City outlines utility and public works projects including Eagle Park completion, hydrant flushing and new generation plans

City department reports Tuesday covered several ongoing utility and public works projects: Eagle Park and the Blue River Trail are near completion, hydrant-flushing to reduce temporary water discoloration is scheduled for the weeks after schools resume, and utility staff described plans to build a 250-megawatt combustion turbine to maintain local generation capacity. Parks and public works: Staff said Eagle Park is about 95% complete; one concrete ramp and work at a railroad crossing remain. Public Wi-Fi and most park cameras are installed; one additional camera will be positioned over a swing area. The park sign is operating, and information systems staff are completing setup so park staff can operate the sign. Water system and hydrant flushing: Staff said hydrant flushing across the city will start after schools resume to address periodic discoloration; they emphasized that the water is safe and that flushing should clear sediment caused by pressure shifts. The flushing schedule may run several weeks and is intended to reduce customer calls about discoloration. Sewer and treatment: Staff reported that repairs to sludge equipment were completed in-house, saving the city thousands of dollars, and that staff converted one irrigation/storage tank into an aerobic digester to provide temporary sludge storage while another tank is taken out of service. Officials said they are meeting with a contractor to discuss ammonia issues in the treatment process. Electric and transmission projects: Utility staff said they continue full replacement of select distribution lines, noting a high failure rate on a key east-west alley substation line between Van Buren and Jackson Streets and plans to rebuild that line. They completed engineering for a radio-road transmission-line section and plan an RFP for materials to secure better lead times. Staff reported a recent high bond rating and said the city bonded to purchase equipment for a planned 250-megawatt combustion turbine in Anderson to replace retiring coal generation and reduce reliance on market purchases. Equipment and fleet: One ordered bucket truck was delayed and is expected before year-end; staff are seeking quotes for a 77-foot bucket truck intended for tree trimming and line work. The county is adding DEF pumps at a shared fueling station to streamline diesel fuel handling for city vehicles. Direction: Staff will issue an RFP for materials on the transmission project, proceed with hydrant flushing on the schedule described, continue sludge and ammonia follow-up with contractors, and keep council informed about progress on the combustion turbine procurement and equipment deliveries.