Dawn M. Kurry

On April 21, bids on the Hitchcock Creek Debris Removal Project were opened. After reviewing all qualifications and experience with prior and similar projects, City Manager Monty Crump said it was determined that Riverworks, Inc. was the lowest responsible bidder thus it is recommended that Riverworks be awarded the contract.

“Funding for this project will be provided by grant funds received from the state,” said Crump. “The project will clear the creek of debris to accommodate canoe trail and public access.”

Other companies that bid on this project were Eaglewood, Inc., Garcia Forestry, Inc., J. & J. Environmental, Inc. and Vaugh Contracting, Inc.

The Rockingham City Council will further discuss the project and will decide on the contractor during the City Council meeting on Tuesday.

The Council of State has approved the city’s lease with the state and NCWRC reference the Digg’s Tract.

“This approval will facilitate the construction of primitive camping, shelter(s), public access boat landing on the Digg’s Tract,” said Crump. “The significance of this project means that the last component of the Hitchcock Creek Recreation Plan is now in place. By having a public boat ramp south of the confluence of Hitchcock Creek, paddlers on Hitchcock Creek will have an additional option for trips along Hitchcock Creek to include the Pee Dee River.”

Primitive camping and shelter(s) will also be available adjacent to the public boat ramp. The boat ramp will also provide a public access for the general public to utilize the Pee Dee River as additional boat ramp south of Highway U.S. 74 bridge has been needed for some time.

In other business:

The council will decide when to meet for the presentation of the proposed Fiscal year 2011/2012 city budget and work session. The council had previously been presented two dates of either May 24, or May 31. The work session will be held at Hinson Lake’s Rotary Lodge.

Browder Park is Wi-Fi accessible and signs will soon be placed nothing that Internet is available for public use at the facility. According to Crump, Wi-Fi installation in downtown is still progressing slowly.

Construction on the Franklin Street Streetscape Project should begin in earnest in the next few weeks. The Rockingham Downtown Corporation met last month and agreed to increase their contribution to this project by about $10,000 so their total contribution has grown to around $20,000.

“Thanks to that group for their support,” said Crump.

The city has received official notification from the State on the additional funding from the East Rockingham Sewer Improvements Projects. The new funding amounts to approximately $311,000, with $80,000 contingency from Jefferson Park project and $231,000 in additional CDBG-R funds.

Mayor Gene McLaurin will proclaim Memorial Day Observance for May 28. The purpose of Memorial Day is to honor and remember those who died serving our nation, and was officially proclaimed by General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. It was first observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. There will be an observance on May 28, at 11 a.m. at the Richmond County Veterans’ Park (adjacent to VFW Post 4203 in Rockingham, and State Senator William R. Purcell will be the guest speaker.

“The officials and citizens of Rockingham are appreciative and indebted to the men and woman who have so gallantly served our nation and given their all,” said McLaurin. “I encourage our citizens to take part in various activities related to memorial Day Ceremonies and to educate our youth in the solemn spirit and sacredness of these observances.”

The Rockingham Fire Department has announced that their website is now fully functional and will be updated throughout each month. You can visit them at www.rockinghamfd.com.

At Tuesday’s city council meeting, three lawmen will be presented with their higher level certificates by Police Chief Robert Voorhees: Advanced Law Certificate to Dt. Larry H. Tunstall, Intermediate Certificate to Dustin Neal Johnson, and Intermediate Certificate to Andrew Wayne Ansley.

Rockingham City Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at City Hall. The meetings start at 7:30 p.m. and the public is invited to attend.

Staff Writer Dawn Kurry can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ex. 43, or by e-mail at dkurry@heartlandpublications.com.