Plugging along with pipe improvements

An ongoing infrastructure improvement project is going according to plan in east Hartley.

According to Bolton & Menk engineer Josh Pope, the cure-in-place-pipe (CIPP) lining project has experienced few issues over the past month. The improvements were made possible thanks to a $500,000 Community Development Block Grant.

"It's moving along nicely," Pope said during the April 10 city council meeting. "We have had a couple of pipe condition issues that have required replacement, but we expect those types of things throughout the course of the project."

After televising the pipes to view their condition, a crew from Wisconsin-based Visu-Sewer has been completing the relining portion of the project. Only lines that are in the new lift station's "sewershed" will be affected.

CIPP lining is a method of trenchless rehabilitation and restoration used in the repair of existing sewer lines. The process uses a textile liner tube and a liquid resin to reseal cracks and other damage, in turn reducing the amount of inflow and infiltration into pipes and lessening the burden on the sewer system.

Utility customers in east Hartley are being asked to reduce water usage when the relining portion of the project is taking place. Residents may notice a smell from their pipes as well, but it's harmless and normal, according to a letter to utility customers from the city.

• Other business

Gas Superintendent Isaac Molendorp was approved to take the wastewater treatment plant operator position. The switch prompted the council to begin advertising for the gas superintendent job immediately.

Molendorp started with the city in February. He has a degree from Western Iowa Tech in plumbing systems.

"His background was a good fit for [the wastewater] position," City Administrator Erica Haack said after the meeting. "He took part in some gas training in the last couple weeks and intends on continuing to be cross trained in the gas department."

The council also moved forward with the sale of a lot in the new industrial park.

Michael Scharnberg with Scharnberg Trucking will be purchasing the lot for $32,000 plus a 10-year sliding scale property tax rebate and a building construction rebate. He intends to build a 60' x 100' x 18' high finished, climate-controlled building with two overhead doors to house his truck and trailers, as well as restroom, office and break room space.