City Council approves plan to gut Ireland Creek in sediment removal project

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By VICKI BROWN

Recent heavy rains have prompted Walterboro leaders to take a hard look at Ireland Creek, the body of water that runs through the heart of the city and has flooded its banks, spilling into businesses, parking lots and some residential areas.

Walterboro City Council met on Tuesday, October 5th to discuss improving Ireland Creek. With the unusual rainfall experienced in Walterboro in the past months, which caused significant flooding around Ireland Creek, city council members voted in that meeting to accept a bid for Ireland Creek sediment removal. The winning bid is from AAA Utility and Construction LLC (Columbia, SC) in the amount of $29,516.00.

The expenditure will be absorbed into the FY 2021-2022 Department of Public Works budget in the General Fund.

The city’s Department of Public Works received two bids to remove up to 500 cubic yards of sediment in Ireland Creek, with contractor AAA Utility and Construction as the low bidder.

Ireland Creek has frequently flooded, causing problems to local homeowners and businesses. Sediment removal has become imperative to reduce flooding on both sides of the creek. Removing debris, eroded soil and earth from the center of the creek should adequately solve the flooding issues.

According to information provided by city leaders, AAA Utility and Construction officials have carefully studied all reports of explorations and tests of subsurface conditions at the site and all drawings of physical conditions relating to existing surface or subsurface structure. Contractors also made additional examinations, investigations, explorations, tests, studies and data concerning conditions at the site or otherwise which may affect cost progress, performance or furnishing of the work.

The work to improve Ireland Creek should begin in November.

In other city council news:

Council also went on to pass two resolutions and proclamations.

Honoring Code Enforcement Officers

The Mayor and the City Council recognized and honored Code Enforcement Officers by proclaiming the month of October 2021 as National Code Compliance Month and expressed appreciation for the dedication and service by the individuals who serve as our Code Enforcement Officers. These officers provide for the safety and welfare of citizens through the enforcement of local codes or ordinances facing various issues of building, zoning, housing, animal control, environmental, health and life safety.

Garnet and Gold Week

Mayor Bill Young and the City Council of the City of Walterboro, in Council Assembled that the City of Walterboro proclaims the week of October 24 - 30 as “Garnet and Gold Week”, recognizing all the significant contributions to education, business, industry, and civics rendered by the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie. The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie is a resource to the community providing leadership training, summer enrichment programs, and community interest classes to adults and area youth.

Tailgate party approved, road closure granted

Approval was granted by council to the Colleton County Historical and Preservation Society, along with the Clemson Club, to host a tailgate party and oyster roast on Tuesday, November 23 from 6:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m. at the Bedon-Lucas House and the Little Library Park. The Historical Society plans to use the roadway on Church Street between Fishburne and Miller Streets to maximize space and keep people safe while crossing the street. This outdoor social event celebrates the state and preservation endeavors throughout the city.

Church Street, between Fishburne Street and Miller Street, will be closed from 2:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. on November 20, 2021 for safety reasons.