SALEMBURG — The Department of Transportation’s Debris Removal Agreement, which gives DOT authorization to pick up trash on state-maintained roads, was presented to the town’s Board of Commissioners for approval Thursday night, but brakes were applied after discussion on the matter.
Teresa Smith, Salemburg’s town clerk and finance officer, told members she received a call from a representative of the DOT office in Clinton, saying the agreement was sent out years ago, but Salemburg’s town board never agreed to the document. Smith explained that the DOT staffer in Clinton was inquiring whether or not Salemburg wished to sign the agreement.
“The only drawback with them cleaning the streets is they don’t know where our water-sewer boxes are, and they’re not going to be careful with them,” pointed out Public Works Director Scott Owen.
After discussing some pros and cons of cleaning up debris independently, Mayor Joseph A. Warren, Jr. asked, “So what you’re saying is, it’s probably best not to sign that consent?”
“I would say to sign it, but depending on the situation, if our guys can get to it,” interjected Commissioner Tommy Jackson.
The commissioners recalled how in 1984, when the tornadoes came through, residents couldn’t get out of town. Around two in the morning, the National Guard came through with bulldozers and cleared the road with ease. The Debris Removal document asked for the commissioners’ signatures and compliance, but did not delve fully into the agreement terms, causing some reservations among the board.
“It looks like we need to see what that looks like before we say if we’re gonna sign that or not,” remarked Commissioner Joel Faircloth.
A decision on the DOT Debris Removal Agreement was tabled for the time being.
After the debris discussion, Owen gave updates on the water and sewer lines, which are being placed in areas where the town previously had none.
Salemburg was awarded a grant to complete the project; construction began about a month ago, said Owen. He stated that the water and sewer line are in place on West Pine Street.
“They (the lines) are in, but they’re not finalized yet. They’ve got to be pressure tested, and different things have to be done to them before they can actually be hooked to the system,” he told the board. “Once those lines are completed, a sewer line will be extended on South Fayetteville Street, which already has a water line; for now, that will be the last line that has to be installed. “
Warren also announced that a ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held for the Love McDaniel Memorial Park, which is currently under construction. He said he didn’t have an exact date yet for the ceremony, but was hoping the new park would be ready to open in three or four weeks.