Water project delayed

Weather has not permitted a contractor to begin the Uniontown water distribution system improvement project, City Council members learned during their Tuesday meeting, however, that will change as soon as the weather breaks.

"They are eager to get started, they are waiting on the weather," Mayor Larry Jurgensen said.

The contractor for the project is Lathrop Construction of Nevada, Mo.

"The snow has to melt before they can really do anything," Frank Young, engineer for the project later told The Tribune. "I think the boring machines use water for a lubricant, so it has to be above freezing before they can work."

The city also is still working on obtaining water tank property easements for the project. Johnny Johnson and Michael Wood have not responded to the city's request, but Larry Tinsley has, City Clerk Sally Johnson said.

After consultation with Young, the city officials decided not to seek eminent domain, but to seek the easements.

The United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development funds were deposited in the city's account for the project on Wednesday. The approximately $19,000 loan payment will be due annually on Feb. 12 for the next 40 years. The city approved the payment of bills accrued so far for the project.

Jurgensen said Merle Rose, former Uniontown city superintendent, has offered to help the current superintendent, Bobby Rich, during the project.

"Give me his cell phone number," Rich said.

There are other water problems the city is working to alleviate.

The council learned city officials also are working on the issue of a damaged culvert on Union Street. Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives met with city officials and Young about the ongoing problems with the culvert when the town receives abundant rainfall.

"A couple of the FEMA guys said because we stopped the ditch project at First Street, it caused the problem down below ... which it did," Johnson said. "They said if we can prove that there is not going to be any adverse affect to the property owners south of the culvert, that we can probably get it approved for more funds ... Frank (Young) was working hard to get us more money."

Sally Johnson said City Attorney Robert Johnson is still working on condemnation of the buildings on Third Street, the voluntary annexation of Union Station by the city, and a contract for the Hinton Creek gas line relocation.

Sally Johnson reported gas prices will increase to an estimated $9.07 per unit increase from the Kansas Municipal Gas Agency. The original estimated cost was $4.17.

"That's going to cost us more than we estimated. Luckily we have a little revenue in reserve," Larry Neville, city treasurer, said.

In other business the council:

* Approved the treasurer's report with a total of $505,451.46.

* Approved Sally Johnson's request to attend the League of Kansas Municipalities Ethics Workshop Feb. 22 at Fredonia for $75 and the City Clerk Municipal Finance Officers Association Conference on March 12-14 at Wichita for $250 plus lodging.

* Heard from Councilman Dustin Goalden of a need for maintenance on the city's storm siren.

* Heard from Sally Johnson that the leak at 305 Fulton has been billed and paid in full.

* Sally Johnson reported steps are being taken to correct an issue regarding a citizen who has a barking dog and was burning items in the street.

* Learned that city signs being made by Alpha Artistry are nearly complete.

* Learned that Sally Johnson has ordered an additional fire extinguisher for the city tractor, and extinguishers for the shop and pickup have been delivered. She also reported the extinguisher for the community center has been tagged.