John Stodola, SEH engineer in their waste water department, met with the council Wednesday night to explain the wind powered processor/mixer. “We have looked at a number of options this past year and feel the wind processor/ mixer will help solve the odor problem,” Stodola told the council.
Stodola and Ron Mergen, Paynesville public works director, visited West Fargo and Hillsboro, N.D. and Ortonville to see the processor/mixer in operation. “We received good reports from all three city department heads concerning their units,” Stodola added.
The units would float on the surface of the lagoons and the wind powered processor/mixer drives the circulation paddles to circulate the water from the top of the ponds with the water at the bottom. Stodola said the units would not erode the bottom of the ponds.
Stodola recommended the city purchase five wind operated units and five motorized units to ensure there would always be water circulating.
“The units can also be used to reduce the BOD (solid) levels in the lagoon ponds but we will be using them strictly for odor control,” Stodola added.
Mergen explained the wind processor/ mixers would reduce the electrical demand at the pretreatment pond and in the long run save the city money.
“The units at Ortonville were strictly wind operated. They were very pleased with their operation,” Stodola said. “However, we can’t always count on the wind blowing here at Paynesville like Ortonville.”
A rough estimate for the 10 units is $225,000. Approximately 80 percent of that cost will be covered by AMPI and Master Mark.
Mergen said the aeration units would be funded through the sewer capital improvement fund over a 10-year period at seven percent interest. The units have a 20-year life expectancy. City employees would assemble and install the units on the ponds this winter.
The council approve pursuing the agreement with AMPI and Master Mark and preparation of construction costs estimates for the proposed circulation system.
New garbage contract
The council approved renewing their garbage, rubbish, and recyclables pickup agreement with West Central Sanitation. The new agreement will take effect Jan. 2, 1999 and will be effective for seven years.
Rates under the new agreement are:
30 gallons, not to exceed 35 pounds, once a month, $7.25.
30 gallons, not to exceed 35 pounds, every other week, $9.65.
30 gallons, not to exceed 35 pounds, once a week, $13.90.
60 gallons, not to exceed 870 pounds, once a week, $18.50
90 gallons, not to exceed 105 pounds, once a week, $22.50; and
Tags used for each bag over limit, $2.25.
In other business:
• The council approved purchasing 10 new air tanks for $285 for the Paynesville Area Volunteer Fire Depart-ment. The department has more than 30 tanks but many have exceeded their average life expectancy of 15 years.
• The council received a community education report on the summer recreation program from Steve Brisendine. After all the bills were paid, there was a difference of $6,124. The city and township agreed to cover the difference equally, $3,062 each.
There were about 19 summer recreation programs offered with 731 area residents taking part. This compares to 751 children and adults registered last year.
• The council appointed Dave Peschong and Steve Whitcomb to serve on the city/township committee to explore a joint powers agreement for construction and operation of an airport.
• The council appointed Dennis Wilde, city administrator, to serve as the city’s Y2k coordinator.
The League of Minnesota Cities has a Y2k compliance guide. The insurance trust will cover the city if a coordinator is appointed.