Fillmore chooses engineering firm for stormwater project

Saturday, January 5, 2013

FILLMORE -- Officials from the Town of Fillmore had hoped to work with a familiar firm in planning the town's upcoming stormwater project.

On Thursday, they got their wish, accepting the statement of qualifications from Robert E. Curry and Associates to do the engineering on the more than $700,000 project.

The choice was made easier when the Curry and Associates was the only firm to meet the Dec. 27 application guideline.

However, the town council has been working with Curry president Lori Young in recent months, even before the surprise announcement of the stormwater grant from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) in mid-November.

Grant administrator Kristy Jerrell of West Central Economic Development also spoke highly of the Danville-based firm, saying they have worked together on a number of area projects.

Jerrell originally received word of the grant on Nov. 15, 2012, even though the town had applied in April 2010 and had all but forgotten about the funding opportunity.

Not only did OCRA approve the funding, but the agency accepted $70,000 in additions, bringing the final total to $724,353.

"I'm very excited for you guys," Jerrell said. "It was such a blessing when the email came through."

Young reported survey work is currently taking place on the project, which will be followed by final design.

She said the project should be bid in May and the contract signed in June.

At that point, construction can begin.

In other business:

* The council adopted an Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan for the town hall.

Town attorney Mary Russell told council members the building is likely in compliance, save some small issues with the restroom. However, the federal government requires an ADA plan.

* Council members denied a request to abandon the town's easement on the area platted as Fourth Street in the spot it would intersect with Hendricks Street.

No roadway has ever been constructed for Fourth Street, but the council deemed it unwise to abandon its easement.

* No action was taken, but council members discussed the issue of animals in town. Some dispute exists over whether the town has an ordinance in place regarding livestock within the corporate limits.

The issue is complicated in Fillmore because much of the town is undeveloped agricultural land. While town officials do not wish to restrict livestock production in these areas, they are troubled by the presence of such animals in more densely populated areas of the town.

Restrictions involving the number of animals allowed and the size of parcels were discussed, but no action was taken.

The Fillmore Town Council meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the town hall.

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