City Council Pushes Urgent Sewer Project Amid Ongoing Issues

During a recent city council meeting, officials addressed ongoing issues with the Viking and Ravine sewer system, which has been a concern since 2014. Despite previous budget allocations, the project faced another setback this year. City staff proposed a resolution to expedite the procurement process, allowing for quicker construction and repairs to prevent sewage from entering the ravine. Councilmember Tam highlighted the urgency of the project, noting residents' complaints about persistent odors and the impact on their quality of life.

In a separate agenda item, the council received an update on the city’s legal proceedings against property owner Sean Howell. The city attorney reported that recent court orders had allowed for inspections of several properties, leading to significant improvements in compliance. However, issues remain at one property, 123 North Fourth, which continues to pose safety risks. The city is working to relocate tenants from this site by mid-October and has requested that the court maintain oversight for a year to ensure compliance.

Councilmembers expressed concerns about the long-term management of these properties, particularly regarding the potential for them to revert to previous conditions. The city attorney assured the council that ongoing inspections and community safety measures would continue, even as some properties transition back to state oversight.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for swift action on both the sewer project and the management of problematic properties, reflecting the council's commitment to addressing community concerns effectively.