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Clifton council approves J2 change order, authorizes payments and a treasurer pay increase amid Main Street streetscape updates
Summary
At an Oct. 30 emergency meeting, Clifton’s council approved a J2 Engineers change order for the Main Street Streetscape Project, authorized payment of a $12,217.51 invoice and approved raising the town treasurer’s salary to $35,000; project managers reported VDOT deadlines and utility-relocation planning.
Clifton’s Town Council approved a J2 Engineers change order for the Main Street Streetscape Project and took three other administrative actions during an emergency meeting held Oct. 30 at Mayor Tom Peterson’s residence. The council voted unanimously on the motions.
The meeting opened at 4:06 p.m. Mayor Tom Peterson moved to approve the J2 change order, and Vice Mayor Regan McDonald seconded; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with all six members present voting Aye. Council members were told storm drainage “is not up to code” and that the town will need a design waiver before some work can proceed, according to project manager statements presented to the council.
The council also approved two items tied to project administration: a motion by Councilmember Mary Hess, seconded by Vice Mayor McDonald, to pay the latest J2 invoice for $12,217.51; and a motion by Councilmember Jay Davis, seconded by Councilmember Lynn Screen, to authorize up to $500 for an updated environmental report. Both motions were approved unanimously.
On personnel, Councilmember Lynn Screen moved to increase the town treasurer’s salary to $35,000, citing increased responsibilities; Councilmember Mary Hess seconded and the motion passed by roll call, 6–0. Separately, Town Administrator Laura Jane Cohen asked about establishing a formal employee-review process; CM Hess took action to develop that plan.
Project staff and Streetscape Committee members reported that the engineering drawings were submitted to VDOT and accepted on Aug. 15, and that the utility-pathway design was included in that submission. Project managers told the council they had coordinated with CES (utility consultant) and the utility companies; the design currently requires easements on only two properties. The team plans to perform test pits to confirm existing utility depths before final construction drawings.
The council heard that VDOT’s central office gave positive feedback on the project and that VDOT requires the town to complete Preliminary Engineering (with J2 and VDOT approval) by the end of December 2024 and to advertise the project for construction by the end of June 2025. Project staff said VDOT requested a schedule, a cost estimate and a justification letter as part of the next steps.
Project managers also reported ongoing coordination with Norfolk Southern for work in the railroad right-of-way; railroad permits will be required and initial feedback indicated that required mill-and-overlay work and a new streetlight could be addressed via an amendment to the town’s existing lease with the railroad. The team said it has re-engaged Bowman Consultants to acquire needed utility, permanent maintenance and temporary construction easements.
The council recorded the J2 change order item as adopted on Nov. 12, 2024, per the minutes. The meeting adjourned after the votes; Mayor Peterson moved to adjourn and Councilmember Jay Davis seconded—approved by poll, 6–0.
What’s next: Project staff listed short-term tasks including finalizing the pathway design and easement sizes, submitting revised plans to VDOT, procuring test pits, continuing franchise negotiations with Verizon and Cox about relocation-cost responsibility, and pursuing the necessary railroad permits and easements.
