$150K Grant to Help Resurface Maine Street in Eads

By Chris Sorensen

KCP Staff

April 23, 2004

The Town of Eads Board of Trustees met in regular session Tuesday evening with board members Daryll Adamson, Charles Howard, Dorie Musgrave, Jan King, John Philpy, Diane Crow and Mayor Larry Michael present.

[Editor’s note: coverage of a portion of this meeting addressing changes for liquor establishments appeared in last week’s issue of the Kiowa County Press.)

Rodney Lang, who has been overseeing the town’s water system construction project, reported that repair work had begun on the overhead water tank and would take 10 days to two weeks to complete, depending upon the weather. Lang and Van Brown, Director of Public Works, will compile lists of street patches which need additional work.

Michael reported that the town had been awarded $150,000 of the $196,000 requested from the Department of Local Affairs for improving and resurfacing Maine Street. Janet Frederick at the Kiowa County Economic Development foundation wrote the grant application. Board members approved accepting the grant, and directed that paperwork be completed so that construction can start as soon as possible.

Chad Ray from the Kiowa County Office of Emergency Management stated that the county-wide emergency response plan was being updated. Though the plan is non-binding, it does describe resources that are potential available within each community. Ray also reported that he had written a grant in conjunction with five other counties that has received $2.5 million in funding to update communication services. Most of the funds will be used to obtain 800Mhz radio equipment.

Dawna Peck, Eads Town Clerk, reported that a survey has been received which is the first step in being re-rated for fire safety. The last inspection was conducted in 1995, and significant improvements, including the new water system and new fire hydrants, have been completed since that time. A better rating is often reflected in lower insurance premiums for residents.

Fire Chief Jay Hasse reported that he had applied for a grant to replace the 1965 fire truck, which could also help the town’s fire rating. Board members approved spending $8 per department member for CPR recertification.

As it has in the past, the board rejected a request to waive sewer fees if only water is active at a residence.

Brown requested a wage increase for summer and swimming pool help. Howard asked if the budget would cover increases, which Brown felt it would. Howard then stated that Brown should only come to the board in such matters if the budget did not cover the expense; Crow concurred.

The board rejected a request to have a stock water tap placed on the town’s main water transmission line. It was felt that tap was technically infeasible, due to the way the pumping system is triggered, and such taps could not be offered to all land owners along the line, raising a fairness issue.

The board directed Gary Davis, attorney for the town, to review a proposed agreement with Plains Network Services to place an antenna on the new water tank and report back at the next meeting.

Following extended discussion, the board approved paying an invoice of $560.25 to defray costs of the Arkansas Valley Conduit study. The project, if built over the next 20 years, would provide quality water to communities along the Arkansas Valley and neighboring areas. With sales of water rights in the area increasing, Michael felt Eads could benefit in the future if options for alternate water sources were available. Cardon Berry, a candidate for Trustee in the coming election, said he’d been keeping abreast of water issues, and stated that all counties and communities would have to work together. If not, the Front Range of Colorado would end up with rights to all of the water in the Arkansas River. Berry felt that, whether or not Eads ever tapped into the potential water supply, the town should remain involved in the project. Michael concurred with Berry’s opinion. Michael also stated that it was important for the town to keep shares it already owns in the Frying Pan-Arkansas project, even though the town is unable to use its allocation.

The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m. The next regular meeting will be held May 11.