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Chula council hears sewer and railroad drainage concerns; schedules hydrant and valve checks
Summary
Council members reported DNR-identified sewer-pit seal issues, railroad inspection and potential replacement of a corroded pipe with a 42-inch tube, and plans to drain and clean hydrants; staff coverage for mid-May absence was also arranged.
City staff reported infrastructure concerns and near-term maintenance steps during the April 9 meeting of the Chula Board of Aldermen.
Adam Cooksey, a staff member who presented on utilities, said a Department of Natural Resources inspection identified a missing seal on a sewer pit lid; he said DNR will replace the seal. Cooksey also reported that a permit-related discharge occurred last month but would not occur this month, and that hydrants need to be drained and rust cleaned.
Dan Murphy told the council the railroad responded quickly to a recent call about an aging pipe under the tracks. He said the railroad may replace the corroded section with a new 42-inch tube or bore a new tube and line the connection with gabion (gabien) stone since the older tube has become curved and may separate under stress.
Council members arranged for operational continuity while Cooksey is out of the office May 17–23; Mercedes will be on call during that period. The council also directed staff to use Diamond Maps to locate hydrants and water meters and to obtain dig-rite tickets before installing signs or posts.
No funding decisions were made at the meeting; aldermen discussed options and directed staff to obtain bids and contractor estimates for needed work. Members noted safety concerns about corroded pipe sections but did not adopt an emergency spending authorization at the meeting.
