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Welcome water tower goes on line

WELCOME — Engineer Travis Winter of Bolton & Menk reported to the Welcome City Council this week that the new water tower is now in use.

City employees said water tests came back with good results. They said the water is actually better than before, with less iron and other impurities. They are checking all valves, pumps, etc., to make sure everything is working well.

Winter then discussed the demolition of the old water tower. Council members indicated they would like it taken down before the cold, stormy weather. Winter reminded the council that McGuire, the firm building the new tower, had offered a quote of $31,000 for demolition. The council approved getting a quote from McGuire for that amount.

In other business, water plant pumps were discussed along with the replacement of propellers, which was previously approved. New variable frequency drive pumps were discussed at a price of $20,000. These would control the speed of pumps so they would not be pumping full speed all the time. The council tabled the discussion since the cost is currently prohibitive to the city.

Control panel updates also were discussed but tabled. Some day, a laptop may control the wastewater and water system remotely.

Televising water lines has begun, and it was reported that the shape of the lines is pretty good for as old as they are. City employees and Winter say there are some cracks and some tree roots in the lines, along with some gaskets that need repair. A full report will be given later to the council.

The council had asked for a feasibility study for street and road repair in 2019 and Winter brought a report for the council to study and discuss at a later meeting.

In other business, Bill Eckles from Bevcomm addressed the council about the recent purchase of the cable TV system in Welcome, Trimont and Truman. In 2019, Bevcomm will begin the process of building fiber optic technology for the three communities. The council approved transferring the local cable contract to Bevcomm.

In other business, the council approved the excavation ordinance discussed previously, with a fee for REA for all poles instead of every pole replaced. The council hopes this will alleviate the problems of companies leaving dirt, etc., and not finishing up jobs in the streets and yards.

The next City Council meeting will be 6 p.m. Nov. 5 at City Hall.

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