Mayor's Corner - Discussing infrastructure

The current Church Street Emergency Water Main Replacement (CSEWMR) encompassing construction from Big Horn Drive to 4th Avenue began the week of November 4th. Residents traveling Church Street in this area are encountering one lane traffic. Fourth Avenue has been closed, so alternately using 5th Avenue or streets below 4th Avenue are the options. The weeks of November 11th and 22nd are projected to continue up to Big Horn Drive. During this time of visible digging, they will also be screening the backfill material and plan to tentatively begin pressure testing and will start connecting water services to the new water main. Please watch for the workers and other traffic. There has been discussion of the possible need to post speed limit signs. Please be patient during this much needed repair.

Wastewater Phase 1&2: City has issued a Notice of Award for Sludge work, and samples have been taken for land application 11/4/24. Sludge removal is estimated to start in November/December. The Sludge disposal plan will be completed following sample results.

Wastewater Phase 3&4: Construction plans, specifications, design report and technical documentation were submitted to DEQ the week of 11/4/24 for review. Included in this submission are gravity main lines that include easements instead of a couple of lift stations. The lift stations themselves are costly in addition to ongoing maintenance and power bills. A recent spot check of the cost of electricity at the existing lift stations for the last five months was almost $3500. This averages out to over $8000 per year, not including Public Works manhours. Once DEQ approval is finalized, we will receive agency approval for funding and can go out for bidding. The Construction calendar days are approximately 500 days, which amounts to two construction seasons to complete work with a winter shutdown included.

The Water System replacement design is nearing final plans. There have been field studies for well source analysis. GWE is also looking to submit tank and waterline improvements to DEQ in the near future. The Church Street Emergency project referred to above is a portion of the larger Water System Project. Geotechnical borings will be completed to inform the project design near the Jefferson street water tank the week of 11/18/24

Please call if you have questions or comments. Wishing you all a good holiday season.