Waste water lagoon, sewer repairs highlight Sheldon aldermen meeting

With the July 2019 renewal of Sheldon's waste water lagoon permit expected to bring lower ammonia release limits, the city has been exploring options for repairing and improving the waster water lagoon and sewer system.

Several issues have already been addressed including cattail growth in the lagoon and an inoperable aerator.

The board of aldermen took the next steps in correcting two problems with the waste water system Thursday evening voting to approve the purchase of 1,500 pounds of bentonite clay to seal a leak in the berm, and repair a collapsed sewer main which was allowing rainwater and soil infiltration into the pipe.

The board voted 4-0 to purchase the bentonite clay for the growing leak that's located on the south side of the lagoon's berm.

Mayor Robert Moran explained the process used to fix the leak in the berm.

A trench is cut on top of the berm, parallel to the water line and the bentonite clay is used to fill in the trench. When the bentonite clay contacts water, it solidifies sealing the leak.

Moran said there is a danger of the berm collapsing if it is too wet.

In other business, the city will replace approximately 100 feet of sewer line near the high school.

The sewer line, one of the city's main lines, is made of clay pipe which has collapsed in several places leaving holes in the ground above and resulting in dirt and other debris washing into the pipe and into the lagoon.

The board chose the cheaper option of excavating and replacing approximately 100 feet of sewer line rather than replacing the entire 400 feet using pipe bursting.

Pipe bursting uses a machine that expands and "bursts" the existing pipe while pulling a new plastic pipe through the same hole. City clerk Becky Morgan on Monday said replacing the entire 400 feet using pipe bursting could cost the city $19,000.

The option chosen by the board comes with an estimated cost of $1,400.

Moran said the pipe replacement will likely be completed when the school is out for Christmas break.

"This needs to be fixed," alderman Gene Leininger said before voting to approve the repair.

The board voted 4-0 to approve the repair.

* Lloyd Hall, president, and Amanda Hall, vice-president/secretary, resigned from the park board.

Under their leadership, Sheldon has received new playground equipment, a new outfield fence, bathroom renovations, flower beds, freshly painted bleachers, and a refurbished basketball court.

The board recognized the Halls for their hard work and dedication to the community.

* Moran reported the Lions Club disbanded and donated $500 to the city.

"I would like to publicly thank them," Moran said.

* The board voted unanimously to pass a first and second reading of a bill establishing dates and times related to the April 4, 2017 election.

Interested persons can file their candidacy with the city clerk from 8 a.m. Dec. 13 to 5 p.m. Jan. 17.

Three positions are up for election, two at-large alderpersons and the mayor. All are two year terms.

"Unless you want to go through this line by line, we can just adopt the whole thing," Moran said.

* The board voted unanimously to pass the proposed 2017 general fund budget of $239,510.

* The board voted unanimously to pass the 2017 streets budget of $27,400.

"What I hope to see this year is that we repair a lot of streets," Moran said.

The street account has an unencumbered balance of $106,541.68 which can be used for repairs. The city can repave 3,500 feet, 10 city blocks, of street with concrete.

* The board voted unanimously to pass the 2017 fire department budget of $14,700.

* The board voted unanimously to pass the 2017 parks budget of $7,100.