Called Council Meeting

January 30, 2003

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Rozier with Councilman Waller leading in prayer.

Mayor Rozier explained the purpose of the meeting was to discuss information regarding repairs to the Maple Street Lift Station.  Councilman Tyler stated that city crews spent about ten hours from Tuesday afternoon until Wednesday morning working to contain sewer wastewater that was diverted from the sewer main due to damage to the discharge line.  The damage was located in the line where the two pumps come together.  Council was advised that about 100 gallons a minute was being pumped into the ditch until the crews could re-route the sewer flow.  Councilman Tyler reported that the sewer is now being pumped into pits that were dug about six or eight years ago when the City was reworking the main sewer line.  Councilman Tyler advised council that the main discharge line to the by-pass station was stopped up and this had to be cleaned out before the sewer wastewater could be diverted to the second station.  Mayor Rozier stated that he had notified EPD of the spill. 

Councilman Tyler stated that he was in the process of obtaining cost estimates to make the necessary repairs to the discharge line, but stated that council may want to consider replacing the lift station with an above ground system.  He advised council that technology has changed a great deal since the lift station was originally installed and felt that these improvements could help us operate the system much more efficiently.  Councilman Tyler stated that he hoped to have the bids for the new type system available by Wednesday of next week.  Councilman Johnson stated that the council had discussed the possibility of an upgrade several years ago when the station was under repair, but at that time it was more cost effective to make the repairs.

Councilman Tyler reported that the cost of the pump to operate the stand-by station was $850 per month.  Council discussed the need to have a backup pump on standby with the rental agency since we will be depending on the pump to get the sewer wastewater to Pooler for treatment.  Council was also advised that Bloomingdale Septic Tank and Roto-Rooter had been involved in the cleanup and the emergency repairs.  Councilman Tyler stated that the cost of the emergency cleanup and rental of the pump is estimated at about $12,000 and the current budget does not include these type expenses.  Council was advised that there were some funds available in the sewer renewal/extension fund, but they were currently in a certificate of deposit.  Councilman Myrick made a motion to pay the cost of the pump rental and the cleanup expenses from the general fund until the certificate of deposit matures.  Councilman Ray seconded the motion and it passed with six affirmative votes.

Being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 7:00pm.

The Mayor and all council members were present at the meeting.