Treatment facility plans delayed again

The City of Hornersville has hit another bump in the road of progress for its new waste water treatment facility, as the city will not be able to get a grant for the cost of the anti-degradation study.

Mayor Richard Mara said he spoke with the city's grant writer, Mitzi Dell, who claims she spoke with the Department of Natural Resources, who said the $6, 000 to $25,000 estimate from Palladian Consulting Engineers for the anti-degradation study was too high, adding that it should cost around $5,000.

Mara said he spoke with Palladian, who claims they tried to reach Dell but never got a callback. Mara said Palladian said they will move forward with the water quality studies, and work should begin within 30 days.

"I just want to get the go-ahead that we are ready [to begin construction] but that has not happened," Mara said.

The mayor added that if the city and Palladian could not come to terms on the cost of the anti-degradation study, the city may have to find other means.

Also during the water department report, Mara said a new pump has been installed at the Mulberry Street lift station and the control panel needs to be replaced. Mara said he is currently checking on prices for a new control panel. He then asked the council if they would approve spending $2,500 on repairing the lift station's old motor as a backup. The council approved the repair.

Following the discussion of the waste water treatment facility, Firefighter Tim Rauls gave the fire department report, saying that the department responded to one structure fire in October.

Rauls said the department's Halloween attraction, The Haunted, was a success and thanked the community for its support.

Rauls then said the department is planning its annual Christmas parade and chili supper for Dec. 5. The event is currently scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. The department will host a children's Christmas event on Dec. 12.

The American Legion Women's Auxiliary, represented by Sue Hickok, donated $200 for the parade.

City Clerk Penny McLarty noted that the city's tree-lighting ceremony will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

In the police department report, Mara said the department recently received a letter requiring video recorders. Mara said more information will be provided at the December meeting when Police Chief Johnny Vance can attend.

The council closed the meeting by adjourning to executive session.

The details of executive session were not available at press time.