The Spring Lake Board of Commissioners on Monday approved a resurfacing project that will pave roads and repair potholes that have plagued local communities.
Mayor Pro Tem Soña L. Cooper, Commissioner Robyn Chadwick and Town Manager Jon Rorie were absent due to illnesses. The board met at 6 p.m. in the Grady Howard Conference Room in the Town Hall Municipal Building.
In the absence of Rorie, Finance Director James Overton presented the board with five bids for the resurfacing and stormwater project.
“The lowest bid was $755,000, and the highest bid was $1,092,000,” Overton said.
After reviewing the bids, town staff recommended awarding the contract to Highland Paving Company, which submitted the lowest bid of $755,309.50.
“That includes $591,000 for resurfacing a number of streets in town and another $164,000 for stormwater improvements on Hedgemoor Circle, which is desperately needed,” Overton explained.
Mayor Kia Anthony expressed excitement about finally getting the project underway, as did Commissioner Raul Palacios, who lives on one of the streets slated for improvements.
Overton couldn’t provide an exact date about when the work would begin but assured the board it would be “as soon as they are able.”
Mayor Anthony compared Hedgemoor Circle’s complicated piping system to a “unicorn.”
“Our stormwater folks said it looked like someone had been experimenting with a French drain system, which has caused massive flooding and giant potholes — with neighbors threatening to turn it into a koi pond,” Anthony joked before shifting to a more serious tone.
“It is a very unique situation and a problem that has to be addressed immediately.”
She emphasized that these road repairs were not being prioritized because commissioners lived there.
“It’s a major, major problem,” Anthony said of the repairs needed.
The board then unanimously agreed to award the contract to Highland Paving Company.
Budget amendment
Next, the board voted to approve a budget amendment appropriating the funds for the resurfacing and stormwater contract.
Overton informed the board that the town had originally budgeted $238,000 in power bill funds.
“This project costs about $590,000. So we are increasing it by $294,000. We currently have $1.5 million in power bill funds, so we have plenty,” Overton said.
After a recommendation from town staff, the board voted unanimously to approve the budget amendment.
Other business: special events approval
The board unanimously approved a special events application for the Driven to Lead 5K/10K Fundraiser Run.
Mayor Anthony noted that the road was not owned by the North Carolina Department of Transportation, meaning the organizers did not need a road closure permit.
“We can close it ourselves,” she stated.
The race, scheduled at Edward Mendoza Park on May 31, 2025, will take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, though donations will be accepted.
According to Stephen Brock, owner of Driven Sports Academy and presenter of the race to the board, proceeds from the fundraiser will help improve the athletic fields at Edward Mendoza Park to create a more suitable space for young athletes.
“I can’t wait for this event; I might even try to run a little bit,” Anthony said.
The board is expected to meet again on March 24 at 6 p.m. in the Grady Howard Conference Room in the Town Hall Municipal Building.
