(KLZA)-- The Auburn Board of Public Works received an update on recent damage to a transformer pole at water well #13 during their August Board meeting.  General Manager Dave Hunter has spoken with the land owners, and noted due to continuing damage and trespassing to the well house area, they are in agreement to allow the BPW to seek an easement and to proceed with action to have Nemaha County Commissioners close the road. 

Board members approved the plan and authorized Hunter to proceed with the necessary steps. 

Hunter also requested the Board direct him regarding the Auburn City Attorney letter concerning private sewer lines.  It was suggested Hunter get easements on properties on private sewer lines.  Hunter noted that until the utilities are brought up to City Code, the BPW cannot work on the utilities. Hunter said since it is a City Code violation, it is ultimately the responsibility of the City to enforce the code violations.  The Board suggested the city code violations be addressed on a case by case basis if and when a utility repair is needed and make repairs to City Code. 

Board member Mike Zaruba presented information from the Debt and Rate Reduction Sub-Committee.  A list of current and future utility projects and expenditures was obtained from the General Manager and they want to develop a “big picture” plan of proposed projects. 

The outlined projects proposed carry a price tag of $57-million over and beyond the next 20 years.  

Zaruba also encouraged the Board to take time during each board meeting to review projects with recommendations from Hunter and position projects on a master planning timeline.