By Amanda Collins
The Town of Stuart may seek other options for plans after waiting more than a year for plans to replace some equipment in the sewer plant to materialize.
At a Stuart Town Council meeting Wednesday, Mayor Ray Weiland said the company hired to complete the work has not yet provided the plans.
The town has been waiting more than a year for the plans to materialize, according to Terry Dalton, a council member.
Weiland said the company initially hired would have the plans ready by the end of the month.
“This is not satisfactory,” John “Mac” Deekens, a council member, said of the waiting period.
Rebecca Adcock asked if there was anyone else that could provide the plans.
“Maybe that’s the route we need to take,” Weiland said. “The longer we wait, the interest rate goes up.”
It comes down to “basically, does he want the job,” Weiland said of the company initially hired to do the work. “It doesn’t seem like it,” he said, and added he would contact a couple of other companies to gauge their interest in the project.
Other items discussed at the town meeting included:
*Town Manager Terry Tilley provided a copy of an email from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) of their review of U.S. 58 Business (East Blue Ridge Street) and Virginia 8 Business (Patrick Avenue). VDOT observed large trucks and tractor trailers turning onto U.S. 58 and then turning left onto Virginia 8 (Patrick Avenue) en route to North Carolina.
“The movement likely contributes to the truck traffic on Main Street,” the email stated.
Based on VDOT’s review, and an effort to promote safety, the agency stated it would support a through truck restriction on 0.53 of a mile on U.S. 58 Business, from U.S. 58 (JEB Stuart Highway) to Virginia 8 Business. Proposed restrictions include signs that state that section of road is only for local delivery trucks. Weiland suggested that Woodland Drive be added to the list.
*Paint on an area of the caboose has faded and looks chalky. Weiland said the paint is known to “chalk.” A spot also was cleaned with degreaser. Adcock asked if a sealer be applied once the entire caboose is cleaned. Weiland said he would talk to the paint experts to find out.
*Dalton asked about the feasibility of adding blinking yellow lights at the stoplight located at the town office.
*Tilley said the water tank is back online and there are no leaks.
*After providing various quotes on a new truck, Tilley received the go ahead to purchase a 2018 F-150 4×4 super cab pickup truck from Nelson Ford in Martinsville, at a cost of $26,550. The price includes a double factory power train warranty.
* Chris Corbett, town attorney, asked council to review a $2 million loan resolution with the USDA regarding the purchase and renovation of the former Food Lion building. Stuart Volunteer Fire Department will locate in the facility, and another portion of it will be rented, officials have said. Loan proceeds are “for the purpose of providing a portion of the cost of acquiring, constructing, enlarging, improving, and/or extending its facility serve….”
*Council members also discussed unpaid water/sewer bills, suspension of services due to unpaid bills, and a mowing ordinance.
