Pictured on the left side of the photo is the new equalizer tank. In the background and off to the right is the new wastewater treatment facility. (Photo Provided)

NORTH WEBSTER — Lakeland Regional Sewer District board of trustees held their regular monthly meeting Thursday evening, Aug.4, with a few small business actions kicking off the discussions.

The board opened with a three-minute public hearing for comments on the proposed rate ordinance amendment that would allow for a $25 fee associated with transfer statements needed for closing on new properties. There were no comments from the public, so the board closed that brief meeting and began discussion on construction updates.

The four contracted areas of the projects are quickly approaching the substantial completion date of Dec. 27, with final touches being added to each area. Contract A, bid by Selge Construction, covers Shoe Lake, Irish Lake, Sawmill Lake and part of Sechrist and Barbee lakes. Casey Erwin, DLZ project engineer, estimated this area to be 59 percent complete with the majority of laterals installed and grinder stations being placed, as well.

Contract B, also bid by Selge Construction, covers Sechrist Lake, Kuhn Lake and Big Barbee Lake, and has reached an estimated 95 percent completion.  Erwin speculated the substantial completion may be pushed forward to September. Contract C, bid by Advanced Rehab Technologies, covers Little Barbee Lake as well as a small portion of Irish Lake, and has reached approximately 74 percent completion with pump stations nearly installed. Contractors are waiting on the delivery of equipment.

Lakeland Regional Sewer District and customers of the district have seen tangible progress in the past few months. Pictured here is the sludge storage facility located near the wastewater treatment plant. (Photo Provided)

The wastewater treatment plant, bid by R.E. Crosby, has reached nearly 81 percent completion. The district has seen the foundation completed and a standing structure is coming together. Rural Development recently approved a nearly $18,000 change order that allowed metal siding to be added to the building, as well.

The board agreed to pay four contractor pay applications in the amounts of  $265,013.67; $339,550.47; $300,924.32 and $589,095. Erwin also presented a request for payment to DLZ for $60,003.27. The board approved each of these requests, but noted payment of these would result in a draw from the designated grant money, a fund the district has yet to touch. The board will need to hold a meeting to close on the bond before paying these bills.

The next regular monthly meeting will be held at the North Webster Community Center at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept.  1.

In other news:

• Board President Jim Haney spoke briefly about the public meeting held at the North Webster Community Center Saturday, July 23, noting he felt the meeting was a great success. The board reported approximately 270 property owners were present at the meeting along with 32 area contractors. One additional meeting will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at the NWCC.
• The board voted to waive retroactive fees associated with a district mistake on billing for $532.80.
• The board created a committee to address the required internal control documents.
• Information on the project and documents in relation to it can be accessed online at www.lakelandrsd.com
• Late payments were received on four past due accounts.
• The next round of pre-lien notices for past due bills will be sent Aug. 26.