Minutes-08/08/1976

Clerk's notes, Sept. 8th continued. D. Saeufling, City Engineer Report The mandatory State requirements in effect since the renewal of the City of Tiffin sanitation permit on August 30, 1976 will require testing which will add greater costs to the sewer plant operation. If the tests are done by a testing lab, the costs could be around $210.00 per month. Mr. Brown is qualified to do the testing with added equipment. Potter will determine the equipment needs and costs & present to Council. Atty. Neuzil asked for Saeufling's appraisal of the past problems with the Effluent ponds and Sewer plant. Saeufling said that in March the Mayor received a letter from D.E.Q. about too much percolation from the ponds. Saeufling made checks and tests early in the summer. Field tile in the area were dug into and plugged. The D.E.Q. was satisfied that attempts were made to alleviate the problem. A copy of the letter Saeufling was sent to the clerk. He suggests that because of standing water puddles in the field to the west of the ponds, that an area be dug up to determine if more field tile are causing the problems. When the City does the excavation, Saeufling will supervise the findings and test to determine if the ponds are leaking via the field tile. If that is the problem, then correction will be made. Saeufling also advised Council of the future needs of the Sewer plant and the possibility of funding grants from the Federal gov't. Bob Rasmussen, Fairfield mayor and advisor for the League of Iowa Municipalities advised Council of the status of the mobile home park in Tiffin. He is going to investigate further at the State level and advise Council later as to his findings. Att. Neuzil reiterated the need for a permit from the State for the well project. He will prepare new garbage hauling contract bids to be sent out to area haulers. He reported that he has started condemnation proceedings on the Louis Voparil property, Main St. and has sent a letter to Mr. Voparil. He has not received any information on the sales tax appeal. The Council again discussed hiring a part-time water meter reader at $2.50 per hour. In the past, Council has not been able to find someone that is interested. Janssen will get a cost analysis for installation of outdoor water meters to be installed for all users in the water system. The Mayor reported on the acquisition of a 1966 Dodge 3/4 ton truck to be used by the City. It is the property of Civil Defense, but the City is in charge of maintenance and can use it when not needed by Civil Defense. The Clerk-Treasurer was directed to bill L. Voparil $70.55 for excess water usage, meter reported.