The Hamlet Town Council opened up a second public hearing Wednesday night to take public comments on the town’s proposed water project.
Grant Administrator Mike Kleinpeter with Kleinpeter Consulting Group explained that the hearing was held as the town wishes to apply for a $700,000 competitive water grant from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. The town hopes to secure $1,008,871 in State Revolving Loan funds to help fund the project.
There are lead lines that need to be replaced as required by the state which will add an estimated $200,000 to the project, depending on how many lines need to be replaced. Beyond that, the entire project includes hydrant and valve replacements, water meters and meter pits, metering system, new standby generator, water main looping, and vac trailer. The project should improve water pressure and water quality for the town residents.
A draft proposal was submitted to OCRA and officials made a site visit which went well, according to Kleinpeter.
It was noted that this is a priority project for the council to improve water quality and pressure for the town.
A residential survey is available at the Hamlet Town Hall and should be completed by June 26 to be included in the grant application.
The application will be submitted June 28 with an award notice August 29.
There was no other public comment.
As part of the process, the council unanimously approved an ordinance that pertains to a drug-free policy for the town. The council plans to amend the ordinance in a future meeting as there are points in the ordinance that need to be reviewed a little more closely. The council also approved an ordinance that updates the town’s fair housing policy. A resolution was also approved that allows the OCRA application to be submitted with the match commitment.
