Rockingham will be asked to approve its part of an agreement Tuesday that would extend sewer coverage down the U.S. 220 corridor to Ellerbe.

If the Rockingham council agrees to extend their services to Ellerbe, the council of Ellerbe will agree to provide Rockingham with “a new wastewater service line that will cover the underdeveloped 10-mile stretch of highway between Rockingham and Ellerbe,” according to Ellerbe Mayor Olivia Webb.

“If all goes according to plan, Rockingham will be able to take advantage of the revenue that will be created from miles of new sewer service area,” Webb said.

Ellerbe’s current wastewater treatment capacity is 180,000 gallons per day. It is using about 100,000 gallons per day. Ellerbe had asked Rockingham for permission to lock in the ability to treat 250,000 gallons a day. Rockingham City Manager Monty Crump is recommending the city set aside 200,000 for the next 40 years.

“In addition to business considerations, I have been reluctant to agree to 250,000 based on a prior wastewater agreement in place with Hamlet and not wanting to deviate from (the) precedent set with the Hamlet agreement,” Crump wrote to the board.

“After reading Mayor Webb’s letter ... I agree with the benefits that will be realized by both parties and in light of that consideration, I agree to recommend that (the) Rockingham Council approve the interlocal agreement as presented with 200,000 gallons per day wastewater capacity for Ellerbe.”

In the future, if Ellerbe should need more, the city would be open to discuss the matter, Crump said.

In other action:

n Rockingham also got a boost for its Hitchcock Creek Greenway Project. Gov. Beverly Perdue has approved $11,000 in financial assistance so that Rockingham may move forward in studies related to the two projects; the Hitchcock Creek Greenway Study and the Hitchcock Creek Navigation Study.

“We’re moving right along,” Crump said. He explained that the funding will allow the designing of the greenway, along with bridges, and will allow the study of wetland impact, and the removal of snags.

“We appreciate the assistance from our government,” Crump said. He said it speaks well for the government that they recognize the potential of Hitchcock Creek as recreational. He hopes that this financial assistance is an indication that more funds are to come.

n The Department of Justice has approved funding of two positions that the Rockingham Police Department requested from the 2010 COPS program.

The funds will pay 100 percent of the salary, benefits and related cost for three years, which amounts to a direct grant to the city in the amount of $262,840. The city must retain the officers for a minimum of 12 months following the three year federal funding period.

n The city council will be asked to approve the demolition of a dilapidated dwelling located at 127 Aslington Street. The city staff initiated abandoned proceedings in May. The property owners were notified of a hearing with the Code Enforcement Officer regarding the dwelling, but no one attended the hearing.

The property owner, Sonja Sanders, and the Code Enforcement Officer have discussed the condition of the property in several phone conversations, but the property owner has taken no action.

n The city council will be asked to rezone approximately .73 acres at 404 East Franklin Street from High Density Residential to Central Business. The current use of the property is a single-family residence and a detached garage with an accessory apartment. The owner indicated that several different entities have expressed an interest in renting/purchasing the subject property and converting it to professional office space.

The city staff recommends the planning board review the request and recommend the city council rezone the subject property as requested by the applicant.

n The city council will adopt a code of ethics. Each elected official will be required to complete a mandatory two-hour ethics training online. They will also consider amending the City’s Personnel Ordinance to include changes required by the Family Medical Leave Act, which states during what situations city personnel may take leave.

Staff Writer Dawn Kurry can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@yourdailyjournal.com.