Utilities report: Chatburn valve replacements, deep-well drilling set, telecom conversion and recent outage

Joe Ruchenberger, speaking for city utilities, updated council on multiple operations items: valve replacements, a deep-well drilling schedule, the transition to internet-based TV for customers, and a recent power outage.

Ruchenberger said crews replaced two valves on Chatburn Avenue that had been broken shut and which officials first discovered while investigating leaks in December. The crew completed night work and backfilled and planned to pour concrete and reopen the roadway soon.

On water-system projects, Ruchenberger reported Kahoy Pumping (subcontractor) had moved equipment to a second deep-well site and would begin drilling on Monday, June 9, as part of raw-water system improvements.

Ruchenberger also described a customer outreach campaign for the conversion from traditional cable TV to an internet-based TV offering; show-and-tell sessions were scheduled in June and July to demonstrate equipment and pricing. "We probably had at least 30 people that were there," he said of an initial session.

Regarding a recent outage, Ruchenberger said a breaker at the old light plant caused a loss of power to south and west parts of town for about 30–45 minutes; crews identified alternate feed paths and restored service. He attributed the outage and the broader benefit of ongoing overhead-to-underground conversion efforts to improved reliability.

Council asked a few clarifying questions about timing and service; no action items beyond continued project work were taken during the utilities report.