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Residents press council for city water; council authorizes DWSRF application for three extensions
Summary
After residents described longstanding well problems, Henderson City Council authorized a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund grant/loan application to extend mains to Weybosset Subdivision, Eileen Court and Skenes Avenue; the project was estimated at $1,468,100 and will proceed only if funding is awarded.
Residents and council members pushed for municipal water service during public comment and in staff presentations at Henderson City Council’s Sept. 10, 2018 meeting. Gene Ayscue told council “the majority of residents in this subdivision have ‘bad’ water,” and Patti Lenehan presented a certified environmental analysis and photos showing iron discoloration in her tap water, saying about 10 of 13 households on Eileen Court want city service.
City Manager Frank Frazier and Engineering Director Clark Thomas outlined a proposed Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) grant/loan to extend and replace mains in three areas. Frazier presented an estimated project cost of $1,468,100 — $866,400 for Weybosset, $128,300 for Eileen Court and $473,400 for Skenes Avenue — and said combining the projects improves the city’s chances of receiving funding.
The presentation included how costs could be assessed if the loan is awarded. Assistant City Manager Paylor Spruill described two assessment options: amortize costs over 10 years, or amortize over 30 years with a resident petition requirement that counts two-thirds of economic value. Staff said a majority of affected residents had discussed the options in prior meetings. Engineering Director Clark Thomas noted the Skenes Avenue work is a replacement of an existing 2" line and would not require an assessment; the extension would also create a loop to serve Henderson Collegiate School.
Council voted unanimously to authorize the submission of the DWSRF grant/loan application (Resolution 18-59). Garry D. Daeke moved the resolution and Marion B. Williams seconded. Council and staff emphasized that the project is contingent on receiving funding and that final assessment amounts and petition details would be determined as the grant/loan process proceeds.
What happens next: staff must submit the DWSRF application before the program deadline at the end of September; if the award is made, council will return to consider assessments, petition results where applicable, and final design and construction contracting. The action taken Sept. 10 authorizes only the application, not construction or final assessments.
