Burns Harbor officials authorize study of aging lift-station control panels and discuss sanitation staffing

Burns Harbor officials heard a technical sanitary report about a lift-station outage and voted to authorize staff to begin developing specifications and soliciting bids to upgrade aging lift-station control panels. They also discussed whether to create or reconfigure a sanitation/public-works superintendent position to support day-to-day operations.

The sanitary report, given by Brett (staff member), said a lift station—identified in the meeting as “Number 3”—was operating on a generator after losing primary power. Brett said the town received the outage call at about 03:45 and staff responded. "The control panels as they stand right now, they've been in, installed actually over 25 or 26 years ago. They are definitely due to upgrade," Brett said, saying parts are increasingly difficult to obtain and remote monitoring on cellular service is unreliable.

Town members said improving remote control and monitoring was the priority. Brett described two likely phases: first replacing control panels and associated communications (including evaluating fiber optic options instead of cellular), and second addressing pumps and other equipment that may require replacement once the full system review is complete. He said the town will interview suppliers and pump manufacturers, create a bid package and advertise the project; bidding typically takes about 40–45 days.

Board members moved and seconded a motion authorizing the town’s contracted operator (referred to in the meeting as “Global”) to start the process of developing specifications and preparing the bid package for control-panel updates and related equipment. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Officials emphasized coordination with the wastewater treatment plant so plant operators can monitor the collection system after upgrades. Brett noted that without reliable monitoring, staff must estimate overflow volumes and durations after outages; better data would improve reporting and reduce liability concerns.

Separately, members discussed staffing for streets and sanitation. The group considered whether to create a full-time public-works position combining streets and sanitation duties or to hire a part-time employee to free up current staff time for administrative tasks. One member compared Burns Harbor’s possible structure to Porter’s public-works model and said the board should study job descriptions and staffing levels over the summer before hiring. The board discussed the salary ordinance in passing but did not adopt any hiring action at the meeting.

Other routine business included approval of minutes from the April 16, 2025 meeting and action on claims; those items were moved, seconded and approved by voice vote during the session. The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn was approved.

ACTIONS AT A GLANCE - Motion to approve minutes from April 16, 2025: moved by Board member 3; seconded; approved by voice vote. - Motion to approve claims: moved; seconded; roll call taken; outcome: approved (voice/roll-call indicated in meeting). - Motion to authorize Global to begin specifications and bidding for control-panel upgrades and related equipment: moved by Board member 1; seconded; approved by voice vote. - Motion to adjourn: moved and approved by voice vote.

Ending: Board members said staff will return with a bid package and specifications in coming weeks and continue evaluating staffing options over the summer.