Lacey ready to break ground for new water tower

The Lacey City Council yesterday awarded the Terry Cargil Reservoir construction contract to low bidder Phoenix Fabricators & Erectors, LLC from Avon, IN.

The budget for the contract of the new water storage amounting to $8,456,619.97 will come from the Water Capital Funds as part of the City's 2022 Budget.

Lacey Utility Engineer Puna Clarke said the water storage would provide additional water storage and fire flow in the City.

Lacey owns the site property at 4504 B Intelco Loop SE with a 25-foot access easement dedicated to the proposed facility's improvements.

Councilmember Carolyn Cox asked if there is a "plan to soften" the aesthetic side of the tower.

"It looks as if this tower is going to be cowering from a hillside. That's going to really change the look of that area," Cox said. "Is there anything in the plan to kind of soften that?"

Clarke said the Utilities Committee decided to wait for several years after constructing the water storage to check if it needs aesthetic changes.

Ryder then explained that the cost of artwork on the tower would be "pretty steep," and the yearly maintenance would also cost a lot, so it would be better to delay the decision on the design.

Lacey currently has seven steel standpipe storage tanks for its potable water system. The City's Public Works Department said that the City now requires additional water storage due to population growth and increased demand.

About Terry Cargill

The tower is named for Terry Cargill who worked for the City of Lacey for 42 years -- from 1979 to 2021. 

Cargill's "unparalleled work ethic inspired employees to go the extra mile to build a better work place and a better city, ," according to Lacey Public Works Director Scott Egger, in a statement provided to The JOLT.  

Egger added, "He was dedicated to developing employees, promoting teamwork, encouraging stakeholder involvement, improving communications between individuals and departments, and providing exceptional service to our citizens and customers. Terry was an exceptional manager with vision who promoted innovation and creativity in the workforce to help make Lacey a leader in Public Works."