Inflow and infiltration policy approved by city council
Creston City Council approved the adoption of the inflow and infiltration policy during their regular meeting Tuesday. The I and I policy will not take effect until Jan. 1, 2013 meaning that any property listed, or closed, on Jan. 1, 2013 or after will need to be compliant with the new I and I regulations.
Inflow and infiltration is the invasion of water into the sanitary sewer system from broken, cracked or misaligned mains, leaking manholes or manholes that have water flow over their covers. Other sources include private services (resident and business).
The I and I policy is designed to remove inflow and infiltration from the sanitary sewer system.
The Southern Iowa Council of Governments Housing Trust Fund (SICOG HTF) will assist the city of Creston in the administration of an I and I Hardship Assistance Program. In order to be eligible for the forgivable loan of no more than $5,000, applicants must
• own their home outright or have it financed through a lending institution,
• live in the home where the repairs will be made,
• be at or below 80 percent of the HUD income limit in Union County per household size (updated annually), and
• have notification from the city of Creston as to the issues with the building sewer. The building sewer is the extension from the building drain to the public sewer or other place of disposal including the connection device and tap of the main.
“The grants are up to $5,000,” said Creston Mayor Warren Woods. “Anything over $5,000, it can be put on your taxes, for a maximum of 10 years with 6 percent interest, plus an administration fee. If you are over the income guidelines, you can put the whole amount on your taxes. Or, you can pay out of pocket.”
Project
According to the inflow and infiltration policy, the city shall perform a study on an area-by-area basis with citywide completion being done by Dec. 30, 2018. Starting in 2013, year one will focus on inspections in ward five, year two on ward two, year three on ward three, year four on ward four and year five on ward one. The sixth year will be used for catching up.
“We won’t charge for any inspections,” said Mike Taylor, Creston city administrator. “If someone is in a different ward than where inspections are being done, and want to make the improvements, they don’t have to wait until the year we will be in their ward. They can apply then.”
The application for the forgivable loan will be available on the city of Creston’s website, and Southern Iowa Council of Governments website.
In other city business, the council:
• Reviewed and approved bids for the demolition of city owned houses at 310 S. walnut St., 311 N. Sycamore St., 308 Livingston Ave., and 600 W. Montgomery St.
• Approved payment of $93.78 to Habitat for Humanity for the NSP house project at 801 W. Jefferson St.
• Amended resolution No. 31-09 entitled, “Authorizing the commitment of local financial support for the community development block grant housing rehabilitation program.”
• Amended resolution No. 02-13 entitled, “Resolution naming city of Creston depositories.”
• Approved payment estimate No. 1 of $262,260.79 to Feldhacker Contracting for work completed on the airport entrance road improvements project.
• Authorized advertising to sell 1991 GMC 1500 Vandura cargo van.
• Authorized the mayor to sign a DNR Wildland Fire Grant application for the Creston Fire Department.
• Set a public hearing for 6 p.m. Oct. 16 for a request to place a fence in the city right a way at 801 W. Jefferson St.
• Approved drawdown request No. 9 for the CDBG housing rehabilitation project 09-HSG-022.
