Keokuk, IA – Keokuk wants to start working on its combined sanitary/stormwater sewer system in and around Victory Park this spring.
That can only happen if the State Historic Preservation Office signs off on the project.
The agency is currently reviewing the site to see if the work will impact any historic elements, in particular Keokuk's current system.
Public Works Director Mark Bousselot says eventually, the combined system will be separated.
He says that will prevent sewage from reaching the Mississippi River, which is currently does during heavy rain.
"It would just be stormwater off of the streets (now)," says Bousselot, "the sanitary will be in its own contained sewer that is directed to the wastewater treatment plant."
Bousselot says the design work for the Victory Park area is complete, so the next step is to seek bids.
He says a cost estimate is not available at this time.
The city plans to borrow money and use sewer fee revenue to pay for the work.
528 Main Street
Meanwhile, it could be a while before the giant hold in downtown Keokuk is filled.
The city had hoped to be able to fill what remains of 528 Main Street with a sand-like material from a local industry.
Bousselot recently told the city council that the Iowa DNR has informed the city that the sand does not meet its standards for such a project.
He says sand can only be placed where the water table is at least 5' from the surface.
Bousselot says a 5' deep hole at 528 Main Street easily filled with water.
He says the city will probably have to use a buffer of clay or dirt.
The DNR and the city are still looking at other solutions.
Sand was previously recommended by those interested in eventually saving the subterranean brick arches at that location.
Alcohol Update
Keokuk Mayor Tom Marion believes the debate over where alcohol can be consumed is over.
Five city council members voted, last week, to allow special events with alcohol to be held at any public location with council approval.
The group included At-Large Alderman Dan Winn, who previously voted against the proposal.
The five passed the second reading and agreed to waive the third reading to make it official.
That led to confusion after the meeting over whether enough council members voted to waive that third reading.
Mayor Tom Marion was not there during the meeting, but when contacted, he says his understanding of state law means the ordinance has been approved.
"It does take, according to state code, a unanimous vote if you waive the 2nd AND 3rd reading," says Marion, "however, it only takes a majority vote if you waive only the 3rd reading. As far as I am concerned, it has passed.
Marion has been serving as City Attorney for months, after officially holding the position for roughly 30 years.
He says he will review the city code when he returns to his office, just to be certain.
Third readings are generally waived on non-controversial topics, but this move allowed the issue to be resolved before the new city council is seated.