City to move forward on water system upgrades

Carson City moved forward Thursday on an improvement project that will protect one of its water resources - the Marlette Water System.

An agreement between the city and the state, which owns the system, will allow both parties to proceed with engineering design and construction of improvements to several components of the system, including the replacement of 3,800 feet of water line, a new water tank and valves, along with necessary environmental studies.

Engineering costs are estimated at about $616,000 with $339,000 being provided through a grant. Construction costs are estimated to be about $2.8 million, and the state will fund up to $2.5 million.

Public Works Director Andy Burnham told supervisors that the city's portion will end up being about $577,000, which is in the water capital fund.

"We've been accumulating funds, we've been saving," Burnham said.

The state controls the water rights in Marlette Lake and Hobart Reservoir, but Carson City, as well as Virginia City, Gold Hill and Silver City, rely on and pay for water from those systems.

Also, Burnham said, a transition agreement will come before the board of supervisors in the near future which will turn over operation and maintenance of the system to Carson City.

"This will save us up to $150,000 a year, and we'll have better control," he said.

Also on Thursday, supervisors:

• Approved the purchase of a street sweeper for $203,508 from the water and wastewater equipment funds.

• Directed staff to work with the Carson City Chamber of Commerce on encouraging business compliance with the city's sign ordinance.

• Appointed Supervisor Molly Walt to the Parks and Recreation Commission.