Wakefield eyes water projects

By CHARITY SMITH

csmith@yourdailyglobe.com

Wakefield — The city of Wakefield is moving forward with Phase 1 of its water system improvement project. The city council gave permission for U.P. Engineers and Architects of Houghton to continue with the design aspect of the project, during its regular meeting Tuesday night.

“I think we’re at a point now where we just want to get the ball rolling and get this thing done,” said mayor Dale White. “It’s nice to hear we are at that point where we can get some money pretty soon.”

The city plans a $2,925,000 project to improve the city’s water system. To cover the cost, the city heard the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development anticipates granting its loan request at the poverty rate. The letter from USDA-RD said the city should expect to be approved for funding within one to three months and the loan should be able to close by June 2022.

The engineering firm had requested that the city approve an invoice loan to cover an estimated $120,000 of expenses the firm will accrue prior to the loan being approved. However, the council chose to table that decision until questions regarding the loan by city attorney Ray O’Dea could be addressed. The loan is expected to be on the agenda for the next council meeting on Jan. 10, 2022.

The council heard a request from the city’s electric department for a digital phasing tester. A digital phasing tester is used to measure several electrical properties, including phasing, voltage detection, phase sequencing and phase angle indication.

According to city manager Robert Brown the device would primarily be used at the substation to monitor performance and troubleshoot abnormalities. The council saw two quotes on the equipment. One was for $3,485 and the other was for $6,020. The council questioned why the price was nearly doubled on the second quote. The council voted to table the request until the Jan. 10 meeting as well, due to lack of information regarding the need and purpose of the equipment.

The council’s equipment committee, consisting of Mike Zeckovich and Cal Shirkey, plans to meet with the electric department to on Jan. 6 to get more information to bring back to the council.

Part-time janitor Mary Miskovich will receive a pay raise of $1 per hour, making her wage $11 per hour. Miskovich has worked for the city since 2018 and has seen an increase in her duties as the municipal building gym is used for athletic activities, training, and other events. She will also receive an annual cost of living increase up to 3%.

The Wakefield city offices will be closed Friday in observation of the New Year holiday. The council will meet on Jan. 10 at 5:30 p.m., and the city planning commission will meet on Jan. 11 at 5:30 p.m.