Meservey Not Flushing So Well After All

     The Meservey City Council met for a special meeting on Tuesday, February 17 to discuss the state of the city's wastewater system.

     Matt McAndrew of the Midwest Assistance Program was there to discuss the system and it's need for repair. Tom Madden of SHE Engineering was also at the meeting to report on the wastewater system's issues, primarily infiltration of water not meant to enter the system. Due to homeowners failing to install their system the correct way, Meservey's wastewater system is taking on water it should not be. McAndrew noted that reclassification of the discharge stream will be done in three to four years and that infiltration will make a difference in the classification.

     Jeremy Klatt of Iowa Department of Natural Resources reported that Meservey has been bypassing their lagoon during heavy rains, which is illegal to do without DNR approval.

     Acknowledging that the system is in need of repair, Cerro Gordo County has agreed to help the city to the best of their ability. The county has approximately $55,000 in reserve sewer funds that can be used for repairs and have no intension of increasing sewer rates in the immediate future. Supervisor Casey Callanan also said that the county can help by applying for a grant through USDA-Rural Development.

     Brandon Shaw of USDA-Rural Development was also present at the meeting to inform the council that a $30,000 grant is available while Chris Diggins of NIACOG informed the council that Community Development Block Grants are also available to help fund a project.

     A motion was made by the council to approve the county supervisors applying for a grant.

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