Some new infrastructural plumbing could soon change the services provided to West Cadiz.
During Tuesday’s Cadiz City Council meeting, council members unanimously approved a bid of $106,722 from Bowling Green’s Scott & Ritter Inc. to replace a destroyed water main underneath Little River and along U.S. 68 with high-density polyethelene piping — in what’s been a problem for no less than three months.
Better known as HDPE, it’s a type of plumbing often used for fluid and gas transfer, and it frequently replaces aging concrete and steel main pipelines. Made from thermoplastic, its high level of impermeability and molecular structure make it suitable for high-pressure situations — and it often serves as main conduit for electrical and communication resources.
Public Works Director Craig Oakley reported in September that the original main, located 6-to-8 feet below the Little River bed, ruptured — forcing a lengthy boil water advisory in the middle of the month.
Soon after, the main was capped on both sides of the river — forcing the city to begin purchasing some water supplies from the Barkley Lake Water District, totaling nearly $10,000 from November to current day.
Oakley noted a new pipe would better provide for city water customers.
In his short presentation to the council, Oakley added making this move could have a chance increase the output and daily productivity of the newly-minted Cadiz Water Treatment Plant.
Oakley said the project’s only bid was opened on December 22 before being brought to the council. Should supply lines be effective, Oakley added the parts could arrive in the next 3-to-5 weeks.
In other news:
*Oakley said that after a recent conversation with city/county engineer Frank Williams, Jolly Drive — the frontage road at the intersection of U.S. 68/80 and the new subdivision, across from Hancock’s — will open Wednesday morning to the public and for traffic. There is considerable expectation that this will become a major thoroughfare for the Trigg County School District and its bus fleet, particularly before and after school sessions.
*Oakley also noted that his crew was contacted by authorities the night of December 10 to report and assist in the immediate aftermath of tornado damage in both Marshall County’s Cambridge Shores and Dawson Springs. Oakley said his crew proved to be a “great bunch” who responded effortlessly to the calls. This week, the same crew has been working on the brining of roadways, in preparation for the potential of snow and single-digit temperatures Thursday afternoon and night.
*With Todd King out due to the impending birth of a grandchild, councilwoman Susie Hendricks officially served in the mayoral capacity for 19 minutes — overseeing roll call on votes. She said she wasn’t interested in running for mayor in the future.
