High School. He's going to

[8:09] my alma mater went there which makes it pretty exciting for me, too.

[8:12] » Amen. >> And he obviously there is

[8:16] stiff competition with this and from my understanding the folks who were some of

[8:20] the readers at the end said that he just stood head and shoulders, you know,

[8:24] above and that they were really impressed with his application. So with

[8:28] that I'd like to call Trey Sellers up to be recognized as the SCAC presidential

[8:33] scholarship recipient this year.

[8:38] » I think we should all give HIM A HAND.

[8:45] » [applause]

[9:04] [applause]

[9:12] » ALSO WANT TO NOTE THAT THE association has

[9:16] changed their scholarship offerings from five a year, four in the presidential

[9:21] scholarship, to 12 a year in the presidential scholarship. So every four

[9:26] years counties are drawn out of a hat to receive a scholarship and this coming

[9:32] year going to get another scholarship for Chesterfield County. So if you know

[9:36] the student who's a senior in high school, who would look for a scholarship

[9:39] opportunity, make sure that they hear about that. And we'll put it out there,

[9:42] too. But, just wanted to go ahead and let you know that at our last

[9:46] conference, um Chesterfield County was chosen again. So, that's exciting. And

[9:51] now, we're going to recognize some ordinary greatness. I'm calling on

[9:54] Councilman Price, District 1. >> Thank you, Chairlady. Um

[9:58] fellow council members and distinguished guests, today, as a part of Chesterfield

[10:02] County's recognizing ordinary greatness initiative, it is my privilege to honor

[10:07] an extraordinary individual who has spent years quietly serving

[10:11] others without ever seeking recognition.

[10:15] The purpose of this initiative is to recognize the ordinary people among us

[10:20] who accomplish extraordinary things through service, compassion,

[10:24] and selflessness. Few people embody that spirit more than

[10:28] Mr. Shawn Freeman.

[10:32] As a local business owner and co-chairman of Helping Hands Outreach

[10:35] Ministry, Shawn has been instrumental in the success of our community food bank

[10:40] since its inception. Serving families throughout Pageland,

[10:44] Ruby, Mount Croghan, and Jefferson, the food bank relies entirely on donations,

[10:49] and Shawn has devoted countless hours to making sure no family

[10:53] in need is ever turned away. He has led fundraising efforts,

[10:57] cultivated relationships with donors, coordinated weekly grocery purchases,

[11:03] and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the ministry operating.

[11:07] His dedication has been so extraordinary that when Shawn was diagnosed with stage

[11:11] four cancer in 2025, it took four people to assume the

[11:15] responsibilities that he had faithfully carried on his own.

[11:19] Even while undergoing chemotherapy and surgery,

[11:21] he continued serving the food bank whenever he was able because helping

[11:25] others has always been a part of who he is.

[11:28] Shawn's commitment to our community reaches far beyond the food bank. He

[11:31] volunteers at nearly every major community event in Pageland,

[11:36] including coordinating meals for law enforcement officers,

[11:39] firefighters, EMS personnel, and volunteers during the Watermelon

[11:43] Festival. He also supports movies in the park, the

[11:47] Christmas Spectacular, Halloween festivities, and many other events

[11:50] sponsored by the town of Pageland and the Chamber of Commerce.

[11:54] He is also deeply committed to the success of our local businesses. Shawn

[11:57] has opened the doors of his own building to struggling small business owners,

[12:02] allowing them to operate without overhead so they could continue serving

[12:05] our community during difficult times. His servant's heart extends into every

[12:11] every avenue of his life. He faithfully cares for his mother, his sister, his

[12:16] two nephews, and an adopted son, always placing the needs of others before his

[12:21] own. Shawn also serves as a manager of

[12:24] Pageland voting precinct, even while receiving cancer treatments.

[12:29] He scheduled chemotherapy around election days because, in his words,

[12:34] "I've given my word." Anyone who knows Shawn knows that his

[12:38] word is truly his bond. Perhaps the most remarkable thing about

[12:43] Shawn is that he's never asked for recognition.

