Tampa City Council: Council considers grant application
Contributing writer
Rose Mary Saunders of Reiss & Goodness Engineers came Dec. 5 to the Tampa city council meeting to present information about applying for a grant to repair the sewer system. A video of the inside of the sewer was viewed, showing a stretch where there is considerable damage to the pipes.
The application Saunders presented would be for a 50/50 grant to put rip-rap on the sewer lagoon, repair the deteriorating fence, and replace the pipe from the lift station to the lagoon. There were three options for the funding: 1) a combination of a Community Development Block Grant and state revolving funds, 2) CDBG and rural development, and 3) rural development only.
Saunders offered her opinion on factors which would work for and/or against being accepted for the grant. Tampa's sewer is maintained at a cost of $3.94 per user as compared with a state average of $14.50 per user. Some funding sources would not consider a city with fees so far below the average.
On the positive side, the recent flushing project should work in the city's favor. "They'll see that you have been willing to spend money maintaining the system, and that's a plus," said Saunders.
Referring to the damage seen on the video, Saunders said, "If you want to add pipe for that half block, this is the time to do that." The purpose of this meeting was to impart information to the council; no definite action was taken concerning the grant application.
Dan Holub, county commissioner, showed the council architect's drawings of the proposed casino complex being considered for Marion County and discussed potential benefits to the county and possible potential problems.
Mayor Jim Clemmer informed the council he had received a letter from the postal service indicating that the plan submitted for a post office building was not detailed enough. He had talked to William Morris, architect, who agreed to make a detailed drawing. Possibly some organizations in the community would be willing to contribute to the cost. The council decided to have the plans drawn and submitted.
The meeting ended with the council going into executive session during which no action was taken.
A bill for risers for the street's manholes for $1,231 was approved for payment along with various routine expenses.
ESU announces fall
graduation candidates
Two Marion County students will graduate from Emporia State University at 10 a.m. Saturday at William Lindsay White Auditorium, 111 E. 6th Ave., Emporia.
Jamey Cooper of Marion will graduate with a bachelor's degree in business.
Elizabeth Mille of Lincolnville will graduate with a bachelor's degree in education.
