TRUMAN — Truman City Council on Monday heard from environmental engineer John Graupman, who presented some options for city infrastructure projects.

He offered an update on specific projects regarding the water system, which consists of wells, the water treatment facility and the water tower.

Graupman, of Bolton & Menk, said the city has two wells but is in need of a backup. He said finding space for a new well needs to be done sooner rather than later.

He next talked about the water treatment facility.

“The current plant you have has good capacity but there are some improvements needed,” Graupman said.

He noted significant rust, but no concerning corrosion. A paint job is also needed. He recommended putting together a project for some miscellaneous rehab.

“The other part of the water plant is adding a reverse osmosis treatment,” he noted.

Right now, the city does not meet the chloride limit. Without it, the city is not eligible for bigger state grants. Graupman recommended putting the project on hold until the city can obtain some grants.

Finally, he talked about the water tower, which was built in 1999.

“You can see on the outside of it, there’s some rust showing,” Graupman said.

He said someone climbed the tower and did an internal inspection. It showed a ring around the normal high water line, which is the first place where air and water meet, so all of the paint wore off. Now it is just rusty metal.

Graupman said they would recommend a full interior sand blast and recoating.

There are two options for the exterior — either a full sandblast and recoat, which will be needed eventually, or just adding another coat, which is a cheaper but temporary. The price range on the water tower work is estimated at $200,000 for the interior and exterior coat. The full exterior would be double, to $400,000 to $500,000.

In other business, Greg Mitchell of Bolton & Menk was present to discuss proposed reconstruction projects involving several streets. Mitchell said the brutal winter really took a toll on some streets already in need of repair. Some of the areas discussed were First Avenue West, which would need total reconstruction, and replacing storm sewer and extending utilities along First Street North. The drainage area around the community center is also a concern.

Mitchell said the construction cost is estimated at a little more than $1 million dollars, which includes a 20 percent contingency. He suggested the council choose a priority and decide how much money the city can put toward it.

In other news, Pat Jones, a Truman resident involved in different service groups, told the council that several people have contacted her and expressed concern about a lack of pride in the community. Jones pointed out that some once-active community members are now unable to help out while others have died.

City administrator Bethanie Ekstrom asked if any of the people who have voiced concerns have offered to help.

“We have to find some way to encourage other people to take some pride in the community and do their share,” Jones said.

Mayor Lynn Brownlee said she would like to see some volunteers get together to paint some buildings around Main Street. She said it would be pretty cheap, but they just need people willing to help.

In other action, the council:

o Passed a resolution to assume responsibility for maintenance and repairs of the drainage system affecting the parcel of land where Dollar General will be built.