The Danville City Council last night (Tuesday) approved a professional services agreement for phase two work of the Bowman Avenue Corridor Study. The study is focusing on possible future improvements along Bowman Avenue so it can be used as a beltline along Danville’s east side from Interstate 74 to West Newell Road.
Hanson Professional Services will be paid nearly $60-thousand dollars for the second part of the study.
City Council members also continued discussions last night on funding alternatives for storm water improvements. Mayor Scott Eisenhauer says it is a tough issue. ‘’There’s no question that when people look around, particularly in major rain events – we’re struggling right now. Our infrastructure is very old and we’re spending a lot of time, money and effort in trying to react to failures that are occurring in our storm water infrastructure system,’’ the Mayor says.
City Council members last night reviewed some different options for paying for the needed improvements, but took no action. Some of the options include a flat sanitary fee and tiered storm water fee. Commercial accounts could get up to a 50-percent reduction if they are in compliant or show their intent to be in compliant regarding storm water run-off from their property.
Alderman Rickey Williams Junior voiced concern about any additional cost for local residents. ‘’I know we need to do something,’’ said Williams, but he says asking local residents to pay anything would be tough on some of them. Meanwhile Alderman Dan Duncheon suggested the City Council revisit the local sales tax. Duncheon says he likes the idea of having people living in other areas helping to foot the bill for Danville’s storm water improvements.
Alderman Thomas Stone suggested the City buy the local water company to help meet future infrastructure needs. ‘’That’s one way to raise additional revenue for the City,’’ said Stone, ‘’and without really impacting our community. The rates would basically stay the same if we acquired the water company, however we would pay less,’’ he added.
A city council committee will resume the discussion next week.
