City of Charleston Committee on Public Works and Utilities 7/13/26

The City of Charleston Committee on Public Works and Utilities convened on July 13, 2026, to discuss various infrastructure and utility matters. Key procurement-related actions included approval of easements and rights-of-way for road and sidewalk projects in Daniel Island, acceptance of maintenance responsibilities for certain areas, and authorization to purchase six check valves for a drainage improvement project at a cost of approximately $348,000. The committee also approved a change order for $100,000 with SJ Hamill Construction Company related to hazardous materials disposal for the King Street drainage improvement project nearing completion. Additionally, the committee reviewed and discussed updates to the stormwater utility fee manual, including proposed credits and waivers aimed at incentivizing flood reduction and water quality improvements, with considerations for future fee adjustments and potential impacts on revenue. The committee supported property acquisition for the West Poni Drainage Project to reduce flooding at a cost-effective price under $1 million, significantly less than previous estimates. An extension was approved for the expenditure of county ARPA funds totaling approximately $790,000 to support flood mitigation efforts. The meeting concluded with a motion to consider naming a pump station after a long-serving council member, to be formally addressed at a future meeting.