Slayton City Council approves open-trench water extension and second hydrant for new North Oak lot

At a city council meeting, the Slayton City Council approved an open-trench water extension and installation of a second hydrant to serve a newly purchased lot on North Oak.

The council discussed two options: a smaller, lower-cost open-trench option (roughly $7,000 for the immediate connection) and installing a larger main to serve potential future development. A public works representative told the council that boring would be quicker and cause less surface disruption but would cost more, while trenching would require road restoration that some residents on North Oak would consider disruptive.

Council members weighed a hybrid approach and hydrant placement. The motion approved, moved from the dais by a council member and seconded, directed crews to open-trench both lots, board the road, and install a south hydrant; staff said they would return with final price details and that hydrant placement could include a second hydrant if the run was extended.

"I guess I'd make the motion that we open trench both lots and just board the road and get the hydrant down at the south," said the public works representative who initiated the motion. Council later confirmed that the majority supported the approach and the presiding officer declared the motion carried on a voice vote.

Officials cited practical trade-offs: trenching reduces immediate cost compared with boring, but boring limits surface disruption and may be preferable when residents and road restoration costs weigh heavily. The council discussed placing one hydrant on the newly served lot and a second hydrant at the southeast corner if the line were extended.

The action directs staff to proceed with the open-trench option while returning final cost estimates to the council; council members asked for cost transparency and minimal road disturbance where possible.