The Mount Pleasant City Sanitation Committee met Wednesday morning, April 15th, addressing several infrastructure and service-related items.
Among them, the committee reviewed a reimbursement request from a West Henry Street resident following a sewer backup. After discussion, the committee determined the city would not cover repair costs or damages. However, officials did add that section of West Henry Street to this summer’s sewer lining schedule to help prevent future issues.
The committee also approved upgrades to the Saunder’s Branch lift station, a key part of the city’s wastewater system that handles about 60 percent of the flow to the main treatment plant. John Boecker, Waste Water Treatment Plant Operator, updated that a large buildup of grease has been interfering with the current float system. A new system, costing approximately $25,000, will bypass the floats and include an updated control system, improving reliability and expected to last at least 20 years.
Spring cleanup was also discussed. The city discontinued the service in recent years due to low participation and high costs. One current waste contractor, Wemiga, has indicated it does not have the capacity to offer the service at this time but are exploring possible drop-off options and say more information will be shared when available. The committee plans to revisit the issue next year.
In other business, the committee approved a $1 increase to the base sanitation fee, raising it from $4.25 cents to $5.25 cents. This increase is due to increasing overhead expenses. The proposal will now move to the ordinance committee and then to the city council for three readings. If approved, the increase would take effect July 1st.
Officials also noted that Mount Pleasant’s new City Administrator is scheduled to begin work June 1st.