Council votes to purchase acreage for wastewater plant after infiltration concerns

Council members on March 24 voted to move forward with a land purchase intended to address sewer-system infiltration and create space for a planned wastewater treatment plant.

Brett reported an "infiltration issue with sewer" that is causing the town’s wastewater plant to exceed capacity; he said he has contacted Geier Brothers to help locate the source and that repairs will be necessary. He told the council that, "As you said, 5 acres of that is earmarked for the wastewater plant that I've been pushing to get this plant built," and urged the council to secure the land to move the project forward.

During discussion, council members reviewed options for acquiring either five acres for the treatment plant or the entire parcel. Brett moved to purchase all acreage across the road in July for $54,000; Joe Connelly seconded the motion. The mayor called for a voice vote and announced the motion carried.

Council notes said five acres are earmarked for the plant and the town has included the land in the capital improvement planning and budgeting process. The council discussed cost uncertainty and indicated the purchase is being aligned with CIP budgeting to ensure funds will be available by next year.

What this means: purchasing the property clears a major planning step for siting and building a new wastewater facility and is a response to immediate infiltration and capacity problems at the existing plant. Council directed staff to follow the procurement steps and complete the purchase in July as budgeted in the CIP.

What’s next: staff will coordinate closing and any required surveys/permits; the council and staff will continue work with consultants (Geier Brothers and those who completed the PER) to finalize scope and costs for plant construction.