The committee approved the purchase of new testing equipment for nitrogen and phosphorus, estimated at around $10,250 for the first year. This includes a spectrophotometer, a digital reactor, and necessary supplies, aimed at enabling more immediate adjustments to wastewater treatment processes. The equipment’s dual utility could serve not only wastewater testing but also other future needs. The financing options discussed included using the Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund, which offers a 30-year term. Members emphasized the importance of this equipment in providing timely results and proactive management of water quality.

In addition to this, a motion was proposed to streamline the procurement process by combining the testing equipment purchase with upgrades to the wasting pumps, estimated at approximately $101,000. This consolidation aims to simplify transactions with the contractor and avoid multiple change orders. The committee reached a consensus to recommend this combined purchase to the council for approval.

The committee also reviewed progress on the wastewater treatment plant. A pay request numbered 31 was introduced to reduce the retainage from 2% to 1%, totaling around $350,000. Contractors like Automatic Systems and Valor Mechanical were mentioned, with expectations to complete outstanding programming, installation, and equipment replacements in the coming weeks. Specific upcoming tasks include the installation of a new unit heater by September 23rd and the replacement of sludge wasting pumps by October.

Attention shifted to the status of various contracts, including Fitzgerald contracts two and three. Workhorse Paving completed several tasks like shouldering, topsoil placement, and seeding, while Ellingson is scheduled for additional overseeding efforts. A substantial pay request from Fitzgerald, totaling approximately one million dollars, was noted, which includes completed paving work and a proposal to reduce the retainage from 5% to 3%.

The committee also tackled the standardization of hydrant and valve specifications. They highlighted the benefits of adopting a specific brand, Waterous, for hydrants to ensure consistency in parts and repair capabilities. The discussion revealed uncertainties about the current status of valves in the ground, particularly in the event of a water main break.

Unauthorized connections to the city’s water and sewer systems were another issue. Concerns were raised about homeowners connecting without proper permits, leading to complications. The committee discussed developing a structured approach to handle unauthorized connections, including a flowchart outlining the process and penalties. There was a suggestion to issue initial notifications to homeowners with unauthorized connections, providing them a specific timeframe to obtain the required permits. The importance of having clear policies and potential fines for non-compliance was stressed, along with the need for a process to shut off water service if necessary.

Ongoing sewer issues and maintenance were also addressed, with multiple incidents of odor detection leading to investigations through smoke testing. A notable success was the identification of a dried-up floor drain beneath a freezer at the Shell gas station and a faulty toilet at a nearby Methodist Church, which were sources of sewer gas. The committee expressed satisfaction with the effectiveness of smoke testing in identifying these issues.

Discussion about maintenance extended to parks and other community areas needing repairs, including Alice Park, where a washout and other issues required contractor assistance. The committee debated the necessity of repairing deteriorating spots in the lake and downstream of a bridge, with a portion of costs to be covered by the city.

In a lighter moment, the committee considered scheduling an open house event in October to engage with the community and provide information about the water and sewer systems. This event could include activities like trick-or-treating at the wastewater treatment plant.