Eureka council to seek CIB funding after engineers find failing booster pumps; approves emergency fixes and support for Mammoth fill station

Eureka — The Eureka City Council voted to prepare an application to the Utah Community Impact Board (CIB) to replace the city’s aging water booster station after staff reported failing valves and pump damage that threaten service reliability.

Dan, a city staff consultant, told the council the booster station had two gate valves and a check valve failing to seat, allowing backflow that causes pumps to circulate and cavitate. “So we’ve been looking into the water system,” Dan said, explaining that chlorinated water being drawn through pumps was accelerating damage and that only one of three booster pumps is currently functional.

Shay, a city staff member who advised on grants, told the council the CIB’s application deadline is Feb. 2 and that emergency exceptions or the city’s placed project on the annual CIB list could speed funding. “I can reach out to Candace Powers” at the CIB, Shay said, and staff will follow up to confirm eligibility and timing.

Councilmember Tom Nederberg moved to prepare a CIB application for full replacement while retaining the repair estimate as a fallback; the motion was seconded and carried on a unanimous roll call. Council directed staff to work with Raelene Maxfield and Kimberly Clements on the application and to coordinate with CIB staff for an eligibility determination.

Council members discussed alternatives if CIB funding is not available. Dan said a phased repair plan — replacing check and gate valves, inspecting and repairing two pumps and replacing seals — would restore function short-term but that a full above-ground replacement would be easier to maintain long-term. Staff noted Rural Water program options, which can include a partial grant and loan but typically require a rate increase and eligibility thresholds.

Separately, Mammoth Water Association representatives reported repeated thefts and breakage of the top fill-station camlock hose and safety concerns from high outlet pressure. Glenn Wahlberg and TJ Hanif asked the council to procure a replacement 3-inch camlock hose and to install cameras at the fill station to deter theft and help identify violators. The council moved to procure a 3-inch camlock hose (and a spare if cost allows) and directed staff to explore camera installation under an existing or renewed camera contract; the motion carried by roll call.

The council also confirmed the city already purchased a backflow preventer for emergency fills but said it had not yet been installed. Staff will schedule installation and follow up on both the CIB application and Mammoth security measures.

What’s next: Staff will draft and submit a CIB application if the project qualifies, pursue Rural Water funding options, obtain bids for the repair and replacement scenarios, and return to the council with cost estimates and a funding recommendation.