Update February 29, 2008

There was a water main break on Armstrong Street between 3rd and 4th.Streets, January 31st.  At first it was thought that it could possibly have been a result of the fire department use during the Carnation Plant fire, but Marty Bush assured me that it was the usual aged ductile iron pipe that breaks because of thawing and freezing.

There has been a malfunction with the soft start motor control in well house #3 and it caused the control to burn up.  Berkeley Electric explained that it was an installation problem and he has replaced it and is now back in service.

I met with Gene Stoll of Arc Design Friday February 15th, and we discussed the possibility of extending water and waste water lines North of Oregon on Route 2.   We will do two plans, one for the improvement of water lines along Fair Street and One for the actual water and sewer extensions North on Route 2. 

I met with Illinois Water Works and we have agreed on a price for auto-read meters that will be valid for two years without increases.  It will be an as needed basis with the City intention of replacing all 1650 meters in three years.  We now have 250 meters installed and we hope to install 500 each year.  The City can expect to realize a gain of 20% in fees by replacing old low reading meters. 

We have had three water main breaks that needed repair this month and they happened on the coldest days of the season.  M&M Super Market, South 5th Street and the 200 block of Jefferson Street.   Thanks to Ehmen Industries and Marty Bush for fine service under extremely adverse circumstances.