During the Clifton Forge Town Council meeting on Wed., Nov. 9, Sarah Cook, water resources project coordinator for the Thrasher Group, informed Council about complications her company has encountered on Ridgeway Street.
Town Manager Charles “Chuck” Unroe noted that the blueprint that Thrasher had been provided for her company to dig up a water valve on Ridgeway St. was flawed in that what Thrasher found was not what was anticipated prior to digging a hole in the street to repair a water valve.
Unroe noted, “It was supposed to be three little holes in the street, but it has resulted in a hole we all can get into.”
Thrasher’s workers found that the 6” waterline under the street had been patched numerous times.
Unroe said, “We are going to replace all the old pipe so we won’t have to go back (and dig it up) six months from now.”
Thrasher will cut out the old pipe and install the new pipe.
Cook remarked, “You never know what you will find until you dig.”
The additional repairs will require the current detour to remain in place longer than had been anticipated, and Ridgeway St. will remain closed longer as well.
Unroe revealed that the project will require the water to the Alleghany Building to be turned off for a short period and that the business manager will be notified.
He also revealed that the “River Project,” which required the building of a coffer dam, was projected to be completed by Sept. 4.
However, Unroe pointed out that it has been bogged down by problems such as high water and unforeseen complications on the railroad side of the river.
The current completion target date has been reset for December.
The infrastructure improvement projects have also been delayed by problems with the supply chain. For example, the delay of an American steel delivery to Thrasher prevented the project from getting underway for several weeks earlier in the year.
Unroe noted that Paula Lewis has been hired to fill an important position that Rhonda Wickline had held for several years before stepping down on Oct. 28.
After sharing with Council information about Lewis’ previous employment experience, Unroe remarked, “She brings a wealth of knowledge to the position.”
“I’m really excited she’s coming onboard to work with us,” he added.
Unroe announced that two positions on the planning commission board are open and encouraged anyone interested in serving to contact his office.
He also encouraged anyone interested in a full-time position at public works to contact the Town about applying for the position.
Mac Beard gave an update about the LoveSign soon to be erected by Clifton Forge Main Street.
Vice-mayor Robert “Bob” Umstead who has served on the Town Council for eight years, was not reelected, and Unroe and each member of council thanked him for his service.
Mayor Jeff Irvine and Councilman Dale Burdette shared the way they have become friends with Bob, and they both noted that they learned to agree to disagree without being disagreeable.
Councilman Shorty Wolfe said, “I’m going to miss you, man.”
He quickly added, “You’ll always be my friend.”
After each expressed their gratitude, Bob responded, “I really appreciate all who voted yesterday, especially those who voted for me.”
Ben Nicely, who will replace Umstead as a member of Town Council, was in the audience.
Councilman Dale Burdette, who garnered 666 votes to top five other candidates, said, “Ben, I want to congratulate you.”
He continued, “Bob, I thank you for your eight years, and we have not always agreed, but we’ve always remained friends.”
During the business part of the meeting, 5-0 votes were cast by Council to approve the minutes from the Oct. 11, meeting in addition to the Town’s various department reports.
Council also voted 5-0 to postpone the appointment of one person to the Clifton Forge Armory Committee till the Dec. meeting when a second position on the committee needs to be filled. The Council reasoned that both can be appointed at the same time.
Council also voted 5-0 to table a motion to discuss pay raises for members of Town Council until the Dec. meeting.
Announcements of upcoming events at The Historic Masonic Theatre included “The Magic Duel” and “Southwest Virginia Ballet – Ties” were printed at the end of the agenda, and the events can be previewed by visiting www.historicmasonictheatre.com.
Also, Unroe read two thank-you-letters to Council, one from Clifton Forge Main Street and one from the Alleghany Highlands Arts and Crafts Center.
Kriskindlmrket, a German-style-Christmas market, will be held at 518 Church St. from Nov. 18-19, on Fri. from 2:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. and on Sat., 10:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m.
At 6:00 p.m. on Nov. 19, Main Street will conduct the official lighting of the Town Christmas Tree.
Another written announcement on the agenda revealed that the Clifton Forge Christmas Parade will be on Fri., Dec. 2, at 6:00 p.m.
A free movie will be shown at The Historic Masonic Theatre following the parade, and free popcorn and cocoa will be available for those who attend.
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