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Concerns raised over Columbus School sewer system |
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Wednesday, 05 March 2008 |
Mary Bailey
Columbus Reporter
The city of Columbus and Anoka County agree: The Columbus Elementary School septic system is both a public nuisance and a health threat.
Following a surface discharge of sewage from the Columbus Elementary School system on February 8, Columbus Building Official Nick Schmitz met with Anoka County Public Health Specialist Jon Christensen to discuss the history of septic system problems at the school.
Between 1999, when the system was installed, and 2003, there were at least seven surface discharges. Since January of 2005 a total of 16 incidents were recorded, including sewage bubbling up next to the parking lot, water surfacing near the septic tanks behind the school, and leaks in the drip irrigation disposal field filling the ditch next to Notre Dame Street.
At the Columbus City Council meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 27, the council accepted Schmitz’s recommendation that the septic system be upgraded or replaced.
Schmitz, City Administrator Elizabeth Mursko and one council member will meet with representatives of the school district to discuss a remedy for this chronic problem.
Pump House 2
City Engineer Larry Bohrer reported his findings on using diesel fuel for auxiliary power to the fixed generator.
Currently a variance from the Minnesota Department of Health is required to place a diesel generator within 50 feet of a municipal well. Bohrer said the setback will be changed to 20 feet in May or June, but recommended the city not wait for the rule change but apply for the variance now. The use of diesel fuel requires a double-walled fuel tank and spill protection.
The council approved an increase of $20,028 for construction costs for Well Pump House 2, bringing the total to $625,252. This increase reflects upgrades to the pump and motor required because the well’s output capacity tested at 1000 gallons per minute instead of the expected 400.
Hornsby Street
City Administrator Mursko reported that the planned Hornsby Street realignment just south of Highway 97 in the Interstate 35 corridor may become eligible for matching federal funds as a high priority project.
The project would have to be ready for construction in 2009, with lobbying beginning now. The city and two counties would share half the cost.
The council instructed the city staff to work with Anoka County to apply for federal funding.
Running Aces
The North Metro Harness Initiative (Running Aces) plans to turn on the harness track lighting for testing from dusk to dawn on the evening of Monday, March 24.
North Metro asked the city what public notification is required. The last time the lights were tested all night, several residents called to see if there had been a change to the agreed-upon lights-out time.
The city will post a notice on its web page and will decide at its next meeting whether to require a flyer or newspaper ad to alert the public.
No water connect
The council discussed a letter from Forest Lake City Administrator Chip Robinson saying that an emergency water interconnect between the two cities, which was requested by Columbus, would cost too much at this time for the benefit received.
Believing there would be mutual benefit for both cities, the Columbus council intends to continue pursuing this goal in the future.
Building update
Council member Denny Peterson reported that the new maintenance building is almost complete. After the walk-through on Feb. 28, the city will receive a certificate of occupancy and the keys to the building.
The building official will do a final inspection to make sure it meets code. A few things can’t be done until spring or summer; final payment will be made then.
A committee will plan the open house to introduce the building to the public.
Mursko reported that the three members of the public works department will each have a computer. The computer system will be upgraded with a new server and two new computers, all computers using compatible software, and all computers on the network so that files will be backed up on the server, not on individual computers.
In addition, each employee will each have a phone line with voice mail. The caller can press 0 to reach the receptionist.
Other facilities
Based on a recommendation from the park board, the council awarded a two-year contract to RVS Turf & Snow for lawn mowing.
Council member Mark Walsh said that for safety purposes the park board is considering two sets of playground equipment for Columbus City Park, for ages 2 to 5 and 6 to 10. The playground could be placed between the parking lot and baseball fields, so parents can watch the ballgame and younger siblings at the same time.
Council member Renae Fry questioned the need for playground equipment for older children, as the elementary school already provides this. Walsh said the board welcomes suggestions on these topics, and also on what to do with the current public works building area. “We’d appreciate any input we could get,” he said.
Another question about Columbus City Park is whether the trail should be maintained in winter. Mursko suggested telling people it’s a minimum maintenance trail. Walsh said the board will make a sign for the trail saying how it can be used.
Council member Jeff Duraine brought up the question of a future bike trail. Mursko said this will be discussed with Planner Dean Johnson at a meeting on March 6. The city’s comprehensive plan can include bike trails, she said, but the city must be willing to commit to the expense before including them in the plan.
Duraine also asked about providing public access to Howard Lake. The need for DNR permission and the shallow, muddy nature of the lake were discussed. The park board will look at this.
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