Geneva to use system

GENEVA — A new mapping system will help keep the town of Geneva efficient.
Geneva Town Council approved Tuesday evening a contract with Adams County to use its GIS to map the town’s water and storm water system. Council also heard from Red Gold on an expansion to its proposed warehouse construction.
At a cost of $300 to set up and $175 a day for onsite data collection, the geographic information system will be used to see how water lines are connected in order to streamline shut downs when necessary.
“It’s a big benefit in the long run,” said wastewater superintendent Scott Smith. “It’s usually more time in shutting it down rather than repairs.”
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Smith said the town can use information it already has on where things are stationed, such as curb stops and hydrants, to do an initial day of collection, and as more lines are found through maintenance, the data can be written down and then located by GPS at a later date to save money on onsite collection.
Council members were impressed with the agreement, which costs $50 a month for Adams County to host the information rather than $18,000 to buy a new system.
“It’s exciting to have that kind of technology,” said Doug Milligan.
Red Gold’s expansion is looking to grow further.
Mike Herrmann, director of engineering, asked for help from the council in a request to vacate 16 feet of Williams Street to expand its proposed warehouse addition into the town’s present right of way.
Herrmann told the council that he tangibly outlined the four corners of the proposed building recently and found that an additional expansion could improve the layout of the property.
Town attorney Dave Baumgartner advised Herrmann that the company would have to petition the town, which would send notices to surrounding property owners in order to learn if there are any objections to vacating the alley.
Smith and street department superintendent Curt Chaffins saw no problem with vacating the right of way. A decision could be made as early as the council’s October meeting.
In other business, council members Dick Clutter, Jim Timmons and Milligan:
•Held a public hearing for the pre-adoption of the town’s 2015 budget. With no comment, the $781,430 budget will go on to final reading at council’s October meeting.
•Approved a first draw for the town’s water main project, which is in the process of replacing and installing 6-inch mains in a span from U.S. 27 to Hardy Addition and the Lake of the Woods Addition. The $293,995.27 draw to Fleming Excavating Inc. comes on the heels of the project’s boring being completed.
•Heard from Pam Krause, Geneva Chamber and Geneva Proud executive director, about upcoming events. The next senior lunch will take place at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at town hall. The town’s 31st Annual Limberlost Antique Engine and Tractor Show will shut down Decatur Street from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 5.
•Approved raises for Smith and wastewater employee Zach Bailey. Smith’s hourly wage will increase to $18.50 from $17.18, and Bailey’s will raise to $12 from $11.