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Attica Board hears update on widespread excavations, unsafe gas fittings and heavy 811 locate volume
Summary
At an Attica Board of Works and Safety meeting, Mr. Swank reported ongoing excavation and sidewalk replacement tied to utility work, the discovery of illegal fiberglass gas fittings in an alley, coordination with Miller Pipeline on repaving, and a high volume of 811 locates (726 in May) with a locate bill of about $690.65. Routine minutes, payroll and claims were approved by voice vote.
The Attica Board of Works and Safety heard a detailed operations update from Mr. Swank, the city’s department head, who said crews are managing extensive excavation and water‑line repairs and coordinating paving work with utility contractors.
Mr. Swank said contractors, including Miller Pipeline and other crews, are working across town and that Miller will remain on the south side through “after the first of the year.” He described ongoing sidewalk replacements where excavations occurred and urged patience from residents while the work continues.
Mr. Swank also told the board staff uncovered fiberglass fittings on a gas line in an alley from a hair salon to the post office. "What they found were actually fiberglass fittings that were used on this gas and they said that those are extremely illegal," he said, adding that fittings on the city maps were supposed to have been removed.
The board discussed coordination between repaving plans and gas‑line work to avoid paving roads that will soon be dug up. Mr. Swank said staff are trying to align repaving — including streets south of Jackson Street this year — with the gas company’s schedule so the city does not repave and then pay to reopen recently paved streets.
Board members and staff also discussed the volume and cost of locate requests processed through 811, the nation’s call‑before‑you‑dig service. Eric, a city staff member, confirmed the board’s locate workload: "I think it was 726," referring to May’s locates. The board noted the city’s 811 bill for the month was $690.65 and staff explained that flags and paint marks used to mark utilities can wash away or be removed, sometimes requiring locates to be re‑requested.
Mr. Swank reminded residents the city accepts biodegradable yard waste behind the recycling building but cautioned against using the pile for regular trash.
Procedural items were handled by voice vote. The board approved the previous meeting minutes, a batch of utility credit requests, the payroll ledger and claims after motions and seconds; each motion was carried by the members present. The board set its next meeting for Tuesday, June 16, at 5:00 p.m., and adjourned the session.
The meeting did not include an attorney and the board received no citizen petitions during the public‑comment solicitation. The city did not provide a timetable for removal of the fiberglass fittings or a detailed cost estimate for repair work; those matters remain pending.
