BROCTON - Adjust-ments are still in the works to clear up the chlorination problem affecting water customers in the town of Portland.
During the town council meeting, Supervisor Dan Schrantz said he has spoken with an engineer about the potential use of a portable chlorination unit until a permanent solution can be worked out. The approximate price quote for a portable unit came in around $3,500, which the supervisor felt was too costly for the town to purchase at this point.
"There's adjustments being made at the pump station right now, but the levels are still not where we want them to be," Schrantz said.
He is also working with Bill Boria, from the county health department about possibly creating a tap that would allow for a solution to be worked out at the town's water tower.
In other matters, Schrantz said he and water committee members Jerry Boltz and Al Valentin attended the most recent village board meeting to inquire about details of the proposed water plant upgrades.
"We went to ask about the calculation of proposed water rates, and Mayor Hazelton did get back to us with funder EFC's calculation, which they're using for village customers right now. It was done this way in order to be able to obtain the funding. We're still not sure how this will affect town customers yet," Schrantz said.
Hazelton, who attended the meeting for an unrelated matter, responded that he has also talked with the grant award facilitator to see if there are any more concrete answers that can be provided, but was told it's still too early in the game to tell.
"The only part of the project we can really cut back on would be the water line phase. The other two parts need to be done," Hazelton said.
Councilman Rick Man-zella questioned, "Why do we need to do the water line, when it has not been a problem for a number of years? Wouldn't it be more cost effective to take that part of it out?"
Manzella also suggested the use of an existing water line that could be used as an alternate route for water, which traverses Mill Street and Highland Avenue.
Hazelton agreed to have project engineer Rex Tolman investigate that option in an attempt to save costs.
"I will talk to Rex about that. We're all in the same boat, and recognize that you're buying our water. Anything we can do to find a solution, I'm up for whatever will help save money."
The council also reported that all permitting for the Peerless Street Bridge project is being worked out and it's hopeful that project will continue to progress. Schrantz reiterated that he has sent letters on behalf of the town to all government officials seeking additional funding options for the project.
Regarding restoration work on the town's highway garage floor, the supervisor reported that lots of labor has been put in to shave off one quarter of the floor's section which is still reflecting problems.
The council will meet again for its regular meeting on Nov. 14 at 7 p.m.
