Huron approves replacement of two Ravine Lake aeration pumps after equipment failures

The Huron City Commission voted unanimously to purchase two replacement aeration pumps for Ravine Lake, approving a $2,663.46 purchase to be paid from second‑penny reserves.

City staff said the move responds to longstanding wear on the lake’s aeration system and recent water‑quality problems. "One of the pumps is completely not operational at all. The other pump ... is only running one of the three aerators," said Chad Schroeder, a city staff member who presented the item. He said the replacement is required under a joint powers agreement with Game, Fish and Parks.

The new pumps will be a different model (from AQ9 to AQ7), Schroeder said, because the AQ7’s vanes can be replaced about every two years at roughly half the cost of the current part. He said the existing pumps were installed around 2008 or 2009 and are "well past the usable life"; attempts at repair failed in part because replacement fins are ceramic and fragile.

Commissioner Smith asked how old the pumps were; Schroeder said "10 plus years" and that the city had considered budgeting replacements next year but was asked by Game, Fish and Parks to proceed sooner. Schroeder also noted a recent "mild fish kill" at the lake; he said Game, Fish and Parks sent biologists the next morning to take readings.

The commission approved the purchase by roll call vote (5–0). Schroeder said staff will continue routine maintenance and expects to plan replacements on a shorter cycle going forward if needed.

The action follows a capital asset committee recommendation and was presented to the commission as item 8.1. No additional funding sources were announced beyond the stated second‑penny reserves.

A staff representative said the city and Game, Fish and Parks have worked together on monitoring and repairs. The commission moved on to additional business after the vote.