The City Council meeting Wednesday, August 20, was categorized by updates on hot-button items such as the community’s long-term water supply, the city’s new wastewater treatment facility, a new water tower maintenance plan, and more.

USGS study highlights water concerns

Judith Coffman Thomas of the U.S. Geological Survey presented a report to council and community members alike, outlining findings from recent research models and simulations of the Silurian aquifer, the primary source of groundwater for Solon and its surrounding communities.

The Silurian aquifer lies beneath a large majority of eastern Iowa, acting as what Thomas described as a bathtub full of water in which many cities including Solon pump water from.

As both climate and societal habits continue to shift, the recent study shows that water levels of the Silurian aquifer are projected to decrease.

“Projected drawdowns of 13 to 43 feet could occur in high-use zones such as Solon and Iowa City by 2045 if current trends continue,” said Thomas.

Residents of Solon also expressed bother with the future of their town’s water source with one calling water, “the most important thing we have to our economy and to life” and urging for greater state involvement.

Through lengthy discussions on what was found within the research, worries continued to grow within the community about the city’s valuable water resource, sparking conversations amongst council members and Thomas on what measure were to be taken.

Strategies considered by several council members on how to combat the predicted drawdown included possible pumping limitations and the spreading out of city wells to balance the drawdowns centralized in Solon.

As of now, no concrete plans have been set in place by the council to avoid matters of Silurian aquifer water level drawdowns.

City wastewater treatment facility progress

City engineer Dave Schechinger reported to council that design work for the new wastewater treatment plant is on schedule. Staff are working on and will submit a facility plan to the Iowa DNR by the end of the month.

Although early estimates are a few weeks behind, Schechinger and fellow project engineers believe the plant’s progress should return to schedule this fall following other geotechnical work.

Water tower maintenance plan

Viking Industrial Painting representative Rob Jongquist proposed a water tower maintenance plan to the city council.

Jongquist observed Solon’s water tower and concluded that there were spots that needed blasted and recoated as corrosion of the structure had caused deterioration, making preventative maintenance crucial.

“Your water tower needs more than just a cleaning as the base coat is gone,” said Jongquist. “It’s not just a matter of washing it, because once you do, you’ll see how much paint is peeling. The smartest thing to do would be to blast it down to bare steel and start fresh, while also doing some maintenance on the inside of the tower as well.”

The maintenance program proposed included a regular annual payment system in which Viking would schedule and handle any further cleanings, repainting, and repairs under said contract.

Council members agreed to this proposal and will work to review and sign the maintenance contract with more information coming soon.

Other business

The Solon public library’s reading program included a new record of nearly 30% of the city’s population in attendance this summer. The after-school reading program will commence in September.

Council members approved a pay estimate of $2,594.44 for the Prairie Rose Lane Reconstruction Project while also greenlighting action on a curb and gutter project starting soon on south Iowa Street.