Pawnee City moves ahead on water-rate changes and buys safety gear after sewer-plant and leak problems

Pawnee City Council on Sept. 9 approved first readings of two ordinances changing water rates and raising the water-deposit fee, and authorized the purchase of a confined-space gas monitor following repeated sewer-plant equipment failures.

Clerk Tamela Curtis said staff had updated water-rate calculations to phase in costs for radio-read meter replacements. The proposed new base rate would rise to $38.83 on Oct. 1 and to $41.59 the following year under the city’s chosen option; Council approved Ordinance #1065 (amending Section 3-118) on first reading.

Council Member Vickie Zelenka reported the Utility Billing Clerk recommended increasing the water deposit from $100 to $175; Council approved Ordinance #1066 (amending Section 3-102) on first reading.

Foreman Spencer Cumley briefed the council on recent infrastructure problems: a large void under Highway 50 required a sewer-main repair, crews addressed water leaks including a lead service line on an abandoned property, and the vertical-screen motor at the sewer plant has been failing and causing alarms. Cumley said the last major rebuild of the vertical screen cost more than $70,000.

Because corrosion had compromised the lift-station gas monitor’s O2 sensor and motherboard, the council approved spending $1,496 to purchase a new confined-space gas detector and calibration gas so crew members may safely enter the lift station. Council Member Eisenhauer moved the purchase, and the motion passed unanimously.

Council also reviewed proposed repairs and equipment needs for the pool (two tankless electric water heaters and a replacement flume) and discussed prioritizing street repairs once the crew completes current emergency work.