Taylor Public Works Director Ron Solomon advised the council April 7 that there had been an incident at the wastewater treatment plant which caused the town to exceed the nitrogen standard of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) for a period of time.

“We have regained full compliance with the standards,” reported Solomon.

He explained that last September, air blowers failed, in December the repairs were completed and in January, testing indicated standards were exceeded, but since a new laboratory was used, tests were conducted with the previous lab for comparison. In February testing continued to indicate standards were exceeded so they conducted further comparative tests, and the March testing confirmed the standards were exceeded. There were operational changes made at the plant which returned it to the standard range, which was confirmed through weekly testing.

Solomon reported that on March 8, staff members self-reported the excess of standards to representatives of ADEQ they were directed to continue their efforts. On March 15, tests confirmed the plant is again within the standard.

Town Manager Eric Duthie noted that ADEQ officials were appreciative that the town was up front, stating, “We’re fine.”

In other action April 7, the council:

* Unanimously approved a motion to pursue an intergovernmental agreement with the Arizona Department of Transportation for acceptance and expenditure of federal highway funds earmarked for fiscal year 2012-13.

* Unanimously approved a motion for staff to prepare a request to the Northern Arizona Council of Governments Technical Subcommittee to use approximately $750,000 in entitled federal funds for Love Lake Road in fiscal year 2012-13.

* Was advised by Solomon that Hatch Construction was awarded a contract last fall to repair Pinedale Road, but it was late in the year and getting cold. The firm was willing to postpone work until the end of spring and will begin the project around May 1. Solomon reported the timeframe for repairs will be approximately three weeks.

* Was advised by Solomon that residents of Sweetwater Ranch did not have water on March 31 because the well had ceased to function. Solomon was out of town when the failure occurred, but other staff members were successful in securing an individual who could get there quickly and assess the motor, which needed to be replaced. That person had a motor that was loaned to the town until it was able to purchase one. Staff took bottled water and potable water to residents immediately, and by 9:30 p.m. the well was operational.

“I commend Ron for what he did in that period of time. He drove by residences with bottled water and dropped them off,” said resident Guy Shelander.