LEON — Construction for the Town of Leon’s sewer project is almost ready to begin.

Fred Hypes of Dunn Engineering, Inc., was on hand during Tuesday’s council meeting to discuss the sewer project. According to Hypes, the project is progressing very well, and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) should have a closing date for the project within the next month.

Mayor Bruce Riffle said that he was very pleased with the sewer project’s progression.

“We are moving along very good,” Riffle said, adding that he was eager for construction to start.

According to Riffle, Fields Excavating will be handling the construction aspect of the sewer project. Currently, the town is working to finalize the right-of-ways, which should be taken care of within the next week.

“Once the closing is finished we will be able to award the bid in the next couple of weeks. Within 30 days after that, we will begin seeing (construction) activity,” Riffle said.

The sewer project is being funded through a small cities block grant, the West Virginia IJDC Grant and the West Virginia State Revolving Fund Grant, with the total cost estimated at $3.7 million. When complete the system will serve more than 150 customers in Leon.

Wastewater treatment in Leon is currently being conducted through mechanisms, such as septic systems. Along with providing many residents with a sewer system, the wastewater collection and treatment system is expected to make the area more environmentally friendly. Once construction is finished, the sewer rate will be $33 for 3,000 gallons used. This will not take effect until the entire project is both complete and approved.

In other business:

• Council discussed various ordinances that need to be reviewed, including one regarding abandoned vehicles. According to Riffle, vehicles located on properties in town that don’t have license plates and insurance should be removed.

• Council discussed making one side of W.Va. 62 in Leon a no parking zone. According to Riffle, several people have had issues when backing out of side streets because they cannot see due to cars that are parked on the road.

• Council set Trick-or-Treat from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29.

• Council discussed various ideas to improve, grow and update the town.

The next meeting will be 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9.