Town council met on October 6, 2020 at 5:30pm to discuss a sanitation rate increase, amendment to the agenda, Trick or Treating and more.

   The council almost didn't have a quorum this month, but Jerry Stover saved the day by attending over the phone. First item to care for was the amendment to add in a drawdown for the sewer project. Everyone agreed to the $11,050.88 draw down to pay IVS Hydro and Thornburg.

   Town budget went up $6,800, ending balance at $55,000. Water also went up $7,700 ending the month with almost $98,000. Sanitation dropped another $1,100 last month, even with only one employee on the payroll, ending the month with a little over $36,000.

   Sanitation project update, all that is left at the lift station are the grills and rope rails for the plant. It is up in the air at this point as to when these projects will begin.

   The area for the new storage tank on Blue Knob is still in need of soil sampling so they have an idea what foundation needs to be set, and there are concerns where there is a stake potentially laying out where the foundation ends along the road. The stake is far too close, and the larger trucks that take that road, will not fit pass the tank. The same homeowners that brought that to attention also does not favor the idea of an access road to the tank on their property, even though the municipality gained an easement to the tank.

   Joey Coleman stated they weren't keen on it from the start, and member, Jack Brown, stated, "If they aren't willing to be reasonable, there are other ways to do it."

   Mayor Josh Shamblin is also on the ERTS board, and that board submitted a form for partnership all the trail towns, DNR, Extensions Services, and more. This will allow the trail to be uniform, and no areas will go on a spree and design it as they see fit.

   Joey Coleman expressed concerns where the trail leads into Pisgah, and the fact they may block the area off from motorized vehicles. They have a water mainline, and two sewer main lines up there, and if blocked off, they will not be able to get equipment to service the lines when needed. Shamblin said he would discuss that with the board.

   Halloween will be different this year, but Josh did not want the children to miss out on trick or treat night. The plans for Two Run will be a drive through, and the candy givers will walk to the car and pass out the candy. All allies will be cut off, and will need to be aware of a little traffic hold ups on October 31st from 5pm to 7pm. They will be reaching out to the fire department to direct traffic.

   Shamblin then went to state he hated the option, but it seems a sewer rate increase is the only way to get sanitation back in the black. Jerry Stover asked how much of an increase is needed. Josh replied stating it shouldn't be very much at all, around 10-15%. Jeremy then said, "Start at 10%, if that doesn't work, 15%. No matter what they come up with, Josh said the Public Service Commission will look over it, and they will provide a recommendation as well. When asked if there is anything else that could be changed, Shamblin said there is not more wiggle room, we can't let go of bills.

   Town is searching for another employee, about four hours three times a week. Duties will consist of weed eating, brush cutting,  sweeping sidewalks, and other various tasks. May need to cross train for OIT for sanitation, looking into that. Shamblin said his company has now moved to tow , and his workers will be putting in hours to those tasks as well.

   Next meeting will be held on November 3ed.

JM