The headline
Council approved a contract to construct the new boat ramp and parking facilities at Wateree River Veterans Park. The $873,597.17 project, awarded to Contractor Services of Kershaw, LLC, is expected to be completed by the spring of 2025.
Contract for Wateree River Veterans Park Boat Ramp and Parking Lot:
Council awarded an $873,597.17 contract for boat ramp and parking lot construction to Contractor Services of Kershaw.
Parks & recVeterans
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council unanimously approved the award of a construction contract to Contractor Services of Kershaw, LLC, for the Wateree River Veterans Park project. The bid, totaling $873,597.17, covers the installation of a new boat ramp, a floating dock with steel piles, and a paved parking area with 61 spaces for cars and trailers. The project also includes approximately 680 linear feet of entrance road and 630 linear feet of access sidewalks. This company was selected as the lowest of five total bidders and previously completed phase one work at the river parcel. Officials emphasized that this project is a long-anticipated recreation improvement aimed at expanding public access to the river. Construction is expected to proceed over the next four months, with completion projected for the spring of 2025. Council members acknowledged the critical role of state-secured funding in making these upgrades possible.
PASSED (Unanimous). Council selected the lowest bidder, Contractor Services of Kershaw, LLC, for the construction project
Who said what
» Danny Templar Presenter: Recommended awarding the contract to the lowest bidder because the company is experienced with the site's previous phases. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: Confirmed the project scope includes all necessary features like the floating dock and paving. ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: Praised staff for persisting to bring the project to the finish line with a reliable local contractor. ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: Credited the Chairman and Vice-Chairman for securing the state funding necessary to make the project a reality. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: Agreed that the leadership from the Chairman and Vice-Chairman allowed the project to be significantly upgraded. ▶︎» Ben Connell Chairman: Reflected on the importance of staying persistent in government to hold people accountable and finish projects. ▶︎Votes at a glance ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Certification of Former TB Kawashima USA Mill Site (2nd Reading):
Council approved a tax credit certification for the former textile mill site to encourage property redevelopment.
Taxes & budget
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
This ordinance serves as the second of three required readings to certify the former TB Kawashima USA mill site, located at 412A Groves Street in Lugoff, as a textile mill site under the South Carolina Textiles Communities Revitalization Act. The property covers approximately 28.75 acres and is currently owned by 1013 Enterprises, LLC. By obtaining this official certification from the County, the owner becomes eligible for state tax credits aimed at incentivizing the rehabilitation of abandoned industrial properties. The site has remained largely nonoperational as a textile facility since October 2023, meeting the statutory definition of abandoned property. The redevelopment of this space is expected to bring new economic life to a dormant industrial asset. No public controversy was raised regarding the measure. Following this unanimous second-reading approval, the ordinance will head to a final third reading before becoming effective.
PASSED (Unanimous). This ordinance certifies the site for potential tax credits under the South Carolina Textiles Communities Revitalization Act
Contract for Wateree River Veterans Park Boat Ramp and Parking Lot:
Council awarded an $873,597.17 contract for boat ramp and parking lot construction to Contractor Services of Kershaw.
Parks & recVeterans
Unanimous · 7-0
▸
detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council unanimously approved the award of a construction contract to Contractor Services of Kershaw, LLC, for the Wateree River Veterans Park project. The bid, totaling $873,597.17, covers the installation of a new boat ramp, a floating dock with steel piles, and a paved parking area with 61 spaces for cars and trailers. The project also includes approximately 680 linear feet of entrance road and 630 linear feet of access sidewalks. This company was selected as the lowest of five total bidders and previously completed phase one work at the river parcel. Officials emphasized that this project is a long-anticipated recreation improvement aimed at expanding public access to the river. Construction is expected to proceed over the next four months, with completion projected for the spring of 2025. Council members acknowledged the critical role of state-secured funding in making these upgrades possible.
PASSED (Unanimous). Council selected the lowest bidder, Contractor Services of Kershaw, LLC, for the construction project
Who said what
» Danny Templar Presenter: Recommended awarding the contract to the lowest bidder because the company is experienced with the site's previous phases. ▶︎» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: Confirmed the project scope includes all necessary features like the floating dock and paving. ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: Praised staff for persisting to bring the project to the finish line with a reliable local contractor. ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: Credited the Chairman and Vice-Chairman for securing the state funding necessary to make the project a reality. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: Agreed that the leadership from the Chairman and Vice-Chairman allowed the project to be significantly upgraded. ▶︎» Ben Connell Chairman: Reflected on the importance of staying persistent in government to hold people accountable and finish projects. ▶︎
Appointment of Mason Wolf to the Planning Commission:
Mason Wolf was appointed to the Planning Commission to fill a vacancy in District 1.
DevelopmentAppointments
Unanimous · 7-0
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detailsless
How they voted - unanimous
✓ Ben Connell✓ Russell Brazell✓ Sammie Tucker Jr.✓ Derek Shoemake✓ Jimmy Jones✓ Brant Tomlinson✓ Danny CatoeWhat this was about
Council unanimously appointed Mason Wolf to the Kershaw County Planning Commission to fill a vacancy in District 1. Vice-Chairman Russell Brazell, who nominated Wolf, highlighted his level-headed nature and community involvement as key reasons for the selection. The Planning Commission plays a vital role in managing the County's growth and development, an issue that Council members described as a top priority. Fellow Council members praised Wolf's family for their long-standing commitment to community service and welcomed the addition of a younger professional to the board. The appointment was presented as a generational contribution to local government, with members expressing pride in Wolf's willingness to serve. Wolf will now join the commission as it navigates ongoing development challenges in the area.
PASSED (Unanimous). Mr. Wolf was appointed to fill a vacancy in District 1
Who said what
» Russell Brazell Vice-Chairman: Noted that he had to persuade Wolf to apply but believes he will be a fair decision-maker. ▶︎» Derek Shoemake Council Member: Highlighted the importance of the commission given the controversial development issues currently facing the county. ▶︎» Sammie Tucker Jr. Council Member: Welcomed the appointment of younger residents to boards as a way to cultivate future community leadership. ▶︎» Jimmy Jones Council Member: Emphasized that the Planning Commission is a state-mandated body that requires high-level qualifications. ▶︎» Danny Catoe Council Member: Expressed excitement at having new, younger energy join the commission to help guide the county. ▶︎» Ben Connell Chairman: Noted the importance of having local residents stay in the county to contribute their skills to community boards. ▶︎Discussed, no vote ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Council members discussed the necessity of maintaining focus on upcoming recreation projects, specifically KC West and Wiber Park. Administrator Danny Templar confirmed that the boat ramp project is expected to be finished within four months, with both the ramp and floating dock components slated for completion by spring.
Public comment ▸ tap to showtap to hide
There was no formal public comment period during this special called meeting. Council members used the appointment segment to publicly congratulate Mason Wolf and his family for their ongoing community service and commitment to local development.
Coming up ▸ tap to showtap to hide
Council will continue to monitor the progress of the Wateree River Veterans Park construction and expects to receive regular updates on future recreation projects in the coming months.
Independent summary, generated from the county's public video, not an official county communication.