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Manila closes downtown RV dump station; sewer lagoon, RV-station construction to continue
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Summary
The council approved immediate closure of the RV dump by the Town Office due to renovations, property damage and unauthorized water use, and received construction progress reports that the new sewer lagoon and RV dump plumbing are underway with USDA SEARCH grant funding confirmed for a sewer-screening structure.
The Manila Town Council voted to close the RV dump station and the adjacent water hydrant next to the Town Office immediately, citing repeated property damage by RVs, unauthorized water use and public-health concerns arising during building renovations.
Mayor Kathi Knight said Public Works would barricade the site and post closed signage, and staff will issue public notification and coordinate with nearby facilities. Councilmember Gretchen Northcott made the motion to close the site; Councilmember Bill Rylander seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Sunrise Engineering and contractor updates: Aaron Averett and contractor representatives reported that construction of a new sewer lagoon cell is progressing and that the final sewer line is about halfway completed. The town is awaiting more information from contractor MJM regarding observed water in an existing fourth lagoon cell before making operational decisions. USDA has confirmed SEARCH grant funding for a new sewer-screening structure; the Town and Sunrise are awaiting final USDA paperwork so design and construction can proceed.
Public Works activities and street repairs: Public Works reported hauling and placing mill asphalt ("black base") on priority streets, with a daily hauling cost that staff estimated at roughly $3,700–$4,000 for the day’s work. Gary Pallesen noted crews have treated intersections and multiple streets and said the free material supply may exceed the town’s current streets budget, so staff may request additional funding authority or consider stockpiling excess material.
Next steps: Public Works will barricade and close the downtown dump station immediately and coordinate alternatives for RV users (including working with the County on a proposed replacement near Airport Road). The Town and Sunrise will complete grant paperwork for the screening structure and resolve contractor questions about the existing lagoon cell before finalizing operations and the new RV station plumbing.