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Huxley staff: water treatment plant near completion; Ballard Creek project fell through as Bayer readies seasonal housing
Summary
City engineering staff said the water treatment plant project is expected to be completed by the end of next month. A separate work-session update noted the Ballard Creek project fell through but Bayer will move production to Huxley and provide seasonal multi-family housing (15–20 units initially); rezoning and sidewalks may be required.
City engineering and planning updates at the Aug. 13 Huxley City Council meeting signaled near-term completion of the city’s water treatment plant project and described a separate housing-development opportunity tied to a Bayer production move.
Forrest Aldrich of consultant Veenstra & Kimm told the council that plans for the Water Treatment Plant are expected to be completed by the end of next month. The city’s July financial reporting also lists a Water Treatment Plant project balance in the July revenue table.
During the work session portion summarized in the minutes, the Ballard Creek development with Jensen Group collapsed. The minutes state that Bayer will be moving production to the Huxley facility and is providing multi-family housing; TJ with Western Homes is coordinating with Bayer and Ballard Creek property owners. The minutes say 15–20 units will be utilized in September, with full utilization expected by January. The meeting record notes the arrangement is seasonal, Bayer would maintain the building, and the project could require rezoning and construction of sidewalks.
Fire Chief Travis Woodbeck also reported staffing challenges, saying the department is losing first responders because of a drop in pay; he noted the Hog Roast during Prairie Fest as a community event.
Why it matters: a near-complete water treatment plant affects water service reliability and regulatory compliance. The Bayer production and housing update, if pursued and approved, could bring seasonal workforce housing to Huxley and trigger rezoning and infrastructure (sidewalk) requirements.
Next steps: engineering and planning staff will continue with WTP completion tasks and follow up on any required rezoning, building and sidewalk permits if the Bayer-related housing plan proceeds.
