Storms exacerbate drainage problems
A discussion of the effect of recent rains on the city of Florence moved storm drains and the antiquated sewer system Monday night to the top of Florence City Council's "to do" list.
Councilman Ed Robinson noted an inordinate amount of rain water had made its way into the sewer system during the past two weeks of stormy weather.
"I think there is probably a huge hole in the sewer system somewhere," said Robinson. "There is a significant drainage problem and we need to have the system looked at and find it."
Options include a smoke test in the sewer line or using a small video camera to view the inside of the system.
Councilman Dan Ludwig noted that he drove around the community several times during the storms and noted areas where water was filling streets and gutters instead of being carried off by the storm drain system.
Using Ludwig's list, council members agreed to get additional information on finding a company to examine the sewer and storm drain systems to find problem areas.
All agreed the problem has existed in Florence for too long and a plan to fix it needs to be put in place.
"The drainage problem will be addressed," said councilman Bryan Harper. "And soon."
Harper said he had met with city employee Larry Scriven and a representative from Cunningham's Sandblasting and Painting Co. about repairs and maintenance on Florence water tower.
"If we don't do something fairly soon, it will just get worse and more expensive," said Harper.
He said the interior is in good shape, but the concrete "sleeve" around the exterior has extensive cracks and crazing and needs to be sealed and painted. In addition there is a concrete collar at the base that keeps rain water from saturating the tower base. Large portions of the collar have broken off.
"We're asking for trouble if we don't get on this and get it done," Harper concluded.
Council will have a quote from Cunningham at the next meeting. Harper noted the company has financing available for municipal water tower projects.
City clerk Darla Gore will contact another company and get an additional bid.
In other business the council:
— heard the city trash truck still is plagued with electrical problems and is at William's Service for repair.
— approved purchase of chemicals to clean out sewers in various places in town, payment to Jeff Inlow for help at the sewer ponds, and payment to city of Peabody employees to fog for mosquitoes.
— heard city attorney Marilyn Wilder approved the provision for employee drug testing as stated in the employee handbook.
— approved an expenditure of $50 to Marion County Sheriff's Office for National Child Safety program.
— heard Joe Palic with Kansas Department of Transportation will put in writing the state's plan for landscaping, cleanup, and liability issues about which the council has concerns.
— approved purchase of four re-capped tires at a cost of $527.20.
— went into executive session for 20 minutes for the purpose of discussing personnel. No action was taken on return to regular meeting.
— heard from Harper that Burlington Northern Santa Fe officials had been to Florence and approved crossing arms for the south Main Street intersection. Completion will take place within a year. Railroad officials also hope to eventually rebuild the crossing and smooth it out.
— requested a report on the status of delinquent water accounts next month.
— approved putting a meter on the water hydrant where highway construction trucks will take water for construction.
— expressed appreciation to Mark Bishop, Jeff and Josh Inlow, Joel Hayes, and Dale Miller for their volunteer work cleaning Cottonwood River of a log jam after recent rains.
— agreed to alter the agenda allowing department reports to be given first.
— at the request of Joe Heath council agreed to research the inoperable vehicle ordinance to find out when tractors were included.
