Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, July 7, 1994 TAG: 9407070112
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: By PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
Andy Graham, a veteran council member who won the mayor's post in the May 3 election, outlined the goals at his first meeting as mayor Tuesday. He said it was important for council to stay focused on these projects during 1994-1995 and called for staff reports on them at future council meetings.
Graham said the town must correct problems with its sewer line to the Peppers Ferry Wastewater Treatment Authority facilities.
It must fix the lines in its own sewage collection system, which have leaks that allow surface and underground water to flow into them, he said.
Graham stressed, as he had on council, the need for continued improvement in water service to areas that have low pressure and other problems. "We have plans and a water rate schedule in place to continue in an orderly manner to upgrade this enterprise system," he said.
He wants to improve the efficiency in collecting town revenue. "I am asking the Finance Committee and town staff to report to council on how improvements can be made in the treasurer's office in collecting delinquent revenue, and the efficiency increased in processing our citizens' payment of taxes, utility services, and so on," he said. "The previous council recommended that the delinquent revenue collection plan be developed by Aug. 15, 1994. If we meet this time frame, we need to start working on this improvement immediately."
Graham also wants utility billing improved.
He listed as another goal the completion of the New River Trail State Park extension into town to the Pulaski Train Station. "I am asking the town manager and his staff to develop plans for council review and approval so that we will be well-organized for orderly development."
Finally, Graham listed concentration on long-term economic goals and the town's Main Street program. Newly elected Councilman John Stone recruited a committee to determine these goals and has since been named its chairman.
"I am certain that council and staff will give him full support," Graham said.
Council re-elected W.H. "Rocky" Schrader as vice mayor.
Bettye Steger, another new council member, said efforts should be made to be sure citizens are aware of council meeting times at 4 p.m. on the first Tuesday and 7 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month.
Town Manager Tom Combiths reported that work has started in removing debris from Dora Highway to make way for a contractor to stabilize the section of road closed by last winter's ice storms.
Town Engineer John Hawley said it will cost an estimated $103,000 to stabilize the 460 feet of shoulder between Dora Highway and Peak Creek, remove fallen and loose trees and rock from some 1,500 feet of the cliff to the south of Dora Highway, and clean up road debris.
Bid sheets and specifications for the work are to be ready for advertisement next week, with bids to be received July 22. If work can be started by Aug. 12, Hawley said, it probably could be completed by Sept. 23.
The cost will use up about 40 percent of the money budgeted for street repaving, curb and gutter, and sidewalk work, he said. The town might be able to save $10,000 to $20,000 by doing some of the work with town crews.
by CNB