When asked what the one event would be that would make the City of Sodaville feel secure that its Well 6 project will be a reality, City Administrator/Recorder Molly McGuire said, “When it’s finished.”
According to her, Sodaville has been trying to drill a sixth well for about 10 years now – a move that should help alleviate water shortages during dry seasons – but costs and government regulations have hindered their progress.
During Sodaville’s City Council meeting on Thursday, April 16, McGuire said the current plan for Well 6 is to place it near Well 3. Work continues in Salem for that project.
Mayor Brian Lewis said drilling has been approved, but “everyone involved” in the project is working on getting that in writing for Sodaville.
“We can start anytime,” Lewis said.
“If we have the funds,” McGuire added.
The city is inquiring on costs for drilling, she said. Meanwhile, they plan to break the entire undertaking into three projects: drilling, upper portion and lower portion.
“That way, our funds that we currently have will be able to cover those three projects instead of one big project with different stipulations,” because, she said, the different funding sources have different requirements.
“We’re making progress; of course, it’s slow,” McGuire said.
McGuire also reported the city has one more reimbursement check expected for this year’s water hauling from a grant through Oregon Water Resources Department.
In other business:
- McGuire reported the pit toilet at City Hall was recently pumped out, the first time in five years. The city will keep it on a yearly maintenance schedule. Councilor Roger Perry helped with cleaning.
- It was reported that Public Works Director J D Burns contacted Environmental Health Services of Linn County regarding a septic tank installed by a resident and concerns regarding a person living in a trailer on city property.
- Resident Peggy Bishop brought up concerns about kids riding motorcycles around town.
- HD 11 candidate Ken Jackola introduced himself to the council, expressing an interest in understanding what concerns and struggles rural area municipalities face so he can better serve them if he wins the race.
- McGuire reported some residents volunteered time to help clean the park.