Vienna staff report routine tank wear, recommend cleaning, painting and security upgrades

City staff presented results of recent inspections of Vienna’s water storage tanks and recommended a program of cleaning, painting and limited repairs, along with added perimeter security and camera/alert upgrades.

The tank inspections covered multiple sites, including the Seminary tank (constructed 1963, rehabilitated 2015, capacity 200,000 gallons), a rehabilitated 2015 tank of about 100,000 gallons, a newer south tank (2015, about 75,000 gallons) and a consolidated Jackson Park tank (total capacity cited as about 610,000 gallons). Inspectors reported surface mildew and paint chipping on shaded sides, concrete foundation cracking or swelling at several tanks, overflow screen buildup at the Millstone tank and water accumulation inside valve vaults that could accelerate pipe deterioration. Staff also noted that a sending cable near a ladder was routed with a safety rope and recommended moving it for safety.

“Power washing should be done once every 10 years,” a staff member said, and staff recommended establishing an on‑going cleaning and touch‑up program and specifying paint types from manufacturers. Inspectors also recommended localized concrete splash pads where ground erosion was observed, improved access to pest screens and adding or repairing sealant and coatings on foundations to prolong equipment life.

Security and vandalism prevention was another focus of the discussion. Staff said some tanks currently have locked ladders and isolated fencing, but not all do. The group discussed perimeter fencing, decorative fencing options, motion lighting and camera systems. Staff noted that older camera systems had been used in the past but would need updating and that modern camera systems typically require monitoring subscriptions and ongoing software fees. Several board members emphasized the value of real‑time alerts rather than only after‑the‑fact footage for enforcement.

At the meeting the board directed staff to prepare specifications for power washing and for perimeter fencing and to return with recommendations on camera capability and costs. Staff also said annual and semi‑annual maintenance tasks should be identified and budgeted.

The presentation included photographs showing paint loss at wall/foundation joints, buildup near overflow screens and areas where branches need trimming. Staff said some tasks, such as routine painting touch‑ups and base repairs, might be done in‑house but full tank power washing and specialized coating work would likely require an external contractor and be put out to bid.

Staff also noted the presence of an existing city telemetry backbone that, with updates, could support IP camera coverage if the board chose to pursue that option. No formal vote was taken on expenditures at this meeting; the board asked staff to return with written specifications and cost estimates for approval in a future meeting.