Fulton city officials report project updates

Construction of various city summer projects are at different stages as reported by city officials at the Fulton City Council's Tuesday meeting.

The smart grid project is nearing completion with a few of the 5,100 total smart grids left to set up, said Utilities Superintendent Darrell Dunlap said. The electric meter upgrade offers readings on an hourly basis, rather than monthly, and gives city ratepayers the ability to view their energy usage.

He added that the department established a 98 percent goal of the smart grids to be routine and accurate readings, but the Fulton smart grids have surpassed that goal, reaching 99.6 percent.

City Engineer Greg Hayes addressed the council with information on the progression of the manhole project, warehouse facility and animal shelter.

There are 90 manholes left to inspect, Hayes said, before the city can begin lining its 900 brick manholes.

Hayes said gas is eating away at the mortar in the manhole bricks, and when a large amount of snow melts or heavy rain hits the area, an increase of inflow and infiltration can compromise the sewer system's sanitation, causing dilution and a decrease in treatment efficiency. The goal, Hayes said, is to tighten the sewer system to prevent this problem.

A $478,000 grant from the Missouri's clean water fund will pay for the majority of the $500,000 job with the city making up the remaining balance. Hayes said he would like to award a contract at August's first meeting.

There are more than 110 design pages for the new warehouse facility, Hayes said, and he continues to work with architects, resolving "minor errors." An equipment barn and fueling station will be bid separately from the new warehouse, Hayes said. He plans to give the council more information at the August meeting.

He also told the council that builders should begin erecting of the Garrett Animal Shelter this week.

The splash pad at Memorial Park has been delayed as the city waits on the manufacturer, Parks and Recreation Director Clay Caswell said.

"There's not much to tell other than its a pile of dirt," Caswell said.

Caswell added the splash pad will not be ready by July 4 and he will have a better project timeline at the next council meeting.

The Fulton City Council had the first reading of Bill 1405, which deems the Westminster Water Tower as surplus property and authorizes its sale. The council also had a second reading of Bill 1404 - "an ordinance authorizing amendments to the City of Fulton budget for the fiscal year 2013."