End of the line for city's water woes?

McCook's water problems may finally be at an end, a city official indicated Monday night.

Jesse Dutcher, McCook Public Utility Director, told the McCook City Council Monday night that the new water treatment plant is in operation ahead of schedule and under budget.

Dutcher admitted that he had recommended last year that the city hire a different engineering firm for the water treatment plant, but now said the decision to chose W Design/JHC was the right.

Their "dedication to the project" has been outstanding, he said.

Greg Wolford of W Design told council members that the treatment plant is in operation and currently treating 1.2 million gallons of water per day. Beginning April 25, 2005, he said, W Design/JHC had been on the "fast track" to get the treatment plant in place before the March 31 consent decree, and that all indicators are showing that nitrates, arsenic and uranium are being lowered to acceptable levels.

Water business is not completely over yet, however, as council members were asked to approve several change orders regarding the equipment at the new plant, the well and connecting main, and an update on the settlement payment from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Co. resolving the water reservoir issue.

Council members approved a $25,449.35 change order IPT for piping to the brine system at the water treatment plant, as well as another change order for $4,694 to Starostka for a gate valve that was leaking at a well house.

The final payment from BNSF was received on Feb. 6, 2006, with the total expenses incurred with the water reservoir issue set at $1,048.057.78.

Of this amount, $103,757.43 were legal expenses, $41,007.35 for engineering expenses, and the tank upsize not funded by the State Revolving Loan Fund at $903,245.00.

The settlement payment will be used for these expenses as well as toward other water treatment expenses.

City Council also voted to :

* table the decision the expand the allowable hours for the sale of alcohol in the city on Sunday;

* agree to engage in non binding mediation with McCook Public Power District concerning pending litigation issues;

* receive and file information concerning a Keno contract with Hastings Keno, with a representative from Hastings Keno scheduled to address the council at its March meeting.

During Council Comments, Councilman Aaron Kircher read a letter that was sent to him, written by Bill Frazier and printed in the McCook Daily Gazette.

Councilman Phil Lyons said has been finding and fixing leaks in his house and encouraged city residents to do the same, as he had seen a definite decrease in his water and sewer bill.

Mayor Dennis Berry commented that although it is acceptable to not always follow city staff and city commission recommendations, he still appreciated and valued their opinion and time put forth on issues.