By Brigitte England

September 20, 2007 | RICHMOND -- The City Council unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the issuance and sale of up to $4 million in bonds to fund Richmond City's new sewer system.

The council was confident that the new sewer system will be worth every costly penny.

Mayor Mike Hall said the new system will be like Hyrum's current system, which, the mayor said, has been highly successful.

Richmond's sewage currently flows into the Cub River, and despite constant upgrades, the city has been unable to keep the sewers up to date with tightening federal restrictions. The new system is as sophisticated as it sounds (membrane bio-reactive) and should control sewage content for at least 20 years, said City Manager Marlowe Adkins.

"Because we will be able to recycle the sewage water, the whole thing pays partly for itself, in a way," said Adkins. "The water will be clean enough for culinary use -- the only reason we won't be using it for that is because there are still some medications in the water. I guess for psychological reasons, too."

Groundbreaking for the new system is expected to begin early next year, the mayor said.

The only debating over the issue had to do with wording in future resolutions and how to inform residents of rising water and sewer usage rates.

The council also discussed needed road improvements on 800 South. Residents of the area are not expected to be thrilled about the development, but the council feels confident that the improvements are necessary.

"It will ultimately improve the community, and that is what Richmond is all about: making life better," said Councilwoman Terrie Wierenga.

The council also discussed the reinstitution of the Neighborhood Watch program and future improvements to the city park.

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