Aldermen eye sewer project, debris disposal

DAILY LEADER / JULIA PENDLEY / As City Clerk Michael Jinks (from left) looks on, Ward One Alderman Randy Belcher addresses water department superintendent Keith Lewis (not pictured) after a request for overtime. Belcher requested overtime be spread out among all employees.

DAILY LEADER / JULIA PENDLEY / As City Clerk Michael Jinks (from left) looks on, Ward One Alderman Randy Belcher addresses water department superintendent Keith Lewis (not pictured) after a request for overtime. Belcher requested overtime be spread out among all employees.

The Brookhaven board of aldermen discussed a number of projects within the city at Tuesday night’s meeting.

The city is in the final stages of cleanup after the storm that hit in June. Steve Moreton, public works director, asked the board for funding to have the debris chipped and hauled to Georgia-Pacific. Currently the debris is at the city dump in a “class two dump,” which requires layers to be covered with dirt.

Moreton said the cost of the dirt would cost more than having the debris chipped. The board approved Ashley Transportation Inc. at $6.25 per cubic yard for all out-going debris. The company will chip on site and transport to Georgia-Pacific.

Moreton also addressed cleaning out the sewers. He suggested the board approve Howard Whittington at $225 per load to haul the sludge away and Riverbend at $25 a ton to treat the wastewater sludge. He said the project needs to be done at least every other year but has been neglected in the past. He said there is a possibility of having to repeat the project again next year. The board approved the costs.

Keith Lewis, water department supervisor, discussed the current project of changing out water meters in the city. Lewis asked for overtime to finish the project, particularly on Brookway Boulevard. He said they need to go in after the businesses close to do the installation.

Ward One Alderman Randy Belcher asked that the overtime be spread out over all Lewis’ employees. The board voted to approve overtime for the installation of new water meters.

The new meters are part of a new system for the water department. Lewis said the places that have already had the new meters installed are measuring more accurately.

Also during Tuesday's board meeting, county engineer Ryan Holmes (left photo) asks the aldermen to match the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors for bridge projects within the city limits.

Also during Tuesday’s board meeting, county engineer Ryan Holmes (left photo) asks the aldermen to match the Lincoln County Board of Supervisors for bridge projects within the city limits.

Ryan Holmes, county engineer, requested re-approval from the board for funding for a bridge repair project on Greenview Trail. The board originally approved the $25,000 project on Aug. 16, 2011, but because of the time delay the amount was not currently budgeted. The board voted to honor the previous commitment.

Holmes also addressed a bridge project on Washington Street. Repairs are currently underway, but the workers discovered eight additional pilings that will need to be replaced in the next seven or eight years. Holmes recommended replacing the pilings now because the biggest costs are already being paid with the current project. The pilings would cost $525 each. The Lincoln County Board of Supervisors has already agreed to split the cost, so the city’s part will be $2,100.

The board accepted a bid from Gulf Coast Underground, LLC, at $105,075 for part of the sewer improvement project. Mike McKenzie, city engineer, said the cost will include a smoke test, cleaning of the lines and a video of approximately 30,000 feet of sewer line. He said it will identify every deficiency in the line, so they will be better able to improve the sewer system.

The board was also addressed by Bernetta M. Character, NAACP president, who suggested all city employees undergo diversity training.

“We have to learn to respect each other regardless of racial background,” she said.

In other business, the board voted to approve the following:

• The hiring of Aaron R. Jolly as a certified police officer with six months experience at a salary of $30,402.26.

• R.B. Wall’s off-road diesel bid.

• Chris Davis and Dwayne Brumfield to attend Confined Space Rescue class at the State Fire Academy.

• Darrell Davis and Jeff Ainsworth to attend Fire Service Management 101 at the State Fire Academy.

• Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Delphi Automotive Systems for up to 10 years for improvements to the facility.

• Advertisement of city assets in the 2014 Brookhaven High School “Gridiron” football program at the cost of $135.

• Issue of a land to Habitat for Humanity for parcel No. 623-92 at Broad and Ellis in Brignal at a cost of $3,300.30. Ward Five Alderman Fletcher Grice excused himself from the vote because he sits on the Habitat for Humanity board. The city acquired the land due to delinquent taxes.

• Suspension of Rex Case without pay for up to 90 days and pending completion of rehabilitation. Case is eligible to use any leave he has acquired during his suspension.

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