06/06/2006 Minutes
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OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
CITY OF GRAND ISLAND, NEBRASKA
MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
June 6, 2006
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a Study Session of the City Council of the City of Grand
Island, Nebraska was conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 100 East First Street, on
June 6, 2006. Notice of the meeting was given in the Grand Island Independent on May 31,
2006.
Mayor Jay Vavricek called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following members were
present: Councilmember's Meyer, Whitesides, Pielstick, Gilbert, Nickerson, Cornelius, Pauly,
Hornady, Walker, and Haase. The following City Officials were present: City Administrator
Gary Greer, City Clerk RaNae Edwards, Interim City Attorney Dale Shotkoski, and Public
Works Director Steve Riehle.
INVOCATION was given by Council member Jackie Pielstick followed by the PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE.
MAYOR COMMUNICATION: Mayor Vavricek commented on the following:
. Thank you notes from Wasmer Teacher Glenda Frasier Elementary School students
. Memorial Day Event at the Veteran's Home and the importance of flying the American
Flag
. City Clerk RaNae Edwards - IIMC First Level Master Municipal Clerk Academy
Update and Recommendations for Waste Water Treatment Plant Facility Plan. Steve Riehle,
Public Works Director reported that on October 11, 2005, the City Council approved an
agreement with consulting engineering firm CH2M Hill to prepare a comprehensive plan for the
Waste Water Treatment Plant. An update on odor, solids handling and compost operations was
discussed at the January 31, 2006 Study Session.
Mr. Riehle presented the following:
Odor Hotline Update: Summary of calls in 2006 totaled 27 from the whole city. It was difficult
to categorize scientifically. An increase in the number of calls in May could be related to spring
temperatures by increased outdoor activities.
Nasal Ranger Update: Took 325 readings in April & May, 2006 from 12 selected odor sampling
locations in the area around the WWTP. Readings greater than "7" DT was considered
unsatisfactory. The following readings were taken: Rendering - 46, Straw - 27, Hydrogen
Sulfide (rotten egg smell) - 26, and Compost - 9.
Mr. Riehle introduced Tom Heinemann representing CH2M Hill to update the Council on the
progress with the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) odors. Reviewed were the ongoing
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Page 2, City Council Study Session, June 6, 2006
challenges such as changed conditions (industrial loading), regulatory needs, sensitivity to odors,
aging equipment and facilities, and maintain reasonable service rates. Discussion was held with
regards to the increase in loading which created more sludge, composting, aeration, and the
impact of Swift.
The City has kept the WWTP in compliance with the permit and had made short-term handling
changes to landfilling and pilot composting unit with an aerated static pile. A UV disinfection
system was started and was being tested, along with selected solutions for long-term solids
handling options. The City was continuing to work toward a Facility Plan update. City staff has
been working with the public and coordinating with industries.
Mr. Heinemann stated the Ultra Violet Disinfection System would be completed in July 2006.
The Pilot Composting Unit (Aerated Static Pile) was started on February 27,2006 with a 20 day
operation per pile for a total of 3 piles. There was an 85% average odor removal efficiency, 45%
volume reduction, and 20% of sludge to pilot unit, remainder to the landfill. A total of 1,400 tons
of waste was processed to date.
Long-Term Solids Handling Options were presented:
. Anaerobic Digestion
Conventional Anaerobic Digestion
Acid-Gas (Two-Phase) Anaerobic Digestion
. Aerated Static Pile
On-site, at the WWTP
. Landfill Disposal
$16,829,000
$13,486,000
$17,069,000
$23,212,000
Recommended was the long-term solution Anaerobic Digestion. The advantages were listed as
follows:
. Reliable and consistent process - widely used with successful track record
. Lowest Operations & Maintenance costs
. Major reduction in solids
. Pathogen reduction (Class B) allows immediate land application
. Improved dewater ability of solids
. Enclosed to control odors
. Potential beneficial use of digester gas
The following was presented for an Anaerobic Digestion Project Implementation:
. 3-year project implementation period for anaerobic digesters
· Hybrid solution required to meet short-term operations over the implementation period
and long-term capital savings/operability
. Short-term operations - utilize aerated static pile technology on existing compost site
Reduces landfill fees and trucking costs (short-term)
Use as sludge storage during inclement weather (long-term)
Gives a head-start to class A sludge (potential future requirement)
. Financing with revenue bonds likely required to allow fast implementation
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Page 3, City Council Study Session, June 6, 2006
The following Study Recommendations was presented:
. Implement anaerobic digestion at the appropriate time
. Pursue financing with revenue bonds to speed implementation
. Continue with aerated static pile composting by improving existing compost area
. Continue landfilling remainder of sludge until digesters are constructed.
Discussion was held with regards to the progress and improvements made at the WWTP. Willie
Skala, 323 Mallard Lane commented that the odor had been worse since Memorial Day, but was
much better before that. Discussion was held regarding Swift taking care of their own waste. Ron
Miller, 704 South Cherry Street stated this problem had been going on for 25 years, but the smell
had improved except for some rendering smell. Gary Greer, City Administrator commented that
the rendering smell would not go away as long as we had a meat packing plant.
Lewis Kent, 624 East Meves stated the odor was much better and we should continue to do what
we're doing. Jan Mefferd, 2725 East Seedling Mile Road thanked the Mayor and Council for
what had been done. Ben Thayer, Waste Water Superintendent commented on the stock piling of
straw from Fonner Park.
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Jeff Greer, 514 South Shady Bend Road commented that the odor had been great except for a
couple of days and encouraged the City to keep up the good work.
City Administrator Gary Greer stated City staff needed direction from the Council. It was the
consensus of the Council to move forward with this project.
Mayor Vavricek stated this will be brought forward to the Council in the near future.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 9: 15 p.m.
Rneu- rn~
RaNae Edwards
City Clerk