Public Property Update

August 30, 2007

The Cities two reservoirs have been cleaned and inspected and on a scale of 1 to 10 our reservoirs are considered 8.  The reservoirs should be inspected every six years and at that time, decide if they require cleaning.  Accumulation after four years was negligible and vacuuming is recommended when sediment reaches a depth of one inch.   Five years ago, when the City had the reservoirs cleaned, the Liberty Hill Reservoir had four inches of sediment and the Daysville Road Reservoir had eight inches of sediment. 

The interior wear and tear on the Liberty Hill Reservoir is considered normal and when an inspection indicates a major maintenance, the interior should be sandblasted to reveal major flaws and then be completely re-coated.  At the time of a major maintenance, the reservoir should be upgraded to OSHA safety standards.  The inspection indicated that the tank below water level is in excellent condition.  All deterioration happens in the air space above the water, where air and chemical vapors cause rust.  I would not expect a major maintenance to be necessary before at least 25 years. 

The City will now attend to a new shut off valve at the Liberty Hill Reservoir and EMC is making the necessary plan for the project. 

The high water levels of the Rock River show a need for a back flow-preventing valve for our discharge line into the river.  This would prevent river water from flowing into our wastewater plant.  EMC used sandbags as a precautionary barrier as the river went to flood stage. 

Installation of our electrical controls for auxiliary power began this morning.  We expect everything to be up and running in the very near future.   EMC employee’s have prepped and painted the chassis of our recently purchased generator and E. D. Etnyre and Company is refinishing the fenders.  I believe this sweat equity on the unit, saved the City $10,000. 

At the next City Council meeting, the mobile generator will be on display in front of City Hall and Karl Merback will be available to demonstrate and answer questions one half hour before the regular stated meeting. 

The recent news from Springfield about the State budget indicates that the $50,000 proposed by Representative Jerry Mitchell five years ago, is still in the budget.  This money was for the Daysville Road water and sewer line project and if received will be applied to the $125,000 necessary for completion of that project.