Cloverdale talks about sewer water

CLOVERDALE -- The town of Cloverdale discussed several public works projects at their rescheduled Friday night meeting. Though Terry Potter remained absent for this second meeting, the board had a quorum and was able to vote on issues.

The board put an end to the Spiker excavation project, voting to stop work where it currently was and keep the finished bill at $15,665. Construction on water mains was stopped after workers at Spiker needed a new excavator to be able to dig the way necessary to complete the work.

The town chose to take their chances with the integrity of the main, believing that enough money had been spent on the project and that the current fix will last.

"I don't want to be, three years from now, right back in there," said board member Dennis Pudgett. "I think there was a miscommunication going on."

The town also addressed letters sent out to several homeowners in town about their sump pump hook-ups. Several homes in the town have a sump pump in a basement that pumps the rainwater directly into the town's sewer plant as opposed to draining the water out of the house or sending into the storm drain.

Dong this is illegal, and it is causing the sewer to flood during every rainstorm, said town attorney Allan Yackey. The letters were sent to those who are currently connected to the sewer line. If the connections are not changed or altered by April 15, the town has the right to pursue legal action against homeowners.

The town also looked at several cost cutting measures for future budgets. Cathy Tipton, president, brought to the board the possibility of changing health insurance from Blue Cross/Blue Shield to IACT, to save a total of $19,000 a year.

The board had a few concerns with this and wondered if this would be a viable option. However, the issue was tabled until the next regular meeting, which will take place on April 15.