Town hears request for water usage

LIND – Council members discussed a request from HLT Construction out of Usk to use the town's Well No. 6 for an upcoming road project at the April 13 council meeting.

Mayor Paula Bell presented the proposal, asking for a total of 440,000 gallons of water for a mile-long project on Lind-Hatton Road. Councilman Richard Baldwin opposed the proposal, due to previous issue, and Councilwoman Kathy Vedder asked if they could get water from Othello. Councilman Jim Dworshak said the project needs to be considered, as there are many residents not paying their utility bills, and town needs the income. Vedder said the agreement should be made with HLT Construction. Joe Pessutti suggested an agreement stating the construction company not exceed taking 500,000 gallons of water in the six-week project, or they could use Well No. 9.

Council asked Mayor Bell to see if there is anywhere else the construction company can get their water from.

Council approved a parcel consolidation of two adjoining lots as presented by county engineer Scott Yaeger. A new shop is being built on the lots, which are owned by the county, and drawings provided by the Department of Health show the building on both parcels. Yaeger said a new water line and sewer line will hook into the existing lines, and the old building will be taken apart and hauled away.

Council held off on making a decision on a request by Thomas Caro to erect a fence which will cross over a vacated alley way. Councilman Dworshak opposed the idea due to all the repercussions it could bring. Mayor Bell will reach out to Caro, not present at the meeting, for further information and the proposal will be discussed at a later date.

Scott Wagner attended the meeting to get clarification on the zoning ordinance, as he is purchasing the bank building on the corner of I Street and Highway 21. Wagner said he knew it is zoned commercial, but is interested in renovating the upstairs apartments for his own family's use. The main floor will be used for office space and a sandwich shop, and the basement for storage. Wagner said he has been working with the Adams County Building Department to ensure all building code requirements are completed. Council said as long as requirements were met with the county, they had no issue with Wagner moving forward with his plans.

In other business, council

– Heard a quote from Liquivision Technology to clean one of the reservoirs previously cleaned by the town crew. The quote is for $9,800. Mayor Bell said she would look into available grants.

– Heard updates on several projects by Steve Nelson of Century West Engineering. Nelson reported the Groundwater Assessment is complete, and it is recommended a new well be placed.

– Approved EFTs totaling $28,812, warrants and one EFT totaling $10,956, and outstanding invoices.

– Held an hour-long executive session to discuss the performance of a public employee.