Council members spent significant time discussing two infrastructure items: capital improvements for the Spike Kok Senior Center restrooms and ongoing upgrades at the city sewer plant.
On the senior-center project, staff said the city has an allocated $50,000 capital grant for restroom renovations but the funds have been approved, not yet transferred. Staff reported multiple estimates and said the work will likely be parceled among licensed plumbers, flooring and electrical contractors; permits and proof of licenses and insurance will be required before work begins. Council directed staff to gather contractor licenses, insurance certificates and to proceed with procurement once funds are received.
On wastewater, council members and staff described a months-long effort to remove accumulated sludge and install replacement equipment. Staff cited state grants of roughly $4.5 million that funded plant upgrades; blower motors were ordered with long lead times and installation remains underway. Residents’ complaints about odors were acknowledged; staff said temporary smell increases occurred during sludge removal but that completion of aeration and blower upgrades should reduce odors substantially when installation is finished.