New Kent leaders approve financial transfers to address emergency needs

New Kent’s Board of Supervisors addressed several issues during the Nov. 12 regular board meeting.

-Approved $86,000 from the Colonial Downs reserve fund to renovate George Watkins Elementary School Field. New Kent County Parks and Recreation Assistant Director Jason Baldwin told board members the field has safety hazards. Among them include large trees with debris falling onto the field, 40-year-old fencing and dugouts, and the field continuously holding water. The fields are one of several areas in the county that are used by youth organizations.

-Approved $151,595.91 for piping and leaking repairs at the Parham Landing Wastewater Treatment Plant. Public Utilities Director Mike Lang said that the request was to address an emergency due to power being out at the plant and the issue had to be completed by on-call contractors due to the issues.

-Discussed a change order request from Cox Communications. Cox Communications has requested a partial reimbursement from the county for 124 locations that were not covered in the service area as part of the internet expansion project. The total cost of the change order would be $600,000, with the county responsible for $285,000. If the county approves the measure, funds will be withdrawn from the Colonial Downs future fund.

-Approved a waterline extension deadline along New Kent Highway (Route 249). The extension was granted due to offer agreements not being met.