Florence council gets help with water plant problems
Florence City Council members met Monday night with Phillip Fishburn to discuss the unsatisfactory performance of the city's year-old water plant.
Fishburn is area representative for Midwest Assistance Program, a "watch dog" agency funded by the federal government. MAP helps small towns going through the process of building new water and sewer plants.
Fishburn was in Florence to help the council determine its next course of action with the troublesome new water plant.
Prior to hearing from Fishburn, council heard from city superintendent Ken Hoffman that one of the pumps broke during the weekend. U.S. Filter, the company that makes the system, will have to custom-build a new unit for the water plant.
"When you borrow this much money, you should have a system that works," said Fishburn. "You should have a system you are happy with from day one."
After lengthy discussion of the plant and its problems, Fishburn suggested the council seek advice from its attorney.
He also suggested contacting Kansas Rural Water Association for technical assistance and an independent architect to examine the pump house and gauge the suitability of its foundation.
He encouraged the council to create a written history of the water plant project and make a list of what has gone into the plant to be sure they've gotten what they paid to receive.
He also advised them to withhold final payment until they are satisfied with the results.
Councilmen Randy Mills and Ed Robinson will meet with Fishburn and the city attorney next week to examine options.
The parks committee received approval for a plan to raise the level of the lawn area south of the city building and plant trees and shrubs.
Veterans Park also was discussed. Preliminary plans for that area include planting an evergreen tree to decorate for Christmas, adding rest rooms and playground equipment, and landscaping. Council members suggested the committee include veterans' groups since the park is named in their honor.
In other business the council:
— heard a report of monthly police activity from Eric King, part-time department head of Florence police department. Council also approved purchase of a metal locker for evidence storage and purchase of a battery and strobe light for the city's second police car.
— heard that Hillsboro city administrator Steve Garrett agreed to offer assistance on creating a city zoning plan. The council also was informed the community meeting sponsored by economic development committee will take place in January instead of November.
— heard from councilman Ed Robinson that he is waiting on some bids for clearing the log jam on Cottonwood River at the Fifth Street bridge.
— heard from acting mayor Dan Ludwig that he had attended a Marion County mayors' meeting in John Lehman's absence. He noted the group was in favor of passing the liquor-by-the-drink proposal.
— encouraged those in the audience to vote "yes" Nov. 2 on council's proposal for a one-cent sales tax increase.
— heard from councilman Brian Harper that the officials he contacted from Burlington Northern Railroad had approved some minor repairs to the railroad crossing on South Main. The work was completed this past week.
— entered into an executive session for the purpose of discussing personnel. No action was taken on return to open meeting.
