WATER WELL TOPIC OF DISCUSSION FOR BURTON CITY COUNCIL
The Burton City Council held discussion on the potential drilling of a backup water well at Monday’s meeting.
The council held discussion with the President of J&S Water Wells of Bellville, Monte Richardson, and Mark Harkness, Principal of Harkness Engineering in Houston.
The two gave their ideas on how the old well at Washington and North Brazos Streets could have collapsed. Out of the potential causes mentioned, they believed corrosion was the most likely, as the city’s water has high mineral counts.
Since this could be the main issue, they said there might not be much the city could do to counter corrosion. They did say performing preventative maintenance would help, along with creating more spacing between wells to reduce interaction of water.
The two noted that, if the city moves forward with drilling a new well, it will need to be engineered to reduce the effect of corrosion. However, they said steel costs have gone up considerably, so the city would need to take that into account when building the well. They estimated that completing a new 10-inch water well would cost about $350,000, and $375,000 for a 12-inch well.
Burton City Secretary Angela Weyand stressed that the council is not ready to begin requesting bids, but it is simply asking questions, gathering information, and attempting to establish a direction. Weyand said the council plans to bring in another firm next month to discuss the well.
In other items, the council signed off on an inter-local agreement recently approved by Washington County Commissioners.
The agreement details an exchange of services at the county’s new paramedic station in Burton. Councilmembers stated this agreement would cost the city less than it has in the past, when staff were stationed at Burton City Hall.
During his report, Mayor David Zajicek said that TxDOT is expecting to begin work on the bridge connecting Texas and Burton Streets by November 9th. He said TxDOT will demolish the old bridge, and replace it with a two-lane bridge. He expects the work to be finished by March.
Councilmembers also approved making a $1,000 donation to the city’s Beautification and Ordinance Compliance Committee. The funds would be used to help clean up the city park. The council will start with a $1,000 donation, but stated they could donate more in the future.
The council also approved an ordinance detailing new requirements over the placement of mobile homes within the city. The new ordinance will require any new mobile homeowners to submit a variance request, in order to have the home in city limits.
Councilmembers also approved action to replace their currently leased Xerox copier through Dahill, with a new leased copier and contract. Weyand said the city will contribute about $50 per month from its tech fund into the lease, which is $174 a month.
The council also approved an oil, mineral and gas lease in the amount of $600, with GeoSouthern Energy Partners. Councilmembers stated the location they were considering for the well was on FM 1697, outside of Burton city limits.
In conclusion, councilmembers permitted amendments to an ordinance dealing with curfew for certain juveniles. The ordinance makes it unlawful for any minor to be out at very late times, unless accompanied by an adult or doing something permitted in the old ordinance, such as going to work. Citing recent problems with loitering, the council hopes the ordinance will fix the issue.