During Monday’s meeting, Mayor Bruce Riffle updated council members on the project’s status. He said that the rights-of-way and property acquisitions are almost complete.
According to Riffle, there is one property acquisition to finish. In addition, there are construction easements that need finished.
“We should be able to let (the project) go to bid early July,” Riffle said, adding that the project remains on schedule.
In May the project was ahead of schedule, but minor set-backs have delayed some progress, Riffle said. However, he anticipates that the project will continue to move forward at a good pace.
“I am hoping we can get (the project) sped back up,” he said.
According to Riffle, the town is currently waiting on final approval from the Public Service Commission. Once the project goes to bid, it will last for a period of 60 days, and if the project stays on schedule construction could begin in late fall, Riffle said.
“When we see them start to move dirt we will be very happy. We are doing all the numbers now, but want to see (the project) become real,” he added.
The wastewater collection and treatment system is being funded through a small cities block grant, the West Virginia IJDC Grant and the West Virginia State Revolving Grant, with the total cost estimated at $3.7 million. When complete, the treatment system will serve 163 customers in Leon.
Wastewater treatment in town is currently conducted through things such as septic systems, Fred Hypes of Dunn Engineering said during the town’s public meeting in March. Along with providing many residents with a sewer system, he emphasized that the wastewater collection and treatment system also will make the area more environmentally friendly.
When complete, the sewer rate will be increased to a minimum of $33. If customers exceed 3,000 gallons, their bill will be higher.
In other business:
• A resident expressed concern over the sewer project and its involvement on Leon-Baden Road. Council agreed to address the issue with the individual in the future.
• Council discussed election procedures for Tuesday’s municipal election in town.
• Council discussed plans for the town’s street lights. According to Riffle, AEP is hoping to start the project soon.
• Riffle reported that the speed and corporation limit signs for the town are finished, and the town is waiting for the Department of Highways to call before the signs can be put up. According to Riffle, the DOH expects the signs to go up next week.
• Riffle reported that several council members are currently getting trained to be National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliant. According to Riffle, doing this will put the town in the loop when it comes to things such as emergency management. Council also is trying to get members of the community involved with NIMS.
• Council formed a committee, with Riffle and Councilwoman Terri Rymer and Councilman Adam Null, to work on making the town hall handicap accessible to meet the American Disability Act’s requirements.
• Riffle reported that new windows were recently purchased for the town hall and will be installed July 1.
• Riffle reported that he has discussed the possibility of installing high speed Internet in town with Frontier Communications.
• Renae Riffle, events coordinator, reported that the town’s homecoming, which is slated for 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 25, is currently being planned.
• There will be a special council meeting 7 p.m. June 15 to canvass the votes from the town’s municipal election.
The next regular council meeting will be 7 p.m. Monday, July 13.
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