Claypool Town Council Continues Water Line Grant Discussion
Posted
Caitlin Perrone-
CLAYPOOL - Claypool Town Council members held their second public hearing Monday to discuss the water line grant.
Bob Murphy, R.P. Murphy & Associates, explained the grant and stressed the importance of the participation of the community.
The town will apply for a grant from the state Sept. 12 to cover the cost of several water projects. The town needs new water lines, chlorine tanks and water valves. The salt tower must be moved because it is too close to the water.
The town would like to purchase new water meters that would be read electronically, which would end estimations and give more accurate readings. There are two fire hydrants in downtown Claypool that cannot be hooked up to the fire trucks because their water lines are too small, and therefore must be replaced.
A concerned resident said the hydrants were just replaced more than 10 years ago, but the board explained that the laws have changed since then.
"They just keep changing the law so we have to keep changing the system," said Murphy.
More than 40 people crowded into the town hall on Monday to listen to information about the water line grant. Those who were present signed an attendance sheet to show how many members of the town are interested in the grant. Murphy has been receiving letters of support, and he says these are very helpful and he will take as many as he can get. Murphy will accept the letters until Sept. 8.
"The squeaky wheel gets the grease," said Don Miller, board president. "It's harder than ever to get a grant now."
The town previously applied twice for a water tower grant, but was denied both times. Now Claypool is strictly applying for a water line grant, which Murphy believes will be possible to receive.
"We're asking the state for $297,000, and we're matching it with $53,000," Murphy said.
That money will be paid by Economic Development Income Taxes and Tax Increment Fund accounts.
However, if denied the grant multiple times, they will not make the changes unless they have adequate funds to pay for them, said Miller. The money would then have to come out of the town's pockets.
"If we don't get the grant this time, we'll put it back in again next spring until we do get it," Murphy said.
The board members also decided to replace Cintas with Wildman for linen services, which will save them more than half of the cost they are paying now. Claypool is currently paying $214.25 per month plus tax for mats, rugs and towels. With Wildman, that price will be cut down to $100.80 and potentially $89 over time.
Day of Caring will be Aug. 27 in Claypool. This event is sponsored by Grace College, United Way and Housing Opportunities. Claypool has six houses that will be cleaned by Grace College students and volunteers, and are asking for a truck and dumpster to take away access debris.
Claypool resident Janet Warren asked the board members to donate a truck and ask for a dumpster from Sweetheimer Trash Removal.
"Small towns are getting help and we're working together," Warren said. "That's the only way we can succeed."
