SYRACUSE  — Jonathan Moen, an engineer with Triad, the town’s engineering firm, made a report regarding the rehabilitation of the wastewater treatment plant during the Syracuse Town Council’s regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, Aug. 16.

Moen explained there are several issues with a UV separator that was recently installed. When it was put into operation, water backed up into the clarifiers. The problem is the structure is 1 foot too high due to a typo in the manufacturers notes. Crosby, who is doing the work, is willing to make things right at no cost.

Moen noted he is still waiting for the corrected shop drawing to be sent to him. Public Works Superintendent Robin Merchant told the council he wants a third party to review the repair. He also wants a structural guarantee. After discussion with a representative from Crosby, the discussion between Moen, Merchant and the Crosby representative moved out of council chambers.

Another problem is the oxidation ditch, which Crosby installed to the manufacturers specifications, but it is not operating to industrial standards. It is not producing the oxygen levels the specification said it would. No viable solution to remedy the situation has been found or suggested. Moen requested permission to send a letter to Aeration Industries who made the units to find a viable solution or the town will have the units removed.

Aeration Industries has suggested how it could operate with the situation but Moen said that is not a viable solution. He warned the town this could turn into a legal matter.

Moen explained the oxidation units are running full bore 24 hours a day when they should only be at full capacity five to five and a half hours a day. The town has already paid for the units. A Crosby representative did ask for confirmation the units were installed as requested. He received it.

Moen told the council action needs to be taken before the contract runs out. Council approved Triad sending a letter on its behalf to Aeration Industries.

The town council approved adopting uniform internal control standards. This is required of everyone, including council members, handling town money to be trained and certified. Certification must be complete by October and must be done or the town budget will not be accepted by the state.

The council also approved an additional appropriation for the police department.
In the town manager’s report the council approved hiring America Structural Point for $25,150 to do the comprehensive plan. Town Manger Henry DeJulia reported road paving is complete, but striping was delayed due to the weather. DeJulia is also meeting with Tommy Vance Productions regarding the town video.

Council member Bill Musser asked about the damage done to three squad cars last week during the police report. Chief Jim Layne said the cars sustained a total of $12,000 to $13,000 and are being repaired. The insurance company is working on being reimbursed. Layne reported roof repairs at the range are almost complete.

Chad Jonsson, park superintendent, reported there will be a Volunteer Expo Saturday morning, Aug. 20. There will also be a fly fishing class Saturday. There is still time to enroll in the class, cost is $15.
A kids Olympics will be held at the Schrock Athletic complex Saturday, Aug. 27.