The Culver Town Council members considered a request from the East Shore Corporation Tuesday night to pump wastewater from its wetland disbursement system to be treated in the town’s wastewater system.
Kathy Clark from the Environmental Council discussed with Town Manager Jonathan Leist the issues that plague the East Shore District, north of 18th Road. Their system is failing and the representatives would like to pump the existing wastewater into the town’s system. The number of homes affected is 107.
“In our current sewer rate ordinance there is a provision for the council to accept outside wastewater, but it’s basically at your discretion,” said Leist.
Utility Superintendent Bob Porter can accept or reject each load of wastewater brought into the town’s system. It will be an eight-cent-per-gallon charge. A maximum load amount per day is also included in the agreement.
An agreement was drafted by Town Attorney Jim Clevenger between the town and the corporation for this short-term action.
It’s not known for how long this short-term solution will last.
Council members Bill Cleavenger and Bill Githens wondered why no representatives from the East Shore Corporation were at the meeting to address questions and the town attorney said he told them they wouldn’t need to be at the meeting, not foreseeing any issues with the agreement.
Council President Ginny Bess Munroe said action needs to be taken for the sake of the environment and the lake.
Clark said she will be monitoring the situation and report to the Marshall County Health Department with operational updates.
After further discussion, the agreement was approved on the condition that the East Shore Corporation put forth a $5,000 deposit. Munroe, Githens and Councilman Rich West voted in favor of the agreement with Cleavenger opposed. Councilman Joel Samuelson was absent.
Cleavenger stressed that he wanted more information from the East Shore Corporation and Munroe said she and Bill Githens, who is the vice president of the town council, will speak with representatives. Cleveanger said he wanted to go after more information, but Munroe said that would be considered as a quorum. Cleavenger asked for a work session and one will be scheduled for that purpose.
