The Ava Board of Aldermen met Tuesday evening for a brief session, and except for the approval of bills, the only business decision made during the meeting was the approval of a water and sewer rate analysis study for the City of Ava.
The study will be performed by Carl Brown Consulting, LLC, a firm out of Jefferson City that works closely with Department of Natural Resources. The company also has an established relationship with the City of Ava, as they carried out the water rate study completed in 2007.
According to Administrative Director Peggy Porter, an update of the previous water study will help show if present rates are in-line with current needs, as well as capable of providing adequate funding for future requirements. Porter also said the city has never analyzed their sewer system, and with some of the obstacles that have arisen in past months, it is an opportune time to review the city’s status.
The water rate review and sewer system usage analysis was approved in a 3-0 vote, and will cost the city $8,991. The project is slated to be completed by year-end 2011.
The firm conducting the analysis, Carl Brown Consulting, is located in Jefferson City, Mo.
Janice Lorrain, Director of Planning and Development, provided an update on the current sidewalk project which is progressing about 10 weeks ahead of schedule. Lorrain said preliminary drawings had been reviewed by MoDOT and are in the process of being revised.
Under the City of Ava’s Source Water Protection Plan a committee of 15 people has been formed as required by Department of Natural Resources. The committee is made up of residents who work locally at the school, health department, and other nearby venues. Lorrain said most generally the group will meet and operate via email or messaging.
Lorrain reported city officials met last week with representatives from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to discuss flood damage incurred during spring rains. Lorrain noted damages and claims had totaled $19,000, and the appropriate paperwork has been completed and submitted. However, it was noted that FEMA will only cover $14,000 on the damages incurred.
Councilmen present were Billy Long, Ric Engelhardt and Judy Lovan. Burrely Loftin was absent.
The next council session will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 5:00 p.m. in council chambers at Ava City Hall.
