Chinook Council studies water distribution, and told treatment plant work nearly done

Before its regular April meeting the council held a second public meeting on a preliminary engineering report (PER) regarding the status of Chinook's water distribution and storage system. Council also heard a status report on the water treatment plant upgrade, voted to continue health benefits at the current level for city employees and learned the contractor on the downtown sidewalk project had agreed to come and review the punch list to complete that project.

The Preliminary Engineering Report on the

water distribution system

LeAnn Books, a water engineer with Morrison Maierle, who has been involved with assessing the water distribution system for several years, noted, "In this presentation I'll be sharing some estimated costs of the various parts of the water distribution system that need to be addressed. From this information the council will be able to prioritize and decide which projects need to move forward to maintain a safe and adequate water system for the town."

The first project involved moving the bulk water loading system from its location adjacent to the water treatment plant. Council had discussed earlier that the current location is a potential security issue and believes state regulators will soon require bulk loading sites be separate from the treatment plant.

Books, using maps of the city, pointed out various problem areas with aging and undersized water mains, necessary valves that need to be replaced and water storage concerns. Jeff Ashely, also with Morrison Maerle, summed up the presentation by saying, "The council has several options for combinations of projects to update the water distribution and storage systems. The council will have to decide what parts of the system need attention first." Michele Turville, with Bear Paw Development, added, "The deadline to submit grants for the next cycle is quickly approaching. If you miss that deadline, it will be two years until the next grant cycle."

April monthly council meeting

Mayor Keith Hanson called the meeting to order. Council members present were: Mitch Haider; Robert Smith; Chris Thurman and Clint Greytak. Council made separate motions to approve the minutes from the March meeting and to approve the payment of monthly claims. Both motions were approved. During the period for public comment, a concerned citizen asked if there was a city ordinance to cover nuisance vehicles parked in yards. Mayor Hanson said a council committee was revising ordinances and the concern would be shared with the committee.

City department heads gave their reports. Jim Teel, with building and streets, reported streets were swept and winter gravel was removed. City owned summer water lines were prepped and the crew helped replace some fire hydrants.

Fire Chief Kraig Hansen said the department had a new fireman but due to a job transfer would only serve through July. Hansen said a new procedure for approving new volunteers was also being adopted. The local department hosted a wildfire training, the first in Chinook in four years.

John Blankenship, at the water treatment plant, congratulated Matt Finley who recently passed the state test to be an "operator-in-training." That was part of Finley's process to become a licensed plant operator. The annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), related to water quality, was published as required by law.

Jon Klobofski, for the police department, said Chief Zarn was attending a training program at the state academy for a week. Police Officer Mike Schmidt has completed his training at the academy and is back on duty. Officer Branden Olson began his academy training. The new patrol car is being prepared for delivery and is expected in the next couple of weeks.

Eric Miller, at the wastewater treatment plant, said winter shutdown is completed and summer operations are now moved outside. The plant is prepared to begin hauling sludge and completed a new handicap ramp for the city hall entrance.

Carol Floren, City Clerk, reported that Cheryl Alm started work as Assistant City Clerk. There were no committee reports from council members.

Old Business

Jeff Ashley, the lead engineer on the water plant upgrade, said work is now 95% completed. He explained the work is 'substantially completed' and means new construction and installed equipment is being used to treat water. A punch list of remaining items to be completed has been given to the contractor and Ashley expects the contracted April 25 completion date will be met.

Ashely then explained the nine construction items in Change Order #8. Most of those additions to the project involved changes that would benefit the operation of the plant. He noted the concstruction contingency fund could pay for a new parts and equipment storage area. Some additional key spare parts were also identified to have on hand and paving was added in some areas to enhance access for tankers making chemical deliveries.

Michelle Turville described the amount of money still available through the contingency fund for the change order and possible storage construction. Council motioned and approved payment for the $62,246.00 change order (Change Order #8). Council then motioned and approved Draw #7 on the Rural Development Grant for $320,217.08. That was for water plant construction, engineering services consulting fees to Bear Paw Development.

Mayor Hanson reported he had been in touch with the contractor regarding the downtown sidewalk project. The city is withholding $40,000 in final payment until some issues are fixed. Hanson said the contractor promised to review the punch list to begin repair of the problem areas.

The final report on the CDBG housing study, involving Chinook, Harlem and Malta, will be presented at a public hearing at 6pm on Wednesday, April 13, at city hall. The mayor said work to improve the entrance and front sidewalk to city hall should begin shortly.

New Business

Gary Anderson, the city's representative to the St. Mary's Working Group, gave a report to the council. Anderson sends reports of the working group's meetings but felt it was important to update the council in person. He gave some history of the group charged with assuring an adequate supply of water for irrigation and municipal water treatment from the Milk River. The lobbyist is working to reduce the percentage of any major repairs that would fall heavily on irrigators and municipalities.

Council reviewed the current health benefit plan for city employees and motioned and approved to continue the same plan currently offered through the Montana Municipal Interlocal Authority (MMIA). A provision to consider changes in the city's policy manual was postponed until a later, special meeting.

Michelle Turville mentioned the looming date to apply for state and federal grants for possible water distribution projects. Council motioned and approved the preliminary engineering report's recommendations to move the bulk water station to a location separate from the water plant and to replace and upgrade the water distribution system as described in the two public meetings. Turville will prepare notices of the city's intent to file for grants for the new work.

Council motioned and approved setting of the sewer adjustment rate, an annual requirement. The rate is adjusted based on total water usage during the months of November through February.

Council heard from Matt Langford regarding the lack of water service to city lots where he plans to build a house. An existing line, that originally served several houses, was capped in September. Langford said even though currently had no access to city water he was being charged for water. He also had bought a 'street opening permit' to install a proper sewer from the street in front of the new house location. He asked the city to reimburse him for water not available since September, for the cost of the street opening permit and to waive the tap fee to connect to the water main in the street. Council agreed these were circumstances beyond the owner's control. Council motioned and approved to reimburse the water charges. Council then motioned and approved to reimburse the street opening fee and to waive the tap fee to the proper water main.

Council motioned and approved to adjourn. A special council meeting is set for 6:30 pm on Wednesday, April 13 at city hall.