02-09-1982 CCMMINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING - HUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1982
The special meeting was called to order at 4:00 P.M. by Mayor DeMeyer, with the fol-
lowing present: Alderman Mike Carls, Alderman Kenneth Gruenhagen, and Alderman Ted
Beatty, in addition to Mayor James G. DeMeyer. Absent: Alderman John Mlinar. Also
present were: City Administrator Gary D. Plotz, City Accountant Kenneth B. Merrill,
Chief Water Plant Operator Dick Nagy, and Charles Barger from Rieke, Carroll, Muller
Associates.
Mr. Charles Barger of RCM gave a presentation regarding expansion of the Hutchinson
water treatment plant. He reported that in 1967 RCM was hired to develop a long-
range water program for the City. In 1972 construction was done on a new well (No. 6),
booster pump (No. 3), two elevated storage tanks, new aerator and filter media re-
placement, and distribution system strengthening. These improvements increased the
capacity of the plant,and the plant met the requirements of the community.
It was further reported that in 1976 an unanticipated population growth and change
in the Fire Department affected the plant operation. It was, therefore, necessary
for RCM to prepare a revised schedule. The proposal was to construct an extension
to the existing water treatment plant consisting of additional aeration and detention
basin, two MGD dual media filters, new chemical feed area, new high service pump sta-
tions with relocated pumps and new centralized control room. Grant money was avail-
able at that time so the City of Hutchinson requested a grant. The grant was denied,
and the preliminary plans were put side.
By 1978 it was recognized there was a need for additional aeration and filter capa-
city and chemical vat room. This is marked down by the State on their annual inspec-
tion.
Mr. Barger stated that RCM has completed the plans and specifications for the design
of the water treatment plant expansion. The plans call for additional aeration and
filter capacity, a change in the chemical vat operation, and a new pumping station.
The estimated cost of the project is $1,400,000.00. It was recommended to take bids
on March 18, 1982 at 2:00 P.M.
It was projected that by 1985 an additional booster pump (No. 4) and well (No. 7)
would need to be added. By 1990 it was anticipated another well or high service pump
would be necessary.
In the past, the City has done no softening to the water. However, the water treat-
ment plant has been laid out in a long-range plan so that softening could be added
in the future, if so desired. Mr. Barger pointed out that hard water is not a health
hazard. The City of Hutchinson has a good supply of water, and the iron has about 2
parts, which is not excessive. The wells have a large capacity, and there is room
for two more wells.
Alderman Carls inquired how much cheaper it would be for the community to soften the
water. Dick Nagy responded that it was cheaper for the City do do the softening than
using a home water softener.
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COUNCIL MINUTES
FEBRUARY 9, 1982
Mr. Barger recommended a lime sulfur process for water softening, but he pointed out
the biggest problem would be to eliminate the waste. The City would end up with a
lime product which could be hauled out by the truckload.
Alderman Beatty asked if it would be cost effective to install the fourth high serv-
ice pump and well at this time. The response from Mr. Barger was that it was not
needed at this time, and he would not recommend construction now.
Discussion was given to the interest rate on the bonds. Alderman Carls questioned
City Accoutant Merrill if he had figured what would happen to the water rates result-
ing from the improvements. Mr. Barger stated the users are the ones who pay for the
improvements. The rates would have to go up to pay for the new equipment.
Plant Operator Nagy reported that the existing filters aren't what they used to be,
and for the past five years the City has been told the filters are deteriorating and
need replacement. Also, some other equipment is old and obsolete and should be re-
placed. However, the City needs the other wells before the necessary replacement can
be done.
Alderman Beatty asked Mr. Nagy how much water was pumped in one day. He responded
that 2.8 million gallons was the most pumped in one day, and 3 million gallons is
the maximum.
The meeting adjourned at 5:05 P.M.
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