The Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District heard updates on each contracted area of the new sewer project, but tangible evidence can be seen right outside the Cromwell office. This new clarifier tank on-site stemmed from many days of concrete, rebar and hard labor. (Photos Provided)

CROMWELL — Just four board members were present during Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District’s regular monthly meeting at the Cromwell office Monday, May 16.

For those who were present, there seemed to be nothing but good news to share among the group. The three contracted areas of the large S.W.A.P. project wrapping around Lake Wawasee are all ahead of schedule as it stands, and even with a few change orders on the horizon the contingency budget has remained barely touched.

The 7 p.m. start of the meeting had heads turned to district Superintendent Timothy Woodward, who explained several new purchases to the board. With the new style of shutoff valves going in the ground, Woodward added two ground probes and three new curb wrenches to the tool inventory. Additionally, Woodward purchased two new batteries for the district’s large vactor truck.

The Cromwell office also received a couple of supplies to keep the new files organized, gaining several filing cabinets and a new chair. The board also approved the request for a new printer that can handle the large amount of card stock going through each month during the billing process. The estimated cost of the printer is $983.

Woodward noted replacing a leaking valve at the water plant led to a recent three-day boil order for the district. Although the water was back on in just over an hour, a mandatory boil order was still provided. He said he felt confident his team would be able to do it again if necessary, even in the case of his absence.

Woodward did a recent comparison on the cost of paying someone to haul away sludge or to continue doing it within the district. The district opted to pay $2,500 in repairs to the large tractor that hauls it versus the yearly cost of nearly $50,000 to outsource the job.

The next regular monthly meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 20, beginning at 7 p.m. at the district’s Cromwell office. The public is welcome to attend, or to call Woodward with any questions. Woodward can be reached by telephone at (260) 856-4341. The superintendent emphasized that the community is welcome to contact him with any questions or concerns.

In other news:

• Woodward noted the 2015 Water Quality Report had been sent to homeowners in the district.
• Andrew Grossnickle noted district attorney Dick Green would be putting the final touches on the new use ordinance and preparing it for a first reading during a special meeting. The special meeting time and date will be announced at least 48 hours in advance.
• Woodward had previously scheduled a tour with the Syracuse water plant but had to cancel. He is planning to reschedule.