The million-gallon storage tank has been shut down for nearly two years after inspectors discovered rusted and collapsing interior roof braces. Replacement cost has been estimated to run about $1 million. It was built over 60 years ago and has dominated the top of a hill overlooking I-40.While the city would not be able to pony up the full amount, a $450,000 grant was obtained through the Eastern Oklahoma Development District (EODD) that would help toward replacing the structure. That replacement would be a new pre-stressed concrete water tank. It is needed to provide additional storage and prevent a shortage of water in the event the single tower on North Third would have to be shut down.
In recent months, a complaint was filed with the Oklahoma Historical Society trying to prevent destruction of the steel water tank, calling it a “historical monument.”
At the Nov. 15 city council meeting, a motion carried to start advertising for bids once a decision has been reached by the state.
“We don’t know when we are going to get approval because of the complaint filed,” said mayor Jennifer Clason.
“What is historical about it? It’s a cylinder on the ground,” said councilor Christy Jeffcoat.
Class expected a decision to be reached in the next 45-60 days.
The council did approve a $747,948 bid to construct new drying beds at the water plant. Those beds take the solids used in processing the water and allowing them to dry and the water leaching out.
That bid went to BRB Contractors from Topeka, Kans., and was the lowest bid. The bid was in line with the $792,000 estimate from the Bill Myers Engineering firm.