Construction Back On Track For Monterey Wastewater Plant

Monterey, VA – Construction of the Monterey waste water treatment plant has now resumed after nearly three months of delays caused by the snow and cold weather. Backfilling of the plant walls is underway now that the ground has thawed, with about 70 truckloads of fill being delivered each day. Mayor Janice Warner updated the Town Council on the progress on the new plant Thursday night.

The plan requested by the Virginia Dept of Environmental Quality includes installing flow meters to measure rates of water flow through the treatment plant under different weather conditions. Since flow rates go up significantly with heavy rains, it is likely that there is entry of stormwater into the system. That entry needs to be controlled so the treatment plant function is not compromised during rainy periods.

In other business, the council has been in touch with zoning administrator Jim Whitelaw concerning the new sign at the Farm Bureau office on main street. Town attorney Melissa Dowd says the sign does not appear to comply with the permit issued for it. Dowd says a letter has been sent to Holiday Signs, giving them 15 days to comply with the zoning ordinance concerning the sign.

Violation of the town sign ordinance is a misdemeanor punishable by a $250 fine and each day the sign remains in violation after the 15 day grace period is another violation. As of Thursday, Holiday signs had not replied to Mr. Whitelaw’s letter.

Other Town Council Actions

The Monterey Town Council is looking into whether Lightner’s new building next to the Cooperative is within the town limits so it can be entered on the tax rolls.

The Town Council finance committee made up of Mayor Warner and Counciln members Don Dowdy, Francis Fenn and Dale Hammer will meet April 20 to set the town budget.

The town council finance committee made up of Mayor Warner and councilmen Don Dowdy, Francis Fenn and Dale Hammer will meet April 20 to set the town budget.