JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The Whitwell Board of Mayor & Commissioners unanimously approved the re-marking both Hudson Street and the city’s portion of Valley View Highway.
The vote passed during the community’s November meeting as all board members examined Volunteer Highway Supply Company’s estimated bid of $3,312. City Manager Lonnie Cleek further clarified how the estimated amount approved was calculated by the mile of road needed to be restriped. Cleek stated city employees have conducted the measurements and have calculated all estimates as closely as possible to what needs to be covered. Because of this, the board made the motion to approve the estimated amount, any additional differences made to also be covered regardless.
Discussion surrounding the restriping of both streets first surfaced during the town’s October meeting. During the meeting at the time, concerned resident Stella Morrison brought the issue to the board’s attention. She explained how all the street lines on Valley View Highway, particularly between Hardees’ and Whitwell Middle School, has faded away with age and due to the elements. Because of the line’s deterioration, she felt it poses a visual risk for those driving on the highway, including at night. Cleek explained during the past meeting that attempts were made beforehand to have the stretch of roadway be restriped; however, fees to have both sides of the road be marked would have costed the city $15,000, which Cleek described as an astronomical amount.
Meanwhile at the most recent meeting, Cleek mentioned that Marion County’s Highway Department contracts all striping projects to other contractors containing the equipment needed for each job, with Volunteer Highway Supply being one of the contractors the department keeps in touch for jobs similar to the one presented to the board.
“It’s under our bid limits, so we voted for that company to do it,” said Cleek.
With the city’s official approval, restriping is now expected to begin in the near future on both Hudson Street and the mentioned stretch of Valley View Highway.