The Times West Virginian

Local News

November 21, 2008

Completion date set for Fairmont’s sewer upgrade

Construction expected to be finished by January

By Mallory Panuska

FAIRMONT — A new completion date for the ongoing, citywide sanitary sewer upgrade project was set Thursday morning by the Fairmont Sanitary Sewer Board.

The construction on the equalization (EQ) basin, which is the last leg of the project, is expected to be finished by the first of January, design department head for project engineers Greenhorne and O’Mara Steve Cain said.

Unexpected delays from the concrete manufacturers caused the original completion date to be pushed back, Cain explained, and a change order to implement the new date of completion was approved by board members Thursday.

Members also approved a resolution to execute a utility agreement between the board and the West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH) for the relocation of a line on U.S. Route 250 for this final phase of the project.

“This was the missing piece of the puzzle for the EQ basin,” city utilities manager Dave Sago said.

Cain said the line relocation will cost $247,433, which the city will front and be reimbursed for by the DOH.

In other business Thursday, board members discussed possible changes that may be coming with new stormwater utility regulations from the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection in the spring.

Currently, all residential city utility customers are charged a flat $5.50 monthly rate for stormwater runoff. And non-residential customers are charged a flat $16.75 if the structure is more than 2,500 square feet and $2.20 per 1,000 square feet of impervious area if it is less than 2,500 square feet.

An ordinance was passed in April that changed the rates for the smaller non-residential structures, and Sago said the board is still monitoring the budget to see how much of an impact the change has made. The ordinance also gave the sanitary board jurisdiction to change the rates if necessary for the future.

Sago said Thursday that the rates will be looked at again in the spring after new general stormwater permit regulations are introduced by the DEP, but no action has been taken on the rates as of yet.

Sago also said the department began advertising for a new city engineer to replace Jim Fetty. Fetty resigned from his position last month, and John Carson has been serving as the interim engineer since Fetty left.

Sago said the advertisement will be posted until Dec. 31, after which the city will review the applications received and hold an interview process to find a permanent replacement for the position.

E-mail Mallory Panuska at mpanuska@timeswv.com.

Text Only
Local News
  • Therepy Dog -ts.jpg A brighter day

    Sitting on a pink polka blanket with pink bows tied around her ears, Pebbles the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel brightens up the day of a patient at the Arbors at Fairmont nursing home.
    “I always had a dog,” said Max — who preferred that his last name not be used — to Pebbles’ human, Sharon Spevock.

    February 9, 2012 1 Photo

  • ‘New heights’ NASA’s mission

    The NASA Independent Verification & Validation Facility in Fairmont has accomplished a lot over the years, but also has a long way to go, said Gregory Blaney.
    Partnerships will allow the agency to continue to move forward.

    February 9, 2012

  • Man indicted on 14 counts of sexual abuse

    A Mannington man has been indicted by the Marion County grand jury on 14 counts of sexual abuse.
    James Edward Carpenter, 34, of 100 Parkview Drive, Apt. 101, Mannington, is charged with four counts of first-degree sexual abuse and 10 counts of sexual abuse by parent, guardian or custodian.

    February 9, 2012

  • BB&T to remain a part of Farmington community

    Thanks to community members who made their voices heard, the BB&T branch in Farmington is staying open for business.
    The office was full of excitement and hugs Wednesday as employees and community members celebrated the news that this location will continue to service clients.

    February 9, 2012

  • Expanded airport hangar space sought

    Benedum Airport Authority members representing Marion and Harrison counties met Wednesday at the North Central West Virginia Airport for their monthly meeting to discuss plans to build and expand hangar availability.

    February 9, 2012

  • FSHS student works to start scholarship fund

    A bright smile on Kelly Horton’s face could have fooled anyone on Wednesday morning.
    In front of the Marion County Commission, the Fairmont Senior High School junior kept a strong composure as she explained why she needed help with her senior project.

    February 9, 2012

  • Marion co 911--DS.jpg It’s an emergency

    A Dalmatian was on a mission. And he was in a hurry.
    In a fire truck, the Dalmatian, Patches, rushed into Monongah Elementary on Tuesday morning while students looked on in amusement.

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • MCVB and MCPARC OPENING -TS.jpg CVB, MCPARC moving to new homes

    The Convention & Visitors Bureau of Marion County and the Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission are excited to have a new place to call home.
    On Monday, both organizations began simultaneously moving into their new offices in the visitor center building directly off Interstate 79 Exit 136 at 1000 Cole St., Pleasant Valley.

    February 8, 2012 1 Photo

  • Ministers Run still looking for local control

    Following two meetings in different locations Tuesday, the Ministers Run Water Association is still looking for a way to keep its utility in local hands.
    Last week, the state Public Service Commission held a hearing in Grant Town.

    February 8, 2012

  • Man indicted for forgery, uttering, other crimes

    A Fairmont man charged with forgery, uttering and other crimes is one of 23 people named in indictments handed down by the Marion County Grand Jury in its second day of deliberations Tuesday.
    Jeremy Nathan Ferraro, 31, Fairmont, was indicted on forgery; uttering; obtaining money, property or services by false pretenses; and domestic battery, third offense.

    February 8, 2012