By Sharon Michaels
WORDEN – The Worden Ballantine Yellowstone County Water and Sewer District should be able to complete the sewer line replacement on Yellowstone Avenue soon, president Gary Foss reported to the board at the meeting on Wednesday, March 12.
“We received a letter from Carol McClain stating she would move her garage off the district’s right-of-way as soon as weather permits,” said Foss. “This has been an ongoing problem for the district and needs to be completed.”
The board agreed it should not wait any longer than March 25 because the irrigation water would be turned in soon.
Board members, Foss, Jim Hayes and Dan Ewen have held work meetings on the district’s procedure manual and the personal protection equipment. The board adopted the personal protection equipment policy for all employees. The district has already purchased the helmets and vests and will purchase fire extinguishers for the pump houses, first aid kits, portable eye washers, two full face shields, ear plugs and gloves.
Past president Sandy Kust attended the meeting to inform the board that the Board of Investments had a 10-year loan at 1.9 percent for capital improvements.
“This may be the time to consider extending our lines because it would be cheaper now rather than later,” she said. Kust also volunteered to take new members Hayes and Ewen on a tour of the district’s system.
Other agenda items included: vulnerability and emergency assessments are still being worked on, water system improvements are ongoing as are water meter replacements. Board members felt they should have a work meeting for more discussion on the 90-day past due accounts enforcement policy and to review connect and disconnect fees. Any decisions they reach would be adopted at the board’s regular meeting.
Secretary Don Dvorak checked prices on digital cameras and the board gave the approval to purchase one within the $70 range.
“Our employees need to keep snow removed from our sidewalk,” said Foss. “I’ve had several complaints.”
Foss asked the board to think of ways they could save on heating expense of their building. “Our propane costs are high and we should consider other options,” Foss said. The board agreed to consider options at the next meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m.
