By Jessie Burchette
Salisbury Post
CHINA GROVE ó The town’s fire department on North Main Street will be getting a new concrete floor that can handle the weight of some very heavy trucks.
After months of discussions, the Board of Aldermen has awarded a $17,000 contract to Kannapolis-based Hemar Construction to install the floor.
Public Works Director David Ketner said the town received several bids, including some that were lower than Hemar’s. But the Kannapolis company, owned by Hector Martinez, had the required insurance and bonding, as well as excellent references, which others didn’t have.
Aldermen continue looking at plans to revamp the combined fire department and police building to better house and serve both departments.
In other business, aldermen:
– Gave final approval to the 2008-2009 budget, which retains the current property tax rate of 38 cents per $100 valuation.
Effective July 1, water rates will rise from $7.60 to $8 per 1,000 gallons and sewer rates will increase from $7.55 to $9 per 1,000 gallons. The overall rate increase is $1.85 per 1,000 gallons.
Town employees will get a 2.8 percent cost-of-living increase.
Among major expenditures, the town is scheduled to buy a fire truck using money set aside in a five-year capital reserve initiative.
The board also approved a revised fee schedule which includes hiking the town’s residential tap fee (hooking onto water and sewer) from $800 each to $1,250.
The town will also require a $100 deposit when residents request use of a town truck for removal of debris. The deposit will be returned if unacceptable materials aren’t included in the load.
Residents will continue to get one free use of a town-owned truck each year.
– Approved new members and alternates to the Zoning Board of Adjustment, including some recommended by the board and others who were not.
Two former aldermen, Rodney Phillips and Harry Rogers, will join the Zoning Board as a full-time member and an alternate.
Aldermen also approved Miranda Scott as an alternate.
Alderman Allen Welter did not vote on the Zoning Board’s recommendation to appoint his wife, Barbara Welter. She was not nominated.
– Heard an update on code enforcement issues.
Tony Cline, enforcement officer, reported on various unmowed yards and properties.
Cline also reported that David Morton has until November to make repairs to a three-story brick building on Main Street. The town has ordered the building repaired or removed.
– Approved the plat for the Miller’s Grant West subdivision. A total of 90 lots are planned on the 38-acre tract, which is bounded by N.C. 152, Patterson Street and Stirewalt Road.
The developer, Gary Knox of Cornelius, will be required to pay $158,000 in Adequate Public Facilities fees for parks, fire stations and other public facilities.
– Agreed to hold a special meeting June 24 at 5 p.m. to deal with amendments to the current budget.
The board will also consider approval of an interlocal agreement for the planned Rowan Express van and bus service, which is scheduled to start in October.
The new transit service will link the Salisbury, Kannapolis and Concord transit services, providing low-cost transportation to and from work.
Contact Jessie Burchette at 704-797-4254 or jburchette @salisburypost.com.