Burlington close to clearing up grant problems
Comet staff report

Burlington Town Council President Stan Moore reported that town officials are making progress on clearing up the problems with the Community Block Grants the town previously received for improvements to the sewer system.

The grants were out of compliance with federal standards.

"We're in the closeout process now," he said, "We could have been facing some serious money."

Moore credited the assistance of Bob Oakley and Fred Michaels, who spent countless hours going over the grant information, with helping the council figure out what needed to be done.

Town officials are working closely with township trustee Al Jackson to develop a five to 10-year plan for the town. All Burlington entities will be contacted to be a part of the planning process and a meeting will be held this spring.

Moore said that it was imperative that the town have a plan so that it can apply for grants to make additional improvements to the sewer system.

"We have a lot of areas in the system that need work," said Moore. We need to be proactive and take care of our system."

Moore said the workday at the sewage plant went well on March 1 but that there is still more work to be done. Another workday was scheduled for 9 a.m. March 29 and all volunteers are welcome.

American Pumping has been hired to clean out as many as can manholes around town as can be done in one day.

Volunteer help from the public is being sought to develop a town web site. "We want to let the world know that Burlington is a neat place to live," said Moore.

The town is also looking for volunteers to work with the council to review the town's code book and ordinances.

Council member Teddy Huffer said that when the council met with State Senator Brandt Hershman on Feb. 29 they discussed the log jam on Wildcat Creek near the bridge which may be a contributing factor to flooding in that area.

Amendments were made to Ordinances 2007-4 and 2007- 5 to specify compensation from the two departments for the utilities and street staff, Fred and Steve Michaels.

Reports

Town Marshal Jill Hammond reported that she assisted the county on 5 occasions and the state, 1; had 1 criminal arrest; wrote 17 tickets, issued 4 warnings, issued 3 gun permits, responded to 12 calls for service, and attended training for three days.

Jeramy Crume reported that the fire department is working on a disaster plan.

Shelly Wiles reported that the community club is working on raising funds for town decorations.

Kiwanis Club is sponsoring a public information night at 7 p.m. April 22 at the Community Building. Sheriff Tony Burns and Prosecutor Tricia Thompson will speak on identity theft and how to prevent it.

The next meeting will be April 8 at 7 p.m. in the town hall.