[12:48] He has simply worked quietly behind the scenes, believing that if something is

[12:51] needed to be done, someone should do it, and that someone

[12:55] was often himself. His humility, integrity, generosity, and

[13:01] unwavering dedication has strengthened our community in countless ways.

[13:06] Shawn Freeman reminds us that greatness is not measured by titles, by

[13:10] recognition, but by a lifetime spent serving others.

[13:15] On behalf of the Chesterfield County Council

[13:18] and through our Recognizing Ordinary Greatness Initiative,

[13:22] we are proud to recognize Shawn Freeman for his extraordinary service, steadfast

[13:28] leadership, and lasting impact on the people of

[13:31] Chesterfield County. Sean,

[13:34] thank you for reminding us that some of our greatest heroes

[13:38] are ordinary people who quietly make an extraordinary difference every

[13:43] single day. Please join me in congratulating Sean

[13:46] and thanking him for his service.

[13:57] » [applause]

[14:01] » It's all right, doctor.

[14:09] » Just so y'all know, if I would have told Sean he was going to get recognized

[14:12] today, I figured

[14:15] he wouldn't have come, so there Sean, this is for you from you for

[14:20] the County Council.

[14:25] Amen. >> THANK YOU, GOD.

[14:29] » [applause]

[14:37] » IT'S HARD TO FOLLOW THAT. YOU KNOW, THAT'S WHAT THIS initiative is

[14:40] all about, and next time it will go to District 2, which is Dr. Bran's

[14:45] district, and I'm I'm sure he's plenty capable of finding somebody because

[14:49] there're lots of great people out there. But, if you're in District 2 and you

[14:52] have someone you'd like Dr. Bran to consider and you're watching this or you

[14:55] hear about this, please don't hesitate to reach out to him and give him your

[14:59] ideas. So, pressure's on just to choose one. It's hard.

[15:03] » Dr. Bran got big shoes to fill on that one.

[15:06] » Oh, man, you're not kidding. >> I know. I was just I was I'm going to

[15:09] nerd him. Let me Let me hold his manuscript.

[15:12] » [laughter]

[15:14] » But, hey, it's not just about, you know, it it is about, um, recognizing ordinary

[15:19] greatness, but it can come in all different forms and fashions. So, know

[15:24] that too. And it comes from the heart. That's where it comes from and it

[15:27] because it came from your heart. So, I just encourage anybody who wants to be a

[15:32] part of that to please, you know, be thinking about who you might know in

[15:35] your district. So, thank you again Brandon. That was excellent.

[15:38] » I will I will say his name came up probably 15 or 20 times. I got

[15:43] nominations through my Facebook

[15:46] » Right. I saw that. >> agent so

[15:48] Your name was sent in a lot so I'm so thank you again from us.

[15:53] » All right, moving down we have the bonds payroll and authorizations being passed

[15:56] around. And while we're doing that, I'll go ahead and call up we have one

[16:00] appointment tonight and we are pleased to welcome

[16:04] meet and welcome Dr. Melissa Frank-Austin. [clears throat] She's

[16:09] Oh gosh, I've I've moved on. That was hard to Sorry. Before I bring you up Dr.

[16:14] Austin, I do need to follow the order of the meeting. [laughter] So, let's go

[16:18] back and approve the minutes. We have July 6th, 2026. Is there a motion to

[16:23] approve those minutes? >> Motion.

[16:25] » Second. >> there's a motion

[16:28] a second. Any discussion? All in favor indicate by saying aye.

[16:32] » Aye. >> Any opposed? All right, moving on to

[16:35] July 15th, 2026 special called meeting. Is [snorts] there All right, motion by

[16:40] Ms. Burns. Is there a second? >> Second.

[16:42] » Second by Mr. Barkley. All right, any discussion?

[16:45] All in favor indicate by saying aye. >> Aye.

[16:48] » Any opposed? All right, council briefing on July 20th, 2026.

[16:53] Is there a motion >> So moved.

[16:55] » All right, motion by Dr. Dr. Brandon. Is there a second?

[16:58] » Second. >> Second by Ms. Burns. Any discussion?

[17:02] All in favor indicate by saying aye. >> Aye.

