Sept. 18, 2025 — Rich Kempel, deputy director, updated the Public Utility Advisory Board on several capital and facilities items, saying the Rock Creek primary clarifier rehabilitation is making progress, the water‑well rehabilitation program is continuing, and the city’s IMC building renovation remains on track for full completion in mid‑December.

“All four of the primary clarifiers’ mechanical is completed,” Kempel said, adding that crews are performing concrete crack repairs as a preventative measure. He said a structural engineer reviewed earlier concerns about the blower project building and cleared the work to proceed; the effluent flow‑meter structure is in place and the meter has arrived and will be installed. Kempel said he expects the clarifier rehab to be finished in November and that the project is “on schedule and on budget.”

Kempel described the well‑rehabilitation work as routine maintenance—cleaning silt and ensuring the well screen remains porous—and said the utility typically does one or two wells a year. He also said the IMC (Integrated Municipal Center) second floor is to be completed by Sept. 22, with a phased move into the building continuing; the full building is expected to be finished in mid‑December.

During the meeting staff noted a personnel change: “We’re losing one of our rock‑star engineers. Today is her last day, Lisa O’Dell,” a board member said, adding O’Dell has accepted a position in Lee’s Summit as deputy director of water services. Board members were thanked for their cooperation, and staff noted safety considerations will delay customer‑facing moves until construction is complete.

No formal action was taken; board members were invited to participate in facility tours, and staff said tours were scheduled that evening for the Citizens Academy.