The City of Charleston's Committee on Ways and Means convened on October 8, 2024, to address several pressing issues, including infrastructure projects and funding initiatives. The meeting commenced with a moment of silence led by Council Member Gregory, followed by a motion to add three significant items to the agenda, which was unanimously approved.

The first item discussed was the relocation of transformers at 141 Meeting Street, a project spearheaded by Dominion. This relocation is crucial for the development of a new gathering space and the sale of the historic E.B. White building to the Gibbs Museum. The urgency of this project is underscored by a deadline for completion by next October.

The second agenda item involved municipal operations concerning stormwater regulations. The committee approved a motion to authorize an increase in funding for materials from $23,000 to $265,000 for the installation of subsurface pipes under CSX-owned rail lines. CSX has offered to carry out the work, estimated at $723,000, which is also budgeted within municipal operations.

Lastly, the committee discussed a mutual aid agreement between the City of Charleston Police Department and Henderson County, North Carolina, aimed at providing assistance in the wake of recent hurricanes.

In addition to these items, the committee approved several funding initiatives, including a grant of $893,000 from the South Carolina Opioid Recovery Fund, and a proposal to apply for a $6.1 million grant aimed at removing housing obstacles, aligning with HUD's strategic goals. The meeting concluded with the approval of energy efficiency grants from the Department of Energy, all without requiring a city match.

These discussions reflect the city's proactive approach to addressing infrastructure needs and community support in the aftermath of natural disasters.