Old damages cause new headaches for city
Staff reporter
Damages to a walkway at Hillsboro Water Treatment Plant that occurred 10 years ago will be repaired.
Engineer Don Hellar of EBH Consultants suggested the city complete repairs to the building. A vehicle had struck the building and the company purchased replacement sheet metal which the city still has in storage. However, further investigation indicated there was more than cosmetic damages.
"The structure has had considerable damage," said Hellar. Utility Contractor, general contractor for water plant upgrades, gave an estimate of $8,186 but the cost could be more.
Hellar said the structure had been compromised and it needed to be shored up, straightened, and materials replaced as needed.
If the structure is not repaired and it collapses, it could cost the city "mega bucks" to repair, he said.
Sufficient funds are available in the project to cover the expense.
The council instructed Hellar to proceed with repairs.
In other business:
— A change order for Hillsboro Family Aquatic Center was approved which will reduce costs and provide $16,964 more in additional funds.
Jodi Stutzman, aquatics coordinator, said pool furniture was to be ordered through Carrothers Construction Company but the contractor decided it would rather the city do it. This will allow more funds, $18,832, for the city to use for furniture and other needs.
Other changes included an additional $1,156 for increasing the size of the center island in the concession room, reducing the length of a stainless steel counter for a deduction of $205, and increasing the electrical system in the concession room for an additional $917.
— Hellar reported pump #2 had been started and worked as expected, new solid contact basin has passed a leak test, new filters are working, and the chlorine contact basin is operating. The only delay is painting the building but construction is ahead of schedule.
Kansas Department of Health & Environment is requiring more steps be followed to be approved for peroxide injection. Hellar said he was confident the city will be approved but not before "jumping through more hoops."
— The council approved the vacation of an alley near Tabor College per the college's request. The city retained utility easements.
— City engineer Bob Privatera of Reiss and Goodness Engineering reported the storm water sewer design for the Madison corridor had been completed. The design had been provided to the architect for Tabor College to assist with improvement plans.
Construction should begin in June.
Water line relocation on Adams Street also was in the works, said Privatera. He was asked by city administrator Steve Garrett to have cost estimates from Miesse Construction by the May 2 council meeting.
— Councilman Shelby Dierks was re-appointed president of the council.
— An Arbor Day proclamation was approved. This proclamation was one of the steps necessary for the city to apply for status as a Tree City USA.
— Councilman Len Coryea asked the council if a user fee should be charged for non-city/REC-supported events on city fields. He added that he thought it was "sad that kids have to make the choice of playing on a city league or an all-star team."
Dierks also commented that agreements between the city and Tabor College needed to reviewed. A policy had been established but was not being followed, he added.
Dalke asked if plans had been divulged by coordinators of the new youth football program regarding insurance, equipment, schedules, and use of city fields.
"Parents need to understand that this isn't a city program," said Dalke. If injuries occur and the group isn't insured, the injured party could come back on the city, she said.
— Plans for the old pool were discussed. Garrett said the old pool had to remain an outdoor recreation use because of grant funds received by the city from Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks. He said it was up to the council to determine the future use.
Skateboarders have asked to use the old pool as a skate park. No decisions were made.
A special meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. today (Wednesday). The next regular council meeting will be at 4 p.m. May 2 at city hall.
