Bill Dreitzler, North Carolina projects director for ms consultants, told council tonight the three sites are:

Highway 158 off Deep Creek Road, the old landfill site, which contains 10 acres of land the city owns. Early evaluation lists this as the top site although there are wetlands issues and the soil must be examined.

Highway 158 at the old airport opposite the former Harley-Davidson dealership. This site is 50 acres and the biggest issue is sewer.

The industrial area behind Kennametal, a 30 acres parcel, which has access issues and would possibly need road improvements.

These three locations, Dreitzler said, were narrowed down from seven finalists. “The three rose to the top.”

Before another public hearing is held on the matter, Dreitzler told council he would do a layout of the three sites which would analyze access issues and give a more detailed evaluation of them. He said he could have the work done in about two or three weeks.

While cost estimates for the transfer station are between $700,000 to $750,000, Dreitzler, answering a question by Councilman Ernest Bobbitt, said costs could be higher depending on certain factors, including whether fill is needed. Those sites not owned by the city would have to be bought.

While there is opposition to the proposal, the city sees the facility as a potential revenue source.

According to a memo from City Manager Paul Sabiston to city council, the initial projections for revenues and expenses are based on a total volume 28,000 tons of solid waste per year.

The city’s own residential solid waste and debris accounts for approximately 7,200 tons per year, the remainder an estimate of the commercial waste in the city, the memo says.

The city estimates an increase in revenues over expenses with a transfer station of $102,071 to $282,814. “This gain in annual net income is greater than the original memorandum provided to you as a result of the interest rate for a loan has dropped from 4 percent to the new market rate of 3.05 percent and the term of the loan for the repayment of the facility was extended from 10 years to 20 years in accord with traditional loan terms for such facilities,” the memo states.

In other matters tonight council:

Approved a resolution honoring the late Tom Myrick Sr. Mayor Emery Doughtie read the resolution to Myrick’s family, including his wife, Libby, and his two sons, Thomas and Randy.

Heard a presentation from Main Street Director Charles Williams, who said on February 22 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. a meet and greet will be held at the Arts Council building on Roanoke Avenue for a state resource team.

On February 24 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. there will be a meeting at Kirkwood Adams where the vision for Roanoke Avenue will be presented.

Accepted the bid of B&M Roofing of $25,721 for the library roofing project. They accepted the bid of Baird Roofing-Wray Sheet Metal of $22,600 for the public works roofing project.

Received an update from Elizabeth Branham on the Roanoke Rapids Theatre. Her report noted there will be an R&B performer scheduled at the theater March 2 and an Elvis impersonator scheduled for March 19, which she anticipates to be a sellout.

A gospel performance is slated for April 20 and on April 24 a church will rent the theater for an Easter service.

On May 7 a dance recital is expected to be sellout while a country artist is anticipated for May 14 and a Hank Williams Jr. tribute is being planned for May 21.

Events are being planned for December including a New Year’s Eve party.

Several businesses have used the theater as did KIPP Pride School.