Caledonia Argus

Solution nears for residents with water problems

Posted: 1/30/02

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

The city is one step closer to resolving a sewer back-up problem along McPhail Street in Caledonia.

The city has been exploring several options to alleviate the problem, which affects the several homes on McPhail Street. The problem, which has existed for a number of years, causes sewer water to back up into the basements of those homes during heavy rains. It is believed that the problem is caused by the storm water infiltrating and overloading the sewer system, but the source of the problem has not been found.

The council had received several proposals from Davy Engineering, including the installation of a single duplex lift station which would serve the three homes affected, or individual lift stations in each home. The cost for the duplex lift station is estimated at about $40,387, while the individual lift stations would cost $28,220 for four homes.

The question of how the costs would be shared between the city and the property owners was a topic of discussion. Property owner John Pongratz said he would be willing to pay to get the problem taken care of.

ìThe problem has been there for 25 years,î he said.

Councilman Paul Fisch suggested that the less expensive option be pursued, but added that if the residents wanted the more expensive option, they could pay the difference, about $3,000 per home.

The council agreed to solicit bids on the duplex lift station and once the bids are in, would meet with homeowners again to discuss the contribution they would make.

It was noted that it will probably be May before the project could be started.

Several solutions have been tried in the past, including the installation of gate valves to stop the flow of water.

City reviews quotes on Channel 3

The city reviewed a bid for equipment to upgrade Channel 3, the local-access cable channel.

The bid was for $4,460 and included equipment that would allow VCRs to be programmed to play tapes at designated times.

Councilman Paul Fisch said that he would ask for an updated bid since the one he had was dated July 2001.

According to City Clerk/Administrator Robert Nelson, the city receives about $8,000 per year in fees from the cable company and has not invested much money in the system.

Ambulance rates will increase

In other news, the city council approved a rate increase of four percent for most basic services provided by the Caledonia Ambulance service. Basic rates (unsubsidized) will increase from $395 to $410.75, and mileage will increase from $6 per mile to $6.25.

Contract with school approved by council

The city has approved an agreement with the school district for rental of city property.

Rent for the period of July 1,2002 through July 1, 2003, will be $4,800, and for the following year it will be $200. The district was paying up to $15,000/year but its dependence on the city fields and facilities will be less once the new school is completed.

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