Inside the fence is one of two lift stations that will be replaced as part of the sewer system upgrade in Oronogo. G&G Construction has begun mobilizing and clearing brush at the site along Ivy Road.

Expansion of Oronogo’s sewage system begins

Seeing excavators ready to start digging is just the start of Oronogo’s big sewer improvement project, but getting this far is an accomplishment worth a little celebration.

“It’s my understanding it’s been 14 years” since planning for the project began, said Mayor Charles Wilkins during the Board of Aldermen meeting Monday. “Kudos to this board.”

The board approved the second payout to contractor and engineer. G&G Construction will receive a $32,376 check for materials, and Allgeier Martin and Associates will receive a $10,086 for ongoing engineering services.

Expanded capability of the sewer system is essential for building homes on a big scale, such as Hawthorn Hills.

Representatives of Schuber Mitchell Homes said they hope to start building the first 48 of more than 500 homes in Hawthorn Hills in November.

The board approved performance bonds guaranteeing Schuber Mitchell will complete the streets, storm water drainage, sidewalks and erosion control for the first phase, lots 409-457. They are the lots connecting to the existing Jason Place subdivision.

New online bill payment system

City Clerk Cyndi Jennings informed the board that her office is making the transition to its new online system, Front Desk.

Affected the most will be 314 households that are set up to pay their utility bills automatically. Jennings says they will have to sign up again for that service on the new system before Nov. 1.

One of the advantages of the new system, Jennings said, is that her office will no longer keep customers’ bank information, which was necessary to have under the old system. All of those records will be destroyed because Front Desk will be handling online payments.

Jennings said the new system will be helpful in other ways so residents can take care of city-related business without making a trip to City Hall. 

Shutoff notifications will also be handled by Front Desk instead of someone at City Hall trying to reach people by phone.