[17:05] » Any opposed? All right, now I guess you could tell how excited I was to have you

[17:08] here Dr. Frank-Austin. I'm

[17:11] thrilled to have you. If you'd like to come forward and and tell us

[17:14] [clears throat] a little bit about what's going on with Northeastern Tech,

[17:16] We'd We're happy to have you with us.

[17:22] » Well, good evening and thank you for having me today. I bring you greetings

[17:26] from Northeastern Technical College and I have my staff here as well.

[17:33] Um I just made my 1-month um

[17:36] appointment um August 1st. Uh I started July 1 and have had such a whirlwind

[17:44] time getting to know the people here in our service area. So, I really have the

[17:50] uh wonderful um opportunity to lead this great institution.

[17:56] So, as the new president of Northeastern Tech, uh want to first thank you for

[18:03] your support of workforce development and for approving the $175,000

[18:10] for the Pageland campus welding upgrade project.

[18:14] This investment will help us expand training opportunities and better

[18:19] prepare students for careers in welding and other skilled trades.

[18:25] Since receiving that approval, the college has worked diligently to obtain

[18:31] vendor quotes and move the project forward. We have secured quotes for

[18:37] ventilation improvement, fencing, installation of a man door,

[18:42] and reconfiguring of welding booths representing

[18:47] approximately $61,000 in project cost. While we have made good progress in

[18:55] obtaining quotes for the project, the electrical upgrades and outdoor shelter

[19:00] have required additional outreach. Both projects were advertised through

[19:07] SCIBO, generating vendor interest and request

[19:13] for bid information. However, no formal quotes

[19:17] were received. Since then, staff have continued to work

[19:22] diligently with uh potential vendors and exploring

[19:27] additional uh procurement options. Our procurement manager at the college

[19:33] is currently coordinating with a state contract vendor

[19:37] and anticipates receiving a electrical quote soon, while staff remain actively

[19:44] engaged in securing pricing for the shelter component.

[19:49] This ongoing effort will allow us to complete the remaining portions of the

[19:54] project and bring them back to council for consideration.

[19:59] Tonight, we are requesting approval to move forward with the portions of the

[20:04] project for which quotes have already been obtained. This will allow us to

[20:09] avoid further delays and potential cost increase, while we continue working to

[20:14] secure the remaining quotes and return those items to council for approval at a

[20:21] later date. So, once again, thank you for your continued uh support and

[20:26] partnership of with Northeastern Technical College

[20:30] and the students we serve. >> Thank you very much. So, the plan at

[20:35] this point is to take that information that you gave us and it was all in the

[20:39] packets. Um and we're going to send that to finance for their formal

[20:43] recommendation and then that will come back to us at our next meeting, but we

[20:46] should have something and hopefully you'll have information on those other

[20:50] um two missing components and we can get that back to you, too. If you get it in

[20:54] soon enough, that can go ahead and be sent to finance.

[20:57] » Okay, we'll do. >> Good, thank you.

[20:58] » Thank you. Thank you very much. >> All right, we'll move on to public

[21:03] comments. We have two people who who signed up to speak tonight. Um, just

[21:07] want to remind everybody that public comments are limited to 4 minutes per

[21:12] person, 20 minutes per subject. I know it's on your paper that we can't speak

[21:16] back to you, but just know that if there's something that we feel like we

[21:20] need to take action on, we'll connect you with your council member or we'll

[21:23] make considerations between now and then and get back with you. So, first I have

[21:28] Mr. Kirby Hughes.

[21:32] » [clears throat]

[21:38] » Good evening, Council. >> Good evening.

[21:40] » I guess I don't have to do my name, but my name is Kirby Hughes. I reside at

[21:45] 2995 Highway 52 South, Cheraw, South Carolina.

[21:49] And I've come once again to speak to you once again about the unfair

[21:55] trash fees that have been placed on the citizens of Chesterfield County.

[22:00] I'm at a disadvantage today. My tablet didn't work.

[22:03] But some residents are being charged twice for the service that they do not

[22:06] use. And some does not even have the ability

[22:11] to access the sites. Some are paying for private trash

[22:15] services, yet the county still charges them for using the sites

[22:20] that they do not use, do not provide for them.

