GAS — If Gas council members decide to open an alley in the north part of town between Martin and Morrill streets, they may have to move it first.
The alley, dedicated in the town’s original plat, recently was surveyed and legally was found 15 feet west of where it was thought to be for years.
A sewer main apparently led city officials over the years to lose track of the alley. Mains elsewhere in town are squarely in the middle of alleys. This one is along the side.
The technical flub may not matter.
Only Darrell Catron, Gas mayor, wants any of the alley opened and just enough to give him access to a garage he recently built, which now it seems was constructed over the alley. Council members tabled discussion on the matter until their attorney, Ross Albertini, can look into the matter.
City Superintendent Steve Ross told council members Tuesday night all seven storm shelters obtained by the city had been placed throughout neighborhoods.
Four turtles that sought refuge in an 8-inch pipe connecting Gas sewer lagoons taught a lesson, Robb said. The turtles died and clogged the main.
“We learned how to clean out sewer mains,” using a cable and other apparatus, he said. Previously, and as recently as a few days ago, Iola Sewer and Water Department employees were enlisted to clean a main in town, at a cost of $150.
“We have it figured out now,” Robb said.
Robb was told to pursue a complaint against a resident who has permitted raw sewage to flow from his home, apparently to avoid repairing a service line connecting to the city’s system.
City Clerk Rhonda Hill said the Gas Easter egg hunt Saturday morning came off well, with “lots of kids and done before the rain started.”
