Progress on Well No. 8 delayed

LIND – The water project funded by a Community Development Block Grant has been temporarily suspended, due to a delay in electrical parts for Well No. 8, Patrick Sheehy of Century West Engineering reported to council at their Nov. 24 meeting.

“Due to COVID, electronic supplies are very tough to get, so the parts they need won’t be coming in until sometime in January,” Sheehy said, thanking everyone for their patience and perseverance in the project. “I know it was a big hassle, and a lot of folks were out of water for awhile.”

Sheehy said the Vulcan Water Mainline Project was scheduled to begin Nov. 30, with C & E Trenching contracted for the project. Sheehy said the contract is for 20 days plus an additional 10 days for finalization. Sheehy said it would hopefully be completed before the end of December.

The Transportation Improvement Board awarded the Town of Lind a 100% grant in the amount of $416,723 to complete 5th Street between E and S Streets. Sheehy said they were getting designs together to get rolling on the project soon. Shoulders that are currently gravel will remain gravel, but funding includes a sidewalk and upgrading curbs to ADA accessibility.

In other business, council

–Approved a pay increase of 19 cents per hour for Clerk-Treasurer Kylie Buell. Public Works crew will be getting raises following completion of pesticide licensing.

– Discussed raising water rates for Well No. 6.

– Allowed the mayor to transfer $70,474 from Current Expense to close out FEMA accounts. FEMA and TIB Street Fund accounts received $40,724 and FEMA Airport Repairs received $29,750, bringing those to a zero balance.

– Passed ordinances setting water and sewer rates for 2021.

– Approved the 2021 budget.

– Approved purchasing a snow plow and attachments.

– Approved filing a claim for emergency repair to the Town Hall roof and pay the insurance deductible.

– Heard the Christmas Parade will be held Dec. 13. Line up is at 4:30 p.m.

– Approved training for staff prior to Dec. 31 from Airside Solutions in the amount of $1,750. Training includes the operations of the lights and maintenance at the airport.