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Demorest council OKs $73,000 hydraulic study, pump replacement and accepts $100,000 GEFA grant for lead-and-copper work
Summary
At its July 2 meeting the Demorest City Council approved a $73,000 hydraulic water-model study, authorized a $19,920 pump replacement at Sweetgrass subdivision, accepted a $100,000 GEFA grant for the city’s lead-and-copper project, and adopted a hydrant-meter ordinance to curb illegal hydrant hookups.
The Demorest City Council on July 2 approved several measures aimed at shoring up the city’s water system, including a six-month hydraulic modeling project, a pump replacement at Sweetgrass subdivision and acceptance of a $100,000 GEFA grant to address lead-and-copper issues.
City Manager Mark Musselwhite recommended proceeding with a $73,000 hydraulic water model to measure flow and pressure across the distribution system and identify where to boost capacity. Councilman Donnie Bennett moved to proceed and Councilman Jimmy Davis seconded; the motion passed unanimously (4-0).
Musselwhite also presented two quotes to test the Garrison Road well and recommended the lower $10,000 bid from MPE. Councilman Shawn Allen moved to authorize the MPE test; Councilman Andrew Ferguson seconded and the council approved the work 4-0.
For the Sweetgrass subdivision, Mayor Jerry Harkness said one of two pumps had failed and the other was near failure. Repairing the existing unit was quoted at $18,678; purchasing a new pump with warranty and installation would cost $19,920. Councilman Donnie Bennett moved to buy and install the replacement pump for $19,920; Councilman Andrew Ferguson seconded and the council approved the purchase unanimously.
The council also adopted a hydrant-meter ordinance on its second reading. City Attorney Thomas Mitchell said the ordinance will let the city rent hydrant meters so water can be used legally and metered; the county has indicated it would adopt a similar ordinance to aid enforcement. Councilman Andrew Ferguson moved to accept the ordinance; Councilman Jimmy Davis seconded and the vote was 4-0.
Musselwhite described a $100,000 grant from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) to help pay for the city’s lead-and-copper project, which must begin before November 2024. Councilman Shawn Allen moved to accept the GEFA grant and to authorize the city manager to sign the documents; Councilman Jimmy Davis seconded and the motion passed 4-0.
During public comment, Lynn Percy urged the council to explain recent tree removals at Brent Lee Memorial Park’s dog park and asked the city to provide shade and cooler water, saying the water from the dog fountain and dog faucet measured 107.4 degrees. Gail Moore asked whether fireworks would run until 2 a.m. and requested an extended fire-department presence because of drought conditions.
The council’s actions address immediate repair needs and begin a systemwide assessment meant to guide longer-term distribution and capacity work. The council recorded its motions and approvals at the July 2 meeting; specific implementation timelines beyond the six-month hydraulic model were not specified.
