Gunnison learns of problems in drilling Tarr Canyon Well, considers filters for irrigation meters and industrial park road
(Submitted photo)
GUNNISON—At its meeting July 15, the Gunnison City Council learned about a problem that arose in drilling the Tarr Canyon Well. The problem could cost the city extra money.
The drilling company got down to about 880 feet when their casing got stuck. They had to bring in a crane and, with a lot of hard work and applying air pressure, they finally got it out. But when they resumed drilling the casing got stuck again in the same spot.
If workers can’t remove the casing with another try, they will insert a small screen and secure the gravel pack, which should be okay because most of the water in the well is above 140 feet. The city will have to pay the extra cost for this unanticipated problem affecting drilling.
On another major item, the state has asked the city to spend 30% of the grant money it has received for irrigation meters, roughly $145,00, by the end of October. That’s when the state wants to close out its books.
The state suggested spending the money on more meters, filters or a Vac truck to help install meters. But after much discussion, the council preferred spending the money on materials like new filters, which will help prolong the life of the meters. Councilman Nielsen also suggested that the money could be put towards paying down the bond.
The council approved $145,000 for a filter system and decided to have Ensign Engineering investigate the cost of filters. More discussion will take place at their next meeting.
Gunnison City has been approved for $600,000 to move forward with a road through the new industrial park, with $440,000 coming from the state, $90,000 from the state trust lands administration and $25,000 from Sanpete County. The rest will come from money earmarked for the project in last year’s city budget.
The council approved having Ensign Engineering take charge of the project because the company had started the design and survey work, and had already completed some of the water and sewer lines. Laying of road base will begin soon, and the paving will be done later.
Police Chief Jason Adamson gave his report for the month of June to the council. The chief said the department had a very busy month. (See separate story page 5.)
He also reported that the department had spent grant money on new cameras and purchased a new car for the department.
He happily reported that Tammy Winegar was awarded Employee of the Year and commended her for all she does for the Police Department.
City Administrator Dennis Marker reported that funding for the new pickleball courts should be approved soon. The council agreed that the design process should begin now so plans will be ready when money is approved.
Meanwhile, designs have been drawn up by Ron Anderson of Centerfield for a new bathroom complex at Gunnison City Park. The city is waiting on funds for that project as well.
During public comments Coleen Ogden let the council know about the Gunnison Valley Community Night Out, which will be held on Aug. 17 at the Gunnison City Park. Funding comes from the Central Utah Counseling Center. The event will start at 5 p.m. with a free pizza dinner served by the Miss Gunnison royalty.
Several resource booths will be distributing valuable information. Free bags will be handed out to carry all the goodies participants receive.
Two-gun safes and backpack full of school supplies will be given away. At 7 p.m., attendees may choose to go to the movie at the Casino Star, swimming, or for teens, swing dancing at The Bldg.178 for teens. Bingo will be offered at the park as well.
Arla Otten from Sterling visited with the council regarding the Funk Lake Project at Palisade State Park. A gazebo is currently being built at the park, which will include a monument to Daniel Funk who developed the lake in the 1800s. The council agreed to donate $500 to the project.