Leadwood anticipates water news
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The Leadwood Board of Alderpersons received news from Mayor Chuck White, Monday night, that eagerly anticipated news on final funding would be forthcoming in the next week. “I can say that the USDA (Department of Agriculture) reached out to us today. I can say that they have found some additional grant money to help us out. I cannot at this point disclose the amount they are finalizing. I will let everybody know we are planning a meeting as early as next week. We don’t have an exact date, I am waiting to hear back from the USDA as to when they will be available to be here.” He continued, “In our upcoming meeting the plan is that we will have the USDA back here and we will have Tim Robbs with Taylor Engineering. We will be having a town meeting to discuss what the USDA has been able to find and do for us on the additional grant.”
A town meeting with representatives of the USDA, DNR, Taylor Engineering, city officials, and residents was held January 16 and at that time the city found that it was $12 million short of total funding for the planned project which would completely replace the antiquated city water system, built by St. Joe Lead over a century ago. There was a loan available to the city that, if used, would push the average water bill in Leadwood close to $100 a month. The city has been able to gain extensions of the bids for the system until April 1 and in the meantime explored other options to finance the shortfall. The news the mayor passed on to the board was that the USDA had found additional grants to apply to the project.
The community of Leadwood has endured substandard drinking water for over half a century. The city’s water passes safety tests required by the state, but problems range from foul odor to discolored water. Many residents refuse to drink the water from the city, choosing to drink bottled water instead. Past attempts to replace or improve the system have fallen short due to changes in city government and lack of continuity on the part of the city, financial hurdles, and changes in federal and state guidelines. In short, everything that could have gone wrong did. So, it is understandable that some residents are skeptical. The mayor, however, believes that this time, the city is going to cross the finish line. He pointed out that Leadwood has never been at this point in the process and that the citizens of Leadwood are very close to having a problem that has plagued generations of residents resolved.
In other news from the monthly board meeting, the board recognized Anna Woods long time member of the Board of Alderpersons and who served as mayor after the death of Robert Crump. Mrs. Woods first joined the city board in 2011 and seen considerable change in the community. Woods chose not to run for reelection this April, so the March meeting was to be her last official meeting as a board member. Unfortunately, she was ill and unable to attend. A plaque and flower arrangement were in her place. Her replacement as a Ward 1 representative will be determined in the April 8 election.
Taylor Miner, a representative of Friends of the Firehouse, spoke on the Spring Festival to be held May 3, in Leadwood City Park, from 11-5. There is no admission charge. She said that currently 21 vendors are scheduled to be there. Raffles, games, musical entertainment, and a dunking booth are all part of the plans for a day in the park. Taylor said, “The Friends of the Firehouse is a nonprofit that helps support the district throughout the year to try and get better equipment or just things that we need that we cannot do because of our budgetary restrictions.”
Alderperson and Park Commissioner, Mary Gilbert, announced the Community Betterment Easter Egg Hunt April 19, at 10 a.m. Registration is at 9 a.m., at the City Park. Gilbert said, “If you have kids, bring them to the park. They’ll love it!”
Business licenses were approved for McMullen General Merchandise LLC, Benoist Excavation LLC, Dalton Home Improvement LLC, Professor Gary’s Street Treats, Hedgecorth Enterprise LLC, and JVG Properties LLC.
Mayor White announced the city had received two $50,000 grants for the engineering study of the sewer system. The grants are for treatment and collection and to determine the best way to correct the city’s sewer problems. It is the first step towards upgrading and improving the existing sewer system.
In the police department report, Police Commissioner Todd Watson said that the department had answered 97 calls during February. Eight incident reports were taken, 3 pursuits, and 2 fugitive arrests. Watson said, “The department remained active and responsive to community needs throughout the reporting period. We also added another part-time officer this week.” He concluded, “I know the citizens of Leadwood feel safer and I appreciate seeing the police officers in all the grounds and just being around.”
The mayor announced that the city was looking to hire two summer workers specifically for grass cutting and summer maintenance. Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years old. Inquire at City Hall.
There will be a city meeting to discuss the water system funding situation the week of March 31 at City Hall. The day and time have yet to be determined. Check the Daily Journal website for updates.
The next Board of Alderpersons meeting for Leadwood will be at 6 p.m., April 28 at City Hall. City meetings are open to the public.
