(KLZA)-- The Falls City Council approved a Pavements and Maintenance Beautification proposal from Pave LLC in Omaha when they met Monday evening. The project was recommended by the Board of Public Works at a cost of $34,983.

Public Works Director Trevor Campbell explained a pavement dressing conditioner to extend the life of good asphalt indefinitely should be done every 3 to 5 years. The initial plan calls for putting the product on a section of Barada Street, on the entrance and parking areas at Stanton Lake Park and on Public Works Drive on South Crook Street. The process will include a 3-year warranty.

Casting votes against the work were Council members Frank Killingsworth and Sara Ruiz.

Council members also approved the expenditure of $97,210 for a standby generator at the wastewater lift station as recommended by the Board of Public Works. City Administrator Anthony Nussbaum explained the need for the backup system, noting that currently without a backup generator, during an extended power outage in the area, the City has to used it's trailer mounted vacuum unit to remove wastewater manually to prevent an overflow. That process requires significant manpower and time, often involving overtime hours or weekend response.

The generator will be purchased form Nebraska Generator Service of Kearney.

The wastewater force main, connected to the lift station was upgraded as part of the 2023-24 fiscal year budget. An EPA grant of just over $462 thousand was obtained by the City to pay for the upgrades. On May 5 of this year, the City was notified by the EPA, the project was approved for a cost-share waiver, saving the $115,560 match that was originally required. Those funds can be reallocated toward the purchase and installation of the generator at the lift station.

The purchase of a Ram 3500 truck for the Gas Department was also approved. The 1-ton service truck will be purchased from Armbruster Motor Company in Falls City at a cost of $47,436 which was the low bid received.