Geneva project progressing (8/4/05)

GENEVA — Construction on the Winchester Road storm drainage project is well under way and the town has processed payment to acquire a new building, according to notes from Tuesday night’s Geneva Town Council meeting.

The council has processed the paperwork to proceed with payment for the Geneva Library Annex Building.

The building, located west of the G.W. Pyle Building on High Street, just north of Memorial Park, was formerly occupied by the police department and has not been used since November 2003, according to Geneva clerk-treasurer Doug Milligan.

The building was purchased from The Limberlost Land Conservation Association for $18,900, who had previously acquired the building at an auction.

Milligan reported that a decision will be made sometime next year about what the town plans to use the building for, but noted that it may be torn down and used for a parking lot.

In other business, members of the council discussed the fact that the Winchester Road drainage project has been underway for three to four weeks, and has encountered some problems.

A major problem being addressed is the relocation of water lines to make room for the new storm sewer lines for proper drainage. Some of the water lines in the area were at the same level planned for the new storm drains.

The council heard preliminary costs on how much moving the water lines would be, but have not reached a final decision on how much the project may cost.

The project begins at the intersection of Winchester Road and Spring Street and travels south on Winchester Road in the northwest portion of the town.

The new storm drain line then travels west on Harrison Street to Richfield Lane. It curves southwest on Richfield Lane, travels around Brenda Stump’s property, located at 206 Richfield Lane, and continues south under West Line Street, where it connects with a proposed open drain and an existing storm drain tile.

In other business Tuesday, council members:

•Approved a $3,000 per year salary for Geneva Volunteer Fire Department Chief John Kleinknight. His current salary is $2,200.

•Heard a presentation by Scott Houser, CPA, about how much his services will be for a review of the town’s utility rates.

•Addressed the problems with drainage behind the theater and the Geneva Dental Clinic. One option that was considered was to run another storm drain tile that will allow the water to flow properly. This option could cost $20,000 to $25,000, according to Milligan.

•Announced the next council meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m.[[In-content Ad]]