Edwardsport staff report pump failures, IDEM notified on sewer repairs; free asset‑management offer discussed

Town staff told the Edwardsport Town Board that several pieces of utility equipment need repair and that regulators have been informed of recent work at the sewer plant.

A staff report noted installation of explosion‑ and vapor‑proof lighting and repair and reinstallation of the screening unit; the town said it notified the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and that IDEM was pleased with the screening repair. Staff also reported the digester sludge is nearly emptied and that a basin pump was seized; crews removed the pump for pressure washing and will attempt to free or rebuild it. The pump’s age and scarcity of parts were discussed and staff said they would search regional suppliers for a compatible replacement or consider rebuilding the unit.

At the water plant, maintenance staff reported earlier replacement of belt pumps with diaphragm pumps; some of the replacement pumps are leaking and staff will contact the supplier (EFI was named) to follow up. The water tower interior and exterior work was praised by staff, who said the project resolved wall‑thickness concerns and showed no leaks.

In finance and planning discussion, Patty said she met with the Rural Community Assistance Partnership in Indiana, which can provide a free asset‑management plan and help establish an asset management program the state will require. Patty said, “it’s free to the town,” but she cautioned that if the town pursues certain grants, a certified rate study prepared by a certified public accountant would still be required.

Board members asked staff to continue troubleshooting the seized pump, to contact vendors for replacement options and to brief the board at the next meeting on progress and any regulatory follow up.

The board did not take a formal vote on equipment replacement at the meeting; staff will return with cost estimates and recommendations.