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Rural Retreat weighs developing Staley Spring, advertises Kinder Valley waterline and seeks licensed wastewater operator
Summary
Town staff reported preliminary engineering showing Staley Spring could supply up to about 432,000 gallons per day; council discussed hiring a licensed operator (licensing concerns and low pass rates were raised), and the town will advertise bids for the Kinder Valley waterline project in coming weeks.
Town staff told the council the town has been evaluating options to address aging water infrastructure and described preliminary engineering for Staley Spring. Staff said a prior preliminary engineering report estimated Staley Spring’s capacity at about 432,000 gallons per day and that the town will meet with The Lane Group to develop options and cost estimates for possible development or plant upgrades.
The council discussed operational details for the wastewater plant, including a lingering clarifier repair that requires the water table to be low before work can proceed. Staff reported that only one clarifier is currently in service and that the town is monitoring performance while repairs remain outstanding.
Staff also reported hiring activities: the town advertised for a water/wastewater operator and received multiple applications. Council members raised concerns about licensing pass rates and the difficulty of the state licensing test, noting that pass rates for some classes have declined sharply and that training/apprenticeship (roughly 500 hours) and on-site supervision are critical. One staff member said the town could retain a licensed operator as a consultant (Michael Whalen was named in meeting discussion) to sign off on required paperwork if needed.
Separately, staff said the town will advertise the Kinder Valley waterline project for bids on Feb. 22; the project is intended to create a loop from Mountain View up to Sage Road and to help resolve pressure and volume problems in the Parsonage area. Council also reviewed personnel and procurement matters: the clerk reported a request to write off delinquent personal property tax accounts older than five years — 2017 ($2,998.44), 2018 ($2,333.72) and 2019 ($3,105.79), about $8,437 total — and council approved the write-offs by voice vote.
Staff will return with more detailed cost estimates and options for the council to review before any binding commitments.