[22:25] In one of the meetings, one of you said that you would approve veterans

[22:28] [clears throat] to be exempt

[22:31] from the tax fee. I have nothing against veterans. I am

[22:35] one myself. But the truth of the matter is that the

[22:39] ones which needs the relief is not getting it, and those are our seniors.

[22:46] The chart that I placed before you shows the amount

[22:50] that the seniors of both groups bring in.

[22:54] And if you look at those charts, you'll see who is definitely in need.

[23:01] The trash situation is not fair to most of us.

[23:04] But at least the least you can do is to have

[23:10] sympathy for our seniors. The ones that have paid their part.

[23:17] The ones that have brought this county to the place where they are.

[23:23] Those seniors are not receiving this. I mean, every

[23:27] percentage that you put on them is a extra burden on them.

[23:32] There was a Facebook report, I don't know if it was it true or not, about a

[23:35] 91-year-old lady that could not afford her medication

[23:40] anymore, so they decided to steal. They got caught. They was arrested. But

[23:44] the judge dismissed it. She was either determined rather

[23:49] to get her medication by stealing it or go to jail and let

[23:54] them take care of her. That's a bad situation to be in.

[24:00] The little bit that they receive does not cover their expenses for

[24:05] living. But when you add more fees onto them,

[24:09] that puts an extra burden on them as well.

[24:13] Um

[24:16] And I had [clears throat] another question that I never got an answer for.

[24:19] I asked several times back a few months back.

[24:23] The revenue that's being generated for the refrigerators, the stoves, and the

[24:27] appliances that is being taken to the convenience centers.

[24:31] Where is that revenue going? Nobody ever gave me an answer for that.

[24:35] I don't know if you guys have come together and found the reason or where

[24:39] it's going. But that needs to be looked in as well.

[24:42] And the county finds money to do everything that they want to do.

[24:46] But your seniors need help. They don't need to be burdened anymore.

[24:52] I thank you for listening to my comments.

[24:55] » Thank you, Mr. Hughes.

[24:59] All right, we also have Mr. Jack Hurst.

[25:15] » [snorts]

[25:18] » I keep coming up here, but I got problems.

[25:21] Came here 11 months ago. Told you about the neighbor's dog was

[25:26] killing 14 goats. System hasn't did anything.

[25:31] 11 months. The [clears throat] day that I was here

[25:35] after I left, I had two or three calls from the council members.

[25:39] And one other guy was supposed to call me, but he never did.

[25:43] But um you know, it's

[25:46] I've talked to animal control just a week or so ago, and

[25:51] I said, "Oh, the judge quit. The judge quit. Well, we need more judges." They

[25:55] can't do it. I had another issue in another county 2

[26:00] weeks ago. I went over.

[26:03] I sent in my complaint. I've had two letters from that judge in

[26:09] that county. We're fixing to take that person to court, but Chesterfield

[26:13] sitting on the butt doing nothing.

[26:16] Another issue about the gentleman just talked. This $38. If y'all will go back

[26:22] and think about it now, we was charged for 1 year before we got

[26:27] the service. We had to pay that $38 for the last year

[26:31] without the taxes. And we didn't start getting our service

[26:34] until when we got the tax notice.

[26:38] Thank you. >> All right, thank you, Mr. Hurst.

[26:43] We have two public hearings. Oh, let me just go back. So, we will look at those

[26:48] things, and we can't respond to you even during council member comments, but

[26:53] if if action can be taken, we'll respond to you, you know, through a phone call,

[26:58] um, for sure.

[27:00] Certainly. Okay, so now we're going to move on to

[27:03] public hearings. We have two tonight. The first [snorts] is for the ordinance

[27:06] authorizing the sale of property. You know, we've talked about this in our

[27:09] past meetings. This is the property on Highway 9, on the corner, that, um,

[27:14] Tuscaloosa County Rural Water is interested in purchasing, and we can't

[27:18] disclose the amount, but it was appraised, and so I'm looking to have

[27:22] someone open the hearing for the, um, sale property.

