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Wastewater staff tout TV inspection van, flag $4.3M electrical need at plant
Summary
Public works staff told the budget committee they purchased a TV inspection van that will reduce contract costs and improve lateral inspections; they also flagged major electrical upgrades at the wastewater plant and a program to help property owners fix inflow and infiltration problems.
Stayton's public-works presentation on the wastewater fund highlighted recent equipment purchases, a homeowner assistance idea for inflow and infiltration (I/I), and an electrical upgrade at the wastewater treatment plant that staff say is underbudgeted.
What staff announced: Public Works staff said the city bought a secondhand TV-inspection van outfitted with new camera equipment to identify sewer-line defects and illegal connections. "They are ecstatic with what they've been able to purchase," Barry, Public Works staff, said. The vehicle and camera package replaced recurring contracting costs and will enable the city to inspect pipe condition in-house.
Why it matters: Staff said in one recent month the plant stopped using potable treated water for some internal processes and, through system recycling, reduced potable withdrawals from about 170,000 gallons per day to less than 1,000 gallons. That change immediately cut internal cross-fund charges and will reduce operating pressure on potable supplies.
I/I and lateral assistance: Staff described a planned assistance program to help property owners repair laterals and other private inflow points. Barry and other staff explained the new TV camera and smoke-testing techniques will locate problem laterals. If defects are found, the city plans to notify owners and offer an assistance program to encourage repairs that reduce wet-weather peaks at the plant.
Electrical upgrade concern: The committee heard that major electrical work is required at the wastewater plant. "The actual number is probably closer as it stands right now to about $4,300,000," Barry said, responding to committee questions about a $3,000,000 line in staff materials. Staff said some of that electrical work is in the proposed capital list but that the budgeted amount is likely insufficient and that they would phase the work and pursue grants.
Procedure and costs: Committee members asked about payback and rental options for the TV van. Staff said the van replaced a recurring annual contracting line (budgeted in prior years at about $400,000) and that the purchased van plus equipment cost roughly $210,000—$225,000 (vehicle ~ $40—$45k; camera equipment ~$150—$160k). Staff said, once comfortable operating the unit, they expect to generate revenue by renting it to neighboring jurisdictions.
Ending: Committee members requested a follow-up on how the assistance program will be structured and a clearer, phased plan and funding gap analysis for the wastewater plant electrical work before final budget adoption.
