Published Thursday, July 29, 2010

Grit got into Grantville's water, resident claims

By Jeff Bishop

The Newnan Times-Herald

A Grantville resident told the Grantville City Council Monday night that the city somehow got "grit" or "sand" in the water system, costing him $763 in repairs.

Rodney Mowery of 82 Grady Smith Rd. told the council that his situation began with a water leak on June 25.

"It leaked all night," he said. On Saturday morning it was apparently repaired. But by Sunday "there was a trickle from the faucets, and the toilet was the same way."

An investigation of the water lines revealed that the system "had grit in it," he said.

"It had to be replaced," he said, and so did the water meter.

Another house on Grady Smith Road had similar problems, he said.

"We are trying to resolve how sand got into my water system," said Mowery. "It cost me $763 in repairs to straighten the situation out.

"I don't want to cause any problems," said Mowery. "I just don't want it to happen again."

In other business, the Grantville council approved a motion to establish a new Downtown Development Authority.

The resolution set up the physical boundaries of the town that would be applicable to the new authority, and also established the terms of the seven members who will serve on the board.

"My feeling is that we need to go ahead and do it and pass it," said Councilwoman Rochelle Jabaley.

When it comes to the technicalities, "it doesn't matter to me," she said. "We'll figure it out."

Councilwoman Selma Coty asked Mayor Casey Houston if she would open up the floor for members of the public to ask questions about the new authority, since "this is going to be an important thing for the city."

If the members of the public have any questions about it, "they are entitled to ask," she said.

The mayor instead called for a vote on the resolution, which was approved.

Coty voted against the measure.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I can't vote for Mr. (Nick) Sasso," who is slated to serve on the new board. Sasso is a former council member who was unseated by Coty in the last election.