NEWTON GROVE — Town commissioners approved a renovation project for the town’s water tank.

During a Monday night meeting, Southern Corrosion was selected for the work and will receive more than $87,500 following a proposal presented by Commissioner Steve Jackson. He said town leaders have been discussing the matter for several years.

Some of the work includes installing a new frost-free vent and replacement of the interior ladder.

Founded in 1983, Southern Corrosion is based out of Roanoke Rapids and specializes in water tank maintenance. The first part of the project would include interior painting. Some of the steps would include an abrasive blast of all rusted interior surfaces and applying a coat of epoxy that is approved for contact with portable water by the NSF International (formerly known as the National Sanitation Foundation).

Preparation for exterior work includes pressure washing and cleaning rusted surfaces. Next, the tank will be repainted before the tank logo is applied as it currently is. Commissioners said there’s a possibility of adding the town’s logo or other labels on the tank.

Some of the work includes installing a new frost-free vent and replacement of the interior ladder.

In other business, the Newton Grove Board of Commissioners approved reopening Weeksdale Street following improvements.

“I’m glad that Weeksdale is repaired,” Mayor Gerald Darden said to his colleagues.

The purpose of the work is to address flooding problems. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assisted by adding a slope extension for a tunnel to help move water under or next to a road. Before the work, FEMA made a request to conduct a Hydrological & Hydraulic Study (H&H Study) for the street.

Commissioners wanted to add a 48-inch tile and felt the existing 36-inch tile would not be a solution to the problem. But officials wanted to keep the 36-inch tile and add the slope. It was noted during the meeting that road is bumpy, but it’s still passable and safe for motorists.

The hired contractor was North State Development and the cost was $8,000.

Repairs were also made to Patrick Henry Street, but Darden and commissioners are questioning if there’s any reason to keep the dirt street open because it’s not used.

“We don’t any reason to keep that street at all,” Darden said. “I brought that up years ago and nobody took action.”

Town Clerk Amanda Turner said the town is required to conduct a title search to make sure they are not cutting off people.

“Everybody has to have a right-of-way to their property,” Turner said in regards to regulations and the responsibility of upkeep by the town.

Board Attorney Lew Starling said it’s a complicated process when it commons to closing streets.

Another road in question was Warren Lake Road and other properties that could be considered private since they’re used by one landowner.

There was a consensus that the board would like to research the matter, which could be presented at a future meeting.

Newton Grove Commissioners discuss town matters during a Monday meeting.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_Newton-Grove.jpgNewton Grove Commissioners discuss town matters during a Monday meeting.
Weeksdale Street reeopens

By Chase Jordan

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Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.