Martinsville Board of Works approves claims, Artesian Little League lease and wastewater mixers; tables one sewer adjustment

The Martinsville Board of Works and Safety on Nov. 10 approved routine claims, renewed a one-year lease with the Artesian Little League and authorized purchase of two aeration mixers for the city's wastewater plant while tabling one sewer adjustment pending verification of prior incidents.

Mister Coffey told the board "We have a court claim submitted in mid October for an accident on West Harrison Street" and asked that the claim be sent to the city's insurance provider; the board voted to refer the tort claim to the insurer. The board also approved claims presented at the meeting.

Mister Coffey described the Artesian Little League lease as unchanged from prior years except for updated dates, "01/01/2026 through 12/31/2026," and the board voted to accept the lease renewal.

Mister Oakes presented a quote for two mixers at the wastewater treatment plant, explaining one unit is out of service and the other needs replacement. He stated the "total price of $31,860 installed," and members approved the purchase.

On sewer adjustments, council members discussed two requests: 1149'1159 East Grey Street for $308.52 and 440 South Graham Street for $18.02. After questions about whether the East Grey claim would represent a second or third occurrence, members voted to table the $308.52 East Grey adjustment until staff could verify dates and prior incidents; the $18.02 adjustment for 440 South Graham was approved.

The board also clarified a downtown parking plan related to a new steakhouse: staff said there will be three offset parallel spaces on Wayne Street with no parking in front of the patio area from the third spot back to the alley and that the striping will be marked and monitored during the first weeks of implementation.

The Board of Works set its next meeting for Monday, Nov. 24 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers and adjourned.