Morganton council approves Hurricane Helene recovery contracts, Vine Arden waterline, CDBG loan and insurance allocations

MORGANTON, N.C. — The Morganton City Council on Jan. 6 approved a package of contracts, budget amendments and appointments intended to accelerate recovery from Hurricane Helene and to advance several infrastructure and economic development projects.

The actions, taken by voice vote and described by City Manager Sally Sandy as part of continuing Helene-related work, include contracts for park cleanup, additional design work on a wastewater pump station, a waterline upgrade shared with Western Piedmont Community College (WPCC), a small-business Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) loan, and acceptance and allocation of an insurance cash advance.

The council adopted each motion by voice vote with the meeting record stating “All in favor, say aye” for each item.

The most significant items voted on include:

- A contract award to Mobile Services Inc. of Morganton for up to $62,530 to demolish and remediate flood-damaged buildings (bathrooms, storage and similar structures) at Catawba Meadows, Shuey Park and the Catawba River Soccer Complex. The work is intended to be reimbursed through FEMA as part of the city’s disaster grant process. The motion to award the contract passed.

- Authorization of the Vine Arden Road 12-inch waterline project contract with Buckeye Bridge LLC of Canton, N.C., for a base bid of $703,741 and council approval of a $35,000 contingency to be managed by staff as needed. Western Piedmont Community College will reimburse the city for 80 percent of the project; the city’s share is 20 percent. The council also approved a budget amendment to accept WPCC’s reimbursement of $590,993 and approved a memorandum of understanding with WPCC enabling…