Osborn approves wastewater reporting contract as board learns of urgent lift station failures

Jeff McCartney, the Water Department representative, told the Osborn Board of Aldermen on April 8 that several of the city’s wastewater lift stations need immediate repairs, and the board voted to hire a contractor to handle required reports and sampling.

McCartney described multiple problems that he said affect system operation: a broken discharge pipe and a nonfunctioning pump at the East Georgie Street lift station; an electrical panel in need of repair at the Wells Street lift station; a disconnected pump at the lagoon and rails that must be replaced; and baskets at three lift stations sitting on the bottom that need to be lifted and fitted with new chains. He said Alliance Pump and Mechanical is already carrying out necessary repairs.

The City Clerk presented a professional services contract from H2O Solutions LLC to prepare wastewater reports and conduct sampling required by state or federal wastewater permits. Alderman Brian Stone moved to approve the contract at $1,300 per month; Alderman Dale Stinson seconded, and the motion passed 3-0. According to the presentation, McCartney agreed to perform weekly checks of the lift stations provided the City hires a contractor to handle reports and samples.

The meeting also included a brief presentation by a representative of SMICO describing the company’s wastewater contracting services; the board expressed thanks but did not vote on engaging SMICO during the meeting.

The contract approval directs staff to begin the reporting and sampling arrangement with H2O Solutions LLC; Alliance Pump and Mechanical will continue repairs identified in McCartney’s report. The board did not set an implementation deadline or provide detailed estimates for the repairs during the meeting.