Townsend City Council Update - Council Braces For High Cost Of Pool Repairs
 | Author:
Nancy Marks
Nancy Marks: MT43 News Secretary and News Editor |
Townsend City Council Update - Council Braces for High Cost of Pool Repairs Nancy Marks During City Council’s Roundtable Discussion Public Works Supervisor Tim Rauser explained he received quotes on repairing the decades-old municipal swimming pool. A new 35ft by 75ft liner will run $127,500. If the pool gutters must be replaced in the process of installing the liner, an additional $20,000 to $40,000 will be added to the liner cost. No action was taken by the Council.
As a result of the Flint, Michigan lead-contaminated water, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a regulation to all cities and towns to begin checking their water pipes for lead and copper according to Rauser. “This is a fact-finding process the EPA is conducting. They want us to make an inventory of all the water lines in the city,” he explained.
Rauser has checked about 900 of the lines between the curb box and the main line. “I know there is no lead in these pipes, but there is copper,” he said. The lines are now a mixture of plastic and copper. Beginning in 1988 all waterlines, from B Street south are plastic. He emphasized the city’s responsibility for the water lines is only from the curb box to the main line. He is encouraging homeowners and businesses to have their water lines checked from the curb box to their houses or offices.
In other business, the council passed the updated subdivision regulations. Council members will be testifying on zoom regarding House Bill 11 regarding the Department of Natural Resources (DNRC) grant funding for Townsend’s water project.
City Attorney Peter Simon is reviewing the City’s various leases including one with Steve McCullough for the sewer lagoon property. This lease has no auto renewal and is in place without a contract, according to Simon.
Jessica Crusch announced she has started a private web business. The City will be under that umbrella she said. Mrs. Crusch previously has been the City’s webmaster.
Rotarian Nichole Brown and her daughter, Brynlee, requested that Townsend Rotary Interact Club be allowed to construct and fill the skating rink at Holloway Park on D Street. The 25-member student group will work with the Fire Department to put the rink in place. Mrs. Brown promised the group would maintain the rink and remove it when it is no longer in use. The Council approved the request.
New Townsend City Fire Chief, Shawn Simon, reported he would like to be placed on the council agenda for budget items the fire district needs including replacing truck tires on fire engines. He indicated there may be grant monies available for the fire district’s needs.
Townsend Hardware Store owner JB Howick gave an update on HB 198 currently being discussed in the legislature. District 70 Representative Julie Dooling is carrying the bill which would allow cities and towns to have the choice to have jurisdiction over business sidewalks and the use of sidewalks as display areas for goods. He asked the council members to support the bill. No decision was made.
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PhotoCredit: Nancy Marks
Image 1 Caption: Townsend City Hall Building
