The Jefferson Streets/Sewer/Sanitation/Water Committee met Tuesday in regular session.

Bolton & Menk discussed the bulk wastewater agreement with Landus Cooperative.  A decision was tabled until the attorneys for both entities reviewed the agreement and then a final recommendation will be brought to the City Council. Landus Cooperative is to looking to dump ammonia wastewater into Jefferson’s system from one of their sites.

The committee then reviewed the preliminary nutrient reduction study from Bolton & Menk. The study is required by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for city treatment plants to establish point source strategies to complete a nutrient reduction policy as part of the permit process. The study showed that the phosphorus level was 0.38 milligrams above the target goal of 1-milligram. The other part of the study showed Jefferson’s nitrogen level is at 50-percent removal of the nutrient and the goal is 66-percent. Bolton & Menk recommended installing a better storage tank with greater capacity for sludge storage and developing a better system of hauling it out of the tank. The cost was estimated at $290,000, but it was recommended to not start construction until the City’s debt service was retired in 2024.

The committee discussed a water line expansion project along Mulberry Road. Resident Nick Richardson is building a house and the existing house has a one-inch water line from the City’s hydrant. The supply line is also inadequate. The committee talked about looping in all the dead end water lines in the area. Following the discussion, the committee decided to bring the topic up at the City Council priority budget workshop in October.

A concerned citizen then addressed the committee about a $539 lien on his property, due to late fees on renters who didn’t pay their water bills. He felt it was negligence on the City’s part to not notify him of the late fees before issuing the lien on his property. The committee said they will look into the issue and directed him not to pay the lien.

The Streets Department talked about a couple of projects for the next fiscal year. Streets Superintendent Dave Teeples said they are looking to blacktop north of Cedar Street to Central Street and Vest Street from Mulberry Road to Russell Street. No action was taken by the committee.

The committee also tabled reviewing changes of sewer charges for a resident.

Finally, Police Chief Mark Clouse brought up a few complaints from residents on Russell Street near the swimming pool. He said residents are requesting posted speed limit signs going up the hill toward the spotlight or “Slow, Children at Play” signs to improve awareness for motorists as children head to and from the swimming pool. The committee directed the streets department to check signs and possibly look to install them.