By MARVIN HAMLETT
Editor
Appomattox County officials recently responded to several local complaints about biosolids that were being spread along Police Tower Road (State Route 613).
The complaints involved smell and possible spillage of the biosolids, which is recycled human waste that farmers can use as a low-cost alternative to fertilizer.
Supporters of biosolids claim the application is a clean process that eases financial burdens on farmers.
Opponents of biosolids claim the odor is noxious and the application is a health hazard.
County Administrator Aileen Ferguson told the Board that every complaint had been handled through a written report that was mailed to biosolids producers Synagrow, Nutri-Blend and/or the DEQ, depending on the severity of the alleged violation.
Supervisor Sam Carter congratulated the staff for the way it handled the biosolids complaints, and singled out Johnnie Roark and Bobby Wingfield for their reactions.
Speed sign needs to be fixed
Appomattox County Administrator Aileen Ferguson has been in contact with VDOT concerning a malfunctioning speed sign that warns motorists to slow down as they approach the stoplight near Wendy's restaurant.
The sign in question flashes live speed limits to approaching cars for the 45-mile-per-hour zone.
The speed sign has not been operational for several months.
Ferguson said she had discussed the problem with VDOT Resident Engineer Don Austin.
"And he's going to get back to me," she said.
Several supervisors have expressed a desire to have the sign fixed, but it remains to be seen whether or not local taxpayer dollars would be needed for to fix it.
No action yet on road upgrades
The Appomattox County Board of Supervisors agreed not to take action yet on a proposal last Monday to improve four roads within the county.
The Supervisors actions were prompted by a Rural Long-Range Transportation Plan that was unanimously approved by the Appomattox County Planning Commission.
The Supervisors agreed to receive the Planning Commission's recommendation, but they also agreed that no action would be taken at this time.
"I accept it, but I do not approve it," Supervisor Willie Craft said. "I didn't see anything in my (Appomattox River) district."
The Planning Commission approved four roads for consideration out of approximately 40 roads within Appomattox County.
The proposed roads would be the following:
* Route 608 (Stonewall Road) from Lyle Thomas Road to Vineyard Road to reconstruct and address geometric deficiencies (11-foot lanes).
* Route 691 (Pumping Station Road) from Country Club Road west to Salem Road to reconstruct and address geometric deficiencies (full width lanes and shoulders).
* Route 608 (Stonewall Road) from Vineyard Road to Spring Grove Road to reconstruct and address geometric deficiencies (10-foot lanes).
* Route T-691/T-1008 (Pumping Station Road/Lee Grant Avenue) to reconstruct and address geometric deficiencies (10-foot lanes).
The Planning Commission recommended that these four roads be placed within the County's Six-Year Plan.
According to a memo written by Appomattox County Community Development Director Johnnie Roark, these four roads would be granted priority "if and when available funding is found" for the next phase of the County's Six-Year Plan.
Supervisor Sam Carter questioned whether or not the Planning Commission had a priority list for the road recommendations.
Hurt official visits Board
A representative for Rep. Robert Hurt (R-59th) appeared in front the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 6.
Paul Hoffman, who is a field representative for Rep. Hurt, said he merely wanted to introduce himself and hear any concerns the Board might have.
"We're here to serve you as constituents of the Fifth District," Hoffman said.
He added that Rep. Hurt's number one priority was to approve a balanced budget. Hurt's number two priority, Hoffman said, was to create jobs.
The Board thanked Hoffman for appearing but posed no questions at him.
County honors scouts
The Board of Supervisors adopted a proclamation that recognized Feb. 2-9 as Scouting Anniversary Week in the County of Appomattox.
The proclamation was made in honor of local Boy Scout Troop 546, which is once again active in Appomattox.
During the anniversary week, the Boy Scouts of America celebrated its 100th year of existence.
Appointments made
The Board of Supervisors appointed several citizens to various committees on Feb. 6.
The Board appointed former County Supervisor Garet Bosiger to the Region 2000 Economic Development Council. Bosiger replaces newly elected supervisor Ronnie Spiggle.
The Board appointed June Chenault to replace retiring Donna Pankey on the Library Board.