Published: April 21, 2009 10:26 pm      

Water loop project hits a snag

CATLIN — The Catlin Village Board heard Tuesday that a utilities easement dispute may hinder the completion of the Allison Street water loop project.

Commissioner Barry Voorhees reported that employees came to a point in the project where they needed access in an area between two properties, but are now at a stopping point because of a dispute with owners about utilities easements.

Voorhees said more than 200 feet of water pipe has already been laid for the project, which has been ongoing in the village for years.

The project was deemed necessary for the area as a safety measure, which also affects residents on Martin Court, to improve water pressure to existing fire hydrants and also install additional hydrants.

In doing so, a total of 600 feet of 4-inch pipe is planned to be put into the ground, looping dead-end water lines.

There are several apartment buildings and up to ten homes in the affected area.

Work was originally estimated to be done as early as this month.

However, Voorhees says the entire project is now on hold.

Voorhees reported that in the easement area that needs to be accessed, it is being alleged that there are two owners of the property, whereas only one signed the original easement agreement for the project with the village more than three years ago.

The village attorney is currently researching title work and the validity of easements.

“I guess you could say we are double-checking this now,” said Voorhees.

Voorhees said he has looked into alternatives for completing the project if the easement cannot be obtained, but has not found a cost-effective one yet.

He said he felt if residents in the area who were going to be helped by the improvements weren’t willing to work with the village, then it makes it even harder to try to find a reasonable, financially-sound alternative to getting the project done.

In other business, board members:

-- Approved the final 2009-2010 budget. No changes were made from the tentative budget passed last month.

Commissioners expect to spend $533,764, while taking in just $481,600 this fiscal year, beginning May 1. This compares to last year’s budget where $664,408 was expected to be spent and $500,400 was brought in.

Mayor Clayton Woodard said the anticipated decrease in revenue is due to lost interest on investments and reductions in sales tax. He said they planned conservatively when putting together this year’s budget.

Woodard said they plan to continue work on projects started last year, but want to hold steady on spending, trying to re-coup some of what they spent this past year on the Webster Street bridge project.

“The way financial times are, the village needs to tighten their belt the same way a homeowner does,” said Woodard.

-- Awarded a plaque to outgoing Commissioner Jim Miller who has served on the board for two years. He did not seek re-election and will be replaced by Alisa Prosser.

“I’ve enjoyed the board and the people,” said Miller. “It’s been a pleasure on my part. It really has.”

-- Consented to allow the Catlin fire district to sell pizza in the village parking lot as a fundraiser, but encouraged them to discuss the possibility of working with local pizza parlor Pizza Time.

Pizza Time owner, Nancy Dolan, was present at the meeting and encouraged the use of businesses inside Catlin for such fundraisers, rather than outside ones.

“I do not know of any small business that is not working hard in these difficult economic times,” said Dolan.

Woodard encouraged the fire district representatives to meet with Dolan about the opportunity.

-- Hired Butch Schmink to mow the Catlin Park and other village properties this summer. Also, hired summer part-time helpers Robbie Carter and Brodie Pirie to do tasks such as painting curbs, sweeping gutters and helping at the park. All will be paid $8 per hour.

-- Heard there will be a spring meeting for the neighborhood watch program at 7 p.m. May 5 at the city hall. Anyone inter-ested in the program is encouraged to attend.

-- Heard the fire district will flush hydrants beginning at 6 p.m. April 29.

What’s Next

The Catlin Village Board meets at 7 p.m. May 5 at the city hall.