At the recent council meeting, the engineer for the project was present. The meeting was held at 6 p.m. rather than the usual 7 p.m. The engineer went over some specifics of the project. The new tower is intended to be fitted to the foundation of the current water tower. The current landmark water tower is slated for demolition in September after Labor Day. The plan discussed was for it to be imploded. A member of the council suggested that they have a demolition party.
Also discussed was the technical specs for the new tower. The new standpipe follows typical design and is simply a vertical tank. The tower will hold more than what the public was initially informed. Monty Fuller, who was present at the meeting and took notes, informed the Banter that the engineer said the new tower would hold approximately 40-45,000 gallons, HOWEVER, only half of the capacity (approximately 20,000 gallons or two days water usage) would be usable because as the water level lowers, so would the pressure. To maintain pressure in the city water system, it must be kept full. Council member Houghton, proponent of the demolition party, asked repeatedly if they could adjust the tower so would only be filled half way to which the engineer replied that he supposed they could but there wouldn't be any pressure in the water system.
Additionally, the engineer said that a new chlorination building would need to be built. Ideally this building would be near the junction where the water pipe enters the city from the water district on north Main Street. The building would involve significant cost to construct. Since the city contracts for the delivery of treated water, they will pursue having the water district pay for the additional structure. Council member Pickering suggested that the city also pursue a grant from the state historical society to purchase caulk for a small leak in the current pumphouse.
Bids will be opened on February 27, 2013 at 2 p.m. at the Barnard city building.
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