From the Marengo mayor

Dear Citizens of Marengo:

A small housekeeping note, we changed the title of “Open Forum” to “Resident Comments” to better reflect the purpose of this agenda item.

Resident Comments is an opportunity for public input so the council can understand the community needs. It is not a time for debate.

During “Resident Comments” the council cannot make decisions, as the council is only allowed to make decisions on items posted on the agenda.

The council approved resurfacing the tennis and basketball courts for $32,188.00. We were assured this would include lines/marking for pickleball as well.

The city has acquired the abandoned house at 699 Marengo Ave. Our plans are to get bids for demolition as soon as possible. Once demolition is complete we will most likely put the empty lot up for bid.

Our major project for this year and probably next year is upgrading our wastewater (sewer) plant. The wastewater plant requires upgrading to meet DNR regulations as well as normal maintenance.

Due to the specialties of construction, the project is being split into projects 1 and 2.

Project 1 is installing a force main (pipe) to the Iowa River. Currently the effluent (discharge) from the lagoon goes into a stream, then to the Iowa River.

The force main direct to the river increases effluent discharge limits for organic components like ammonia and nitrates due to the higher flow of the river.

Of course, nothing can be simple. In order to get a pipe to the river, it must go over the levee. This required the approval of the Corps of Engineers along with the Drainage District.

It also involved wetland studies, engineering and purchasing of easements. The kicker to the whole thing is that the city had to purchase wetland and stream credits to replace the wetlands and stream we will disturb. To purchase wetland and stream credits it cost a total of $336,422.00.

Project 2 will involve cleaning out the sludge, installing a new liner and new aerators in our lagoon. The simplest way I can explain it is that oxygen is pumped into the lagoon from the bottom. The oxygen permits good bacteria (bugs) to grow which breakdown the organic matter.

The process is known as aerobic digestion, and it’s not quite as simple as I explain, but that’s a brief overview.

The project will also include a new building for new blowers to pump air into the lagoon, a new Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system, new pumps for the effluent/force main, and a new control room.

The UV disinfection will inactivate any disease-causing microorganisms in the wastewater. Currently engineers are finalizing the specifications for the project, and we anticipate going to bid within the next two to three months.