Wastewater treatment plant passes DNR requirements

By Mel LeBaron

Correspondent

BRODHEAD – Members of the Brodhead Common Council members heard good news from public works director Rich Vogel at their meeting held Aug. 10.

Vogel presented the DNR’s Compliance Maintenance Annual Report Resolution which addresses how the treatment plant operated in 2014. Passing all requirements posed by the Department of Natural Resources Vogel remarked, “We had a very good year. We had no major problems, no major breakdowns, we had no major violations, so we were very happy.” There is no need for the city to make any immediate changes. They are, however, working on plant changes related to phosphorus use, and will bring a cost estimate to the city at a later date.

City Attorney Mark Schroeder reported that the plan commission has met regarding a site plan for the proposed project by the Kobussen Bus Company.

Last November, Kobussen approached the city about obtaining property along Highway 11 on the city’s north side to build a bus terminus. After discussion, the site plan was approved contingent upon meeting several requirements. Kobussen will need to obtain a number of variances, and upon further compliances, will be able to begin construction. The land in question is currently a vacant wooded area.

Ellyn Popanz, senior citizen – community center sub-committee member, updated the council regarding considerations that will need to be made for the future center. She explained that, after looking at some existing buildings, a center holding about 400 people should be at least 10,000 square feet in size. “We are going forward, it’s a little slow, but we are getting there,” said Popanz about the continuing process towards bringing such a center to Brodhead. “The grants are out there and we definitely will be applying for them, but there are a lot of rules and regulations.”

The council approved operator licenses for Janet Cook, Janessa Arnsmeier and Alicia Condon. An application for Kelly Chambers was denied by the council. Police Chief Hughes also presented a public event application by the Chamber of Commerce for Autumn Fest on Sept. 26, and an application from the High School Student Council for the Homecoming Parade on Sept. 18. Both received council approval.

The council met again in regular session on Tuesday, Aug. 19.