Two water issues were considered when the board of aldermen met May 17. 

The first involves drinking water. The city’s water towers need repairs. Several years ago, the city was working on a lease/purchase agreement to supplement funds set aside for repairs. 

After money became available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), signed by President Joe Biden, the plan was put on hold.

Terris Cates, the city’s engineer, explained to the board of aldermen that it was possible that the tower repairs, along with several other water and sewer projects, could be part of a large grant application. 

At a meeting May 17, Cates told the board the water tower repairs would not be eligible for an ARPA grant. 

Plans, already in place, were again activated to move ahead with the lease/purchase plan for the two water towers. Public Works Director Nick Grube reported the problems have worsened significantly and need to be addressed. 

The second water issue involves storm water run off. 

An open storm drain channel exists just south of Sixth Street, between S. Fitzgerald Avenue and Main Street. The property where the drain channel is located was sold several years ago. 

The new owner told the city he was told by the previous owner that the city would maintain the channel. 

The city disagrees. 

Cates told the board this channel carries a lot of storm water runoff and is important to the city’s plan to manage run off. 

The board did not object to help with the maintenance of the channel, but at this time does not have an easement to allow them access to the property. 

A survey at the property owner’s expense will be needed before moving forward with any plan for joint maintenance.