Manager outlines bathhouse septic, walkway work and water-utility developments; council raises property concerns

Town Manager John O'Daniel told the council on Feb. 13 that the New Bern Bathhouse septic project is ready to proceed and that paid-parking proceeds will fund the work. Staff are soliciting quotes for replacement of the Circle cobblestone walkway with the expectation that the work be done before the summer season; contractors were told the project must be completed before summer.

Public works staff will perform right-of-way trimming to clear hedges and bushes at intersections for line-of-sight safety. The manager also said planning is underway for the Easter Egg Hunt on the beach and the Summer Kick-off at the park; he noted a Battle of the Badges blood drive scheduled for the same day, and that Water Plant RFQ responses are due the next day.

During council comments, Mayor Pro Tem Austin Waters asked about Causeway cleanup signage; Planning Director Elisabeth Webster said Dwight had begun picking up contractor signage and that she and the manager were drafting a letter to property owners. Councilmember Joseph Starling asked about bulkhead ownership; John and Public Works Director Marc Schulze reported most bulkheads along sidewalks belong to the town and are under review. Mayor Danny Navey said Red Bird walked away from a utilities project because of easement requirements and that the Sugarloaf Trust is in discussions with a new group, Aqua, which appears to be the leading candidate to pursue a larger 200,000-gallon system and a new contract. Council discussed sending a town representative to Utilities Commission meetings so the town can track developments.

Council did not vote on any of the capital projects at the work session; staff reported deadlines for bids and RFQ responses that will be acted on at future meetings if recommended.