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Paoli hears 28% water loss, approves sewer chemical purchase and Wal‑Mart line; substation upgrade tabled
Summary
Council members on Aug. 6 were told the 2023 Water Loss Audit showed a 28% loss. The council approved purchases for sewer treatment chemicals required by IDEM, participation in a Cargill salt program, and a town‑assisted underground line for Wal‑Mart; a proposed substation and grid upgrade was tabled.
Clerk-Treasurer Beth Jones told the Paoli Town Council on Aug. 6 that the town’s 2023 Water Loss Audit Validation showed a 28% water loss. Jones presented billing adjustments for July 1–3, 2024 totaling <$13,774.89>, which the council approved 5-0.
Utility General Foreman Scott Rutherford presented several utility items. He recommended the town participate in the Cargill 2024–2025 Salt Program at a cost of $10,835.52; council approved the participation 5-0. Rutherford also presented a July 2024 quote from BioChem, Inc. to supply aluminum sulfate for the wastewater plant to remove phosphorus as required by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). He said the new supplier offers about a 6% savings and that aluminum sulfate must be purchased approximately every five to six months; the council approved the purchase 5-0.
Rutherford reported that Wal‑Mart will install its own generator and an underground service line. Wal‑Mart representatives said they will purchase the wire at a cost of $10,500 while town employees will trench the underground line; the town may retain leftover wire for business use. The council approved that arrangement 5-0.
Rutherford provided a progress update on water-tank rehabilitation: the Cook Street tank has been internally coated with epoxy and partially painted on the exterior; water testing remains and crews will move next to work on Virginia Avenue fire hydrants once testing is complete. Paoli Fire Chief Mark Jones requested a pre-work meeting with council and staff ahead of the Virginia Avenue project.
Rutherford also presented an Electric Department substation and grid upgrade proposal; the council voted 5-0 to table that project. Personnel and equipment items discussed included planned repairs to the 2018 town trash truck and a pay increase for Utility General Laborer Jason Fields from $17.00 to $18.00 per hour, effective July 16, 2024, which the council approved 5-0.
The meeting concluded after council approval of claims and payroll dockets; the session adjourned at 7:26 P.M.
