VEEDERSBURG, Ind. — Town council members conducted a public hearing Tuesday on Triad Associates’ findings from its study of the town’s water and waste water systems.

Triad’s representative Lou Savka said the town’s waste water system is doing well. In a few years, the town will need to replace the older sewer lift stations and the basin liners at the waste water plant will need to be replaced. Triad estimates the improvements will cost about $940,000.

The town’s water system has several areas in need of improvement, including replacing old pipes with PVC pipes, installing water mains and lines to improve pressure and flow issues, and joining or looping dead-end water lines. Savka said the town’s wells are doing well, but a filter system in a new water treatment plant could improve water quality.

If town officials wanted to complete all of Triad’s recommendations, the project would total more than $9 million.

Savka recommended setting priorities. He suggested installing water lines on the west side of town where pressure issues are a major concern. Officials could break the project into sections or phases and seek loans from the State Revolving Fund or Rural Development. Officials could also apply for grants, but the town’s water customers would definitely see an increase in their rates depending on how much the town would have to borrow for the project.

Council President Ken Smith said whatever the council members decide, they will have to take into consideration what rate increase customers can afford.

Council members will continue discussion on water improvements and how to pay for them at future meetings.

In other business, town council meetings:

Heard from waste water superintendent Connie Sichts that a service road is needed at the new EMS building so the town can access the new lift station. Sichts said the lift station is about 200 yards from the Med Shed. The meters on at the lift station need to be checked daily. Councilman Steve Cates said that he look into the matter with the county.

Heard from Superintendent Paul Keeling that the town is still working on cleaning out the storm sewer at the northeast corner of the intersection of U.S. 136 and State Street. Keeling said they had to replace the old root cutter with a new one at cost of $1,370. While cutting out the tree roots that were causing the blockage, the sewer jet hose was cut up and has to be replaced. Keeling said that he received three quotes to replace the hundred foot long hose. Accurate Bore of Indianapolis quoted a price of $750 plus shipping, Indiana Central Rubber of Indianapolis quoted a price of $1,570.34, and Danville Rubber quoted a price of $2,053. Keeling said he ordered the hose from Accurate Bore. The blockage in the line has not been totally removed yet, but the council all agreed that what has been done so far has made a visible difference since there is no longer any standing water in the area.

Heard from Sherry Bailey with the Veedersburg Revitalization Association the group is working on getting information on new Christmas lights. Bailey said they hope present something on the lights at the next town council meeting on Feb. 12.

Heard from Savka that Triad surveyed the Hub Civic Center last week. Savka said that there are no major structural problems with the building, but there are areas that will need some attention. Triad is looking for any engineering plans of the building.