Loan would pay for wastewater treatment plant
A public hearing focused on reviewing the proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement Project satisfied a requirement for a $27.6 million loan the city plans to apply for.
According to Mark Westenskow, public works director, the loan would pay for the construction of the facility, which would be placed at the rodeo arena’s reserve parking area.
Work towards replacing the aging sewer lagoons started in 2014 and the city has used a $2.4 million loan to progress through the plant’s design phase.
The lagoons have reached the end of their lifespan, with the city being forced to have parts custom made to keep the system operational.
The long-term consequence of the replacement project would be to eventually dry out and reclaim the current sewer lagoons, opening up developable land within the city. However, Westenskow said that would take years to accomplish.
The city also needs to address new DEQ requirements Westenskow said he expects in future wastewater discharge permits. He said the city would have to cut the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen contained in the wastewater discharges. Those nutrients are linked to causing algae blooms.
Westenskow said the city expected to see more regulations during the last DEQ permit cycle, but they were postponed. However, Westenskow said the city will be required to show progress on meeting proposed requirements in its next permit cycle.
The proposal will be presented during a Dec. 5 State Loans and Investments Board meeting. Westenskow said if approved, the city could start the bidding process and initiate construction in 2021, with completion anticipated for 2022.
Other business
The second reading of an ordinance aiming to include electronic vaping devices to the city’s ban on public smoking was approved unanimously. The ordinance’s final reading will take place at the Nov. 19 meeting.
Andy Hooten was appointed to the Joint Powers Telecommunication Board. Hooten is the city engineer and will serve a three-year term, ending in 2022.
The Council appointed Ashleigh Aden and reappointed Lynn Birch to the Green River Arts Council. Both women will serve a two-year term.
The Council appointed William Howard Hart to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. His term expires in 2022.
The Council approved a memorandum of understanding with Sweetwater County for the placement of a fox sculpture at the Sweetwater County Courthouse.
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