Summer won’t catch city of Lowell napping on water issues following action

By DEAN REA/Correspondent/The Herald—Lowell city councilors began preparing for summer by taking action Tuesday night on a couple of items that have been in the pipeline for several weeks.

First, they approved spending $9,003 to hire an engineering firm to determine whether the water treatment plant may be permitted to increase production to meet summer demand and to verify that the city is delivering safe drinking water. The most recent test was conducted in 2013.

Second, homeowners may join a new city-sponsored program that coordinates and collects fees for streamlining the annual testing of residential irrigation back-flow systems.

The Public Works Department will have a certified backflow tester check all cross-connection devices. The cost will be based on the size of the water meter, beginning at a minimum of $35 for a ¾-inch meter size. As many as 50 homeowners may choose to participate, according to Public Works Director Max Baker, who helped draft the ordinance.

Councilors decided they want to be well-informed and asked to be included in the planning process for converting the former church structure at 70 N. Pioneer St. for use as a library.

City Administrator Jeremy Caudle reported that he received two proposals for architectural services for the renovation project as directed by March 19 council action.

“The next step will be for the selection committee to review the proposals, interview the proposers and issue a final recommendation to City Council,” he wrote.

“It is my goal to have a recommendation ready for approval at your regular May meeting.”

The council approved a $1,500 expenditure from the city’s community grant program for the Pine Needlers Quilt Group to help promote the annual quilt show whose proceeds help fund many community projects and organizations.

A $2,000 request was approved for continuation of the Lowell school system’s summer recreation and fitness program.

In his review of previous council action Caudle noted that Lane County representatives are gathering public comment and suggestions about the construction of streets in the downtown area to make walking safer for school children. Construction is planned during the summer of 2022, not this summer as incorrectly reported earlier in the Herald.