Project nears completion

The Fairgrounds Road project is well ahead of schedule, thanks to some good weather recently.

City Engineer Brian Ball reported Tuesday during a city department heads press conference that the project, which includes water and sewer line work, is expected to be completed around July 3, well ahead of the original plan.

He said during the project, they discovered some lines had collapsed near Longitude and Latitude drives, but those are being fixed. The majority of the work on the project is complete and asphalt has begun to be replaced along the road.

Ball also reported on another north end project – work near Dan Emmett Elementary School. The focus is currently Marma Drive where they are replacing the curbing on the street. Ball said they are also building a concrete wall between the dugout at the school’s baseball field and Nuce Road, hoping to keep children from wandering into the road.

The multi-purpose use path is next on the agenda for the north end project. Work on the path, which will run from Belmont Avenue to north of Fairgrounds Road, is expected to begin in August. The project will also include a significant amount of work on stormwater drainage in the area.

Ball also reported the city is close to signing a contract with BKV Group for the design of the new police station on Sychar Road and that work on the East Vine Street sidewalk project will begin soon.

City Director of Utilities Aaron Reinhart reported they will be partnering with KnoxMeansJobs to help paint fire hydrants and street curbs around the city. There will be four employees painting the hydrants for four weeks beginning June 23 and four employees will paint street curbs.

He also welcomed Jordan Parker as a new shift operator at the water treatment plant.

Director of Public Works Tom Hinkle reported they hauled more than 200 tons of debris collected by the city’s street sweeper to the landfill recently. The street department has also kept busy assisting with events such as Memorial Day and First Friday. Hinkle also noted that half of the street department staff recently completed ACRT training on trimming trees near power lines. The other half of the staff will do the training in September.

The city recently kicked off the opening of the Capt. Hunter’s Landing splash pad at Riverside Park. Hinkle said it has been well received by the residents, but reminded everyone that there are no lifeguards or other attendants at the pad and that parents should keep an eye on their children. He also noted that the pavilion next to the pad is for all residents to enjoy while at the facility and it is not available for rentals. There are two other pavilions in the park that can be rented for special occasions.

Hinkle said work on the fountain on Public Square was expected to be finished by the end of the week. Also, work continues on the city’s impound lot, which includes work on the roof, bathroom and water tanks.

Mayor Matt Starr reported he has been busy offering testimony on several items being discussed by the state legislature. The state is discussing legislation that would affect the inside millage cities and villages may collect, as well as items impacting short-term rentals, annexation and utility liens on rental properties.