ITEM 3.2B SCC 5.6.2015 MinutesITEM 3-2B
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
PRAIRIE CENTER
MAY 61 2015
6:00 PM
Call to Order.
Mayor Jessica Stockamp called the meeting to order at 6:05 PM.
Roll Call: Mayor Jessica Stockamp; Councilmembers: Vern Heidner, Doug Schroeder and Tom
Darkenwald. Councilmember Jason Warehime arrived at 6:24 PM.
Staff: Lori Johnson, City Administrator; Ron Wagner, City Engineer; Kurt Neidermeier, Utility
Manager; Seth Wilkes, Utility Systems Operator; and Tami Loff, City Clerk.
1. West Wastewater Treatment Facility.
AE2S Representative Scott Schaefer was present. He reviewed the AE2S study of the current
system at the West WWTF. He stated the original system was designed too small and that the
odor is from the digester. He reviewed options to resolve the odor and capacity issues.
The estimated cost to fix the problem is $1.6 million plus and plus $400,000 ($250,000 for bio -
filter and equipment.) He is recommending a deeper system with aeration. City Administrator
Johnson asked if the bio -filter can be done after the fact. Mr. Schaefer said yes. He
recommends the city plan the pieces for expansion.
Discussion on the complaints received from the East WWTF. Mr. Schaefer said that was due to
the hauling of solids from the west to the east facility. He recommends the other digester is
used at that facility to help manage the odor issue. He stated too much was hauled at once. It
should have been in smaller portions.
Resident; Erik Terwey, 5590 Raintell Court NE, said he lives by the east facility and has noticed
the odor. Will the updates at the west facility alleviate the issue of odor on the east side.
Mr. Schaefer said that was a learning curve and changes have been implemented and the
effects may take some time but they have noticed some difference already.
The timeline was reviewed. Mr. Schaefer said if City funds can get a design proposal and build
next year. Next step would be for the City Council to authorize a full engineer study. The City
Council concurred. A proposal will be drafted for the May 26, 2015 City Council meeting.
Mayor Stockamp asked what the city can do yet this year to address the odor complaints at the
West facility. Utility Manager Neidermeier reviewed steps already taken by City staff; second
oxidation ditch online, gravity belt three times per week and the digester PH adjustment.
2. Finance Director Interviews.
City Administrator Johnson stated that interviews were not scheduled and requested that a date
be set to interview candidates.
Mayor Stockamp motioned to set a Special City Council meeting on June 1, 2015 at
6:00 PM for Finance Director Interviews. Seconded by CM Heidner. All in favor.
Motion carried.
3. Adjourn.
CM Darkenwald motioned to adjourn. Seconded by CM Warehime. All in favor.
Motion carried. Adjourned at 7:47 PM.
Mayor Jessica Stockamp
ATTEST:
Tami Loff, City Clerk