Water tower and water damage discussed by California City Council

By David A. Wilson

[email protected]

The new water tower and the recent heavy rains were prominent during the discussion at city hall Monday, July 6.

There was a full council at the regular meeting of the City of California Board of Aldermen, Monday evening. All department heads were on hand, except for the vacationing Wastewater Operator Patrick Murphy. Recreation Supervisor Jim Deeken arrived following a baseball game at which he served as umpire.

The new water tower, near the high school on Business 50, is complete and ready for service.

The contract was ready to be signed for construction of the new well (Well 9) to be drilled at the site of the new tower. Huey Construction, Inc., was awarded the bid at a previous meeting for the well and well house at a cost of $655,894.

Area flooding of streets and private property in the city was addressed by Street Supervisor Vic Maurer. "The drains were clean and everything worked as well as possible," Maurer said. "There was just way too much water." He went on to comment that the rain was so heavy at times, it appeared to be moving sideways. In at least one area, the water rose even more after the warning traffic cones had been placed, taking them along with the current.

Maurer reported the street department is still working to repair the damage caused to streets and remove the debris from ditches, drains and culverts. In at least one area, the current flow was enough to scour an overlay from the street and take the now unusable section of asphalt some distance away.

The rain has also affected the recreation program, causing many of the games to be cancelled and, when possible, rescheduled. Deeken said the break in the rain over the weekend allowed the fields to dry out enough to get in a game on Monday evening.

Completion of the Country Club Estates project to put all electric service underground is being delayed by the weather.

Several bids were approved by the council. An asphalt overlay bid to Higgins Asphalt in the amount of $290,022. Although this was not the lowest bid, the recommendation was to go with the next bid, due to a previous experience with the lowest bidder, who was at the time operating with inexperienced personnel. A bid for manhole risers was approved to Rackers Manufacturing for $1,927 by a vote of four-yes, one-no and one abstention. A bid for eight sets of turnout gear in the amount of $12,710 was approved to Sentinel Emergency Solutions. Since $12,600 was budgeted for the gear, the council amended the budget to include the higher amount. A bid for a Variable Frequency Drive (well pump) for Well 6 was approved in the amount of $15,150 from PIC Supply Co. This emergency purchase will allow the well to be returned to service. A bid of $2,747 Ressler and Associates, Inc. was approved for UV Disinfection Equipment for the wastewater plant. Also approved was $71,365 for engineering services for five sewer projects to be undertaken. The projects will begin in 2016.

Further action on the "Welcome to California" is awaiting a letter from MDOT.

The council discussed the first review of the revised business license ordinances. Additional direction was given to City Attorney Ann Perry.

The Fireworks display on July 4 went safely and was appreciated by those present.

The next regular meeting is Aug. 3.