Public Meetings Planned to Present Water Problems, Solutions
At Monday’s regular city council meeting it was approved to hire Kellar Associates to prepare a public presentation with options for fixing the city’s water system. The presentation will cost $7,500. Date of the public meetings will be determined later. Midvale residents will learn how much it will cost to bring the water system up to standard. A 30 year possible loan, capping at $2.7 million at two percent interest, has been offered by DEQ.
Some shocking numbers were shared by Justin Walker of Kellar Associates from his dealings with other cities. Emmett has just had a bid of $1.3 million for a 300,000 gallon storage tank. While Midvale might not need one that big, the cost would still be high, with construction costs rising every day.
Loan forgiveness was offered in the past by the DEQ, but since the President’s “Big Beautiful Bill” has passed, such monies are no longer available.
A patron asked about the old water tower, which is empty. Mayor Brian Graham explained that it was built decades ago when wood pipes were used. It is also covered in lead paint and no one is interested in even using it as a communication tower.
The council also approved $13,500 to Kellar to apply for and administer an LTAC grant for $100,000 to fix Canary Street.
The airport paving project is partially done. The construction company will not be paving the tie down area until next week. Councilman Fred Bruce said that the new pavement seemed thin. Clerk Mariah Johnson asked that someone check on the length of the pavement since it didn’t seem to be as long as the former runway.
The next regular meeting of the council will be August 11.
