New water wells, treatment plant bring adequate water supply

ROCKFORD - Water levels in the village's water tower and wells have not dropped at all this summer, sparing the community from water consumption advisories.

In the past, residents were warned to limit usage during summer months. The village now has more than enough water because of the new system, village administrator Jeff Long said during a Monday council meeting.

The village has updated nearly its entire water infrastructure, including new wells, water and wastewater treatment plants and water lines.

The wells, plants and half of the water lines were installed last year; the remainder of the lines will be replaced this year. The water tower was replaced in 2000.

"Water levels haven't dropped at all since they (the wells and plants) were put in," Long said. "This is a good resource we have."

Long said the treatment plant is only pumping at 75 percent of its full capacity, "so we're in good shape. We don't have to worry about restrictions."

The new water plant is able to handle 45 percent more, or about 200,000 gallons, per day than with the old plant.

Also at Monday's meeting, council passed in third reading an ordinance levying assessments for delinquent water bills on homeowners' taxes.

According to the ordinance, the village has "the right to impose charges for furnishing water to all premises within the village. (Therefore), it has the right and responsibility to enforce collection of such charges, including the collection of delinquent water accounts."

Council member Gary Hodge asked if the village is required to place handicap parking places in front of businesses on Main Street. Council members did not think it was required. No one could think of any other town that offers handicap street parking.

"Just because it may not be required, doesn't mean we shouldn't," Long said. "Maybe we should consider it."

Safety committee head Ron Searight said he would look into what other towns do and the possibility of Rockford offering the spaces.

In other action, council members:

• Discussed next year's street program. Council will look into which streets need the most immediate attention.

• Discussed park caretakers sweeping cigarette butts out of the shelter house and placing a "no smoking" sign.

• Discussed a new emergency action plan if the village ever has a natural or man-made disaster. Searight said they will model the plan from Burkettsville's plan developed in 2006. The plan should be completed next spring.

• Discussed starting a volunteerism committee with church groups or organizations to help out in the community.

• Discussed the water shutoff notice letter. The letter was reworded after several residents complained it sounded too harsh.

• Discussed assessments for the sidewalks replaced on Market and Holly streets. Long said many residents already have paid their portions. The others will be assessed on their taxes during the next 10 years.