Council approves utility project resolutions; city to use CDBG funds and replace failing clarifier drive

Boone City Council approved a set of utility measures that advance water and wastewater system projects, including contract language changes required by a Community Development Block Grant and the purchase and installation of a replacement clarifier drive unit.

City utilities staff reported that the ground storage tank rehabilitation received a $500,000 CDBG award and that federal grant conditions require an amendment to the Short Elliot Hendrickson (SEH) contract to add grant‑specific language; the council approved resolution 3404 authorizing that contract amendment. Staff said the amendment did not increase the consultant fee but added required CDBG contract language.

Council also approved resolution 3405 to award the installation of a wastewater treatment clarifier drive unit to Story Construction Company and to purchase the equipment. City staff said the total cost is $125,697.30 — $68,896.30 for equipment and $55,801 for installation — and that budget adjustments will reallocate funds originally set for other headworks work to cover the replacement. Staff reported they will withhold $51,667.26 in retainage on a near‑complete water/wastewater roof project until the remaining punch‑list items are finished.

Other items discussed included planning for nitrate removal pilot tests beginning in August to determine future ion‑exchange sizing for water treatment, design work for a high‑service pump replacement, digester replacement design for wastewater, and an ongoing investigation into a fan‑press alternative for sludge processing. Utilities staff said construction bidding for a headworks project will occur later this summer, with bids due July 29 and construction expected in winter/spring 2026.

Council motions to approve the resolutions passed on roll calls during the meeting.