Russellville council approves preliminary water summary

RUSSELLVILLE -- Recently marking a milestone in addressing needed water improvements in the town, Russellville is now in the planning stages for construction of its new water tower.

Brian Bullock and Larry Haag of Beam, Longest and Neff (BLN) presented their evaluations on the need for the new tank during the Russellville Town Council’s regular meeting last Wednesday evening.

They provided a project summary to the council and those in attendance which breaks down issues with the existing system. It also considers alternatives to the current water tower not being replaced at all.

The summary states that the primary need of Russellville’s water system is to replace valves which are no longer functioning. It also provides that the system is comprised of aging water mains, but that these do not have to be replaced in the near future.

However, the town’s current water tower, which was built in 1958, is essentially at the end of its usefulness. BLN cites that the most recent inspection, conducted in 2018, found that many components are not up to code. On the whole, a lack of preventative maintenance has led to its deterioration.

The report also outlines BLN’s evaluation of alternatives to building a new tower. The first considered whether the town could connect its system with the one that serves Waveland nearby. Given that Russellville’s utility facilities were found to be in good condition, BLN advised this option not be considered.

BLN also presented the alternative of rehabilitating the existing tank. The recent inspection found that lead was likely present on the exterior. The report lists repairs such as replacing manways, installing new ladders and repairs to the foundation, among others. The estimated cost for this effort is $1.1 million.

As to where the new water tower would be erected, BLN came up with three potential spots. The first option is putting it near the Russellville Community Center. The potential cost for building on this spot is $1.25 million, but would be on land the town currently owns.

The second location would be adjacent to the existing water tower. At a cost of $1.29 million, this is projected as the most costly of the three options. Building on this spot, which BLN considered smaller than ideal, would involve relocating some residents, and in general cause the most disruption during construction.

The third option would be to build the new tank near the town’s existing water treatment plant. It is considered the least ideal because there is a 1,500-foot water main between the plant and the system, and would slightly reduce pressure on peak usage days. While the town would have to purchase additional land, the estimated cost to build here is the lowest at $1.24 million.

Ultimately, the proposed replacement project will involve the construction of the new water tower and the destruction of the current one. It also includes the replacement of the valves deemed inoperable. The old tank will not be torn down until the new one is up so that service disruption is minimized.

The summary lists the preliminary cost for the project at $1.3 million. The town will get minimal help from the federal level, as it is eligible to receive only $11,452 out of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economics Security (CARES) Act.

However, the council and Amy Miller, its grant administrator, are seeking money through the State Revolving Fund (SRF). The SRF is designed to provide low-interest loans for wastewater and drinking water projects, and also a lower fixed rate than a bank.

An initial step in securing SRF funds is to submit a preliminary engineering report (PER) to the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). As such, the council approved BLN’s report in a resolution, as it serves this purpose.

The next step in the project’s overall approval by IDEM is for a water rate analysis to be completed sometime next month. Additionally, it was stated that the town’s preliminary SRF application had already been submitted.

In other business:

• Clerk-Treasurer Martha Mandleco recognized Ed and Janet Thornburg for their work in cleaning up the local park.

• The council also scheduled a special meeting for July 1 to open bid documents for upcoming Community Crossings roadwork. The meeting is set to take place at 7 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Russellville Town Council is scheduled for Wednesday, July 15 at 7 p.m. at the Russellville Community Center.