PINEVILLE — Management at the Pineville Utility Commission and Vaughn & Melton went to Frankfort on September 7th to discuss funding for the Virginia Avenue Utility Replacement Project with representatives of the Division of Water (DOW), the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Department for Local Government (DLG), and the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA). Currently, Pineville has pre-applications with CDBG and

ARC, both for $1 million each, as well as other available grants, and has already been approved for a KIA loan up to $6,000,000. ARC informed the city that their maximum allotment will be closer to $500,000, but won’t announce it’s actual funding until February. The CDBG will announce it’s funding in March/April and recommended that the city develop a more exact plan for the project and file a stronger application in March.

The Commission was most excited by DOW indicating that deadlines could be extended and allow projects to happen in phases to avoid large rate increases. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Kentucky Division of Enforcement (DNF) would need to approve the deadline extension.

Management also noted that wireless flow monitors have been installed and a number of manholes, related to the Virginia Avenue Project, were located. The manholes, which were covered by pavement, have now been raised. The monitors will send out signals continuously of flows in the system as well as collecting rainfall data. The information collected by the monitors will ensure that the combined sewer overflows are eliminated with the Virginia Avenue Project.

Gary Williams, of Barnett & Williams, CPAs, PLLC presented the Commission with the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2011 audit. The Commission made a motion to accept the audit. Williams noted that “things were operating reasonably well” and he was “very pleased to see” the Commission was able to upgrade equipment in a timely fashion.

Other motions made by the Commission include:

• Approved minutes of last regular meeting, held August 16, 2011 and those of the special called meeting held August 25, 2011.

•Approved Water and Sewer Utility Expenditures

•Approved Water and Sewer Financial and Budget Reports

•Approved Management Report

•Approved Management’s recommendation for increase the pay of one personnel member by $0.50 and extend the probation period for another member of personnel for another six months.

Emily Greene is a correspondent for the Middlesboro Daily News. Contact her via e-mail at emilygreene5@gmail.com.