Ellinger Sewer & Water Supply Corporation Meets
The Ellinger Sewer and Water Supply Corporation held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, May 9, at the Ellinger Fire Station. President Greg Hunger called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. with all directors present.
The minutes from the April meeting were presented and approved. Next Cierra Craig of Inframark presented the manager’s report. She noted that 812,000 gallons of water were produced and 600,000 gallons were billed. She reported that payment plans for those in the arrears are in progress, and as of this meeting about $13,242.75 remain unpaid.
Aerator No. 1 at the WWTP has been taken out of service and sent out for repairs. Inframark personnel had no information on the cost of the repairs or when the job would be complete. Presently the sewer plant is operating with one aerator. Michael Schlabach made a motion to accept the report and it was seconded by Jeffrey James. Motion carried.
Next James Weishuhn presented the Engineer’s report. He noted that the ground storage tank plans and specifications/ administrative review has been completed; some of the language needed to be updated and was done. The TWDB is still reviewing and bidding for the project will begin as soon as the review is finalized. Weishuhn noted that bidding should get underway in June/July and construction could get underway in September. In regards to the filtration system, data is favorable for both ferric chloride and aluminum chlorahydrate with polymer. It seems that ferric chloride is the most cost effective, but the economic analysis is not complete due to delays in obtaining chemical costs. Weishuhn has begun the design engineering report and anticipates completion by the end of May 2022.
The Board had been investigating the purchase of a used sewer plant to increase Ellinger’s permitted flow to allow for community growth. The addition of the apartment complex and a bigger Hruska’s store would max out the wastewater treatment’s permitted flow resulting in TCEQ authorization for expansion. Weishuhn noted that the West Point plant would not meet Ellinger’s needs and was not cost effective. J. James made a motion to accept the Engineer’s report, seconded by Dunk, and motion carried.
Next the Board reviewed the financial report. Dunk motioned to pay the bills and accept the report, seconded by Paula Urban; motion carried.
Next the Board heard from Mr. Gilly, the Corporation’s financial advisor for the TWDB grant/loan for $1,128,000, of which $628,000 is a zero interest loan for thirty years. He noted that the Corporation would need to call a special meeting of the Corporation’s members to amend the By Laws to include wording that puts USDA and TWDB on equal standing in regards to debt repayment. He reminded the Board that rate increases need to be considered on a regular basis to keep up with expenses. Consequently the Board approved a resolution authorizing a financing with the TWDB for constructing various public improvements to the Corporation’s utility system; authorizing the execution of a loan agreement; one or more escrow agreements, a promissory note, and a principal forgiveness agreement is scheduled.
The Board approved sending Wayne Kocian and Bradley Dunk to Galveston, July 13-14, to attend the TRWA Technical and Training Conference.
Finally the next regular monthly meeting was scheduled for Monday, June 13, and the special Corporation meeting was scheduled for June 15. This meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.
Fayetteville Brethren Church
Fayetteville Brethren Church has services the second, third, and fourth Saturdays of each month at 10 a.m. Other services are at Industry Brethren on the second, third and fourth Saturdays at 5 p.m., Wesley Brethren on Sundays at 9 a.m. and Nelsonville Brethren on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. Rev. Mike Groseclose leads all the services. The Nelsonville service is live streamed on Nelsonville Brethren’s Face book page.
Tomato Festival
The Ellinger Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the 85th Annual Tomato Festival, the last weekend in May.
The fun gets underway on Friday, May 27, with the following competitions: a Chef’s Choice Entrée, desserts, chips and salsa, and margarita contests. Entertainment on Friday will be provided by the Ledershosen Junkies from 8 to 11 p.m.
The BBQ cook off is scheduled for Saturday, May 28; competitors will cook brisket, chicken, pork spare ribs, pork butts, and pinto beans. There will also be a farmer’s breakfast and bloody Mary contest, and a chopped challenge.
Additionally there will be a live auction and drawing for the raffle winners. This year will also feature a Tomato Trot 5K fun run. Live music on Saturday will be provided by The Bandits.
On Sunday locals will be cooking and serving fried chicken and sausage along with delicious sides. Serving gets underway at 10:30 a.m. and plates will be $12.
Shared Lutheran Ministry
The Shared Lutheran Ministery of Fayette County has been working on the Worship calendar and has scheduled the following joint worships: Pentecost-June 5 in Rutersville at 10 a.m.; Fall Blessing-Sept. 18 in Ellinger at 10 a.m.; All Saints Day-Nov. 6 in Fayetteville at 10 a.m.; Christmas Day-Dec. 25 in Warrenton at 9 a.m.; and Lessons and Carols-Jan. 1, 2023 in Rutersville at 10 a.m.
Ellinger City Council
The Ellinger City Council will meet on Thursday, May 26 at 7 p.m. at Ellinger C of C Dining Hall.
Breakfast Church Schedule
The Breakfast Church schedule for the Shared Lutheran Ministry was also posted: June 26-Ellinger and Rutersville; and July 3rd-Warrenton and Fayetteville.
Recycle Trailer
The recycle trailer will make a stop at the Ellinger Community Center on Wednesday, May 25, from 1 to 3 p.m.
Birthdays
Birthday wishes are extended to the following May celebrants: Conner King, Brock Otto, and Ryan Roecker-19th; Phyllis Fritsch-21st; Liz Ripple-21st; Shelby Dennis and Kathy Griffith-24th; Anne Heintschel-25th; Bob Hanke-26th; and Scott Moore-27th.
Have News?
If you have news for the correspondent you may email her at bartoshcarolyn@gmail. com or call (979) 966-3275. You may also drop off news at her residence; mailbox on the front porch. Please get her your information by noon on Mondays.