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Clifton council delays Streetscape decision after VDOT warning; utility costs could exceed grant
Summary
Council members were warned by VDOT staff that the Main Street Streetscape project risks cancellation unless the town meets staffing and schedule conditions; the council tabled authorization of a J2 Engineers construction agreement and asked the Streetscape Committee to firm up utility relocation cost commitments from NOVEC, Verizon and Cox.
Clifton — The Town Council on Jan. 16 delayed final authorization of the construction‑phase agreement for the Main Street Streetscape project after a VDOT central‑office official raised major scheduling and staffing concerns.
Councilmember Steve Effros said he spoke with Terry Short of the VDOT central office, and quoted Short’s impression that the town’s Streetscape project “should be canceled as soon as possible” unless the town meets VDOT’s deadline and staff‑qualification requirements. Effros said Short told him the locality must show a qualified employee who works 30 hours per week to satisfy VDOT rules; the committee’s proposal for a nominally paid part‑time “Open Spaces Administrator” would not meet that threshold.
The council tabled a corrected and amended agreement with J2 Engineers for the construction phase pending updated construction‑phase pricing, a revised consultant scope and firm utility‑relocation commitments from NOVEC, Verizon and Cox. The Streetscape Committee’s memo, provided to council, lists specific next steps the committee expects to complete before the council’s February meeting: meet with VDOT to clarify stipulations, finalize the J2 Engineers revisions, obtain fixed utility cost estimates from utility providers and pursue potential county funding.
The Streetscape Committee’s estimate for converting overhead lines to underground along Main Street lists an “UG conversion” ballpark cost of $951,000 (noted as +/- 20 percent), with an in‑kind overhead alternative estimate of $208,000 and a line-item credit from NOVEC of approximately $210,000. Committee members told the council that those estimates are preliminary and will be firmed after obtaining easements and field verification.
Councilmember Jay Davis urged the council to proceed with updated cost estimates and to approve the J2 Engineers contract once the revised construction‑phase pricing is received, saying the town must avoid further inflationary cost increases. Geri Yantis of the Streetscape Committee said the committee will present cost estimates and utility‑company commitments and a revised J2 Engineers proposal at the February meeting.
Councilmember Lynn Screen raised human‑resources and payroll concerns about appointing part‑time staff at a token salary; the treasurer warned of tax and payroll impacts. The committee’s work plan provided to the council also lists VDOT reporting deadlines (quarterly reports due in March, June, September and December) and specific deliverables for each quarter.
Next steps: The Streetscape Committee will seek firm utility cost commitments from NOVEC, Verizon and Cox, finalize the J2 Engineers construction‑phase agreement for council review, and return to the council in February with updated estimates and recommendations.
Source: Clifton Town Council regular meeting minutes and Streetscape Committee project update provided to the council.
