The City of Nichols could spend as much as $1.35 million to upgrade the city’s sewage system, it was learned Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the October meeting of the council at Nichols City Hall.
Jason McKenzie, representing Veenstra & Kimm Engineering in Rock Island, said a lift station built in the 1970’s has exceeded it’s life expectancy and should be replaced, noting replacing the present out-dated unit with modern day controls and a new pump would be costly to the city. Not to mention replacing other non-compliant parts in the system.
V & K also recommended other work on the lagoon portion of the sewer system, noting although it was largely functional, a foot of sludge will need to be removed while several pipes and covers should be replaced.
McKenzie said the city has been subject to video footage of it’s sewer lines and recommended putting seamless plastic inserts in worn pipes to prevent storm water damage as well as replacing all 35 manholes in the city, sealing them with a special grout.
McKenzie recommended the city look into funding for the project by applying for a United States Department of Agriculture grant or loan and should also look into a Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant.
The city is also cashing in on all their certificate of deposit savings this month, moving the money into a regular savings account in anticipation of the sewer project. It was noted that CD interest rates were at an all time low.
In other business, the city set Halloween Trick or Treat hours for Saturday, Oct. 31 from 5:30 -7 p.m. City leaders recommended families follow CDC guidelines for handing out treats as well as collecting, noting local police will also be on hand to help keep local children safe.
The city also got an update from assistant fire chief J.J. Hudson on a matching grant the department applied for in late August through the Ryan Trust of West Liberty, asking for $51,969 for new bunker gear for the department.
Should the department get the grant, they will be expected to provide a 15 percent match or $7,545 which will be equally divided between the City of Nichols, Pike Township and the fire department. The city has committed to pay their share of $2,584, pending approval of the grant.
Police Chief Kevin Flynn said the department’s gear is nearly 11 years old and has a life use of about 10 years. Should the funding all be approved, Flynn said it would take at least two months to get the new gear which would include boots, pants, jackets and helmets. “We likely wouldn’t put it into use until after the first of the year,” he said.
A drive-thru pancake breakfast for the community is hoped to help raise money for the new gear, to be held Sunday, Nov. 8, at the fire station, with fire fighters making pancakes, sausage and eggs and serving from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. that day as a drive-thu service. A free-will donation is being asked.
The city also applied for reimbursement for COVID-19 expenses.
The next regular meeting of the council, led by Mayor Linsey Reimers, will take place Wednesday. Nov. 11, beginning at 7 p.m.