City takes steps to improve streets, water

The City of Clarendon last week took its first steps to addressing what have been two major complaints among its citizens for several years – streets and water quality.

During their regular meeting last Tuesday, city aldermen approved purchasing an Asphalt Zipper for $73,000 that will grind up pothole filled streets to form a smooth, solid base that can later be seal coated.

City Administrator Lambert Little had been directed to find the used device after he discussed the idea with the board during a planning session last month.

“I’m 100 percent sold that this is the only way we’re going to be able to do anything, and we might as well get with it,” Little told the board.

Aldermen approved the purchase and directed Little to check into financing options.

Little also discussed a proposal to replace an aging steel water line under four blocks of East Fourth Street between Jackson and Carhart, which city officials believe is the primary cause of discolored water in the south east part of the city. The project is expected to cost between $20,000 and $25,000, and the city can utilize pipe it already has on hand. Aldermen unanimously approved this project.

In other city business, the board approved allowing the Adult Probation Department use of municipal property at Fifth and Kearney as the location for a garden. People in the new “horticulture therapy” program will mow the city property at that location in exchange for water for the garden, and half of the produce from the garden will go to charity.

The board also took action on the following items: Re-appointed Stephen Hall, Alderman Ann Huey, Terry Noble, and Roger Estlack to the board of the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation and ratified the county’s appointment of Bob White and Andy Wheatly to the airport advisory board.