TMU Address Manhole Issues

The Board of Public Works of Trenton Municipal Utilities held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday evening at Trenton City Hall and took action on an emergency item.
On Aug. 12, a large manhole for the sanitary sewer system collapsed near the intersection of 13th Court and Shanklin Avenue, close to the ConAgra plant. According to TMU Director Chad Davis, the collapse allowed storm sewer water and sanitary sewer water to mix together where the two lines cross near the manhole. The collapse temporarily restricted the ability of ConAgra to discharge and the sewer also backed up into the house of Larry and Linda Spencer, who live near the manhole. Both ConAgra officials and the Spencers attended the meeting on Tuesday evening.
According to Davis, ConAgra hired a local contractor at the company’s expense to make temporary repairs to the manhole and TMU staff met with ConAgra officials last week to discuss a permanent solution to the problem. Working with the engineering firm of Burns and McDonnell, TMU was able to identify a company, Wiedenmann, Inc. of Belton, which can make permanent repairs to the manhole.
Davis said TMU does not have the equipment to do the work – it would have to be rented – and does not have the personnel with the proper experience to do the work. The work needs to be completed as soon as possible in order to not interfere with ConAgra’s production schedule. Board Chairman Robert Day agreed and said it is an emergency which needs to be addressed. The board voted to proceed with the work, which has a preliminary quote from the company of $113,748 to install a 6-foot by 18-foot manhole approximately 80 feet from the collapsed manhole. Davis feels there will be some opportunity to reduce the cost. TMU has budgeted $500,000 for wastewater capital improvements for the current budget year.
ConAgra officials have indicated they could work with TMU to reduce their discharge during the time the work will be completed.
The Spencers have made an application under the TMU program to have a backflow device installed in order to eliminate future sewer problems. Spencer also asked about cleanup costs for which they might be reimbursed. Davis said a claim has been filed with the utility’s insurance carrier and if the utility is found liable, insurance will pay for the cleanup costs.
Davis also indicated there are additional issues with stormwater and wastewater lines in the area that will also need to be addressed.
In the only other action taken at the meeting, the board approved the low bid of five received for 40 LED street light fixtures from Kriz-Davis Company of St. Joseph at a total cost of $7,295.32. The LED fixtures cost approximately $120 more than conventional high-pressure sodium lights but last five times longer and use one-third less energy.
Davis and Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Steve Reid said Tuesday, Sept. 9 has been selected as the date for the new water treatment process to begin. TMU will be disinfecting the drinking water with chloramines instead of chlorine. Most customers will notice no difference in the water but may notice an improved taste. Persons using the water for fish aquariums will have to use new treatment processes for removing chlorine from the water and dialysis patients will have to take extra precautions. More information can be obtained from the TMU office.
Comptroller Rosetta Marsh noted the improved financial picture in the electric department following the implementation of new rates that were reflected in the July bills. The department showed a profit of $54,679 for the month, but still shows a loss of $258,270 for the current fiscal year.
The board held an executive session for security reasons following the regular meeting with no announcement being made following the session.
The next meeting of the board is set for Tuesday, Sept. 30.