By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
During the July 14 meeting of the Panora City Council, Public Works Director Ismael Galvan provided an update on an area of sewer line that need to be replaced. The line had previously been worked on by Accu-Jet, but that company has since filed bankruptcy, and, according to City Administrator Lisa Grossman, the city’s attorney does not feel it would be cost-effective to pursue legal action against Accu-Jet since the legal costs would likely exceed any amount awarded.
Galvan explained that he has been trying to figure out how much of the line has liner that needs to be removed.
“We ended up spending about $30,000 trying to do that,” Galvan said. “We made it about 160 feet south of Highway 44, and they ran into what looks like grease pockets, where it’s about 80% clogged. It was impassable for the camera to go any further.”
Galvan said replacement of the sewer line seems to be the best solution.
“We’re going to have to replace about 280 feet of that line,” he said.
Galvan explained that he received two bids from companies that could do the work, but the bids are approximately $46,000 and $65,000. He said his crew can do the work, with materials expected to cost around $10,000.
The council addressed a request from JoAnn Smith to plant trees in the right-of-way near her home. Councilmember Blake Michelsen said he is concerned with any trees in the right-of-way for visibility reasons. Councilmember Tom Flanery said he has declined similar requests from citizens in the past and was inclined to do so in this case also. The council voted 4-1 to deny the request with Mark Sheeder dissenting.
Sheeder brought up a concern about camping at the northern portion of Lenon Mill Park because that area can become flooded with heavy rain. He also said there have been reports of someone essentially living there as a primary residence. Other council members said they have heard the reports as well.
As part of the consent agenda, the council approved a 5-day Special Class C Retail Alcohol License for Lucky Wife Wine Slushies for July 30 through Aug. 3 for Panorama Days.
The council approved Resolution 25-28, for the purchase of a 2025 Silverado 2500 from Shottenkirk Chevrolet for the Water Department at a cost of $49,972. Grossman pointed out that $50,000 had already been budgeted for this.
The next regular meeting of the council will be Monday, July 28 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome. Interested persons may attend in person or electronically by visiting the website https://meet.goto.com/cityofpanora or by phone 1-312-757-3121 (Access Code 295-099-701, Audio PIN 220#).