Underwood active with projects

By Tom Hintgen (Contact) | The Daily Journal

Published Tuesday, September 18, 2007

The town of Underwood is not unlike other Minnesota communities — small, medium and large — which periodically have issues such as wastewater improvements that need to be addressed.

That’s the case with the community nine miles east of Fergus Falls which, in 2008, will be required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to update its wastewater lagoon system and make other related improvements.

“We as a community are required by Minnesota law, as well as our own city permit, to be in compliance with statues and rules governing wastewater collection and treatment systems,” Underwood City Clerk Ann Kiser said. “Earlier this year we held a public hearing during which a facility plan for the system was outlined.”

The public gathering on March 5 also allowed for Underwood Mayor Bert Kinzler and council members Marilyn Olson, Gene Martinson, Teresa Fladhammer and Cheri Finseth to discuss with Underwood residents the environmental impacts of each of the alternatives that were discussed.

Next year reconstruction of the Underwood wastewater lagoon system will involve either a surface discharge or rapid infiltration basins for disposal of treated wastewater.

Related projects will include replacing the main and auxiliary lift stations, replacing the primary forcemain and lining approximately 1,000 feet of gravity-feed sewer to prevent and minimize infiltration into and out of the system.

Residents know that their minimum user fee for wastewater collection and treatment will need to be increased. Just how much will be determined in succeeding months, based on the affordability to repay a loan which is based on 1.6 percent of the median income of the city residents.

“As a city we’re actively pursuing grants to help cover costs which exceed the affordability criteria,” Kiser said.

“The mayor and council members want to minimize the impact of the required improvements on our citizens.”

The total estimated cost for the required improvements are a little more than $1.5 million. Underwood’s wastewater plan has been submitted to the MPCA for review and priority ranking.

And while this project is complex, the mayor and city council members still need to address other issues related to the city of Underwood on an ongoing basis. One project is the finalizing of issues related to the Johansen Beach Addition and Gronner Addition on the north shore of Bass Lake.

Much of the work of the city council is enjoyable, since it helps improve the quality of life for Underwood residents and those who live in the surrounding area. An example is the new planter positioned at Bicentennial Park on the east side of Bass Lake.

The park is a popular place for boaters, swimmers and those who want to stop for a leisurely picnic.

“Many of our community projects have not been possible without the generous help of volunteers and donations by our local service organizations,” Kiser said. “Our goal is to keep the channels of communication open with all of our residents.”

She said that the mayor, council members and city staff want to do what’s in the best interest of Underwood residents and business owners who pay the taxes to keep the community going.