Staff writer

PRINCETON-The future of the city's water system will be examined, as the board of works on Monday approved a $35,000 study of the water plant. The study will help city leaders decide in which direction they wish to proceed to add capacity to the plant.

Eric Smith, of the engineering firm Hannum, Wagle and Cline, explained the scope of the study to the board during Monday's meeting. He said the current plant is 24 years old and often operates at nearly maximum capacity.

Princeton's water system allows for water to be stored in an underground tank and then is fed through filters. The sand-filled filters purifies the water, which is then disinfected with chlorine, and fluoride added.

Smith said the plant is operating well for such an old facility. But he added that a decision needs to be made whether to expand the existing facility or construct a completely new plant, to deal with rising demands for water as the city grows.

Water filtration plants are generally built with a 20-year life span factored in, said Smith.

&#8220And we'll look at how changes will affect water rates," Smith added.

Mayor Bob Hurst said the city will seek grant funds to help pay for water plant improvements, if the decision is made to make any changes.

During the city council meeting, members approved an ordinance appropriating additional funds for the Princeton Parks and Recreation Dept.'s Summer Explosion daycare program. An additional $12,000 will be appropriated for salaries to program staff, as Summer Explosion has expanded from last year.

Parks Supt. Dan Beard said there are 21 fifth and sixth-graders signed up for this summer and 70 -75 kindergarten through fourth-grade children registered so far.

Last year, there were a total of 74 children in the program, Beard said.

The council also passed an ordinance raising charges for clerical services and clarifying the charges were applicable at all city offices. Residents who wish to make photocopies at a city office will pay 25 cents, up from the 10 cents previously charged. Color copies will be $1 and local faxes will be 25 cents.

City Attorney Jerry Stilwell said the charges would apply at any city-run office.

In other business, Gary Lacey, owner of Lacey's Appliance, voiced concerns about the continuing negative impact the construction on South Main is having on business. He said many businesses are suffering and some are closing.

&#8220What is the point of having a nice, new road and having people drive into a ghost town?" Lacey asked.

Mayor Bob Hurst said construction on the first two phases is on schedule to be completed by the last week of July or the first week of August. Asphalt will begin being placed on the street Tuesday, Hurst said.

Lacey asked if there were any type of grants available for businesses on South Main, similar to those which have been obtained by the city for the downtown area.

Hurst replied that the city has been looking to obtain grants for several projects, but said the only advise he has been given for South Main businesses is that they should have been carrying their own insurance to help during a disruption of services.