Roachdale city hall approves disaster fund

ROACHDALE -- The Roachdale City Council met Tuesday in a public hearing to discuss potential solutions to flooding issues that have recently taken a toll on the area.

Dyes and liquid smoke are to be utilized to determine the safety of the town's water supplies and storm drains. The water treatment facility also hopes to benefit from the testing.

Officials said Tuesday that a "master plan" will be drawn up in the coming weeks to present a timetable and inform the board as to exactly what approach will be taken.

Ken Smith, who is part of the project's planning committee, informed the council of the affected areas.

"Some of the locations include spots here along Washington Street (and) up to Railroad Street," Smith said. "That's one general area that we'll be putting storm drains in. The other areas are over on the west side of the town by Rush Street down to the creek, and some other areas north.

"That's pretty definite," Smith continued. "Once (we) get the grant then we'll hold an informational hearing before any design goes out so that everybody in the town has an opportunity to review what's being proposed."

Grants of up to $1 million have been requested, and $610,400 have been awarded thus far for the disaster rehabilitation project.

The Town of Roachdale has qualified for further grants in the range of $120,000 to meet the needs of affected residents. This Resolution 7-2015 passed with a unanimous decision.

In other news, a resident was denied permission to park a mobile-home on their property. An ordinance dictates that a foundation be laid for any structure, temporary or permanent.

Zoning and TIF boundary-location plans have been drawn up and will be presented at the next council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Officials say a comprehensive plan will likely be made ready by 2016 with an approximate timeline of six months.

Partial "roof" construction over a smoker located at 203 E. Grove St. has been approved.

A large tree hanging over a residence at 205 E. Railroad St. is to be trimmed in efforts to aleve issues with the resident's roof. The adjustment is estimated to cost $300.

Roachdale Town Marshal Mike Mahoy presented Community Watch Program details to the board, which passed the submission by unanimous decision. The program had a successful showing at this year's National Night Out and will rely on donations rather than grants from the city.

New Utilities Superintendent Jason Woodall requested and received in a unanimous decision a raise in wages to $22 per hour.

A power-converter for the superintendent's vehicle has been approved. This device will cost $496.30 and will provide mobile charging abilities for employees and can power lights in a disaster, with other various applications.

A residence housing up to seven people without utilities was brought to the council's attention. The ongoing issue is hoped to be resolved soon through Child Protection Services and the Board of Health.

Finally, beat juice was proposed as a potential alternative to using salt on icy roads throughout the winter season. Several benefits, including ease of storage and lack of road-wear, were presented.

The next Roachdale City Council meeting will take place Tuesday, Sept. 8.