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Fairview leaders press NCDOT on delayed Highway 218 bridge; council discusses park, sewer and water planning
Summary
Mayor Elizabeth Long told the council the Highway 218 bridge over Goose Creek is now scheduled for construction starting January 2014 after a delay; engineer Pete Larson expressed concern the bridge "would not last until next year." Council also discussed sewer extension contingent on a town business plan, county short-line water extension policy, and forming a park advisory committee with an estimated one-acre park cost of roughly $250,000.
Mayor Elizabeth Long told the council on June 11 that she has received information from NCDOT and from engineer Pete Larson (Mint Hill) regarding the Highway 218 bridge over Goose Creek. Larson told the council he believes the bridge "would not last until next year" if not addressed sooner. Council minutes state the repair was originally scheduled for June 2013 but had been pushed to a January 2014 start with completion targeted for June 2014; NCDOT says the project is in the design stage and will continue inspections.
Long said she wants the town to press NCDOT to move the replacement construction to an earlier date. The minutes record that NCDOT will continue inspections and Mr. Jones (NCDOT) provided information to the mayor.
In other planning items, council members and county representatives discussed extending sewer and water to parts of Fairview: Union County Public Works indicated sewer could be extended to the town center within five years if the town develops a business plan demonstrating need. The county's short-line water extension policy was summarized: $500,000 available on a first-come, first-served basis for projects within 1,000 feet of existing service; customers would pay tap fees.
Council also discussed park planning. B.B. Haigler and other council members proposed forming a park advisory committee, soliciting public involvement, and hiring a consultant to scope a project; Mayor Long noted an estimated cost of about $250,000 for a one-acre park and asked council members to submit ideas to the clerk for the next agenda.
The council discussed scholarships for Fairview students and asked the town attorney about the ability to give money; the attorney indicated state statute limits such spending, and specific grants or donations would need to be handled per statute.
The council recorded these items as discussion and direction rather than formal policy changes; where formal action was required it was scheduled or deferred to follow-up agenda items.
