Council reviews $426,764 plan to repair two aging North Town water tanks

At the Sept. 2 preparatory session, Walter, the city's public works director, and Billy, the superintendent, detailed a proposed service agreement with Maguire Iron to address long-deferred maintenance on the city's ground storage tanks.

Walter said the vendor would perform a full cleaning, sand and coat rust spots and make any necessary interior structural repairs, noting the work is critical for maintaining drinking-water quality. Billy said the two most urgent tanks need immediate attention; staff estimated the cost for those two tanks at about $426,764 and said $500,000 is budgeted in the utility construction fund for the project. "I have 2 years sitting in this seat, as the superintendent. I've yet to see them, be worked on," Billy said, explaining the operational urgency to bring the tanks up to standard.

Council members asked about procurement and timing. Mr. Chambers said the purchase would use a purchasing cooperative (buyboard) rather than a separate competitive bid and that the vendor's lead time is about six months after contract execution. Several councilmembers recommended adding a routine preventative-maintenance cadence; staff said Maguire Iron can offer a longer-term preventative program, but the presented agreement is a one-time, urgent repair.

Staff agreed to circulate inspection photos and upload them for the regular meeting packet. The item will appear on the council agenda for the regular session with cost details, procurement notes and the vendor's proposed schedule.