Council approved an $873,597 bid to construct a new boat ramp and parking facility at Wateree River Veterans Park
This project includes the installation of a dual concrete boat ramp, a floating dock, and 61 parking spaces, with completion expected in the spring of 2025.
3 votes3 passed
The vote behind the headline
Award of Bid for Wateree River Veterans Park Boat Ramp Construction:Council awarded an $873,597 construction contract for a new dual boat ramp and parking facility.Parks & recVeterans
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
Council approved a contract with Contractor Services of Kershaw, LLC, for the construction of a new boat ramp, floating dock, and 61-space parking lot at Wateree River Veterans Park. The bid of $873,597 was selected from five submissions, with officials noting that the winning price was favorable given current construction costs. The scope of work includes approximately 680 linear feet of paved entrance and parking, a 155-foot dual concrete ramp, and the installation of a new floating dock supported by steel piles. This project has been a long-term priority for Council, with significant advocacy from Chairman Ben Connell and Vice Chairman Russell Brazell to secure state funding. The contractor, which has previously performed phase one work at the river parcel, is expected to complete the project by the spring of 2025. Council members expressed strong support for the project as a key recreational amenity for local citizens.
Certification of Former TB Kawashima USA Mill Site (2nd Reading):Council approved a tax certification to assist the redevelopment of an abandoned 28.75-acre textile mill site.
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
This ordinance certifies the former TB Kawashima USA mill site at 412A Groves Street in Lugoff as an abandoned textile mill site under the South Carolina Textiles Communities Revitalization Act. The designation allows the current owner, 1013 Enterprises, LLC, to pursue specific state tax credits meant to incentivize the rehabilitation of dormant industrial properties. The site covers approximately 28.75 acres and has been non-operational as a textile facility since at least October 1, 2023. Council members approved this second reading unanimously following a first reading in title only on November 12. By granting this certification, the county confirms the property meets all statutory requirements, including the length of abandonment and its previous use in textile manufacturing. This is a vital step for the developer to qualify for state-level financial support for the site's future productive use. A third and final reading will be required before the ordinance is fully enacted.
Award of Bid for Wateree River Veterans Park Boat Ramp Construction:Council awarded an $873,597 construction contract for a new dual boat ramp and parking facility.Parks & recVeterans
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
Council approved a contract with Contractor Services of Kershaw, LLC, for the construction of a new boat ramp, floating dock, and 61-space parking lot at Wateree River Veterans Park. The bid of $873,597 was selected from five submissions, with officials noting that the winning price was favorable given current construction costs. The scope of work includes approximately 680 linear feet of paved entrance and parking, a 155-foot dual concrete ramp, and the installation of a new floating dock supported by steel piles. This project has been a long-term priority for Council, with significant advocacy from Chairman Ben Connell and Vice Chairman Russell Brazell to secure state funding. The contractor, which has previously performed phase one work at the river parcel, is expected to complete the project by the spring of 2025. Council members expressed strong support for the project as a key recreational amenity for local citizens.
Appointment of Mason Wolfe to the Planning Commission:Mason Wolfe was unanimously appointed to serve on the Kershaw County Planning Commission.DevelopmentAppointments
Unanimous · 7-0
▸detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny Catoe✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.
Council unanimously appointed Mason Wolfe to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission representing District 1. Vice Chairman Russell Brazell nominated Wolfe, highlighting his level-headed nature and the importance of having fair-minded individuals serving on the commission as development continues to grow in the county. Fellow council members praised the Wolfe family for their long-standing history of community service in Kershaw County. As a member of the Planning Commission, Wolfe will help oversee land-use decisions and growth management, a role council members described as one of the most significant and responsible positions in local government. His appointment was celebrated as an example of younger citizens stepping up to take on leadership roles within the county.
Council members engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding the history of the Wateree River Veterans Park project, specifically acknowledging the advocacy of Chairman Ben Connell and Vice Chairman Russell Brazell in securing state funding.
Councilman Derek Shoemake encouraged staff to begin prioritizing future recreation projects, including KC West and Woodward Park, in upcoming budget discussions.
Public comment▸showhide
No members of the public addressed the council during the public comment period.
Coming up▸showhide
The next council meeting dates were not explicitly set during this special called meeting, as the council noted this session was held in lieu of the meeting originally scheduled for the week of Thanksgiving.
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.
