By Crystal Thompson
JOPLIN The Hill County Water District entered into a contract for construction of a 500,000 gallon welded steel water storage tank in Joplin earlier this year.
The total contract price for the tank was $280,500, which was financed with cash reserves. The tank was given its final check on December 6th and is nearing final approval by the Hill County Water District Board. According to the minutes from the board's Dec. 6 meeting, a list of 14 items were presented to the board which demanded action before final approval of the tank.
One of the immediate needs expressed was a screen for the top of the tank to keep birds out. A proposal to paint "Joplin" on the tank was presented to the board, supporting the price of $1200. It was also announced at the meeting that the tank has been disinfected, but as of now no water has been put in.
According to meeting minutes, the board has expressed disappointment with the center support concept, which was part of the tank's original design. Dave Aune, of Damschen, Entranco was present at the meeting to explain the status of the construction. He said that the center support concept has worked well throughout Montana, and that he feels any icy buildup in the tank would move up and down in the center and should not cause any side pressure to the tank. The board noted it's frustration with the design and will monitor the tank for any trouble.
The board recognized another concern with the way the floor drain was installed. Aune agreed that the original work was not according to specifications, but felt that adequate corrections had been made. The board expressed dissatisfaction with the repairs, and it was decided that Joe Pilcher, also of Damschen, Entranco would write to the Advance Tank company to seek assurances that the work was done as promised.
Because of the board's many concerns, it was decided they seek an extended warranty for the new water tank. A motion was made and approved by the board to pay neither the engineer nor Advance Tank until proof of the correction in the floor drain connection was provided.
