Lind Council approves back up chlorine systems for wells

The Lind Town Council went through a light agenda at their Oct. 10 meeting.

Council approved a contract for $2,850 to install a backup sodium hypochlorite system for Wells No. 7 and No. 8.

Mayor Jamie Schmunk said she spoke with Water Distribution Manager Joe Pessutti regarding issues with chlorine and maintaining the levels for the wells.

She explained when Pessutti conducted sampling for coliform, the residual system chlorine levels in the wells were below Department of Health guidelines.

He noted different factors for low chlorine levels, one being the high pH level in the town’s water system. The use of calcium hypochlorite is increasing the pH in the water system, which decreases chlorine levels.

Another factor is the Accu-tab chlorinator in Well No. 8, which has been operating for 15 years, is in need of major maintenance while the chlorinator in Well No. 7 is maxed out.

Schmunk said Pessutti explained to her the Town is required to maintain back up chlorination in case the Accu-Tab systems are malfunctioning.

The scope of work for the contract includes materials and installing the chlorine systems in both wells.

Schmunk added it would cost $1,500 annually for maintenance of the systems for both wells.

Council also approved a request from Century West’s Steve Nelson allocating up to $500 for surveying work for the upcoming Federal Emergency Management Agency street improvement projects.

Schmunk explained she spoke with Nelson, who said he made the request in order to complete the surveying work before the Town begins the bidding process for construction work on the projects.

In other business, council briefly discussed the potential ordinance regarding whether or not to allow a marijuana production, processing and retail businesses to locate in Lind.

Councilmember Paula Bell said council needs to discuss the matter together in order to make a decision.

Council agreed to examine the City of Ritzville’s ordinance on marijuana business for ideas on the direction they could take for their own ordinance.

Schmunk said crews removed a fire hydrant at the end of Third Street.

The hydrant had been inoperable for some time and was missing parts that are no longer available.

She added removing the hydrant should not hurt a homeowner’s property’s insurance rating because they have access to a fire hydrant within 1,000 feet of Third Street.

She added the Washington State Surveying and Rating Bureau rates the Town of Lind at a protection class of 8 out of 10, while the Lind Fire Department is rated at an A-.

Schmunk announced there is a heap of scrap metal at Well No. 8, which the Town designated as surplus but no companies ever bid on it.

She suggested donating the metal for local students who are raising money for an educational trip to Florida during Spring Break. Council approved the suggestion, as long as the scrap metal is still designated as surplus.

Schmunk announced the Town is going through its accountability audit for the fiscal years of 2014, 2015 and 2016.

The cost of the audit is estimated to be $9,500 along with $1,500 for travel costs and other expenses.