City of Tampa to purchase custom-made manhole risers
Contributing writer
Most of the business at Tampa's city council meeting Oct. 3 dealt with the project to clear the sewers scheduled for Wednesday.
"Don (Beisel, sewer supervisor) thinks the nine manholes that are in the streets should be made level with the ground," Mayor Jim Clemmer informed the council. One type of riser would be custom-made and could be installed more easily and safely than concrete ones. "It would take two weeks to get those, and we don't have two weeks."
Walt Dietrich was expected to measure the manholes to determine how much they need to be raised. If the custom risers are used they could not be returned or exchanged.
"We need to find out exactly how deep they are before we do any buying," said Wilbert Backhus. "If we buy them, we're stuck."
Concrete risers could be obtained immediately, but the council anticipated some difficulties in installing them. The consensus was the holes could be left open between the sewer cleaning and the arrival of the risers. Clemmer suggested placing sawhorses over the manholes, so nobody would drive into them. He had four sawhorses and asked if anyone had more. Wilbert Backhus said trash barrels from the park could be used for some.
The council decided to buy the custom-made risers at an approximate cost of $1,840. (The exact cost will depend on how much raise is needed.)
The mayor said he had inquired about a grant to improve the sewer ponds. Rose Mary Saunders, who has previously written grants for the city, said she would write the grant at no initial cost. The council authorized the mayor to pursue the matter.
Clemmer informed council that Nikki Stenzel and Julie Rziha will attend the League of Municipalities youth day and that scholarships have been obtained for them. Lori Moldenhauer will go with them as a chaperone. After a brief discussion, Willis Herbel moved to give Lori $50 for expenses. On a second from Paul Backhus, the motion carried.
There was a brief discussion about disposal of the rock and brick left over from the demolition of the high school building, since no more will be needed for the monument. "Shall I put a notice on the board to take whatever rock is wanted? If nobody takes it, we'll just haul it off."
"Give them a little time," Paul Backhus said. "I'd say a month." The other council members agreed.
Clemmer informed the council that batteries in the city's phone are corroded. Wilbert Backhus moved and Tim Svoboda seconded to buy a new phone. The motion carried.
Among the bills approved for payment was an $18,188.34 payment on the note for resurfacing the streets. Other bills were routine.
Starting in November council meetings will be on the winter schedule and begin at 7 p.m.
