Sewer lines completed to new hospital site

The sewer project at the future location of Memorial Hospital was completed last week.

The project was done by Hoppe Construction of Hamilton. The water line project for the new hospital at the interchange of Rt. 336 was done previously.

The Carthage city council voted to add two weeks to the sewer project deadline, changing it from Sept. 13 to Sept. 27. This was done at the request of Hoppe Construction, who did not complete the project by the Sept. 13 deadline because of backordered parts that were unable to be delivered, putting the project behind schedule from the beginning. The extension saved Hoppe Construction an $800 per day fine for each day of work beyond the deadline.

“They jumped through hoops to get it done,” said alderman Gary Smith. “It (delay) didn't cost us any extra money.”

“We have to remember they were about $65,000 under anybody else in their bid,” said Mayor Jim Nightingale. “I don't think it's right to charge them $800 per day for something that wasn't their fault.”

The council also agreed to make the first pay estimate request of $65,241.47, minus a 10 percent retainage, to Hoppe Construction.

Nightingale announced attorney Stan Tucker is filling the role of city attorney after the death of John Glidden. He is acting as Carthage city attorney through the end of the year. Tucker is also the city attorney for Hamilton.

A large rain received in Carthage a few weeks ago added larger than normal amounts of iron and magnesium to Carthage Lake that was unable to be filtered out by the water plant. The result was brown colored water.

“It's safe, but it is discolored,” said Smith. “We're nearly at the end of it. It should clear the plant in the next few days (last week).”

Specifications for a new generator at the water plant are being finished. The $75,000 generator is being purchased in part with a $25,000 grant. The generator provides a power backup for the water plant in case of a power outage.

Smith said a meeting with some property owners on Washington Street took place to discuss them annexing into the city limits to help with a water project in the area. The extra water hookups will help the waterline perform better.

Future talks with the property owners will be scheduled.

The city received money from its insurance company for repairs to the roofs of the sewer plant and Kibbe Museum from hail damage earlier this year. Rich Sealock said workers at the water plant could make the repairs to the sewer plant roof.

Treasurer Dick Lunt reported that city investments did better in the last few months with a higher interest rate offered on renewed investments during that time.

The council set Thursday, Oct. 30, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. as the official day and time for trick or treat night.