Kathy Parker
Adair’s sewer project is finally ready to go, but another snag is keeping it on hold.
Engineer Dwayne Henderson had a candidate for the inspector position, but that person got a full time job. “I’ve called every resource I have for someone who lives around here,” Henderson said. “We could’ve gotten started a couple of weeks ago if we had somebody.”
Henderson said the job doesn’t pay enough money for someone to drive far. The project will be about nine months long and pays $15 an hour. The inspector should have a construction and dirt work background, Henderson said, and be able to read plans. He said the job is ideal for a retired person.
Members of the board suggested several names of possible inspector candidates. Jonny Terry and Steve Hall will contact those people and ask if they would be interested in the job. Henderson said as soon as an inspector is found the project can begin.
The trustees accepted a 30 year agreement with Rural Water #6 Monday evening at their regular meeting. Town attorney Cherie Meislahn said she clarified some language saying Adair is not liable “for their end” and Rural Water #6 is not liable for problems on Adair’s end.
“It just says we take care of distribution and they take care of anything behind the meter,” Water Superintendent Scott Martin clarified. After lines are laid, Adair will get approximately two million gallons of water per month from Rural Water #6. The town must pay a minimum charge for 1.5 million gallons each month, but Martin said the amount used has never been that small. The master meter will be placed at Dan Kelley’s on Highway 28.
Trustees accepted the environmental information document prepared by Henderson for the water
project. He said this is the last step to get approval for the project from the state.
Ironically, the water plant has been working so well the last two quarters, the Department of Environmental Quality has lifted the consent order saying the system must by upgraded or replaced. That lift will impact the town’s
ability to get funding.
“We were number 10 on the DEQ list for priority funding at one time,” Henderson said. “I’ve never had one (a consent order) taken away. I don’t think in the long run it’ll hurt you. You’ll still get the money.”
In another water matter, the state paid for 96,000 gallons of water it used during road construction. The town received $595.
In the town meeting, Fire Chief Craig Cooper reported 15 fire runs in October. Brad Dyer and Blake Peper have completed Firefighter 1 training and passed their certification tests.
Officer Andy Heathcott reported Halloween was quiet with no incidents. Trustees approved buying a vest for Heathcott comparable to the other officers at a cost of approximately $700. The money will come from the equipment fund.
After a lengthy discussion, trustees decided employees on administrative leave without pay or worker’s compensation will not receive their cell phone allowance.
A resolution was approved making Johnny Janzen Adair’s floodplain administrator. There will be a permit fee for building in the floodplain.
“The whole purpose (of organizing the Floodplain Board) was for people in flood homes to get insurance they can afford,” said Meislahn.
Trustees also approved the management regulations adopted by the Floodplain Board.
Trustees decided to form a parks and recreation committee with no then than three members and no more than five.
Regarding cleanup of some properties in town, Jonny Terry said the Johnathan Wiley property has been “cleaned up some.” Nothing has been done on the Rose Moore property.
Hall said Joe Easton owns everything from the beauty shop to the corner on Main Street. The city will cleanup that property and send him a bill. The lot at the end of Hall Street has been cleaned up by city workers.
Trustees approved purchase of a set of tires for the second police car from Steddum’s in Salina. The shop has the state contract and will provide the tires at $122 each including free mounting, balancing, lifetime rotation and road hazard.
The town will purchase 35 hams for town employees and firefighters from Adair FFA.
