Minutes - 20050829 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Perry Sugg said that it would be difficult to change the design and complete the project this year. Commissioner Halkiotis asked Paul Thames if the problem with the sewer system that was experienced in1996 down from the parking lot of the Finance Building had been corrected. Paul Thames said that Hillsborough has increased the size of their water line. Since that is the lowest point in the system Hillsborough was getting storm water into the sewer system, which is not uncommon for an old system. It is certainly conceivable that when you get a tremendous flow you may get that same kind of problem. Commissioner Gordon said that she does have some safety concerns including concern about mosquitoes. She said that she liked the idea of the project when it gets near the Eno River, but she is worried about the part near the Government Services Center. It is a very urban setting to have the potential of that section in conflict with the Government Services Center and the Sheriff's Office. She was concerned about going through the woods and the mosquito problem in this urban area. She said that she had not realized how densely planted this area would be and whether it would be safe to walk through there at night. Chair Carey asked Mr. Sugg to comment on the mosquito problem and these pools and the extent to which they would generate that kind of problem or will there be enough flow to keep the larvae moving downstream. Perry Sugg said he did not think there would be a mosquito problem. He said that mosquitoes mainly grow in stagnant water in heavy shade. Brent Bogue said these are vernal pools that are flowing and they should dry up because they do not have a constant flow going into them. Chair Carey asked if there were any further questions or comments Commissioner Jacobs thanked the group for answering his questions. He also said he and Commissioner Gordan had talked about the approaches to the bridges and he appreciated what was said about having some separation so people wouldn't feel like there was this over-hanging presence that might intimidate them from crossing. Chair Carey said that it is the Board of County Commissioners' pleasure that we proceed with this project. 2. Northern Human Services Center Update Paul Thames said that he wanted to let the Commissioners know that the drinking well serving the Northern Human Services Center is falling down. He said that this was found to be problematic when they tested the water after a fuel spill. They have not found any signs of fuel oil in the water. He said that the well itself is in the boiler room next to the old coal bin and it might horrify same people that someone would drink water from the well in that location. He said that another well was drilled west of the existing property and this well was tested and it came in showing a low pH, slightly acidic, but higher than drinking water standards of iron. The drinking water standards far iron are associated with nuisance, i.e., taste, odor, stains, etc. He said that this is not a health concern. He said that he and staff engineer Kevin Lindley have designed a water treatment system to deal with the problems that exist with the new well. This will require use of some fairly simple water treatment components. The water will be chlorinated and there will be a water storage tank inside. They will need a small, prefabricated concrete building about 1 Q to 12 feet square which will be set next to the west wall of the existing cabinet to hold this equipment. Everything except the water heater will be removed from the basement and there will be a good water supply for the building and for the park. Paul Thames said that construction would be done by the public works staff and that they expect to have this completed by February.