HOLLY POND, Alabama. – The Holly Pond City Council received an update on plans for the city’s sewer and drain systems from Tyler McKellar of Living Water Services on Monday.
“The wastewater treatment plant is running great,” McKellar said, noting that minor routine problems have been quickly resolved and that the company has been able to perform all of its work in compliance with Alabama Department of Environmental Management regulations.
McKellar went on to discuss plans to use a $680,000 grant from ADEM for the wastewater system. Holly Pond was among the first communities in the state to qualify for funding under an ADEM infrastructure improvement program, but the program was put on hold due to COVID shutdowns. Since then, costs have increased.
“You don’t spend $700,000 like you did in 2021,” McKellar said.
He told the council that he had spoken to the ADEM engineer about the city’s needs, mentioning the increased costs, and that he received good news from ADEM: an offer to seek additional funds to support the city.
Birmingham-based Video Industrial Services will be coming in the next 30 days to begin smoke testing Holly Pond’s sewer lines for infiltration or leaks in the lines. Residents should be prepared to see smoke coming from storm drains, manholes and sewer pipes during the testing; such occurrences are normal.
McKellar said: “They will try to find out how big the infiltration problem is, because right now it’s a big question mark.”
According to McKellar, after determining the extent of the problem, ADEM told us, “Let’s get a quote together. Maybe we can come up with another $250,000 or $300,000.”
McKellar expressed hope to return in October with updated numbers and assured the council that whatever Living Water does, the city will not be charged any additional costs.
Other Council matters
The Council approved:
- An additional $3,000 for repairs to the senior living building due to additional costs for construction, wiring, plumbing, and installation of the fuse box
- A donation of $300 to the Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force for expenses related to the Task Force’s participation in the upcoming 2024 Cullman County Fair
- A change in the meeting date to accommodate the upcoming Labor Day holiday
Mayor Carla Hart informed the council that fencing and curbs around the baseball field have been completed and that she has accepted bids totaling $4,525 for touch-ups and re-stripping of the library parking lot. A previous bid of $7,450 was rejected at the last meeting.
Due to the Labor Day holiday, the Holly Pond Town Council will next meet on Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 6 p.m. in the Guy Hunt Public Library Conference Room. The public is invited to attend.
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