City OKs new EMC contract
and traffic improvement    

[FEB. 19, 2004]  A new agreement between the city and the company that manages the wastewater treatment plant, Environmental Management Corporation, has been reached. The new agreement is less complicated and it's less money, according to the city attorney, Bill Bates. Bates said he and EMC's Todd Thomas discussed it further and agreed to a simpler plan.

The city will now pay EMC $1,101,737 rather than $1,138,837 per year. This figure removes the $37,100 incentive that EMC offered to avoid escalating electrical costs per year. The city will assume the risks of escalating utility costs. The modified agreement still allows for a $243,900 utility threshold through EMC. The city will pay EMC 25 percent on utility amounts under the target threshold.

The agreement will be signed pending clarification that the city is not responsible for increased diesel cost.

With more generators needed at the expanded wastewater treatment plant, it is recognized that there will be added diesel fuel costs.

EMC will compensate the city for payments received under the old contract year that began in December. Likewise, the city will begin monthly payments to EMC retroactive Dec. 1, 2003, as soon as costs are compiled and they are billed under the new agreement.

Upgrades and improvement at the intersection of Fifth Street and Lincoln Parkway (Route 66 and Business 55) were approved at $11,164. Work that will begin in the spring includes an added turn lane and video signal light.

In another traffic flow matter, $4,899.74 has been allocated to perform a study at the Goody's entrance. The study is required by the state to determine the need for a traffic signal. The pursuit of a signal at the Goody's parking lot entry on Route 10, Woodlawn Road, was part of the partnership agreement between the city and the developer.

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