May 1, 2013
05/02/13 Plymouth’s Utility Superintendent, Donnie Davidson updated members of the Board of Public Works and Safety on projects during their meeting Monday.
Change order #3 for the new well project in the industrial park was approved. The change order was a decrease of $2,471.90. The Pine Water treatment improvement project is moving forward with start up on two pressure filters, high service pumps, chlorine analyzer and chemical feed pumps last week. Davidson said, “We are now producing water from the new process with excellent iron and manganese removal rates.”
The project to relocate the fire hydrant at the southeast corner of Pilgrim Lane and Oak Drive was completed last week by Haskins Underground. The relocation project was funded by the Redevelopment Commission using TIF Funds in the amount of $4,700. The project was necessary due to the fact that semi-trucks were jumping the curb and had actually rubbed their tires on the hydrant.
In other business Davidson was given permission to invoice NIPSCO for overtime on Saturday for the on-call employee to open the Ledyard Street water plant to they could fill their truck with water. The company is doing some directional drilling and needed water. It was suggested NIPSCO install a metered connection at their facility but they felt paying the overtime cost was more cost effective.
Fire Chief Rod Miller asked for permission to begin the hiring process to fill the vacancy of Cal Barker who will retire on June 12th. This is a full time position.
Street Superintendent Jim Marquardt told Board of Works members that all the FEMA purchased homes are down and 95% of the debris has been hauled away. He was just waiting for the ground to dry out before finishing the project. Once the debris is removed the ground will be leveled and seeded with grass seed.
Property owner Al Eisenhour was granted permission for an open burn of vegetation on acreage between the LifePlex and the County Jail. There is a state exception that allows for burning within the city limits for agricultural purposes. Eisenhour has been clearing farm land and explained that the wood has been removed, all that is left is the tops of the trees and the roots. Jim Vervynckt will be farming the ground and said the main fire would burn for about 2 hours. Eisenhour said he would remain on the property until the fire is out.