|  |
 |
Presentation details two-pond lagoon system at Ocheyedan
| | | | |
Don Frankl of SEA Solutions presented a lengthy video about lagoon management to Ocheyedan council members during their August 10 meeting. The sequenced batch aerated lagoon video detailed the process which uses two wastewater ponds as opposed to three.
Frankl stated how SEA's system keeps ammonia and E. Coli levels in check with its aeration process and the advantages. The video gave examples of cities using the system.
Steve Robinson of SEH Engineering was also present and stated that by going to two taller and deeper ponds only six to eight acres of farmland would need to be utilized. With three ponds, approximately 12-15 acres would be needed.
Both men detailed storage capacities and other information. The City of Dunlap (pop. 1,159) was cited in the video and it was noted that system required a 19 million gallon storage capacity. Ocheyedan (pop. 530) would need storage capacity of 14 million gallons. Ocheyedan's high storage capacity is needed because of ongoing higher groundwater levels.
The council gave Robinson permission to pursue investigating the two-pond system.
In a related matter, council members approved a revised DNR consent order during a roll call vote. That order states that preliminary lagoon plans must be turned in by September 1 and final plans by December 1, 2009. The order states that construction must begin by 6-15-2010, with completion by 8-1-2011. Prior to completion, the project must be in compliance by 9-1-2011.
* Elections
The City of Ocheyedan, along with four other cities, recently approved the Local Option Sales and Service (LOSST) tax during an August 4 vote. From those tax dollars, Ocheyedan will receive approximately $60,000 plus for use on city streets, parks and buildings.
City clerk Lynette Tracy announced the following council terms were up this year: mayor Arlyn Pedley (two-year term); council members Joe McElroy and Brett Kleve (four-year terms). She stated that nomination papers may be taken out August 24 with the last day to file is 5 p.m., September 17 for the November 3 election.
* Streets, permits, four-way stop
Council members approved a building permit for Gerry Kogelmann at 769 Spruce St., for a front porch to wrap on the east side of his home. Duane Tracy informed the council that he is starting a winery business at 537 Second St. He needed the city's approval prior to seeking federal permits and licensing.
The four-way stop at the Ocheyedan public elementary corner has been in place since the Highway 9 detour began in mid-July. It was installed as a safety issue in crossing Main Street. The council is urging feedback from the public on the matter.
* Reports
The street financial report was given. Council person Mark Kruger stated that the city cannot alternate resurfacing streets every other year. The city had tried the experiment to save costs. Other council members agreed with Kruger.
Tracy presented the public library's annual report. Figures showed a total of 804 borrowers: 365 town (45%) and 439 rural (55%) and circulation of 9,364. Income was $42,580.24; trust and agency $14,231.34 with expenses of $35,642.06. Board of trustees include Tammy Hoekstra, president; Laurie Glade, vice president; Bernie Willadsen, secretary; Nancy Faber, treasurer; Don Hormel, Carol Iedema and Amy Duis. Connie Schuster is co-director of library services.
* Gutter, junk
Larry Brunk wants to install curb and gutter at his residence east of the Ocheyedan ball diamond. He moved in a home at the location in recent years but the street still retains a gravel surface.
A complaint was received about junk at the residence at 996 Cherry Street. City officials have looked at the property and it does not violate city code. There are no old appliances in view and what is there is "household stuff, toys," according to the mayor. However, the property owner will be sent a letter to determine if the van on the property is in compliance with current license tags and insurance.
In other business, the council approved to pay half of the fire department's $4,689 cost for new pagers to include three mobile units, three walkies and five pagers.
| |
©Ocheyedan Press 2010
| | |
| |
|
  | Contact Us
Copyright © 1995 - 2010 All Rights Reserved. |
|
