GAS — Council members here were awash with information about water projects, one to be done in-house after a bid proved too daunting and the other to do with what might occur if they decide Iola’s insistence to increase water rates is too burdensome.
Lathrop Construction, Nevada, Mo., proposed to replace 1,800 feet of two-inch steel water line along U.S. 54 with a PVC carrier, with a price tag of $67,800.
“Too much,” said Steve Robb, city superintendent, and told council members the work could be done piecemeal, when money was available and the local crew had time.
BG Consultants, Emporia, figured a main to carry water from Wholesale Rural Water District No. 5’s plant two miles northeast of Iola would cost $350,000. An outcome Robb found surprisingly low, although “there wouldn’t be need for a pumping station” to force water in the Gas storage tower.
“That just for your information,” Robb said.
Iola and Gas negotiated a 30-year contract in 2001 that limits to six raises what Iola may request of Gas. That number arrived recently and when Iola wanted to install its seventh, Gas councilmen balked.
The consultant’s report gives councilmen an alternative that may be workable.
City Clerk Rhonda Hill said Gas buys about 11 million gallons of water from Iola each year, at a cost of $100,000, give or take.
Depending on what water rate the wholesale district would approve, Gas might be able to pay for a connecting line with a long-term loan and come out to the better overall. But, councilmen aren’t ready to take that step just yet. Much will depend on what transpires between the two neighboring municipalities in the next year or two.
In their only action, councilmen approved a revamped animal ordinance that outlines penalties for letting livestock and fowl run at-large in Gas.
The city will charge $5 for fowl apprehended, $10 for four-legged livestock. A $50 fee will be assessed for the chore of capturing offending animals. If an owner fails to pony up, livestock will be sold at the local livestock auction, fowl advertised and sold to the highest bidder.
Purpose of the ordinance isn’t to put hardship on owners, rather to protect neighbors’ properties. Councilmen agreed that an animal — including dogs that already have an ordinance sending strays to the Allen County Animal Rescue Facility — within confines of an owner’s property wouldn’t be considered an offender.
Council wades through water topics