[27:27] » So moved. >> All right. There's a motion by, um,

[27:31] Mr. Kirkley, seconded by Ms. Barnes. The Is there any discussion?

[27:35] All in favor indicate by saying "Aye." Aye.

[27:38] Any opposed? So, the public hearing is now open. Is there anyone here who would

[27:42] like to address this particular issue?

[27:49] Okay, hearing none, um, can I assume that the same people make the motion

[27:53] second to close? All right. Any discussion?

[27:56] Hearing none, all in favor indicate by saying "Aye."

[27:59] Any opposed? All right. So, the second is an

[28:02] ordinance imposing a 1% capital sales tax subject to a referendum.

[28:07] Um, this is, uh, regarding the penny that we are we had a commission, um,

[28:13] that met on, and they've come up with the question that goes on the ballot in

[28:16] November if it's approved by the South Carolina Elections Commission. But,

[28:20] tonight we are just voting on whether or not to put that on the ballot. So, is

[28:24] there a motion to approve, um, opening the public hearing?

[28:27] » So moved. >> Second.

[28:28] » There's a motion by Dr. Barnes, seconded by Bishop McLendon.

[28:33] Is there any discussion? All in favor indicate by saying "Aye."

[28:36] » Aye. Aye. >> That was made by, uh, Councilman Price.

[28:39] » Oh, sorry. Okay. I was moving too fast. Thank you for the

[28:44] clarification. All right, the public hearing is now

[28:46] open. Is there anyone here who would like to address council regarding the

[28:51] ordinance imposing a 1% capital project sales tax subject to a referendum,

[28:55] that's putting it on the ballot.

[28:59] All right. >> Sorry, you need to you need to come to

[29:03] the

[29:11] » I'm not that familiar with the one penny.

[29:16] Oh, but reading I think it was like 13 mills.

[29:19] » No, no, sir. So, there are two different options

[29:22] here. >> Yes, it's for 1 cent. No, it's for

[29:25] » 13 mills. >> 13 mills.

[29:27] » Yes, sir. >> Okay.

[29:29] The individuals that are paying this tax, if it it only sounds

[29:35] like a penny. But when you go through over a million

[29:38] dollars a year, yes, I do.

[29:42] That comes to around $10,000 for one person.

[29:45] It may not sound like much, but when you go through a lot of income,

[29:51] that penny adds up. So,

[29:55] if the mill would be better for individuals,

[30:01] I think most people should vote no.

[30:05] » I have provided a um >> [snorts]

[30:08] » handout that um you all can read at your

[30:12] leisure. But tonight we're voting on whether or

[30:15] not to put that as an option for our taxpayers, not I mean for our citizens,

[30:20] not whether or not we're voting for it or against it tonight. We're just

[30:25] offering it as an option to our citizens in November.

[30:29] No worries. Any more discussion?

[30:33] Or anybody else want to address council?

[30:38] All right. I'm seeing no one. Is there a motion to close the public hearing?

[30:42] All right, there's a motion and a second by the same two. Any discussion?

[30:47] Hearing none, all in favor indicate by saying aye.

[30:49] » Aye. >> Any opposed?

[30:51] All right, so we're going to move down to ordinance readings and resolutions.

[30:55] Um this is for authorizing the sale of the property we just discussed. Is there

[31:00] a motion to move forward with this um resolution with this um authorizing the

[31:05] sale? >> Motion.

[31:06] » All right, there's a motion and a second.

[31:08] » McClendon and Ford. >> Thank you, I got it.

[31:12] All right. Any discussion?

[31:16] All in favor indicate by saying aye. >> Aye.

[31:18] » Any opposed? All right.

[31:22] Motion carries. All right, now um for the imposing 1%

[31:26] capital sales tax subject to a referendum, meaning our citizens will be

[31:30] voting on it um up or down. Is there a motion to move

[31:34] forward with this referendum? >> Motion.

[31:36] » All right, motion by Mr. Ford, second by Mr. Price.

[31:39] Okay, any discussion? All in favor indicate by saying aye.

[31:43] » Aye. >> Any opposed?

