Hartley council hears infrastructure update

Two infrastructure projects in Hartley were the center of attention at Monday's council meeting.

Engineer Jim Thiesse provided an update on the city's new industrial park along Highway 18. He reported that most of the work is finished, but a few small jobs like grading near the entryway along the highway need to be completed.

"We're working through a couple of issues, but basically it's just loose ends that need to be tied up," Superintendent of Public Work Jaron Benz said after the meeting.

Building construction of the new industrial park's first tenant is progressing. Foundation work is underway for Backroads Express, LLC's building, which will be located in the northwest corner.

The trucking company's owners, Wyatt and Monica Glime, purchased four lots for $100,000 earlier this spring. The Glimes, of rural Everly, were the first party to take an interest in the new industrial park. Plans call for a 17,000 square foot building to be built on the 4.69-acre property. According to previous discussion, the Glimes plan to use the shop to house and repair Backroads Express' trucks.

Additionally, engineer Wes Boyer gave an update on the lift station replacement project. He said it's in the latter stages of planning and design, with final approval of blueprints slated for August. Benz said the city hopes to award a bid in September.

The upgrades will replace the lift station located at North Eighth Avenue East and Second Street Northeast that serves a large portion of the northeast quadrant of town. The current equipment was installed in 1967 and is outdated. Sewer backups are common in the east side of town during large rain events because the lift station is unable to pump water away fast enough.

The project is estimated to cost $1.1 million. The city received a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant earlier this summer to help offset costs.