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Sewer pond, water test and generator concerns discussed at Ellendale council meeting
Summary
Maintenance Supervisor Josh Otto reported the sewer pond structure is installed and ready for a force-main trial, a ditch sample showed minimal chlorine suggesting a leak, and Council Member Scott Swanson urged a committee to review water-tower warning systems and backup power after a UPS malfunction.
Maintenance & Utility Supervisor Josh Otto told the council the sewer pond structure and concrete/grout work are complete and staff planned to connect the force main for a trial run. Pipe and a concrete platform were installed in the pond and a trial connection was expected to follow soon.
Otto said a water sample taken from the ditch near 406 6th St. North contained minimal chlorine; UC Labs recommended collecting multiple samples to better assess chlorine levels and to locate a possible water line leak. Otto noted there is a line in the area but its exact location is not known; the minutes say further sampling is recommended.
On snow removal, Otto reported using the county loader for downtown streets rather than hiring outside haulers and will contact Paul Kintz to confirm payment terms. Council Member Scott Swanson raised a separate concern about the city’s water-tower warning system after a recent UPS malfunction that did not send an alert; Swanson suggested forming a committee to review the tower’s UPS and explore generator backup options. Clerk/Treasurer Steve Engel suggested contacting Kristen Sailer about possible grant funding (FEMA or other programs) to assist with equipment upgrades.
Why it matters: the sewer-pond work affects wastewater handling, the water-sample results point to a potential leak that could affect distribution or drainage, and the water-tower alarm failure raises concerns about monitoring and backup power for critical infrastructure.
Next steps: staff will attempt the force-main connection and pursue additional sampling at the ditch. The council did not record formal motions on generator funding but tasked staff and council members to explore options and potential grant sources.
