SYRACUSE — Robin Merchant, public works superintendent, gave the Syracuse Town Council a detailed update on the wastewater treatment plant project during the council’s regular monthly meeting Tuesday night, Dec. 15.

The sludge holding tank has been poured and should be backfilled next week. Merchant has been working on reducing the cost of transporting sludge off site. Current costs are $5,000 to $8,000 a month.

The new sludge press should be arriving soon. When it does, the old one will be removed in one piece. Oxidation ditches have also been cleaned out. The council approved the purchase of new lab equipment for $4,020.78.

During a recent safety audit it was discovered the street department does not have the proper OSHA approved cabinets for paint and other chemicals. Merchant requested $2,828.50 plus shipping for new cabinets. The council approved the purchase.

Merchant reported he has met with the engineer for the new elementary school regarding water and sewer. The new main that will be installed would allow a tie between two dead end points. The school is willing to pay a third of the cost. Phend and Brown is already on the site so there would be no upcharge to the town.

Merchant told the council he could use money in the water depreciation fund to finance the project which would cost about $108,800. The council approved going ahead with the project.

The council approved encumbering funds for four purchases for the public utility department and also approved the water and wastewater budgets for 2016.