Lift station improvements moving forward

LIND – Council approved a resolution allowing the application of a loan/grant for the Lift Station Improvement Project, following a public hearing in which one member of the public was present.

Steve Nelson of Century West Engineering led the public hearing, explaining the town is in need of funds to replace two lift station pumps, electrical components, collection basket and the cost of installation.

Mayor Bell said one of the requirements for the grant/loan is to reach out to three lenders for financing. She said she heard back from two, and they both declined assisting with funding.

During the regular meeting, Nelson said he is working on an airport grant for $150,000 for crack sealing and painting the tarmac. The town would be responsible for matching a portion of the grant totaling $7,500. Council approved application for the grant.

Nelson said a public hearing will be May 25 at 7 p.m. regarding a Community Development Block Grant to dig the wells deeper. Nelson said this is needed as the aquifer level is dropping.

Nelson said the 5th Street Transportation Improvement Board project survey and design will be completed this spring and summer.

Nelson said he previously applied for a Public Works Trust Fund grant to pave some of the town's gravel streets, but was turned down. Asked if council wanted him to apply again, they were in consensus for him to do so.

Asked about the purpose for the traffic counters placed in the streets, Nelson said they were counting vehicles and trucks in particular, for developing a standard pavement cross section to determine how much asphalt and gravel needs to be put down for future projects.

“Driving around them is not nearly as accurate,” Nelson said. “It's best if people drive right over them.”

Mayor Paula Bell reported Casey Monge, a Wastewater Treatment Plant Level II Operator, met with Cagney Wills earlier in the day to go over a normal wash down routine to do on Fridays. Monge would then be able to perform pressing and gathering samples on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

“So we are slowly but surely getting a schedule down,” Mayor Bell said.

Earlier in the month, council held a special meeting with Monge to discuss having Monge having total control of the wastewater treatment plant operations, or having partial control with the town handling some of the duties. Monge estimated the cost to handle the total operations would be between $3,000 to $4,000 per month.

Mayor Bell presented council with a signed agreement for HLT Construction to use Well No. 9 for the Lind-Hatton Road Project. Council voted to approve it, with Councilman Richard Baldwin opposing it. Councilwoman Rose Elkington stated she wanted it on record the Lind-Hatton Road project is a local project; an Adams County project which the town has an interlocal agreement with.

Council held a two-hour executive session to discuss performance of a public employee. When they went back into regular session, council agreed to continue advertising for two full-time Public Works positions.

In other business, council

– Heard Town Clerk Kylie Buell completed and submitted the Annual Report May 7.

– Approved having Adams County Public Works paint the railroad crossings.

– Heard electrical issues were repaired in the garage at Town Hall by Grace Electrical and JRCC Construction will be completing water damage repairs.

– Approved reimbursing a purchase made by Rose Elkington in the amount of $195 for a water tank.

– Heard a reminder Free Dump Day is Saturday, May 15.