Ellinger Sewer and Water Supply Corp. Board Meets, Rate Increases Approved

Ellinger Sewer and Water Supply Corp. Board Meets, Rate Increases Approved

The Ellinger Sewer and Water Supply Corporation held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 11. The meeting was a teleconference with the board and any interested corporation members. Greg Hunger called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m. with all directors participating.

A committee from Ellinger Sewer and Water and Bradley Loehr presented information from a meeting they recently had with Judge Weber and Commissioner Sternadel. The meeting was about establishing a new water plant on county property. The county is willing to deed approximately one half acre (the old ball park) to the corporation for the new filtration system and water well. A motion was made to go ahead with that option. The corporation will contact its attorney to draw up a contract and have the property surveyed. The board also approved a ten percent increase in water rates and a two percent increase in sewer rates per recommendations from Mark Pearson-Communities Unlimited. These increases are necessary for funding of the new water well project and updates at the waste water treatment plant. The increase will go into effect with the August 2020 billing.

Scott Manuel of Inframark presented the manager’s report. There have been some repairs required at the waste water treatment plant. Aerator #1 has been sent to a shop for a new gear box. Since the plant is operating with only one aerator Manuel recommended the addition of an aerator failure alarm; the cost will be around $1,000. There is already an alarm system at the plant, so adding this feature will not accrue any additional monthly fees. The board approved the addition of the failure alarm system. Additionally both pumps at the east lift station had to be de-ragged once again. This is an expensive process to remove paper products being flushed down toilets. A reminder not to flush paper towels, wipes, feminine products, etc will be included in the next bill to customers.

Manuel also noted that the hour meter at water booster pump #2 had to be repaired. Finally Manuel noted that the tariff needed an amendment to include a grease trap inspection fee. After a motion and discussion the board approved a fee of $75 for this service. A final vote on the matter will be taken at the June meeting. The last item of business included the formation of a committee to survey the meters in the community. The committee will include Wayne Kocian, Carolyn Bartosh, and Carissa Karisch. The committee will report finding to the Board at the next meeting. The next regular meeting has been scheduled for Monday, June 8 at the Ellinger Fire Station.

Ellinger C of C

The Ellinger Chamber of Commerce would like to announce that the 84th Annual Ellinger Tomato Festival, BBQ cook-off, parade, and fried chicken meal is cancelled for 2020.

Birthday

Birthday wishes to the following May celebrants: Ann Heintschel-May 25.

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