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Walker -- state of the city
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Walker Mayor Phil Martin, reported on the state of the city Monday detailing numerous accomplishments during 2016 including upgrades to the city's drinking water supply and wastewater system, upgrades to the city's fleet, and a reorganization of the city staff.
Staff reorganization
"Before, it was all co-mingled. You can't manage a company like that, you need accountability," Martin said.
The city staff underwent a massive reorganization of duties in 2016. There are now separate positions for water/sewer collector, city clerk, treasurer, meter reader, board president, street/light commissioner, water operator, and wastewater operator.
Martin praised Susan Thompson, the new city clerk for her meticulous monitoring of the city's income and expenditures.
Martin said the city is finalizing a new employee manual with the updated job descriptions and duties.
Segregation of duties provides for check and balances against mistakes and possible wrong doing.
Martin said he is, "encouraged by the employee's accountability and response time."
Drinking water system
Martin said that in 2016, the city completed numerous water system projects including an overhaul of the clear well, replacement of two of the city's three high service pumps, water tower inspection and repair.
The overhaul of the clear well where treated water is stored before itiis pumped into the tower, included the addition of a liquid chlorine system.
Martin said the liquid chlorine treatment system was approximately the same cost as using chlorine gas and safer for the operator.
Two of the city's three high service pumps have been replaced. Martin said that in the past, the city has only had one operational high service pump leaving the city with no back up and no water if the pump failed.
The city's water tower was overhauled five years ago and when it was inspected in 2016 it only needed minor repairs.
Wastewater system
Martin said the sewage lift pump and site A had to be replaced due to a lightening strike.
Walker's has a gravity flow sewage system where sewage from homes and businesses flow down grade into one of two lift sites where they are pumped into a higher pipe, which again flows down grade to the city's wastewater lagoon.
Martin said the city's sewage system is designed for a population of more than 500 and he does not foresee any tightening of the city's wastewater permit by Department of Natural Resources.
The city is still waiting to hear from DNR regarding their renewal application for the wastewater permit.
Fleet and equipment
The city purchased a new, larger tractor in 2016. It replaces a smaller tractor that was underpowered for what the city needed and repeatedly required the clutch to be replaced.
The tractor is used to mow city right of ways and alleys, and to grade and remove potholes from the city streets.
Martin said the tractor operator, Russell Hays, "does a real good job on our streets."
The city will auction off surplus property this winter including old computers, office furniture, a backhoe, and other items.
Looking to the future
Martin said plans for 2017 include replacing the deep well pump and the pump casing and replacing the shingles on the shelter in the city park.
"I would like to see one or two small manufacturers comes to town," Martin said, noting in the past, a lack of a sewer system prevented another manufacturer from moving to Walker.
The city is working with Missouri Department of Transportation to improve or replace the sidewalks along East Marvin Street.
Martin said Walker has room to accommodate new homes and residents, noting that several new homes were built either in or near the city limits in the past several years.
Martin said he believes Walker will remain a viable city for the coming generations.