02-06-86 S&W Comm MinutesFebruary 6, 1986 SEWER AND WATER COMMITTEE 10:00 A.M.
Chairman Nystul and Committee members Hafferman and Ruiz in attendance.
Mayor Kennedy, DPW Hammer, S/W Superintendent Hyde and Roger Hopkins of the
Daily Inter Lake also present.
Chairman Nystul introduced C. Hafferman to the other members of the
Committee and indicated that he had called this meeting to acquaint her with
the workings and projects of this Committee.
PHASE I - Bid opening will be the 18th. This phase will be financed
with bonds. The Committee asked Mayor Kennedy to write to D.A. Davidson,
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Bosworth and others asking for written proposals to be submitted to the Committee.
C. Nystul reviewed past issues and their status and suggested that funds might
be saved by reissuing, at least there was a need to be open to alternative
suggestions. Consolidation of issues could save on bond underwriter's fees.
There was discussion of investment of the funds while waiting for project
to begin.
W.W.T.P. - C. Nystul asked W/S Supt. Hyde if there were any problems
at the plant. He replied that the "muffin monster" (an in -line unit that
acts as a grinder for solids, installed ahead of the pumps) was installed and
operating. He explained that WQB wouldn't give a grant for pre-treatment,
which would have solved this problem. EPA has indicated it may include pre-treat-
ment in the phosphorous and ammonia removal grant. There are no other major
warranty or maintenance problems at this time.
W/S Supt. Hyde said that they are keeping ahead of the sludge in the
injection program. They are presently injecting on Tutviet's property. There
are several weeks of sludge storage space available at this point.
WATER SYSTEM - There are no major problems here. Main replacement schedule
for Main Street by Taco John's was discussed. DPW Hammer felt that this should
be coordinated with the Highway Department schedule for re -doing Main Street
because of the cost of tearing up and replacing concrete just for the water
line. S/W Supt. Hyde pointed out :that the sign across Main Street has noticeably
settled on the west end. There is a need to coordinate with the developer
of the building north of Taco John's because he will need to provide a storm
drain system on the property.
DISCHARGE ALTERNATIVES - The City is waiting on Stably Engineering to
complete their study, which has been promised by the end of this month. They
have indicated that year-round discharge to Ashley Creek is the most financially
reasonable approach. The State preferred alternative is piping to the Flathead
River. The price tag for either includes phosphorous removal. The timetable
for an agreement from the State is probably June, which would mean bids would
go out the following summer. The City will not be able to include funds for
this in the present bond issues.
ASHLEY CREEK WATER RIGHTS - W/S Supt. Hyde is working with the DNRC and
Fish and Game concerning the flows in Ashley Creek. He indicated that the
flow is 7 times less than the minimum flow the WQB assumes for permit levels.
The application in question was objected to by the DNRC and the City of Kalispell.
They were then offered different language for policing, but the City could
not agree to this either. There will be a hearing. W/S Supt. Hyde has requested
a hearing on closure of applications for water rights on Ashley Creek. The
SEWER AND WATER COMMITTEE
February 6, 1986
Page 2
City will present evidence showing how the flows affect the treatment plant.
Ashley Creek begins at Ashley Lake, where a dam sets the flow, but water released
from the lake doesn't make it past Smith Lake because of irrigation and evaporation.
DPW Hammer asked that an alternative of drilling wells and pumping into
Ashley Creek be included in the study. Rather than put millions of dollars
into the treatment plant to upgrade the creek it would be better to put the
money into upgrading the creek itself. This would certainly be good public
relations with the environmentalists. Boulders could be used to create self -
aeration.
C. Nystul pointed out that the WQB has no jurisdiction of the water upstream
from the plant and would be no help in the decision on flows. W/S Supt. Hyde
has discussed the problem with the DNRC and Fish and Game, but the DNRC cannot
enforce until the problem is adjudicated, so there is no immediate'relief
for unauthorized use. It was felt that getting the water right holders together
and explaining the problems might help - communication and peer pressure could
help solve some of the problem.
WATER RESOURCES PROGRAM - W/S Supt. Hyde explained that the City may
be eligible for $100,000 grant to help with the Southwest SID and/or 5th Avenue
West. He is researching this. It must be filed by May 15.
NON -COMPLYING MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS SEMINAR - This is
being held in Wisconsin. There is money budgeted and W/S Supt. Hyde will
attend.
TO DO LIST - C. Nystul asked that DPW Hammer and W/S Supt. Hyde prioritize
the list of things that need to be done and return it to the Committee to
give them some direction.
IST ALLEY WEST - DPW Hammer explained that there is a problem with the
proposed depth being below the footings of the buildings along the alley.
He has asked Billmayer Engineering to reasearch an alternative plan using
a 6' depth and lift stations for all the businesses. The City would need
to provide the lift stations but he was concerned that once they were installed
the City not be responsible for maintaining them. Without this approach the
liability for contractors would put the budget for this project completely
out of sight. C. Hafferman suggested that the Committee research what other
cities have done in this type of situation.
PHOSPHOROUS HEARING/FLATHEAD BASIN COMMISSION - The County Commissioners
must decide to have or not to have ban on phosphorous detergents. The City
has no position until the County provides a decision and figures.
WATER AND SEWER BUDGET - The budget will be brought to the appropriate
committee for discussion before being presented to the Council.
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