The May 5 Fountain Council meeting was largely presentations from persons in attendance. Craig Britton, City Engineer from Widseth Smith Nolting & Associates, was in attendance to discuss the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) and ongoing investigation into a bypassed component. Seven months ago, it was discovered that a sand filtration component had been bypassed, however no one could pin down why it was done or when. MMS Environmental, the firm who assists with management of the plant, was also at a loss for explanation of the problem. While the plant is in compliance, Britton noted previously that a designed portion of the system should be operating and would provide more consistency.
Britton contacted Vessco, Inc. to further look into the problem. Vessco was to review the system and controls, determine the depths and condition of the unit, and provide a report. “It does provide another level of filtration,” noted Britton. He further described the unit’s aeration lines and nozzles adding that one side is working fine while the other is not functioning. “The concern was if we have to pull all that sand out. It could be very costly to remove all that filtration and sand. We’re getting there, but we have to do a little more investigation in order to get it functioning properly.”
Rick Whitney, of environmental Water Services, was also in attendance and added his comments as he used to manage the city’s WWTP for PeopleService. He noted the number of valves in the area of concern and that the system was taken offline because it was nutrient bound and was picking up nitrogen. He stated the numbers were so low that the council elected not to do anything else at the time.
Britton will continue to work with MMS Environmental and Public Works Director John Hanson to determine which component is faulty and report back to the council.
In related news, MMS Environmental, in its first year of a three-year contract with the city, has sent a new contract proposal. Currently, the company is checking the WWTP plant three times a week and including the cost of sampling in its contract. They are proposing amending visits to just two a week and having the city pay the sampling costs. By doing this, the contract fee would be reduced $1,300 per month. However, it was noted by Whitney that the sampling costs are estimated to be $800-1,000 a month, which would reduce savings to just $300-$500 per month. Hanson would need to spend an additional day at the plant each week, which he noted he was fine with if that’s what the council decides.
“As of right now, we’re still under contract for the next two years at the same rate,” said Mayor Jim Schott. “If you want to get someone else, you’ll have to do the legal thing. There’s a price to get out. Otherwise, we can wait a few years and open it up to everyone.” The council tabled discussion of Whitney’s recent proposal to manage the plant and opted to remain with MMS Environmental’s current contract agreement.
The city also received its annual audit report from Smith Schafer & Associates. Property tax levy and Local Government Aid have remained rather flat the last seven years, however, it was noted the gap between them is widening. Expenditures have also remained relatively flat and consistent. General fund expenditures were over budget by $36,296, but approximately $31,000 was related to COVID-19 and Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Safety Act costs. “Considering all that was going on during the year, I think you did pretty good staying on budget,” said the auditor.
The city has only one bond outstanding, a Minnesota Public Facilities Authority Revolving Loan issued in 2009. The balance is $467,641. The Sewer Fund is operating at a breakeven on cash basis, generating enough to service debt, but not to provide for capital improvements. The Water Fund is generating enough for both debt and improvements.
Other notable persons present included Jody Wiza, of Beaver Bottoms Saloon. Wiza was there to update the council on proposed concerts at her venue for this year. The concerts are set to kick off May 29. “I just want to make sure there won’t be issues if there’s three concerts a month if we’re done by midnight. I don’t want to upset anyone,” she said. “With last year being like it was, I’m trying to get as many as I can. I will stay within Walz’s guidelines.”
City Clerk Mary Tjepkes noted the city still has Wiza’s preparedness plan on file. “Hopefully, tomorrow we may not need it (in reference to Walz’s May 6 announcement). We’re hoping we’ll open up a bit.” The council did not note any issues with the proposed concerts.
Kyle Moorhead, of Hometown Fiber, was also in attendance with a proposal to the council. He noted fiber optic options are not providing the service people need and that technical and financial issues typically limit their ability to assist areas such as Fountain long term.
The proposal would see the city hire Hometown Fiber as a consultant to help navigate a fiber optic system, discuss priorities and goals, conduct a field study, and update broadband maps reporting correct information back to the state. “If it’s a good fit, we’ll build the network for you with no consulting fee. If it’s not a good fit, you just pay the consulting fee. The cost breaks down to just under $475 per month for 48 months.
Schott noted the city has had problems with its current service. “Our internet is terrible, just terrible,” added Tjepkes. The council will review the information and make a decision at the next meeting.
The next regularly scheduled meeting is Wednesday, June 2, at 7 p.m., at the community center. It is open to the public.
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