Local news- Press Release
Wilson North Carolina - City Council considers budget hears updates on Fleming Stadium and WF RS Station Four 02 June 2022 ( news )
Wilson , state North Carolina ( By Press Release office)
Jun 02,2022
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The City Council met Thursday morning for its annual budget work session . The work session is a time for Council Members to ask questions about the proposed budget and discuss future year’s budget priorities . Also included in the discussion were updates from structural engineer Bobby Joyner on Fleming Stadium and Wilson Fire/Rescue Services Station Four .
Fleming Stadium
Council Members heard a report on repairs needed at Fleming Stadium . The stadium was built in the 1930s and is owned and maintained by the City of Wilson , with an inspection conducted annually . The city was aware that repairs would be needed to the stadium soon , and the structural report that was issued recently showed that some areas of the stadium would need to be condemned , removing some access during the Tobs season . The city explored alternate locations for this season , but ultimately the Tobs management decided to proceed with the season at Fleming Stadium with the seating reduced .
The Council did not make a decision on the repair timeframe , but did have a brief discussion on options to repair the stadium . Current technology offers options that could greatly reduce the weight on the existing structure . The repairs will cost several million dollars yet the construction timeline is short .
“If repairs were half of the cost of a new stadium , it would be a more significant discussion and decision , ” said City Manager Grant Goings . “But we are looking at more like 10 - 15 percent of the cost of a new stadium , without land acquisition costs . ”
The Council will consider recommendations from staff once the Tobs season concludes .
City Council briefly discussed options for financing the repairs . ARPA funds can be used if necessary .
WF/RS Station Four
In March 2022 , the city announced that WF/RS Station Four would be closed immediately due to structural issues found with the station . Firefighters were relocated to an adjacent property at that time . The building was fully investigated by a structural engineer and geological expert to determine the full extent of the problem and the future of the station . During Thursday’s meeting the structural engineer reviewed the findings of the geotechnical study and structural study , explaining significant issues with the station related to moisture and settlement .
Due to the moisture issues , the building sunk several inches since its construction in the mid - 1960s . Renovation to the structure is not possible , and both the engineer and staff have recommended building a new station on a new site for a similar cost .
This issue is specific to construction issues with the station and does not affect adjoining properties . Plans for the new station will be presented to City Council in the coming months .
Budget Workshop
Council Members discussed several issues including sidewalk construction , street paving , and police department funding before adjourning the meeting . The public hearing on the budget will be Thursday , June 16 . State law requires the City Council to adopt the 2022 - 23 budget before July 1 . The proposed budget can be viewed online here:
https://www . wilsonnc . org/home/showpublisheddocument/4736/637889155543370000
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