At the September 3 meeting, the Fountain Council heard an update and proposal for the 2009 wastewater treatment plant from Rick Whitney, who’s been assisting Public Works Director John Hanson with some issues.
Whitney explained in detail to the council that areas of corrosion have led to other components not functioning as they should. In particular, on the side of the suspended solids tank, two rails have seen so much corrosion the pump shoe sitting on the rail can no longer get past the rust. In addition, Whitney indicated it’s been some time since the motors were pulled and maintained. He recommended the tank and rails be cleaned and a high-performance, anti-corrosive tnemec coating be used. In addition, he recommended either himself or another company manufacture a portable crane that can span the walkways and be used to pull the pumps for service.
“We can come in and do a maintenance contract with you for a little while to get your caught up,” said Whitney. “If we can get it cleaned up and get coatings on it, we should be able to get another 16 years out of it, especially if we pull those pumps annually.”
Councilor Jordan Kearns questioned the cost of a maintenance contract and expressed concerns not utilizing Whitney. “The problem I have with continuing on the way we have been is expensive for you. I suggest 40 hours a month,” said Kearns. “Just to make sure at the end of the day that Fountain has a system that works.”
“After that, then what’s the plan? Is it bringing someone in or training John?” asked Councilor Tammy Danielson. “If we don’t put the effort in to keep it running now, we won’t get another 16 years out of it.”
“For him [John Hanson] it’s overwhelming,” said Whitney. “This is years of stuff not being done.”
The council suggested outlining everything, identifying all that needs to be done, to determine what can be done in-house and what needs an operator to come in and do.
“Short term, I want to get you back to a good place,” added Whitney.
I like the idea of the offer to get us to where we need to be and training John,” said Danielson.
“Having you come in once a year to pull the pumps makes sense. Scheduling you might be the better option,” added Kearns. “We appreciate everything you’ve done so far.”
Whitney will get in touch with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency regarding any proposed plans and put forth a proposal for the city at the next meeting.
The council also reviewed the proposed budget and property tax levy. City Clerk Mary Tjepkes noted the policing contract with the Preston Police Department is increasing 4.5% and a tentative 5% increase was included for city employee wages. Other proposed costs included that of increasing the security cameras at city facilities. Tjepkes also noted concern over speculation of increases from MiEnergy.
“The only thing I haven’t gotten is that MiEnergy is going up 46% for everybody. For residents alone, it’s going to be over $200 a month,” she stated.
The council set the preliminary property tax levy at $267,000. They can reduce this amount prior to setting the final levy in December, but it cannot increase.
In other news, a public ribbon cutting for the new Fountain mural on the west side of Highway 52 is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, October 1. The area is being gifted some used bicycles that will be painted and attached to the fence to draw further attention to the mural. Solar lights will also be placed to accentuate the area. Donations to cover the cost of the lights are being sought.