Howell County News file photoHowell County News/ Amanda MendezHowell County News/ Amanda Mendez

Small Steps Forward

Progress on city pool and sewer update
Two large-scale projects moved forward ever so slightly in Mountain View last week. Closed for the last two summers, repairs to the city pool got a boost in the form of grant funding. Later that afternoon, a wholesale restoration of the city's sewer lines inched forward. The city held a town hall meeting necessary to obtain American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. 
City Pool
On July 12, representatives from Missouri State Parks, South-Central Ozark Council of Governments (SCOCOG), the City of Mountain View, and the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce gathered in the deserted parking lot of the Mountain View City Pool. It was obvious this is the second consecutive summer the pool has been closed. The pool is empty, birds have been nesting in the sitting areas, and the deck concrete was scorching as Mayor John Krasuski accepted a ceremonial check from Missouri State Parks Director David Kelly. 
After snapping a picture, the group moved into the shade to hear the mayor's remarks. 
"This is something the whole city will appreciate," said Mayor Krasuski. 
The $238,350 grant is a about half of the cost of the necessary repairs to the city pool, which are extensive. All the water lines that fill the pool are cracked and leaking, said Eddie Owens, City of Mountain View Operations Manager. He plans to completely replace the lines and reline the pool. If there are any additional funds, they will go toward repairs to the pump room. 
Opening for the 2023 summer season is the goal, the mayor confirmed. Fluctuating costs and availability of materials are a big factor, Owens added. 
 
Sewer System Update
Later that afternoon, city officials met with Trent Courtney from SCOCOG for a town hall meeting to discuss the wastewater infrastructure project. The meeting was a to-do item on a checklist to obtain ARPA funding. 
Courtney briefly explained the environmental review regarding the wastewater project. Along with pipe replacements, updates are also slated for the city's wastewater treatment plant. 
He explained that as of Thursday, engineers have 90 days to submit all paperwork necessary. The Board of Aldermen unanimously voted to hire the firm of Horner and Shifrin for the wastewater project in a special meeting on June 28. Pending review and approval, the city would be in line to receive ARPA funds. 
As previously reported by Howell County News, the sewer upgrade project and how to fund it has been under discussion in Mountain View for years. 
Even though voters in Mountain View approved a $6 million bond to fund the sewer project, funding the sewer project with grant funds as much as possible is the goal, Mayor Krasuski said in May 2022. 
When the voters approved a bond for the sewer project, they did so in the understanding that the city had access to a $3 million grant, the mayor insisted in that interview. Krasuski also said his administration is determined to honor a cap of $3 million in borrowed money for this project.
"The voters said $3 million," Krasuski said in May. "I don't care how you write the ballot language."
 
Julie Olsen contributed to this report. 
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