By Liz Shepherd
InkFreeNews

CLAYPOOL — Claypool Town Council approved a bid to replace a retaining wall on Section Street during a July 19 meeting.

Council President Benny Stage Jr. said the wall is on the verge of collapsing and could damage the nearby sidewalk if it falls.

“It’s something that we need to get on pretty quick because if that wall collapses, it will come down on top of the sidewalk and the weight of that wall, I’m sure, will crack the sidewalk in multiple places, which in turn would cost more money for repairs,” said Stage.

Stage presented two bids for the project. He also recommended the town use what’s left from their first round of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) fund to pay for replacing the retaining wall. The bids Claypool received were from SiteWorx Services, $29,895; and Schuey Landscaping, $13,500. The project would include removing and rebuilding the wall.

Both companies told the council the reason the current retaining wall is close to collapsing is due to failed footing.

Council accepted the bid from Schuey Landscaping and approved funding the project through the town’s remaining ARPA funds.

In other business, council approved an order that was proposed by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) regarding wastewater stabilization at the town’s lagoon.

Ben Adams, Commonwealth Engineers Inc., attended the meeting to further explain the order to council.

“It’s a legal document that will bind the town to take action to make improvements at the plant so that you can effectively discharge and meet the limits set forth,” said Adams.

Adams told the council that 30 days from the order’s effective date, Claypool would have to pay an IDEM fine for violations, as well as develop and set forth a compliance plan for the water treatment system.

Council approved the order with IDEM.

Claypool Council’s next meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16, in the Lions Club building.