Stephens City directs staff to get sewer‑extension quotes for Newtown Landing; manager warns USDA paperwork will delay bids

At the Aug. 13 Stephens City Town Council meeting, the council directed staff to obtain quotes for the Newtown Landing sewer extension project and heard a town‑manager report detailing near‑term public‑works priorities and USDA paperwork delays.

During committee reports Public Works Chair Mariah Smith presented the committee recommendation and the minutes record that a motion (recorded as made by Councilwoman Fravel in the minutes) to have staff obtain quotes for the Newtown Landing sewer extension carried with the recorded Aye votes from L. Fravel, P. Fravel, Smith, Stevens, Swygert‑Smith and Woodruff. The motion did not award a contract; it directs staff to return with quotes.

Town Manager Mike Majher told the council that a Virginia Rural Water representative had inspected recently completed sewer work, found the new pipes watertight and identified two spots in Newtown Landing that will need epoxy repairs at a cost of about $300. Majher also said the next sidewalk section is scheduled to start next week. He said paperwork had been resubmitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which will delay the town's bid process by an estimated 30 to 90 days.

Other manager and clerk updates included a somewhat quieter Yard Crawl event than in previous years, a submitted parade permit for Sherando High's homecoming, and notice that Majher and Town Clerk Kelly Thatcher were accepted into a Chamber leadership class. Majher also stated he had received certification as a zoning administrator. The clerk reported ongoing outreach to residents with outstanding utility bills and said new rates will appear on the next utility bill.

The council asked staff to gather infrastructure quotes and will consider returned bids at a future meeting; no procurement or construction contracts were approved at the Aug. 13 session.