The Board of Public Works of Trenton Municipal Utilities held its regular monthly meeting Tuesday evening at city hall.
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The Board of Public Works of Trenton Municipal Utilities held its regular monthly meeting Tuesday evening at city hall.
A lengthy discussion was held by the board and Pam and Larry Monteer about a proposed manhole to be placed in the street in front of property they own in the 1800 block of Main Street. The issue had been discussed at several city council meetings and was referred to the BPW for its consideration.
TMU Wastewater Supervisor Steve Horner said the proposed location is where the sewer line makes a 45 degree bend and the manhole would allow TMU employees to use their video camera and other equipment to check and clean nearly 665 feet of sewer line along Main Street which they are now unable to maintain.
The Monteers pointed out there had been no problems experienced with the line and questioned why the manhole was needed. They said they were concerned about the possibility of odors emitting from the manhole cover which would cause health problems for Mrs. Monteer.
Mrs. Monteer said she would have no problem with the manhole if it was moved farther south on Main Street with a new pipe being laid.
Horner noted the cost of moving the manhole one block south is approximately $20,000 for new pipe and street repairs and it would not be located in a position for maintaining the line in both directions as it would at the proposed location. He also said it is unknown when problems may occur on any sewer line.
Board Chairman Phil Hoffman felt the Monteers would have no problems with the proposed manhole and Horner concurred, saying the manhole would make the sewer lines in the area better by allowing access to the main in both directions.
He said his department has many places in town which need manholes because of bends and t-intersections, but the budget allows for only six per year and they try to place them where they will do the most good.
TMU Comptroller Theresa Price said there is a $25,000 deductible for each occurance on the TMU insurance policy if sewage backs up into residences. She also said the insurance company would not look favorably on paying for claims in an area where a manhole was recommended and then not installed.
Mrs. Monteer gave board members a copy of a letter from her attorney about the situation.
After further discussion and hearing the Monteers? concerns, the board voted unanimously to continue the current plan of installing manholes where needed during the normal course of sewer department operations.
In other business, the board heard updates on both the Tinsman sewer project and the South Payne lift station on Town and Country Lane.
The board approved a preliminary payment of $34,020 to Nowak Construction for design work on the Tinsman project. Work should begin as soon as all the necessary easements are obtained.
Work was to begin today on the replacement of the sewer lift station off of Town and Country Lane and City Administrator Kerry Sampson noted TMU has received excellent cooperation from homeowners in the area of the work.
The board accepted the low bid of $10,860 from Blattner Construction for the pouring of seven concrete pads for the recently-purchased electric generators. There were three bids received.
In other reports, the board was told of the possibility of new location for land application of sludge from the wastewater plant which would be closer to the plant. Sampson said it will be known by the end of the month if the new option will be available. Sludge is currently being taken to the industrial site north of Trenton.
Board members also discussed varying methods of algae control at the wastewater lagoons.
Sampson also said bids for water and sewer projects for 2004 will be sought soon. TMU budgets $150,000 for water line and fire hydrants and approximately $85,000 for sewer line improvements each year.
Ms. Price said the Consumer Confidence Reports on water quality and levels would be mailed to customers with their June bills.
All members were present except for Bill Kennebeck who was out of town.
Also attending the meeting were Mayor Gary Hall and councilmen Troy Smith and Nick McHargue.
An executive session was held following the meeting with the board agreeing to allow Lori Stiles to be covered by the city?s health insurance plan while she is employed on a full-time basis.
She was hired to fill in for Henrietta Peacock, who is on military leave.
The next meeting of the board will be on July 22.