Small protest held before Three Rivers City Commission meeting
The protest was organized by the Three Rivers Clean Water Campaign and Homeless Outreached Practiced Everyday (H.O.P.E.).
Holding signs marked “State of Emergency” and promoting the Three Rivers Clean Water Campaign, less than 10 protesters gathered outside Three Rivers City Hall at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
The protest took place prior to a Three Rivers City Commission meeting. It was organized by the Clean Water Campaign and Homeless Outreached Practiced Everyday (H.O.P.E.). When the campaign met on August 13, guests were urged to attend city meetings.
On August 8, Three Rivers announced that tests collected between January-June 2024 showed that six homes had lead test results above 15 parts per billion, which is the EPA drinking water Action Level. The city said it would send a comprehensive public education document about lead in drinking water before month’s end.
The lead level exceedance was not discussed during Tuesday’s commission meeting. Three items were unanimously approved by the commission:
- Approving a purchase order to OHM in the amount of $110,400 for design engineering services for the S. Constantine Street and 11th Avenue/Washington Street reconstruction projects.
- Approving a contract with Fishbeck for $27,700 for an environmental phase 2 study, with the money coming from the general fund. The study will concern 11 Joshua Drive, the former site of businesses including Three Rivers Robe & Tanning. An outdoor amphitheater is expected to be built on the premises in 2025.
- Approving a purchase order to Fleis & VandenBrink in the amount of $18,000 for design engineering of the fiscal year 2025 sewer relining project.
The full Three Rivers City Commission attended Tuesday’s meeting. It lasted for less than a half-hour. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 3 at Three Rivers City Hall.
Frank Stanko is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.
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