Water and Wastewater Update
November 15, 2007
Karl Merbach’s last day as EMC Manger for the City of Oregon Water and Wastewater Department was October 26th. EMC has a prospective Manager in mind for Oregon, and he is from Cortland Illinois, 40 miles distant. He has considerable experience in wastewater operations and is fully licensed in both water and wastewater. The problem is relocating to Oregon as required by the EMC Contract. An exception to commute from Cortland Illinois is being considered. Because there is one year left on the existing contract with EMC, it is my recommendation that an exception be allowed at this time. One year of commuting to Oregon from his home and family and his adjustment as Manager at Oregon, will answer any questions before a new contract is agreed upon.
The City of Oregon has replaced a water valve vault that was installed new on frontage road during last years water and sewer line extension at Daysville and Route 64. It was damaged when Propheter Construction paved the intersection for the County.
We had the first water main break of 2007 in front of 506 Hill Street and we have had problems in the past at this location, and it is old 4” pipe that eventually may need replacement.
The rusted and broken steel door was replaced at the water department
lab building and it should last for another forty years.
It is necessary to replace the boiler in the water department lab building, because the existing equipment has rusted out and it has totally failed.
The water at Iron Mike will be shut off for the winter because the shut off valve has been replaced and it is now functioning. We intend to turn it back on in the spring and the drinking fountain will have a spring-loaded lever to turn it on and off. Iron Mike has been costing the City 80,000 gallons of water each month.
We will be replacing a defective fire hydrant at 5th and Phelps Streets and we will also relocate it away from the curb. The water main on 5th street ends at Phelps Street and will require improvement. When IDOT starts the Route 2 North project, we will take the opportunity to install a water main from 6th to 4th along Fair Street, and extend the 5th Street water main for one block from Phelps to fair completing a loop of all waterlines. The Fair Grounds Subdivision also needs to be connected to the main that will be installed along Route 2 North. This will loop all existing water systems providing better quality water.
A meeting was held with Jim Sarver of Sinnissippi Centers about the availability of City service for a proposed office building on Pines Road. I have looked into City participation for improved services on Bennett Road but it is not practical or advisable. The City has service available on Pines Road.
Yesterday I had a meeting with CMT, our engineers for the wastewater upgrade, and everything is moving as fast as the IEPA is willing to move. The required Wastewater Facility Plan will be completed and after my review, will be delivered to the IEPA before the end of November. When the IEPA has everything they require, CMT will begin the process of securing the necessary IEPA Revolving Loan for the wastewater upgrade.
Considerable work has been completed by CMT on the City of Oregon water rate study, and I have some preliminary figures that indicate the study is near completion. With increases in water rates, connection fee’s and annexation, new figures will be entered improving the water and wastewater department bottom line. CMT will attend a Council Meeting and present the final study findings.
