by Mari Radtke
Logan Schmidt representing DGR Engineering attended the January 20 Paullina city council meeting and outlined the process and various costs of a water treatment plant for the City of Paullina. He reported that Paullina’s shallow water supply source is a little high for manganese which is currently classified as an emerging contaminant. It is not regulated and poses only an advisory for continuous consumption.
Since that presentation he returned information back to the city about the scope of the project. He noted that DGR has already developed “a basic hydraulic model” of the city’s water system in 2013. A basic hydraulic model maps the city water pipes, sizes, flow volume and pressure at certain points.
Schmidt explained that should that model be used as a starting point he would recommend an hydraulic model update and facility plan. The facility being a water treatment plant. With the design plans being to target manganese in the water he guessed the fee to be in the $12,500 neighborhood. Some of the topics of discussion in January included upgrades to the underground piping network. Schmidt estimated that additional planning cost at $9,500. The maximum estimated $22,000 planning expense already having the uncalibrated hydraulic model versus the maximum estimated cost of $30,000 for the entire planning process. Council took no action.
Steve Hartong was on the agenda to present his plan for signage and request for a variance to the city sign ordinance. Hartong at one time placed a small “sandwich board” sign, visible from both directions on Grand Avenue, on the boulevard under the current city welcome sign. He explained that the current sign, while attractive, does not give a passer-by any reason to come into Paullina. He said that an “Antique Store” sign brings people into town and they stop. From there they often are referred to or use the services of other downtown businesses. He requested Council to approve a variance so that he could again place signage on the boulevard on Main and Grand in an effort to draw travelers into Paullina. Council took no action.
Clearing of the former Mercy Clinic was underway. A dumpster full of “stuff” has so far been removed. An additional two more dumpsters are expected. Mercy will be billed for all costs.
Utility Superintendent Kelly Top won approval from Council to sell the old street snowblower. Since crews now windrow the streets instead of blowing directly into dump trucks, it is not needed. Relocating the “Paullina” sign located west of town on Highway 10 was approved. The solar powered light that currently shines on it is not reliable. The decision to move the sign where the light can be hardwired was made. It will go somewhere on the west end of the West Business Park.