[31:45] Okay. Now number uh or letter C,

[31:49] uh ordinance amending chapter 156 of the code of ordinances. This is first

[31:54] reading by title only. Is there a motion to move forward with

[31:57] this? Yes, sir. >> Make it be known Mr. Price is recusing

[32:00] himself. >> you.

[32:01] » I'm wondering if over

[32:03] Mr. Price so moved.

[32:06] » Okay, thank you. All right, there's a motion by Dr. Brains. Is there a second?

[32:09] » Second. >> Second by Mr. Kirkley.

[32:12] Is there any discussion? All in favor indicate by saying aye.

[32:17] » Aye. >> Any opposed?

[32:19] All right, thank you. There is a need to extend our

[32:22] » Get Brandon back. >> Oh, thank you.

[32:26] » Oh, I'm sorry. >> Yeah, we have one. This next one is 60.

[32:29] Y'all keep me straight. It's a lot to get through. We're better together.

[32:33] That's what I always say. So um this is an extension there's a need to um extend

[32:38] our moratorium on the issuance of permits for establishment of mobile home

[32:43] parks, RV parks, and subdivisions. Now, with that being said, we should be

[32:46] releasing the moratorium on 155 section, and that is the subdivision section, and

[32:53] we should hope to release that one in September.

[32:57] Um, but we do the zoning. We um, still affecting mobile homes and RV parks.

[33:01] We're not We won't be quite ready to uh, do that one. So, there's a need to

[33:06] extend the moratorium. Is uh, do I have a motion to extend the declare the

[33:10] temporary moratorium? >> So moved.

[33:12] » All right. Motion by Mr. Clark. Please, is there a second?

[33:15] » Second. >> Second by Ms. Burns. Any discussion?

[33:19] All in favor, indicate by saying I. >> I.

[33:21] » Any opposed? All right. Now, Mr. Price can come back

[33:24] in. Thank you.

[33:35] Thank you, Mr. Price. Sorry I jumped the gun on that.

[33:38] » [laughter] >> All right. We have um, one item

[33:41] submitted by by council, and that's a proposed animal control ordinance

[33:45] amendment or amendments, and I'm going to kick it over to Councilman Clark Lee

[33:49] for that. >> Yeah, I'd just like to say that um, I

[33:52] like to I I guess we need a motion to send it to

[33:56] committee. >> Yeah, you can tell us what you're

[33:58] interested in doing, and then I'll send it to committee.

[34:00] » with the animal control officers about some issues of

[34:06] dogs, cats, or whatever running at large all around, that the penalties on the

[34:13] ordinances are just not sufficient enough to why people are have

[34:18] being repeat offenders. So,

[34:22] we've got quite a few repeat offenders, and animal control officer I spoke with,

[34:28] he's interested in kind of looking at that ordinance with us and he

[34:34] has some great ideas. So, that's why I wanted to put it on the

[34:40] agenda for tonight to send it to the animal control committee to look at and

[34:47] you know, just take the recommendations of

[34:51] Mr. Bryant and um animal control officer of of what we can

[34:57] and can't do to to help us out with this

[35:01] at large um dogs and cats in the county.

[35:06] » Okay, um I'll certainly take that and send that to committee. So, I'm going to

[35:09] send it to Mr. Ford and the animal services committee and I just want to

[35:12] remind everybody in this room if that's something that you have passion for,

[35:17] that you're interested in or you have ideas for or you've had problems with in

[35:20] the past, we will make an announcement as to when that's going to be once our

[35:24] committee um comes that up with that date and time and we'll let you know and

[35:29] you're certainly welcome. The public is certainly welcome to come to those

[35:31] committee meetings. So, I'll just send it to you and you get with your

[35:34] committee. >> Is it Is it relevant now that you could

[35:36] ask what the fees are? Is it relevant? Do you know the fees?

[35:39] » I think right now it's like $100. I think it's $100 and it's it's $100 every

[35:44] time. It doesn't matter if you get caught.

[35:47] Um but don't quote me on the 100, but I think it's I think it is 100. Um

[35:52] you can get caught as many times as you want to.

