CHAPPELL HILL WATER SUPPLY BOARD APPROVES CREATION OF COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF WATER TOWER, WATER SYSTEM
Chappell Hill is exploring options to repair or replace its old water tower and make improvements to the town’s water system.
Thursday, the Chappell Hill Water Supply Corporation Board of Directors approved the creation of a committee to gather and evaluate information concerning the water tower and water system and what can be done to improve the two. The committee, created at the suggestion of Precinct Two Washington County Commissioner Candice Bullock, will give project recommendations to the board.
The state of the town’s water tower and water system has been the subject of complaints from many constituents, who presented their concerns at the meeting. Both residents and volunteer firefighters have cited struggles with low water pressure, while others have bemoaned the tower’s leaky nature.
Bullock said, from what she has gathered, the majority of the 245 Chappell Hill Water Supply members are dissatisfied with the quality of service, and feel the water tank and underground water system are “antiquated”. She said these problems were made known to her as soon as she took office last year, and have become a high priority for her.
Bullock said constituents have frequently told her they are worried that the continued growth along the Highway 290 corridor will only exacerbate the water system’s current problems. However, Patrick King of Professional General Management Services (PGMS) said at the meeting that the system is in good standing and equipped for growth. King did recommend finding a way to provide a 20,000-30,000 gallon storage tank for volunteer firefighters to use.
Despite King’s reassurance, Bullock has asked for a series of documents to indicate the current health of the system, including a 2019 water quality report, a copy of the contract between PGMS and the water board, and an annual audit report. She has also asked if there are also reports available from a third party inspector or state inspector.
At the meeting, the board tabled action on an agreement with Cunningham Sandblasting and Painting of Missouri, after water supply members expressed worries on how they would fund the proposed refurbishing of the tower as recommended by PGMS. According to documents included with Thursday’s meeting agenda, the total loan request for the project would be $148,726. Bullock said other options need to be explored to make sure water supply members are not overburdened.
Bullock said she has made contact with the office of Senator Lois Kolkhorst, who provided her guidance on possible avenues to pursue based on the data available. She said she will be looking into pursuing grant opportunities for the project in the future.
Bullock said once she receives the documents she has requested, she will have a better idea of where the project can start. She said there is no timeline for the project at this point and expects the process to be very lengthy, but hopes to find resolution—or at least a path forward—by the end of her term as county commissioner.
The board is expected to hold a special meeting August 27th to introduce the members of the newly created committee, and to further discuss any improvements that need to be made to the water tower and water system.
Also at Thursday’s meeting, the board approved a merchant agreement with Heartland Payment Systems to allow members to make monthly payments via credit card. Transactions using credit cards will add 4 percent of the monthly bill amount plus an additional dollar to the paid total.