Concern expressed over water usage

LIND – Town council heard from a citizen concerned about upcoming use for Well No. 6 at their March 9 meeting.

Darla Shaver told council members her well was still recovering from the amount of water pumped out of the town's wells last summer, and said she had been in contact with a number of agencies regarding water taken for a project that was completed outside of town. Shaver said there were farmers who were denied water rights because of the amount of water that was going to be used for the project. Shaver said the town should not be allowing construction companies to come in and drain the town water supply, and asked if there was a way to make a policy for the future use of the Well No. 6, stating it is intended for local water use only.

Council agreed that Well No. 6 will continue to be for local use only, and any future requests for projects would be decided on a case-by-case basis.

Mayor Paul Bell said March 11 this is not a new issue, and there is no more water being taken out.

“They were just checking in with the council, and of the status quo of last summer's ending decision that it would be local use only,” Bell said. “If and when each project comes through, it will be decided case-by-case.”

Bell said Well No. 6 is open to whoever has an account with the town, and Well No. 9 was strictly with Blattner Energy Group.

“Blattner started with Well No. 6, then we had a contract with them with Well No. 9 as well,” Bell said. “She (Shaver) was just checking on her concern with the council.”

Residents had approached the mayor and council members at their August 25 council meeting. Steve Farrell and Shannon Davis both expressed concern for the town's aquifer.

Also appearing before council was Pastor Steve Schofstall of the Calvary Assembly, who said funds donated from an anonymous veteran were available for the city to recommend for citizens who need help with city water bills, or a dumpster rental for residents wishing to clean up their properties. Councilperson Rose Elkington asked if funds could be used towards the purchase of new playground equipment, and Schofstall said that would also be acceptable.

Council approved renting an additional dumpster for the free dump day May 15, for residents to get rid of appliances. The additional dumpster will cost the town $270, and residents will be charged $10 per refrigerated item.

Mayor Bell reported she was compiling a list of items for surplus, including the old service ambulance and an old merry-go-round. Council chose not to pay a broker's fee to go through an auction service, so the items, after approval from council, will be advertised in the newspaper to go out to bid.

In other business, council

– Heard from Mayor Bell a quote was received from Road Products, Inc. to complete the airport striping and painting for $5,775. Crack-sealing of the runway would need to be completed prior, as a separate expense.

– Approved renewal of the liquor license for Haase's 4 Inc.

– Heard Mayor Bell, Patrick Sheehy of Century West Engineering and Water Utility Operator Joe Pessutti will meet March 18 to complete the six-year Transportation Improvement Plan.