The City Council is in the process of adopting an update to the Comprehensive Plan. Several Councilmembers expressed interest in discussing implementation of the approximately 100 recommendations of the plan.
A comprehensive evaluation of the Water Treatment Plant completed by GHD was the basis for re-developing the capital plan for the plant. The plan included projects that would improve water quality and quantity while also preparing us for potential expansion depending on actual growth and demand. We have been successful in securing $1.75 million from a Congressional earmark for a new TTHM removal system as well as a Pro-Housing Communities grant of $1.5 million toward the replacement of our existing steel water tank (bonding authorization is needed for the water tank project). The plan also called for several other potential near term projects that required bench testing, further study, and a pilot. The pilot started in 2024 and has been completed. GHD will present the findings and recommendation for an estimated $8 million project that includes DAF retrofit into settling basins, changing pre-oxidant, a pH suppression system and replacement of filter media, air scour installation and new pipes and valves. Council will be asked to approve moving forward with preliminary design (30% design). Preliminary design will allow for a more refined budget and scope and is necessary for grant applications. Council will also be asked to authorize bonding for the new 3-million-gallon water tank ($6 million project that is offset by a $1.5 million grant).
Larson Design Group has designed this $5,695,000 project and it is ready for bidding. Bonding was already authorized (Resolution #2024-066) to show commitment to the project for the grant application (required for grants). City Council asked that we return to discuss the project before moving forward if we didn’t get a grant. We were unsuccessful with our WQIP and WIIA grant applications, but believe we are eligible for subsidized EFC financing (50% interest subsidy) and plan to re-apply for these two grant programs. The project will be presented again with a recommendation to move forward.