Etna Green is embarking on a crucial journey to secure the long-term sustainability and resilience of its water infrastructure, a matter of significant deliberation at the recent town council meeting.
Recognizing the vital role of a robust water utility in fostering a healthy and thriving community, the council prioritised discussions aimed at understanding current limitations and charting a course towards a more sustainable future. This proactive approach underscores the town’s commitment to ensuring the well-being of its residents and businesses through responsible resource management and forward-thinking planning. A key element of this initiative is the town’s pursuit of funding through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs’ Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). To this end, a public hearing was convened prior to the regular council meeting to inform citizens about the grant application process. If the funding is approved, the grant, amounting to $90,000, coupled with a $10,000 match from the town, will facilitate a comprehensive study on Etna Green’s existing water infrastructure utility. Representatives from the Michiana Area Council of Governments and Commonwealth Engineers were present to provide valuable insights into the process and the potential benefits for the community.
Olivia Nix, a community development planner, elucidated that the proposed study, to be undertaken by Commonwealth Engineers if funding materializes, would encompass a thorough assessment of all existing infrastructure conditions. This would include identifying any capacity limitations and deficiencies within the current system. Furthermore, the study would address the crucial aspect of service provision to customers located outside the town’s formal boundaries. Ultimately, the goal is to create a well-defined roadmap for future growth that is both environmentally sustainable and directly benefits the Etna Green community. Demonstrating its commitment to this vital undertaking, the council approved a resolution authorising the withdrawal of $10,000 from the town’s CEDIT funds to actively move forward with the OCRA grant application process. Council President Heath Roberts was also granted the authority to serve as the council’s primary representative in advancing the study until such time as significant funding for potential construction projects becomes a relevant factor. This decisive action underscores the council’s proactive stance in addressing the town’s water infrastructure needs.
The urgency of these efforts was further highlighted by the concerns raised by Jamie Visker, CEO of Winona Powder Coating, a local business. Visker expressed significant apprehension regarding the town’s water quality, stating that his company is compelled to pre-filter the water extensively before it can be used in their reverse osmosis system. He noted a substantial decrease in the lifespan of their water filters, leading to increased operational costs and raising serious doubts about the reliability of the current water supply for potential business expansion. Visker’s direct engagement with the council underscores the tangible economic impact of water infrastructure challenges on local businesses and the broader community. Council members acknowledged Mr. Visker’s concerns and assured him of their commitment to improvement. President Roberts highlighted the ongoing efforts to address existing infrastructure issues, stating his administration inherited a situation requiring significant remediation rather than a perfectly functioning system. The council also addressed Mr. Visker’s past concerns regarding sewer system access, clarifying that the town’s system should be capable of handling Winona Powder Coating’s output, contrary to previous information he had received.
In a move towards addressing the financial sustainability of the water and sewer systems, the first reading of ordinances proposing rate increases for these utilities was presented at the meeting. A public hearing to gather community input on these ordinances is scheduled for the subsequent council meeting in June, emphasizing the council’s commitment to transparency and community engagement in these important decisions. Chris Harrison from Commonwealth Engineers also provided a brief update on their collaborative work with Astbury Water Technology to identify and alleviate the town’s existing water quality issues. Further demonstrating a proactive approach to infrastructure maintenance and resilience, the council approved Astbury’s application for a new wastewater permit, as the existing one is nearing expiration. Additionally, based on recommendations from Astbury following the recent tornado event, the council acknowledged the need for a new generator at the water tower to ensure operational continuity during power outages, particularly for critical lift stations. Astbury also advised on the necessity of installing a security fence around the generator at Heritage Park.
Beyond the immediate concerns of water infrastructure, the council also discussed initiatives aimed at enhancing the town’s aesthetic and community spirit, including an update on an upcoming mural project and the potential replacement of the town’s tornado siren to improve emergency preparedness.
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