By Randy Picking
Salina Post
The Salina City Commission meeting room was standing room only Wednesday afternoon for a nearly two-hour study session concerning issues with the quality of water coming out the faucets of several homes in the city.
Director of Utilities Martha Tasker spent the first hour explaining how the city addresses identifying projects on repairing and replacing water lines. Tasker said water lines that are only 40-70 years of age in service have more problems than some cast iron lines that are more than 100 years old in older parts of the city.
Tasker said that advertising for bids to replace service lines on Dover Drive, North 10th, North 11th, and Larson could go out by the end of July. Bids could be awarded by this fall, but that does not guarantee work could begin before 2027.
Commissioner Doug Remp ask the question if more than 100 miles of water lines need attention, why does the city only work on 2-4 miles at a time and was told by City Finance Director Debbie Pack the cost to city water customers could jump by nearly $20 a month. Remp said other projects in the city like the river renewal, and the planned roundabout at S.9th and Waterwell Road could be placed on the back burner.
Commissioner Trent Davis asked what could be done to help residents until water lines are replaced, both Tasker and City Manager Jacob Wood said options are being explored.
Tempers did flare a little between commissioners and residents that are frustrated with response to water quality issues in their neighborhood. Some residents said they have been in contact with the city concerning water for more than five years. A couple of speakers from the public said they had no problems with their water.The study session concluded with Mayor Mike Hoppock saying there will be more discussion on water quality in the weeks ahead. Video of the study session is available on you-tube.