Water conditions concern in Hickman

Approximately one dozen residents of the city of Hickman attended the regular City Commission on Aug. 13 concerned about the water situation within the water system.

Barak Choate addressed the Commission stating, “I moved here two years ago in October. I care for a sick Veteran and the water is a tremendous problem in my household since I have been in the community. Is the water drinkable?”

Hickman City Manager James Gray replied, “Yes, it is drinkable according to our chemist we have working with us. It is the equivalent of a Geritol tablet, not even that. The discoloration is where oxygen is getting in contact with the iron in the water. The state has done tests, we’ve done tests, a third party has come in and done tests.”

Choate asked, “Are the correct chemicals going into our water to purify our water and is it accurate each time it is done?”

Gray replied, “Yes sir. We take a daily reading and actually multiple times a day, and put those on a report and once a month send to the state. It is called a MOR (monthly operating report). So as far as the water it is completely safe. As for the color, the state does not monitor for color, just for safety and things like that.”

Gray answered, “We have the CCR report that we provide. As far as the MOR, we don’t provide that, but we can. Just come in and it is a simple request.”

Choate said, “Normally the procedure I’m accustomed to is when you have a problem with the water, all public that is paying for this water receive a letter from your office and tells us exactly what is going on with our water. I find it sort of odd that it took until today for someone to speak out that is was going to be addressed. It’s just mind boggling and blew my mind.”

Gray responded, “It has been addressed since last year with the local TV station.”

Choate asked, “So you’re telling me a year is not a timely manner to correct this issue?”

“I think it is, but any time we make changes, we have to wait and see, we have time to get approval to make a change, wait and see if the chemistry does change and correct it, and we have done other things beside the chemical side. We have instituted a SOP (standard operating procedure) of flushing hydrants. I myself have been out with public works flushing hydrants. We have done multiple things. Is it timely? No, I think it could move faster,” replied Gray.

Bob Pickler with Bells Engineering of Hopkinsville stated, “I don’t know your whole timeline preceding our coming online. I know you were having chemical and jar testing analyzed. He (Gray) is correct by the rules color is not something that is really regulated by the state.

Choate asked, “What about all the iron sediment we are having in the tubs? What would that do a patient that is diabetic and you cleanse his wounds? Are you cleaning it or causing this person an issue?

Pickler replied, “I’m not medical doctor. I can’t address that. But by the regulations with the Division of Water the iron its self is not a regulated issue. However, when we became involved some tests had already been run and the reason for the iron and magnesium, the plant was not able to handle the iron. We asked if we could go ahead and do an emergency and bid out prior to approval and the state said ‘No’. We have asked and the State Division of Water is trying to expedite all they can. But what we will do is go into the old plant, use some of the basins, take piping and pumps to take water back in there. There is a build up of iron in the filters.”

Former Hickman City Commissioner Barbara Yandal addressed the commission stating, “I didn’t think in 2018 we would still be discussing the same water problems we did back in 2009. It seems it has gotten worse. The reason I say that is some days the chlorine in the water is so strong that it takes your breath. I wash white clothes and they come out red. I’ve watered my plants with the water and they die. I haven’t drunk the water in years and I’m concerned is it really safe to use the water at all?”

Yandal asked, “If it is turning my clothes red, what is it doing to my body?”

Lattus said, “I’m sure if it was something detrimental to the people’s health the state would take over the system and fine us. We have been working with the state.”

Commissioner Heath Carlton said, “The best thing that has come out of this meeting is people attending, that rather than of taking to social media and saying the city is not trying to do anything at all, maybe we should attend the meeting and question to see what we are doing and having a plan ahead of time. You can’t always go to social media to get your news. As far as the city, we are obviously just as concerned as you. I have children. I encourage anyone to come and address us with issues concerning the city. Be an active part.”

Peckler said, “I would recommend the process be replace the filter in the media and you could see results, then have an inspection with a diver of the tanks to see what build up needs to be cleaned up. And back wash daily.”

Gray reiterated, “This is the #1 Priority and at least 50% of my time is spent on this issue.”

Mayor Lattus said, “I don’t know what to say. We have not stuck our head in the sand. It is not something we have caused and it is aggravating to me and my wife also. I appreciate everyone coming out tonight with their concerns.”

Hickman Police Chief Tony Grogan said, “Phillip Powell’s property at 414 Market St., is in violation; Jimmy Scearce’s property at 707 Terrace Dr. is being cleaned up, but not up to our standards; and Donnie Newton on Union City Hwy will be issued a criminal summons.”

Public Works report was given by City Manager Gray, who updates the officials about hiring a new public works employee and interviewing for part-time help.

The paving list reported includes: Allison St. (from Clay to Boone); Boone St.; Pecan Circle; Angel St.; Liberty St.; Magnolia St.; Chickasaw St.; Harris St.; Claybow St.; Sunset and Walker intersection; Vine St.; Cedar Alley; Holly St.; and Terrace St. All these are within the budget and possibly have some monies left over.

Discussion and Awarding of Engineering for the Wastewater Treatment Plant was held with the Commission voting to go with Bell Engineer of Hopkinsville, and Resolution 18-97 for Rural Development financing was read and adopted.

Three invoices were presented for approval for payment. Vaughn Electric for $3,350; and two from Allen’s Towing, one for $3,783.23 and the other for $3,961.23.

AT&T requested permission to install a generator on city property next to the water tanks on the bluff. It would be approximately a 4’ x 10’ space with a concrete slab for the generator.

City Manager Gray will start negotiations with AT&T for the property and bring back before the Commission next month.

In new business, the first reading of Ordinance 18-81 2019 Motor Vehicle Tax Rate was conducted.

City Manager Gray reported Hawkins Chemical came in and tested the media and did a jar test.

The media is 43-45% effective and needs to be completely taken out and resanitized. The cost will be between $15,000 and $20,000 for both filters, plus overtime for city employees for about two weeks.

The Division of Water must verify the work done.