GRIFTON  —  Conducting a special census was a major topic of discussion at the workshop session of the Grifton Board of Commssioners last week

Board members had mixed feelings about conducting the special census. Most board members agreed that the issue would be an important decision to make when the time came. However, the special census will cost the town about $59,000, which board members agreed would be a very costly decision. The benefits would prove to be great in the end if the Grifton’s numbers were to rise, as is expected.

Town Administrator Michael Peoples said that it would be a tough decision but assured the board that if  agreed to have the census done, the town would easily have 2,500 people.

“It’s a gamble, there’s no doubt about it,” Peoples said. “I think we can have 2,500 people easy.”

Peoples suggested putting the item on the agenda for possible action in the business meeting, saying the item would have to be done quickly to take affect this fiscal year. Also, if the board decided not to do the census this month but decided to do it later in the year, the town would have to pay a $200 fee over again.

Commissioner Ralph Thaxton commented on the odds of the census bringing up numbers to where they should be. “It seems like the odds are better in Las Vegas,” Thaxton said.

The item will be on the business meeting agenda, held last night, for action.

Also discussed at last Wednesday’s Workshop Meeting was a proposal from Cynthia Rice Landscape Architecture and Planning, PLLC for design of proposed pedestrian bridge at the Boat Landing.

According to Peoples, Rice is familiar with the location and is currently addressing steps and design to build the boat landing. More information would be available at the next meeting.

An annexation study proposal was discussed as well, with the proposal by Clark Planning and Associates, LLC.

Peoples told the board there was a lot of work to do in this type of annexation, such as mailings and resolutions of intent.

Peoples provided the board with an update on the tree cutting on Gordon Street. The trees have been cut and the town is hoping to get a lumber company to do some stump

work, possibly in exchange for hauling off the lumber. Peoples said it would not cost anything to the town if the lumber company and the town could work out a deal.

NRWASA was also discussed at the workshop meeting Wednesday night. Peoples told the board he is continuing to attend WASA meetings and will hopefully know what changes will be made at the January meeting held later this month. Since Farmville and Greene County dropped out of the WASA deal, changes may have to be made to the project, according to Peoples. Peoples also told the board he was staying in contact with Greenville Utilities.

Site work on the RV Park should be finished in the next two weeks if all goes as planned, according to Peoples. The trail sites will begin work next week as well.  The Park is slated to be open in time for the 2004 Shad Festival.

Adoption of the proposed land use plan was discussed, with board members agreeing to try and get the plan adopted in the February business meeting.

Street widening will begin as soon as warmer, dryer weather comes in the picture, and Patrick Street will see a widening and curb and gutter project. Peoples expressed his desire for the project to begin in the next month.

Grifton Commissioners discussed a variety of items before going into closed session to discuss personnel issues. No action was taken in the closed session but several items were discussed for possible action in the Business Meeting, which is set for Tuesday, January 13.

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