[35:56] Um and and you get your animal back and and

[35:59] all that. So. >> Well, we'll certainly discuss all that

[36:02] there and I I appreciate it though and Mr. Ford, if you'll get with your

[36:05] committee and Is there anything you want to say?

[36:07] » anybody here once we announce when the meeting's going to be, if you'll kind of

[36:12] go ahead and have some plans in place or have discussions with animal control,

[36:17] it'll kind of speed the process up a little bit as well.

[36:20] To try to maybe give the ordinance some more teeth

[36:24] for animal control to be able to be a little bit more aggressive with the

[36:28] repeat offenders. >> All right, thank you.

[36:31] All right, and thank you, Mr. Kirkley, for that.

[36:35] All right, we have no unfinished business and no new business that I know

[36:38] of. No board appointments. Um uh Ms. Stanley, administrator's report.

[36:42] » Okay, I just wanted to um ask you to, you know, please coordinate with our

[36:45] clerk to council any of the town meetings that you would like be placed

[36:49] on on their agenda to discuss the teacher center and the funding

[36:53] uh HR and funding you we got copies of the meeting the dates of each town.

[37:00] And if you'll just get with her, the sooner you can get with her, we can kind

[37:03] of coordinate and talk to the towns where everybody can be placed on, but

[37:07] just I think there's maybe might be two that will be prior to the August 15th

[37:12] date, but just make sure that if you talk to any towns or anything prior to

[37:15] that, that you know, you quote and make sure that people know that, you know, it

[37:19] has been sent to the state before the question for them to approve.

[37:23] » Yeah, the South Carolina Elections Commission has to approve our question.

[37:26] Um so, just make sure that we're very clear on the fact that this is where we

[37:31] are in the process. Um good, thank you.

[37:34] Anything else? >> I think that's all.

[37:36] » Okay. Um council member announcements. I was just going to say I

[37:41] Mr. Kirkley made a suggestion to our group that we have bullet points for

[37:45] everybody to discuss and Ms. Stanley came up with some and I took that

[37:50] information because we definitely are better together and I I've talked to

[37:54] several council members and I put this fact sheet out. It doesn't say you

[37:59] should vote one way or another, but it does kind of give a little background

[38:02] and a little information on where we're trying to go with it and the options.

[38:06] So, if someone wants to understand putting the penny on versus raising

[38:11] millage, you're certainly welcome to talk to your council members about it.

[38:14] We can explain it further. We're going to be going to and having town halls,

[38:18] but we do want everybody to understand if you go with a yes, this is what it

[38:23] means. If you go with the no, this is what it means. And these sheets are just

[38:26] for reference only for a guide, but certainly do your homework and and get

[38:29] your information and then we'll have more on that in the future.

[38:34] Um anybody else have a council member announcement?

[38:38] » I do have um a couple. On Friday, August the 14th, the heirs

[38:44] property clinic will be held in Chester County at the Shraw Community Center.

[38:49] It is open to the public. There is no fee, absolutely um to attend.

[38:55] It will be from 1:00 until 2:30 p.m. Again, this is at the Shraw Community

[39:00] Center. You will learn about heir property

[39:03] issues, wills, and basic estate planning.

[39:07] The following Friday, which is the 21st, there will be a free wills clinic. Now,

[39:14] this is also sponsored by the Center for Heirs Property.

[39:18] Absolutely free. But you will need to make an appointment

[39:22] to make sure we have enough attorneys on hand to do the wills.

[39:26] So, if you're interested in either of these, you can get information at the

[39:30] Shraw Community Center.

[39:34] I will leave a copy with um our clerk, if she would be so generous as to

[39:41] I don't know if she can put it on the county website or not, but it is again

[39:46] free. >> We can certainly put it on our social

[39:48] media. >> Yes.

[39:49] » that's a great idea. Thank you for that. Anybody else?

[39:53] » What what was that first date? >> First date is Au- August the 14th.

[39:57] » What time? >> Which is a Friday from 1:00 until 2:30.

[40:02] The second date for the wills is August the 21st from 10:00 until

[40:08] 3:30, but you will need to schedule an appointment.

[40:12] » Thank you.

