Halsey City Administrator Briana Parra provided an update on Phase 2 of the well project during the City Council’s July 8 meeting.
Parra reported the city had applied for $350,000 through the EPA Thriving Communities Grant, but the funding was cut during administration changes at the federal level. While it’s possible the grant may be reinstated, timelines for that are uncertain.
The city also submitted for state directed funding, but were not selected for further consideration. Parra said she’s not surprised by that decision because Halsey had already received legislative funding for the project, and she suspects they would want to spread the money to other communities in need.
Still, they are in the running for federal directed funding in the amount of $708,000, which would also allow for upgrades at the water treatment plant. Halsey’s project is one of 15 projects that Congresswoman Janelle Bynum is advocating for, Parra said.
There are other grants she is looking into, one of which could provide up to $2.5 million if Halsey’s projects are eligible.
The city is still waiting to finish the water rights permit amendment for the new access point, a transfer of water rights. Parra said they need to do additional water testing to show the well is functional, but will need to install a pump first. Testing should be ready to go in late August to mid-September.
Also, while the city is aware of some water line leaks in the system, staff recently began getting calls about water pressure seeming to oscillate at certain parts of town, Parra said. Staff were able to identify electrical issues taking place at the water treatment plant, but after that was fixed they identified a malfunctioning jockey pump. It was easily replaced.
Sheriff’s Office Report
During Linn County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Steve Frambes’ report to the council, he said they are 10 hours short for June, so they plan to make up for it in July and provide extra patrol staff. There were seven fatal incidents last month, which hindered LCSO from being able to fulfill their obligations to some municipalities.
On June 17, LCSO responded to a single-car crash at a railroad crossing. Frambes said witnesses reported seeing a railroad crossing arm go down, then up before quickly going down again onto a log truck. The arm broke.
In other business:
- Parra reported City Hall will be closed on Friday, Aug. 22, so staff can prepare for the annual Summer BBQ and Movie Night. The council agreed to do a Sharing Hands food drive during the barbecue event.
- The council reviewed three logo options for the city and agreed to bring them before the community for a future vote to take place soon either via Facebook or at the Summer BBQ.
- Parra updated the council on city ordinance violations of tall vegetation and storage of junk or vehicles. She said the city is preparing to cite a couple of “habitual violators” and potentially move forward with abatement, which will cost the city money.
- The council renewed a three-year intergovernmental agreement with the Sheriff of Linn County, providing the city 864 hours of law enforcement a year in the amount of $80,023 for year one, $84,024 for year two, and $88,223 for year three.
- The council renewed a two-year intergovernmental agreement with the Rural Economic Alliance, a multi-city, collaborative effort for economic development.