Agenda - Council - 11/22/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

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of the facility and the cost is driven by the treatment processed inside the facility as well as the project materials. Councilmember Howell asked if there would be any cost savings in doing traditional construction with traditional windows versus all of the glass. Mr. Vulmer said this could be looked at going the more traditional route but this would also impact the interior of the facility and would make the environment a lot different to operate in for the employees. Councilmember Howell asked if reducing the size of the footprint would reduce the cost of the project while still keeping the facility functional. Mr. Vulmer said they looked at the non -treatment areas of the facility, such as the education room or control rooms, but due to the shape of the facility, removing these rooms would add additional angles and complications and not remove any cost. Councilmember Specht asked City Engineer/Interim Public Works Director Westby if residents should be concerned about the water or if it is safe. City Engineer/Interim Public Works Director Westby explained they are taking 15 samples per month of the water and generally the average value of the readings is below what the maximum amount of manganese in water that the health department says is safe. He stated the results have shown this water is very safe to drink. He added that if the numbers are a concern for bottle fed infants, he would recommend buying water. Councilmember Specht asked if the treatment plant will assist with the occasional discoloration of water some residents may see. City Engineer/Interim Public Works Director Westby said the purpose of the plant is to remove iron and manganese which would prevent from having to flush the water main. The facility will also be better for the infrastructure. Councilmember Specht said he is in favor of this and appreciates the pause to gather more information. He sees the need for this project. He asked if residents have water softeners if that helps with the manganese. City Engineer/Interim Public Works Director Westby said water softeners absolutely help to reduce manganese. Acting Mayor Riley shared the concern that the prices have spiked as well as the supply chain issues, he asked Mr. Vulmer if building prices may come down. Mr. Vulmer stated he has had conversations with contractors in the industry about this. He shared that companies using large amounts of concrete have priority over concrete supply at a more affordable price, and this project would fall into that category. As far as electrical City Council / October 25, 2022 Page 5 of 13