$4 million water project almost done

Gainesville City Water Specialist Jessi Price reported that the city’s $4 million water line replacement and upgrade project is nearing completion.

“A gentleman from DNR came down today and did an inspection on different areas that we are working on,” Price told the council. “We are now down to the very end of what we’re going to pick and do.”

Price provided council members with a list of projects that could still be completed using the remaining grant funds.

One proposed project involves relocating a water line near St. William’s Catholic Church.

“We really wanted to take the line below the church instead of right up at the front doors, where it is now, with the new booster station and pressure reducer,” Price said. “But we can’t get anyone to get back with us to sign an easement. If we’re unable to get an easement signed, we can’t do the work there.”

If the church project cannot move forward, the city may instead install a new fire hydrant and water line near the Missouri Department of Transportation shed on MM Highway.

“The water line is currently opposite of MoDOT,” Price said. “This project would have workers bore under the road and install a hydrant, as well as additional water line on that side.”

Price said the church project would be the city’s preferred option because it would address a potentially problematic section of line.

“So far, we don’t have problems with that line, but it would be bad if we did,” she said.

Maintenance Supervisor Mike Davis agreed. “If it breaks, it’ll flood the church,” Davis said. “It’s only about six feet from the church’s main entrance.”

Another project expected to be completed with the remaining grant funds is the replacement of a city water line on Elm Street, which has caused problems for water customers during winter months. The grant will pay for the city to re-asphalt the street after the work is completed.

Several fire hydrants are also expected to be replaced.

Price said that if all of those projects are completed, excluding the church water line project, approximately $17,000 in grant funds would remain.

During the recent inspection, Price learned that the city will be required to install a fence around the new water tower.

“I did email the engineers to see if they can fit that fence into the funding,” Price said, adding that she also questioned why the requirement had not been mentioned earlier or included in the original budget.

The city may also need to construct a sampling port near Well No. 1, located by the RV park. Because a larger water line was installed there as part of the chlorination detention system, water samples will need to be tested before reaching customers. Price said she has also asked engineers whether that project could be covered through the remaining grant funds.