BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
WARFIELD — Tensions surfaced in Warfield as the city prepares for significant water infrastructure construction along Collins Creek Road, slated to start June 10. The Martin County Water District (MCWD), responsible for the project, has not yet secured the necessary permits required by the City of Warfield, sparking concerns among city officials.
At a city meeting Thursday, Warfield Commissioner Zane Speer mentioned the project plans, noting, “They’re going to run it right up the middle of the road.”
The approach proposed by the MCWD involves replacing water meters and service lines, which will necessitate extensive excavation work on the city street.
City leaders, including Mayor Michael Hinkle, are apprehensive. Their concern stems from past experiences with the MCWD, which left much to be desired in terms of road and sidewalk repairs post-construction.
The city’s sidewalk and street ordinance mandates that any company undertaking such work must first obtain a permit and post a cash deposit. This deposit ensures funds are available for street restoration, which must meet the standards of the City Commission and be completed within 30 days of the project’s conclusion.
Commissioner John Sammons expressed his determination to uphold city standards.
“We need to find out if they’re going to repave Collins Creek,” Sammons stated. “Or we’ll stop the middle-of-the-road stuff.”
His sentiment reflects the Commission’s determination to avoid a repeat of poor restorations that have burdened Warfield residents.
Mayor Hinkle agreed to reach out to water district officials to clarify plans and ensure regulatory compliance.
MCWD issued a notice Thursday stating that during construction, Collins Creek residents will experience traffic delays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. According to the notice, the project “is expected to run for approximately 100 days and stretch until mid-September.”
City splurges on garbage service
Following up on a discussion in the last monthly meeting, the Commission opted for the county-franchised $79 “small business garbage service,” which allows for the weekly pickup of up to seven bags of trash. The other option was a dumpster at $200 per month.
Mayor Hinkle supported this decision.
“We really can’t afford $200 a month,” he explained.
City Hall produces “about a half a bag a week,” but litter cleanup of streets, the walking track and cemeteries significantly increases the volume of trash.
“The cemetery is full right now,” added Hinkle. “And when we pick up the town, I don’t know how much we will get off the walking track.”
Clerk Rhonda Price said the city worker had been collecting litter in the back of a truck and hauling it to Howell’s Recycling Center on New Route 3 in Davella. The recycling center charges the city for the weight.
Commissioner Sammons proposed giving the $79 service a trial period to assess its sufficiency.
Commissioner Crystal Bell concurred.
“We could try that,” Bell said. “If we have more, we can always take it over there. I imagine it wouldn’t be more than $200 a month to do that.”