Grifton Board Meets

GRIFTON — The Lewis Drive drainage project was among many items discussed at a special meeting held by the Grifton Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, May 29.

Town Administrator Michael Peoples told the board that he expected the project, which cost $44,895, to be completed in the next two weeks. The project consists of work on Lewis Drive, from Canal Street to Church Street.

“This is a big project,” Peoples said. “This is a lot of money.”

Another project discussed during the special meeting was the sewer extension on North Highland Boulevard. Peoples said there were three options and he recommended option three, which would install a mini lift station which would serve the Baptist Men and the Roadmaster property directly across the street. The cost of option three would be $51,660. Another option would be almost $30,000 more expensive, Peoples told the board, and would use gravity.

Peoples said the extension would be a private partnership between the town and the two entities involved, who would contribute financially to the project, though Peoples did not how much at this time. Peoples told the board that extended the sewer to these two properties would be an advantage for the town, because of both annexation purposes and ad valorem.

In other business, the board approved a resolution 4-0 to designate Peoples as an agent for a mosquito grant application to the State of North Carolina.

The board also made a motion to allow Peoples to proceed with the application process for a Golden Leaf Foundation grant, which would allow the town to perform a special consensus. Peoples told the board that Princeville had recently received a $60,000 grant to perform a consensus.

Ervin Harper, Captain of the Grifton Rescue Squad, came to the board with concerns about their relationship with Lenoir County. Harper told the board the squad went Paramedic on March 1 and would respond to calls in Grifton that were considered Lenoir County, however Lenoir County wanted them to accept a proposal they could not uphold. Harper said both Pitt and Lenoir County’s medical directors are in conflict and he would like a solution so that he could continue to do his job.

“”Rumors are rumors and they go on and on and on. I don’t know how to straighten it out.” Harper said.

Grifton Mayor Tim Bright said that he would try to find out more about the situation and get back with Harper.

            In other business, the board:

* approved budget amendments and adjustments to the FY 2004 Budget

* approved the Contentnea Creek Water Management Project, Capital Project Ordinance

* awarded a contract to the lowest bidder, Harrelson and Smith for $55,640 for the Birch Road Subdivision. The money is federally funded through the HOME consortium and the town will use donated land to build five houses.

* was notified of a grant award of $12,000 with a $3,000 match from NCDOT to complete a Master Pedestrian Plan Study.

Copyright 2003 - Town of Grifton - All Rights Reserved