[40:16] » Okay, there is a need to go into executive session. I'm going to call on

[40:19] our attorney, Mr. Bryant. >> Thank you, Councilwoman Anderson.

[40:23] Uh pursuant to South Carolina Code Section 34-78-5,

[40:27] Council is now entering into executive session for the discussion of matters

[40:30] relating to the proposed location, expansion, or the provision of services

[40:34] encouraging location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the

[40:38] area served by the county regarding the following:

[40:41] Project Surface feeler. B, pursuant to South Carolina Code

[40:46] Section 34-78-2, Council is now entering into executive

[40:50] session for the discussion of negotiations incident to proposed

[40:54] contractual arrangements, the receipt of legal advice where the legal advice

[40:58] relates to a pending, threatened, or potential claim

[41:01] or other matters covered by the attorney-client privilege regarding the

[41:05] following: First, an intergovernmental agreement with the town of Pageland

[41:10] for municipal judge services. Second, a contract for health care services for

[41:14] the county detention center. And third, general matters related to the county

[41:19] detention center. Council may take action by voting upon

[41:22] the matters referenced in agenda items 19A, 19B I, 19B um II, 19B III after

[41:31] exiting executive session. >> Okay, is there a motion to go into

[41:36] executive session? >> Motion.

[41:39] » Okay, there's a motion by Dr. Bryant, there's a second by Mr. Kirkley. Any

[41:42] discussion? All in favor of the Okay, by saying aye.

[41:46] » Aye. >> Any opposed?

[41:48] All right, so we're going to reconvene at 6:15. We've got a lot to do still, so

[41:54] if if um you guys want to come back after

[41:58] executive session, you're welcome to wait outside the building. Um if not, we

[42:02] certainly appreciate everybody for being here tonight.

[1:03:19] » Mhm.

[1:16:44] » Mhm.

[1:24:24] » Mhm.

[1:59:48] » Do I have a motion to come out of executive session?

[1:59:51] » Motion. >> Okay, there's a motion by Mr. Price.

[1:59:54] There's a second by Mr. Barkley. Is there any discussion?

[1:59:59] Hearing none, all in favor indicate by saying [clears throat] aye.

[2:00:01] » Aye. >> Any opposed? While in executive session,

[2:00:04] no motions were made or votes taken. We do have a couple of items that we're

[2:00:09] going to pull to um perhaps make a decision on. Um

[2:00:13] we're going to pull item B, um I.

[2:00:17] Is there anybody who would like to make a motion?

[2:00:19] » I'll motion. >> Okay, Mr. Price.

[2:00:23] » Make a motion. This is on the municipal judge.

[2:00:27] » Yes, sir. Intergovernmental agreement with the town of Pageland municipal

[2:00:30] judge. >> I'd like to make a motion to approve the

[2:00:34] contractual agreement. >> Okay.

[2:00:36] » I'll second. >> I'll second.

[2:00:37] » All right, there's a motion by Mr. Bryant I mean

[2:00:40] Price. That was gracious by Mr. Price to accept the agreement that was presented

[2:00:45] to us um for the municipal judge um with the town of Pageland. And there's a

[2:00:49] second, is there any discussion? All in favor indicate by saying aye.

[2:00:55] Any opposed? Okay, motion carries.

[2:01:02] Okay. All right. Oh, that's right. That would be 19A. Aye is

[2:01:08] um the word health care services for the county detention center. This would

[2:01:12] increase the hours from um 8 hours a day to 12 hours a day.

[2:01:19] Is there a motion? >> So moved.

[2:01:20] » There's a motion by Mr. Ford. Is there a second? Mr. Kirkley. All right, any

[2:01:25] discussion? All in favor indicate by saying aye.

[2:01:29] Any opposed? All right, now I'll accept a motion to

[2:01:33] adjourn. >> Motion.

[2:01:34] » Second. >> motion.

[2:01:37] All right, wait, we can get a fifth and a sixth. Any discussion?

[2:01:42] All right, all in favor indicate by saying aye.

[2:01:44] We are now adjourned.

[2:03:00] » Mhm.

August 3, 2026 County Council Meeting

Transcript