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Last updated on Thursday, December 13, 2012
(MITCHELL) - During Mitchell’s Board of Public Works and Safety meeting on Tuesday, members heard a presentation from Triad Associates of Indianapolis, an engineering firm that specializes in wastewater collection and treatment, on what it would take to renovate the city’s wastewater treatment plant.
Krystal Shetler of the Times-Mail reports that, according to Mayor Gary Pruett, the city's wastewater plant is facing a number of maintenance issues that will soon begin dipping into the general fund, possibly costing the municipality a large amount of money.
Pruett says the plant is falling apart, but utility workers are managing to keep it running under EPA guidelines.
Jim Frazell of Triad Associates explained the plan is to upgrade equipment, make repairs at the current treatment facility and renovate what is already there.
The estimated cost of the project could be about $1.5 million, which the city would cover by obtaining low-interest funds from the state or grant money. If the cost was covered by loan funding only, then customers in Mitchell could see a minimal increase on their sewer bills to help pay for the bond.
No decision on the project was made Tuesday, as the project is in the beginning stages, but representatives from Triad will return to Mitchell for another board of works meeting, scheduled for 4 p.m. on Jan. 8 to discuss the project further with city officials.
The board also:
* Opened and awarded hot mix, sand, gas and other supply bids for 2013.
* Heard from Deb Lilly of Administrative Resources association, the firm that will oversee the city's recently awarded housing grant. Lilly had Pruett sign the contract, so ARa could move ahead with administering the grant. About 20 people have applied to have work done on their homes, but applications are still being taken. Those interested in applying should call 849-5161.
The next city of Mitchell Board of Public Works and Safety meeting was originally scheduled to fall on Christmas, but was moved to 4 p.m. on Dec. 26 at City Hall. The meeting is open to the public.
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