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Firth hears maintenance report: water tower cleaning, hydrant and pump repairs, street patches and vandalism patrols
Summary
Maintenance staff reported a need for a spare 3 kW heater (~$1,000), possible hydrant replacement ($5,000–$6,000), pump wear-plate work, a planned water-tower cleaning for spring, and street repairs on Abraham and Main; the board also discussed park vandalism and shifting sheriff patrol hours.
The Firth Village Board heard an extended maintenance report that covered water and sewer operations, equipment needs, upcoming maintenance and concerns about park vandalism.
Maintenance staff reported generally stable water production for the year, a single well that fluctuated about 3 feet, and difficulty sourcing a specialized 3 kW heater (estimated cost about $1,000). The supervisor asked to purchase a spare heater to avoid long lead times.
A fire hydrant discovered during hydrant flushing is operational but difficult to shut off; staff estimated replacement at roughly $5,000–$6,000 if needed. One pump requires a new wear plate and staff said they will increase the level of routine service so replacement components can be installed when contractors return.
Staff said grease buildup at the lift station has affected floats and needs pumping; the fourth-quarter DMRs for wastewater were submitted and a sanitary-sewer overflow reporting mechanism on CDX had been used for a prior event.
The supervisor recommended scheduling a water-tower inspection/cleaning in April–May to maintain water quality. Street committee members flagged two repairs they regard as higher priority: a failing section on Abraham between Sixth and Seventh and an edge failure on Main and Ever that likely requires cutting a larger section than a simple patch.
Board members also discussed recent vandalism at the park — a smashed basketball backboard and fence damage near the old burn pit — and possible mitigations including adjusted sheriff patrol hours (evening/night coverage), trail or wireless cameras, or donation of resources for cleanup day. Clerk and board members said the sheriff increased patrols after the vandalism but emphasized patrol-time timing should be revisited.
No purchase approvals were taken at the meeting; board members instructed staff to put spare-heater procurement, hydrant/replacement planning, water-tower cleaning timing and street repair specifications on upcoming agendas for budgeting and contracting.
