The city will begin soliciting requests for qualified engineers to handle planning and design of a proposed solid waste transfer station.

“We now need professional help on design and site selection,” City Manager Paul Sabiston told council at its meeting tonight.

The city manager said he hopes to have something to present to council on the matter in the next five weeks.

An engineering study will be the best way to determine the proper site for a proposed transfer station, Public Works Director Richard Parnell has said.

Some of the sites the city has looked at in the past include the old landfill site at Deep Creek Road, a site across from public works which housed the old dog pound and a piece of land next to Halifax Linen which has since been sold.

Communication with the county is planned.

Each of the sites have plusses and minuses, including the one the city is currently looking at, land at the public works building on Hinson Street, which residents in the Lincoln Heights and South Rosemary communities have objected to.

The latest revenue projections for the approximately $695,000 project show with a transfer station the city could see operating revenues over expenses of $282,814. Without a station that figure would be $180,742.

In other matters tonight:

• Council was told by Sabiston Lafayette Gatling made a $35,000 payment on his debt for the Roanoke Rapids Theatre. Gatling remains behind in his payments for March, April and May.

• Council was told by resident Robert Nowell, of 1426 Washington Street, something needed to be done about the old Pine State Dairy property. Last year, when he replaced a furnace, he discovered holes in the duct work caused by rats most likely coming from the property.