Steven Schlichter, WWTP superintendent, reported on operational strategies that have achieved higher effluent quality at the Chatfield City Council’s September 14 meeting. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent.
Schlichter noted the consistent success that has been achieved in the removal of phosphorous in 2020, significantly better than in 2018 and 2019. With the change in WWTP operation strategy they are removing a high percentage of mercury and also doing well removing total nitrogen.
“We have changed and continue to change operational strategies to achieve the highest effluent quality we can,” noted Schlichter. He also reported that with the operational changes in the facility, city electric and water bills have been reduced. With reductions in both the electric and water bills there have been a savings of nearly $2,000 per month for the city.
Schlichter recommended three repairs and/or rebuilds. The repair of the scum pump will cost $2,386 (a new pump cost is $5,500). The rebuild of pump #3 at the Influent Lift Station will cost $5,762 (replacing the pump would cost $12,500). At the Mill Creek Lift Station the installation of a new float controller and a three position switch will cost $912. All three repairs or rebuilds were approved as presented. Costs were well below funding available in the Capital Improvement Plan for these items.
Class C Wastewater
Operator of the Year Award
Brian Burkholder congratulated and recognized Mitch Irish. Irish was awarded Class C Wastewater Operator of the Year.
State Rep. Nels Pierson
Pierson, who represents the Olmsted portion of Chatfield, said, “I’m your voice, I’m your neighbor.” He told councilors to feel free to give him a call, saying, “I want to hear how the state statutes are impacting you.”
Because the governor has executive powers in place, they are required to be called back every 30 days. He said, “We are in a quiet period; we can’t do anything to shift the state’s budget. Discussions are in place for another special session to negotiate a bonding bill. I’m hopeful the bonding bill will pass.”
Councilor Mike Urban said Local Government Aid is going to be critical. Pierson stated we are currently in deficit, a 2.7 billion shortfall. Reserves are being spent down. “I’m anticipating large deficits moving forward.”
City Clerk Joel Young thanked him for supporting the bonding bill.
Other business in brief
• Every year the Minnesota Department of Health has water samples collected to monitor lead/copper in tap water as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act. The results for the city were very good. The city’s water system does not exceed the action level for either compound.
• Ken Gallion, a retired Rochester police officer, was hired as a part-time officer.
• The second consideration and publication of Ordinance 447 on Post Frame Construction were both approved.
• The first consideration of Ordinance 448 on Pay Adjustment for Mayor and City Council was approved. Effective January 1, 2021, the mayor will be paid $5,250 per year plus $39 for each “special” city council meeting. Each councilor will be paid $3,375 per year plus $28.50 for each “special” city council meeting. This ordinance would repeal the prior ordinance.
• Approval was given to authorize the solicitation of bids for construction of water and sediment control basins.
• A Petition and Waiver agreement with a property owner who had to install a new water service line was approved. The owner petitioned the city for the improvement project cost to be assessed against the property over seven years at 5% interest.
A resolution setting costs to be assessed was approved. The installation of the water service line cost roughly $10,000, which is significantly more than normal due to the length of the line (about 20 times normal) and the soil conditions. Additional costs are not the fault of the property owner. The resolution allows the costs to be assessed to the property, less $3,000, leaving an assessment of $6,975.
• A resolution was approved to authorize the collection of delinquent utility accounts with property taxes.
• The proposed preliminary numbers for the 2021 levy show an increase of 3.6%.
• Young reported that all of the following presented a plan for the Stay Safe rules in Minnesota: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Walk at Lions Club Pavilion in Groen Park, September 19, 8 a.m. to 12 noon; the use of the band shell in City Park by Chatfield Center for the Arts on September 27, at 3 p.m., to host the Artaria String Quartet Concert; and the use of the band shell in City Park by Just For Kix on October 23, at 5 p.m. for fall dance performance. Approval was given for the three events.
• A resolution was approved regarding Traffic Enforcement Cooperation, Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, October 1 through September 30, 2021.
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