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River Falls staff: bio‑solids dryer testing nearly complete; city starts service‑lateral identification and resumes disconnections after moratorium
Summary
Staff reported that bio‑solids equipment tests are nearing completion, the city is identifying about 600 service laterals for EPA/DNR reporting using a vac truck, and the utility resumed disconnection activity after an April 15 moratorium while working with customers on payment plans. A new water/wastewater superintendent was introduced.
Staff told the River Falls Municipal Utility Advisory Board on April 20 that several operational projects are advancing: bio‑solids dryer testing, a citywide service‑lateral identification program, resumption of disconnection activities after a moratorium, and a recent hire in water/wastewater management.
On the bio‑solids project, staff reported the screw press is operating and that product has completed a 72‑hour test in the hopper; representatives from the dryer vendor (BCR) were on site to run their 72‑hour test the morning of the meeting. "It's happening. We're almost to the finish line," staff said, conveying that the project is nearing completion.
Staff described a multi‑month project to identify service lateral materials, noting a federal/state reporting requirement and local cooperation with the Department of Natural Resources. "We still have about 600 of them to identify," staff said, explaining crews use a vac truck to excavate around the curb stop to determine service material and that the program will take roughly a year and a half. Staff said they will attempt to notify residents in neighborhoods where work occurs.
Regarding billing and collections, staff said the moratorium on disconnections ended April 15 and that the utility conducted a day of potential disconnections while the front‑service team worked with customers to set up payment arrangements and connect them with assistance agencies. Staff said that through outreach they typically reduce the list from several customers to a small number and emphasized efforts to avoid unnecessary disconnections.
Staff announced the hire of Bradley Vic as the new water/wastewater superintendent; Bradley started last Monday and brings about 18 years of prior experience in water and wastewater roles.
The Board also briefly reviewed a new large utility vehicle on site and was reminded about an upcoming WPPI regional power dinner in May. The meeting closed with thanks to Scott Morsette for his service as the city council representative to the advisory board.
The meeting adjourned following a motion and second recorded in the transcript.
