Hartford's Water Tower updated

Water Tower Update in 2006

Hartford City Commission decides it will complete the outside of the water tower this year

TriCity Record
By Angela Stair
6-29-2006

Hartford City Commission approved the “Change Order” to have the outside of the water tower stripped and painted this year instead of next.

City Manager Yemi Akinwale told commissioners at the pre-construction meeting with George Kountoupes Painting Company, who had been awarded the water tower contract, that one of Kountoupes’ customers had canceled its order; so if Hartford wanted the outside of the water tower painted this year, Kountoupes could do it. Akinwale said they had agreed to the $169,000 figure for the work at the June 8 meeting because it was lower than the lowest of the other bids, which had been $259,000. At the pre-construction meeting, the painting company said if the City let them do it this year it would cost only $131,500. Commissioners approved the Change Order to have the outside of the water tower stripped and painted this year for the amount of $131,500. They also approved the engineering costs for the exterior of $7,480.

Akinwale said they should have the water tower emptied by July 5 and begin working on the inside on July 6. The projected date of completion is August 20, if the weather does not interfere. The color of the water tower will be ice green (very similar to what is there) and the lettering will be done in hunter green.

He said the pressure equipment is already installed on the well to keep the water pressure up, and they will be meeting this week with the large water users such as the Fire Department, school officials and other businesses to work out the details of water use during the repair time.

Inside of Hartford water tower done

TriCity Record
By Angela Stair
7-20-2006

Work on the Hartford water tower is going very well, City Manager Yemi Akinwale told commissioners at the City workshop meeting Monday night, July 17. Manager Akinwale said the inside of the water tower has been completed and they are starting to work on the outside now. Because of the lead-based paint on the outside of the tower, it must be closed in when they remove the paint so that it is all contained and cleaned up, Akinwale explained. The hood over the top of the tower will stay on until the workers are done, but the sides of the shield are raised and lowered daily.

In May of 2005, the City received the water tower inspection report and found that some major work needed to be done on both the inside and outside of the water tower. The total cost of repairs is expected to be over $300,000.

Manager Akinwale reported that the machine rented to keep the water pressure up while the tower is not in use is working just fine. So far, there haven’t been any problems.

A closer look...

We're proud of our
Hartford Indians

It's done....and nice!
(view from across the street
in Hardings parking lot)

Click here to view historic photos of the old water tower and aerial photos of Hartfrd