Sump pump ordinance set to go in effect

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HURON — A new ordinance goes on the books in a few weeks that will prohibit sump pumps from discharging into the sanitary sewer system in Huron except from Nov. 1 to the following April 1.
City commissioners approved second and final reading of the ordinance Monday.
A second ordinance will require residents to obtain a building permit for each unit, to cost $10 each.
Sump pumps that have been draining into the sanitary sewer mains have overwhelmed the system. The city is treating one million gallons more a day than in the past due to this year’s wet, rainy conditions.
Mayor Paul Aylward said the city is in the midst of a project to upgrade the sewer system. One of the problems is that the city is treating water that doesn’t need to be treated, he said.
Allowing sump pump water to be diverted to the sanitary sewer during the six winter months will minimize and prevent freezing conditions at the curb.
Discharging to the sanitary sewer would also be allowed at other times during the year as authorized by the city engineer.
Commissioners approved a proposal with Clark Engineering to prepare a preliminary plat for phase three of the Southtown development. The fee will be $3,600.

Clark will survey and prepare a plat including the platting and dedication of 22nd Street Southeast between Idaho and Frank avenues and a U-shaped Firehouse Drive off 22nd Street Southeast.
It will also include the platting and dedication of cul-de-sacs off 24th and 26th streets Southeast, to be named Fox Run and Elk Run.
Meanwhile, commissioners approved a request for a conditonal use permit to allow Brian Davidson to construct a one-bedroom efficiency apartment attached to the west side of the existing garage at 1879 Kansas Ave. S.E.
The permit was approved as long as the apartment is for personal use only.
Commissioners also:
• Approved the regular full-time status of Colby Vlieger, Central Park manager, on completion of his probation.
• Accepted the voluntary resignation from Greg Kruger, golf maintenance supervisor, and the retirement resignation of Rick Button, golf course superintendent.
• Approved a request for alcoholic beverage consumption in a public area filed by Christian Antezana for a Peruvian festival Sunday at the Nordby Exhibit Hall.
• Approved a request for a parade permit from the Huron High School Student Council for Sept. 27 contingent on approval of the state Department of Transportation for use of Dakota Avenue South (Highway 37.)
• Approved biennial renewals of six home occupation permits, including Leonard Doll, 644 12th St. S.W., taco making; Gary Reff, 888 Illinois Ave. S.W., taxidermy; Jason Buckmaster, 876 Seventh St. S.W., pheasant processing; Julio Morales, 9 Nicollet Ave. S.W., construction business; Michael Clouser, 543 Lawnridge Ave. S.E., plumbing business; and Donald Bennett, 1427 McDonald Drive, small engine, lawn equipment and golf cart repair.
• Approved the abatement of $9,200 in special assessments primarily for the recent demolition of the former Labor Temple at 205 Ohio Ave. S.W.
Abatement was made at the request of Beadle County, which will try to sell that property and others at a tax sale next Tuesday. The goal is to sell the lots and get them back on the tax rolls.
It was noted that the county has assisted with these and other demolitions with its equipment.