Cloverdale addressing water issues

CLOVERDALE – Almost exactly a year after Town Manager Jason Hartman proposed drawing up preliminary engineering reports (PERs) to address water issues in Cloverdale, the Cloverdale Town Council finally saw them fleshed out at its regular meeting recently.

However, the public hearings held for both water and wastewater PERs, as well as adopting resolutions approving for them to be submitted to the state, are only what Town Attorney Richard Shagley would provide as “the first of many steps” in making the extensive improvements a reality.

The PERs were introduced by Water Resources Manager Eric Smith and Project Manager Dustin Whalen of HWC Engineering, which the council tapped last June to head up the project. The final products are based on studies which were done to evaluate the town’s needs. As such, the hearings were required because the town has applied for funding through the Indiana Finance Authority.

Whalen first outlined the water improvements in separate areas of the town, which would include:

• Replacing an existing three-inch water main with a new six-inch one on County Road 1100 South;

• Replacing an existing two-inch water main with a new six-inch one on South Street;

• A new 10-inch water main which would run north under Interstate 70/U.S. 231 from an existing water storage tank; and

• Replacing an existing four-inch water main with a new six-inch one on Lafayette Street running south from County Road 1000.

Whalen noted that the expansion at Interstate 70 would be able to serve further development, as well as getting adequate water to the east and west of the area. He added that the storage tank was in good condition, but that there would eventually be a need for storage on the north side of the interstate.

The total cost for the improvements, including construction and engineering, stands at $4,871,735. However, Whalen noted that the PERs were part of an application for funding submitted to the State Revolving Fund (SRF).

Meanwhile, Smith spoke on the improvements recommended for both the wastewater system as well as the town’s wastewater treatment plant. With the collection system as a whole, Smith noted that Cloverdale has many weather-flow impacts (i.e. issues with stormwater), in which the system is not “water-tight” and overflows can overburden lift stations.

In looking at potential problem areas and deterioration, Smith outlined the recommended general wastewater improvements:

• Replacing a forced main in the Stardust Hills subdivision;

• A cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) rehabilitation of a sanitary sewer at Rabbit Run Creek;

• A CIPP rehabilitation of a sanitary sewer north of a grain elevator in the area of County Road 1000;

Replacing a sanitary sewer on Hurst Avenue;

• A CIPP rehabilitation of a sanitary sewer on Logan Street; and

• A CIPP rehabilitation of a sanitary sewer at Doe Creek.

As for the wastewater treatment plant, which Smith said was “in pretty good shape,” improvements include installing high-fence netting, replacing an aeration tank wall, replacing a deteriorated bar screen, installing a new blower and replacing the bladder tank for the recycling system.

The overall project cost for the wastewater improvements, including contingencies, stands at $3,630,000.

At the same time, Smith said HWC was looking at Lieber State Recreation Area decommissioning its treatment plant. While he said it would take $4,800,000, improvements to this system means that Cloverdale would be able to treat that wastewater at a lift station near State Road 243. As such, the town would get revenue, while the improvements themselves would be handled by the state.

The “good news,” Smith said, is that more grant money is available through the state due to funding from the infrastructure bill recently passed by Congress. If there ever was a time to be doing projects, he provided, now is the time. With there being a priority on wastewater, awards are to be made after the state’s fiscal year begins on July 1.

Along with the resolutions approving the PERs’ submittal, the council also approved one permitting Council President Rick Dearwester to sign off on the town’s application to the SRF.

In other business:

• Town Marshal Steve Hibler stated that having a second student resource officer at Cloverdale Schools is being considered. He said he had looked into a federal grant facilitated through the COPS Hiring Program, which is open until June 16.

Hibler said the grant would cover 75 percent of an entry-level police officer’s salary – though not other costs like vehicle maintenance – and can be used within a five-year window. Noting the deadline, the council approved for Hibler to move forward with an application.

• Hibler announced that Reserve Deputy Marshal Sam Fogle has a K-9 and has been soliciting donations to install a cage in one of the reserve police vehicles and cover the dog’s insurance. Clerk-Treasurer Kelly Maners noted that expenses for maintaining the dog would be $2,100-$2,700 for the first year, and then average $1,500 a year.

The impetus is to have a second K-9 unit opposite Deputy Marshal Virgil Lanning and Argo. The council approved for Hibler and Fogle to go ahead with installing the cage.

• The council approved a quote for $4,800 from Mayhew Contracting to remove three trees along Columbus Street. A planned project to repair the sidewalk there necessitates the removal, which would also include grinding the stumps, hauling off debris and putting dirt back into the holes.

• The council approved a quote for $2,250 to purchase a new 600-foot jetter hose, which is used for cleaning pipes. This will replace a similar hose that has deteriorated.

• Saying it had been “a delight to deal with,” Hartman announced there had been overflow problems recently with the pumps at the newly built lift station at Blue Side Way. Specifically, moist towelettes were found to have clogged them. He added that there was not a dependable alarm system to notify him of the failure.

Hartman said the lift station was functional after cleaning out the pumps, as well as installing a new alarm system. Acknowledging comments from Councilman Greg Jay and a perturbed local developer Don Gedert, he said the design of the lift station was deemed “fine” by an engineer. Nonetheless, he agreed that HWC could review the design.

Meanwhile, the council approved an invoice for $2,249 for the new alarm system, which would send a message to a town employee.

• After hearing Putnam County Planning Director Lisa Zeiner on the county’s initiative to update its comprehensive zoning plan, the council agreed that Cloverdale should retain its local zoning boards. However, taking the lead from Councilman Greg Jay, it approved for a town representative to participate in a “steering committee” for the comprehensive plan.

The county is looking to revamp its zoning designations overall. The Putnam County Commissioners approved a contract with HWC for the project at its meeting on Monday.

• Council President Rick Dearwester appointed John Bailey to fill a vacancy on the town’s stormwater board. While Jerry Peters resigned, the other seats are held by Bob Anderson and Council Vice President Larry Fidler.

• It being effective immediately, the council approved language enhancing an existing ordinance with regard leaving domestic animals outside in inclement or otherwise dangerous weather. The ordinance can be viewed on the town’s website.

Fidler and Councilman Brandon Tancak were not present at the meeting. Meanwhile, Councilwoman Cindy Holland was along with Hartman, Maners, Shagley, Hibler and the rest of the council.

In a formal motion, the council approved to hold its regular meeting next month on June 7 rather than June 14, with Hibler’s COPS Hiring Program application deadline being the overarching consideration. The meeting will still be held at 7 p.m. at the Cloverdale Town Hall.