The Virginia Avenue Project has two alternatives for funding and the Commission will present both to the city at their next meeting. Mayor Sherwin Rader was present while the Commission discussed the option of applying for a Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA) Planning and Design Loan for $6 million now, or opting to take a $500,000 KIA Planning and Design Loan first and later reapplying for the same $6 million loan. Both alternatives involve applying for grants that could amount to $1 to $2 million. The Commission is concerned about how much money they would have to pay back, especially if they do not receive any grant money.
An immediate rate increase would be involved if the decision is made to apply for the $6 million loan now. Taking the $500,000 loan first would involve no immediate rate increase.
By applying for the $500,000 loan, the Commission would prepare a Professional Engineer’s Report (PE Report), Facilities Plan Update, TV Inspection and Cleaning of Lines, Flow Monitoring, and Project Design. Completing all of these before reapplying for the $6 million loan shows how ready they are to begin and will also allow them to start construction immediately after receiving the money.
The Commission made recommendations on how to take care of the newly reconstructed Kentucky Avenue. Some of the recommendations include regular street sweeping, a leaf collection plan, TV pipe inspection and cleaning every 10 years, resurface asphalt every 8 to 12 years (mill before resurfacing), keeping trees a minimum distance from sidewalks to prevent heaving, creating a permit process and standards for new driveways, and maintaining Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements on sidewalk and new driveways.
The three pressure reducing valve (PRV) stations in the Brownies Creek/Cubbage Hill water service area have now been replaced for $27,636. The leaks were costing 5.5 million gallons of water per month. The project will add up to $9,635 a month in savings for the Commission.
Four vehicles have been approved for surplus property. The Commission will approve the four Chevrolet Silverado 4x4’s be put up separately for bids at the next regular meeting. These four trucks have already been replaced.
The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado the Commission ordered November 17 has yet to arrive, so they have worked with Lee Motors to locate a similar vehicle. The new vehicle has been delivered and has almost $3,000 worth of extras the Commission did not have to pay for.
Currently, Pineville Utility has two open labor positions. It was recommended that the Commission hire Randy Fuson and Daniel Day.
Other motions made by the Commission include:
• Approved minutes of last meeting, held February 15, 2011
• Approved Water and Sewer Utility Expenditures for March and April 2011
• Approved Water and Sewer Financial and Budget Reports for March 2011
• Approved Management Report
Emily Greene is a correspondent for the Middlesboro Daily News. Contact her via e-mail at emilygreene5@gmail.com
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