RIVERSIDE

Water, pumps and chlorine are quickly turning into a major spring project, and headache, in Riverside.

A repair project is expected to begin at the city’s wastewater plant by May 1.

Designs for even bigger reconstruction and repair project is underway for the city’s water treatment plant.

Additionally, Monday’s City Council session was dominated by reports of broken pumps, a non-functioning chlorine and PH panel, leaking pipes and flow preventor repairs.

People Service, which operates the city’s water systems on a daily basis, has been working with the city on equipment issues and workers actually check chlorine and PH levels regularly by hand because the electronics used to check those levels aren’t working. One of the systems is down to two working pumps.

“I’ve got some frustration. This is all coming at once,” said Council Person Edgar McGuire.

Axiom Consultants of Iowa City, which serves as the city engineering firm, has been heavily involved in the design planning for improvements at the water and wastewater plants. The Council began to consider Monday whether an engineering firm specializing in water systems may also be needed. A representative from Purpose Associates, an engineering firm that has worked on water systems in other Iowa cities, spoke to the Council about what it can provide and was directed by Mayor Allen Schneider to provide examples of programs at a future council meeting.

“We can’t continue to go on, and wait, wait, wait,” said Council Person Kevin Mills.

The Council did approve $9,351 to Electric Pump of Des Moines for the repair of a pump at the wastewater plant and $4,199 to Summit Fire Protection for the repair of a backflow preventor.

The Council tabled action on the replacement of another pump, pending multiple quotes, and a chlorine and PH panel.

Third Street Update

Work on the Third Street water and sewer main project is nearing its end, Brian Boelk of Axiom Consultants told the Council. But some residents have contacted the city because of their desire to have a rail or fence constructed above a retaining wall. They also are concerned about the steep slope in portions of the project near their property. The project included lowering the elevation of Third Street in an area of the city, located north of downtown, that is extremely hilly.

Prior to work starting on the project last year, Axiom Consultants and the city held a series of public meetings to discuss the scope of the work.

“I think we went above and beyond trying to appease these people,” McGuire said.

Council Person Lois Schneider suggested that the City Council hold an on-site work session to view the concerns.

Council Action

The Council approved a payment of $143,255.31 to Streb Construction for work completed on the Third Street project.

The Council approved a rezoning of a pair of properties from C-3 Avenue of the Saints Commercial to C-1 Central Business Commercial, pending an approved site plan.

The Council approved a request from La Chiva Loka restaurant for the closure of Railroad Street on May 5 and 6 for a Cinco de Mayo celebration and outdoor concert.

The Council approved a resolution waiving the right to review a preliminary plat request of a property that is being considered by Washington County.

Next board meeting: The City Council’s next regularly scheduled meeting is at 6 p.m. May 1.