LYONS, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Health and Environment has approved a $7 Million loan for the City of Lyons for Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements. That information came during Monday’s City Council meeting where Thaniel Monaco from BG Consultants provided an update on development of the project.
Monaco said they were going to be looking at plants and Goddard and Maize, in particular the process components, and some of the auxiliary components they are looking at for the plant as there are different processes that can be used. He said they are making headway in getting the plant back into compliance, and while their effluent limits, while still slightly out, are a lot better than they have been.
One issue that’s been identified involves the existing screening structure, which because of where it sits it is causing backups in the main going to the plant. It has caused effluent to sit in the bottom of that main until a ”major flush” takes place such as a heavy rain event. What remains in the line tends to become more toxic to the plant. He also reviewed some projects that may be taken on the plant’s headworks to cut down on other issues.
City Prosecutor Remington Dalke discussed with the Council issues related to nuisance abatement within the city. Along with an overview of the existing section of city codes which give the option of pursuing abatement or going through the court process. While Dalke said he is willing to go whatever route the Council wants to pursue, it’s his opinion that abatement would be the most cost effective and efficient means to address issues that residents have expressed concern about more than any other in recent year.
The Council discussed but tabled for now any decision on a proposed shared employee with the Lyons Chamber of Commerce. The plan would be to hire a person who would be a full time City employee, with the chamber responsible for 25 percent of the salary and benefits cost.
Also tabled was a proposed ordinance dealing with micro-trucks and review of another portion of the personnel policy revisions.
A brief presentation was given regarding fire hydrants and gas meters. Some fire hydrants have been covered temporarily pending marking and repair of them, while work is continuing on repairing gas meters that are not functioning properly.
