Roachdale moving forward with replacing gas system

ROACHDALE -- Town Council members heard an engineering report from Anthony Everette with the USDI (Utility, Safety and Design, Inc.) about replacing the town's gas system.

"We were given 10 years to solve the problem and that's been several years ago," said board president Bill Long. "We've been trying to place a few each year, but we are spending more on fixing all the leaks so we are going to get a bond and fix the whole thing."

There are two main reasons to proceed with the project according to Everett.

First is the danger to homes and businesses with gas leaks and second are the unaccounted losses to the city.

"Your losses are around 6 percent. Most of the time, losses are about one and a half percent," explained Everertte.

Long told the Banner Graphic about a town in Indiana that had such serious leakage people were not allowed to smoke outside for fear of an explosion.

"We don't want to get to that point, so we're going ahead with this now," said Long.

Estimated cost to the project is $1.1 million. The system that is currently made up of copper and steel pipes and mains will be replaced with a plastic system requiring much less maintenance.

Board members also accepted the resignation of attorney Tom Casey, effective at the end of 2009. Casey served in this capacity for 25 years.

"We really appreciate everything he has done for the town," said Long. Attorney Jim Ensley will replace Casey as legal representative for the town.

Town Marshal Mike Mahoy reminded residents to pick up their dog tags at town hall. Cost is $5 per tag until March 1. After that they cost $10, except for new residents. Animals picked up without tags will cost their owners a $25 fine for the first offense plus storage costs. The second offense costs $35 and a third will be $50.

Mahoy also requested purchasing a new computer for the Explorer in order to support the e-ticket upgrade. He has two bids for $959 and $979 but is looking at getting a better price before purchasing the computer.

The Roachdale Town Council meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at town hall.