City to extend gas main


Thursday, March 15, 2012
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City to extend gas main

By SUE WATSON
Staff Writer

There will be a lot of construction work going on soon from Highway 178 East to the 78 bypass when a large natural gas line is extended to the Rogers Asphalt Plant.

The Holly Springs Board of Aldermen approved a plan to supply natural gas by directional boring of a six-inch gas main in the area. The six-inch main on Highway 178 East near Christopher’s Personal Care Home would be tapped and extended through the industrial park, then along J.M. Ash Drive and southward on Highway 7 South where it would tie into an existing four-inch main already in place under the bypass. A six-inch main would connect on the south side of the Highway 78 bypass to the four-inch main and the new line extended from there to the meter center at the asphalt plant on the north side.

Holly Springs Utility District general manager Don Hollingsworth discussed a request from Rogers Group for the natural gas supply and a proposal to pay for the extension of the gas main. Ultimately, the city would receive enough income from Rogers Group through a gas payment agreement to pay for the cost of the construction and in the end the city would have a supply node for future development on the south side of the bypass, he said. Rogers Group would enjoy a cheaper source of energy to operate its asphalt mix plant. Both parties benefit.

Rogers decided to convert to natural gas to save energy costs. The company has the contract to resurface 16 miles of Highway 78 from the West Exit of Holly Springs to the Benton County line. Rogers Group wanted to get started by April 1, Hollingsworth said, adding that the directional boring would go pretty fast once the project is designed and in place. He asked for an emergency order to fast-track the project because of the positive economic impact it would have.

The board of aldermen approved the measure unanimously.

Hollingsworth also recommended the refinancing of some old bonds by combining three water works bonds and one sewer bond. He said the city would refinance about $2.5 million in bonds. The measure would save about $600,000 through savings in interest over the long haul which could be used to pay off other debts.

The board of aldermen approved the measure unanimously.

The board also approved hiring a local architect to design the remodeling of the front office area at HSUD.

Mayor Andre’ DeBerry mentioned there has been some problem with HSUD turning on service to new businesses before the business had cleared zoning and before Kenny Holbrook had approved a certificate of occupancy. Zoning administrator Felicia Autry said it rarely occurs but there have been instances where utilities were turned on before the business had permission to occupy a space.

Police department

Chief James Dean reported he received a number of outstanding candidates for part-time and full-time police officer positions.

“I am excited they will make some positive improvements once we get people on board,” he said.

Dean said he has studied the shift schedules for uniformed officers and is thinking he can save tens of thousands of dollars in over-time pay if he converts to a 12-hour shift. Currently, uniformed officers serve on a 10-hour rotation.

DeBerry asked for the figures on savings to the department, then said a 12-hour shift rotation could necessitate another payroll period be added to the city clerk’s duties.

Alderman Russell Johnson asked if coverage on weekends would be adequate.

Dean said shifts would be staggered so that there is a supervisor working with officers during each shift.

New public defender

Amanda Whaley, with Smith Whaley Law Firm, was approved as pubic defender for municipal court. Attorney Justin Cluck with the firm would serve as backup when Whaley is not able to be in court.

The board of aldermen voted unanimously to hire Whaley for the public defender’s position. The spot was previously being filled by Amery Moore, who was recently hired by the city to serve as city prosecutor.

Recreation

Supporters of the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum returned in force. Leona Harris made a second request to hold the Ida B. Wells Birthday Celebration at the Eddie Lee Smith Multi-Purpose Building for two days in July. The board had voted at a previous meeting to deny use of the facility for the event free of charge.

Alderman Calvin James motioned to provide the space free to the non-profit – usual charge is $500 a day – for the two days. The measure to waive the fee was approved unanimously by the board.

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