Geneva looks at new water maintenance contract

During their meeting the evening of Tuesday, June 9, city maintenance leader Mike Wacholz told Geneva city council members that a new four-year agreement for maintaining and cleaning city water and pipes will cost the city $43,680. Empire Pipe Services of Mankato will use cameras to inspect pipes and will also send equipment through them for cleaning, when needed. There will be an additional $1,500 annual fee for inspecting and cleaning lift stations. Those same services for storm sewers will cost $750.

 

Josh Otto, a licensed water treatment worker who supervises both the Ellendale and Geneva treatment facilities, gave details on the 4-year agreement for the lift stations and how the north lift station needs a new panel.

 

Repairs are continuing on a city fire truck that was damaged during a March accident on Interstate 35. Council members were told the truck should be ready to resume service by July. City Treasurer Jady Mattson said a savings account has been opened for the city’s 175th anniversary celebration in 2030. Already deposited are $500 from the Memorial Day bake sale and a check for $700 in Bingo sponsorships. “We are five years out and off to a $1,200 start,” said Mattson.

 

Mayor Steven Bailey said anyone wanting to run for election to the Geneva city council can file with the city clerk between the dates of July 14 and 28. Geneva is seeking to fill two council positions, which are four-year terms. City Clerk Janelle Tufte will be lining up election judges and begin their training accordingly.

 

The city has set a $25 fee for a dog license, and will impose additional licensing requirements if a dog has been deemed dangerous, including microchipping, enclosures, proof of insurance, city inspections, etc. If the owner does not comply with all requirements, the city will impound the dog with the assistance of law enforcement.

 

The city has received numerous recent “nuisance” complaints regarding property within its borders. These include eight complaints about long grass, two regarding furniture and one about general disarray. One resident added the details of a yard in violation on First Avenue Southeast: “Two box trucks, no headlights, no tabs, no licenses. That place needs to be cleaned up. There’s a pile of dirt behind their garage from their swimming pool. A tree that fell last year and still needs to be cleaned up.”

 

Council members learned that area internet provider Radiolink is permanently out of business, but the company’s equipment is still on the water tower. Since Radiolink is filing for bankruptcy, Geneva is not allowed to remove the equipment until a bankruptcy judge grants permission.

 

The fence surrounding the community pool, which is not being used this year, needs to be adjusted and no trespassing signs installed. Children have been seen entering the pool and fishing there. Somehow, there are fish in the pool.