Council approves $80,327 in water repairs after discussion of hydrant hits, aerator work and bypass pump costs

Council considered a package of water-related invoices and project quotes presented by public works director Mr. Rose totaling $80,327.63. The items included emergency valve insertion and hydrant repairs after a vehicle struck a hydrant, a $16,815.54 quote to refurbish a 2017 service truck, work on the West Helena aerator to reduce iron-related brown water and a fuel charge for diesel used to run rented bypass pumps while repairs continue.

Rose explained the hydrant repair was needed after a separation that could have drained the local distribution system and said crews have already addressed several critical hydrants. On treatment-plant issues, Rose said the aerator and filtration controls were addressed sufficiently to reduce brown-water complaints and that weekly state testing and daily plant samples are passing; he said some aerator repairs might move into a longer-term capital project funded by grants if new equipment is warranted.

Rose also described an effort to eliminate bypass pumps (rented pumps and rented fuel tanks) that drive high fuel bills; he said the city received $75,000 in a DRA grant to refurbish pump stations and expects fuel invoices to decline as stations are returned to regular operation.

After discussion, a motion to accept the invoices and proposals in the amount of $80,327.63 passed on a roll-call vote with Miss Miller, Mr. Ethley, Mr. Vita and Mayor Whitfield voting yes and the motion recorded as carried.

During public comment, resident Sheila Smith urged faster repairs and cited visible leaks she said cause potholes and sinkholes; staff and the mayor announced a public "water convening" within two weeks to explain rates, planned repairs and to take resident questions.