CHUGWATER — While the 6th Penny Tax was voted in for the relief of necessary infrastructure, water, and sewer repairs, the pre-existing well and sewer concerns are still taking a front seat in determining the well-being of waste, potable, and emergency water resources in Chugwater. Recently the town did gain acceptance for a Level I water study, which brings some funding along with it, however according to Mayor Carol Ash, the funding only helps finance the study itself. “There are two parts to be approved for the study,” Ash explained. “After application for the study, the first phase is to qualify for the study, and once approved, the second phase is funding that is granted to pay for three engineers that have come to assess and study our water system.”  

Councilmember John Burns asked for clarification, whether the funds paid for any projects or only for consultation. Ash confirmed that the funding was for engineer consultation fees only. “This consultation helps to guide us how to prioritize water, sewage, and street(s) maintenance under the new 6th Penny Tax,” Ash added. 

Repairs & Updates

On the heels of this report, Gerry Dayton, water and sewer operator, in tandem with temporary water and sewer specialist Pete Delgado, gave his summary regarding ongoing and resolved town projects, which has kept the small crew more than busy.

“Some non-working outside lights were replaced for safety reasons at the Visitor’s Center,” explained Dayton. In addition to the Visitor’s Center’s lighting issues, there have also been problems with the photo-sensors and lights at the business center which are being addressed.

“We are on the schedule for Eagle Drilling to pull out Well #5, and hopefully we can get that problem solved,” Dayton added.

Well #5 has been a major concern in Chugwater for months, and it was previously decided that pulling the well was the best method to discover underlying problems of leakage, blockage, or pressure. 

Meanwhile, other repairs and updates throughout the community are taking place. “The shelves in the town shop are getting organized so we can figure out inventory. We also built wooden shelves with existing materials, moved the file cabinet to City Hall, and have worked to get the new stove purchased and installed into the Community Center,” Dayton said.

The efforts and generosity of councilmember Joe Schirmer were praised by the council as he recognized the urgency and need for a new stove in the Community Center. Schirmer took it upon himself to work with Lowe’s to find the appropriate appliance, arranged for delivery, and paid for the equipment out of his own pocket. While Schirmer had not be reimbursed at the time of this discussion, the town clerk/treasurer confirmed that Schirmer had submitted a bill and Ash explained that councilmember Schirmer would be reimbursed at the end of the meeting. Schirmer worked with Delgado to be sure the stove was correctly installed.

In addition to these projects, top and bottom elements were replaced on the water heater, furnace filter and light bulbs replaced, and the soft water unit was serviced. According to Dayton, Southwest Plumbing was able to repair a collapsed sewer pipe at a private residence and discovered that there was a section that needed additional attention. 

“We discovered that the boots were incorrectly installed,” Delgado said. “We did get it corrected and Southwest Plumbing dug up another sewer line and performed a double cleanout that was too far from a manhole at a private residence, and hopefully that helps.”

Maintenance and repair needs continue to build as the water pump on the city’s bucket truck needs replaced, and new faucets were installed at the library as there had been leaks.

Dayton also reported that nitrite and nitrate levels in the water were taken and delivered to the lab. “We continue to stay current on regular monthly duties,” added Dayton. “We are getting meters read and taking monthly water samples and addressing other work orders.” 

Delgado also explained what happened with an incorrectly installed valve in the bulk water meter. “The valve itself isn’t ‘bad’,” said Delgado. “It’s just an incorrect application. We need approval to fix the bulk water valve, or if we can, draw bulk water from hydrants.” 

Mayor Ash added that a lot of new construction was anticipated, and the bulk water would be a way to make money in the spring. “We often fill tank trucks with water for construction projects. It is an extra income source for the town. We have a bulk water meter that measures the gallons pumped into the truck, so we know how much to charge the construction company; just like we do town residents. There is a master output meter on the wells, and we track the gallons used by the community and bulk water sales to ensure we can account for all water being pumped and minimize water loss.” Ash explained that the anticipated new construction would be funded by the 6th Penny Tax income that will be available.  

“So many things that needed to be done have been done now,” she said.

Dayton suggested that someone visit residents that do not currently have their addresses posted near the water meters to avoid any misunderstandings about which property is being read and charged, adding that this should potentially become an ordinance so there is no confusion in the future. Delgado did explain that there are new meter ID’s that correspond with the property and that it is helping with readings and billing. In addition, it was noted that meters should not be obstructed by vehicles, rubbish, or any property that would interfere with accurate meter readings. 

Amidst all these seemingly frustrating projects, Dayton was happy to report that the Christmas decorations were up around town, and while it was a big project with only two people working on it, “It really looks nice.”

Clerk Resigns

Linda Webster, town clerk/treasurer made the decision to resign from her post as clerk and spend more time enjoying children and grandchildren, traveling, and enjoying her many hobbies. “I’ll consider this a sort of retirement,” said Webster. “I’m very happy and looking forward to much more time with family and pursuing my other fun interests.” Though this was to be Webster’s final council meeting, she reported that all books and accounting were up to date and reconciled. Applications for the clerk/treasurer are currently being taken and processed, after which the council will meet regarding new hires.

Snowmobile Ordinance

A second reading of ordinance 318 regarding the use of snowmobiles in the town of Chugwater was heard as town attorney Eric Jones stated that the ordinance provided for the operation of snowmobiles on streets and alleys in Chugwater. “This is to be understood that snowmobiles can only be driven when their operation does not damage town property; and asphalt is considered town property,” said Jones. Ash added that no members of the community have complained about instituting this ordinance, which is a result of an ordinance imposed in the early days of the power plant surge and the use of snowmobiles in town during inclement weather was forbidden.

Councilmember John Burns pointed out that there should be some language forbidding summertime use of the snow machines. “It seems like common sense, but we don’t want people driving them around on dry pavement, I don’t see this language in the second reading.”  Jones confirmed that this language would be included, and the ordinance amended to reflect the distinction. 

Liquor Licenses

Three liquor license renewals were approved for the Buffalo Lodge & Grill, the Stampede Saloon, and Chugwater Soda Fountain.

School Snow Removal

A year-to-year contract was also approved for snow removal from the Prairie View Charter School area and parking lot. The Prairie View school board sent a letter requesting the continuation of this service. Some discussion commenced regarding timing and prioritization of local streets and roads where snow removal is performed by town employees to clear streets for residents commuting to work, and clearing bus routes. 

Among questions of liability that were brought up, Jones stated liability lies in improper use of equipment or improper snow piling, and a memorandum of understanding might be appropriate: stating that as good a service as it is to clear the lot, it is atypical, and if the school were to agree to the memorandum and implement a year-to-year contract, all concerned “can see how it goes.” 

“The council and the school board would have to agree on all terms,” concluded Ash.

Boston Tea Party Education

The Daughters of the Revolution proclaimed the 250th Anniversary of the Boston Tea Party and hoped that information regarding the Tea Party could be shared with the schools so that teachers and students could have this historic information incorporated into their curriculum at some point during December.

Executive Session

In a short executive session regarding employees, it was announced once the public meeting resumed that no action was taken. Public forum was then opened, with a very quiet audience. There were no comments or questions posed at this time.