February 3, 2009

NO OUTDOOR IRRIGATION
In a continuing effort to improve reliability and service in the City’s water system, the City of Midland will be replacing outdated electrical switchgear and connecting new pumping equipment at the Water Purification Plant.  In order to complete this work, the water plant will be shut down from February 9 - February 21, 2009.  Residents will not notice a difference in service, however, they are asked to refrain from irrigating outdoors during these dates.  The City has requested its largest users, MISD, Midland College, and the City's Parks Department, to refrain as well.  If this request is ignored, residents may see lower pressures as the City strives to meet demands.

The City’s only source during this period will be the Paul Davis Well Field located 30 miles north of the City.  This well field has been in service since the early 1960's and was the only source for the City during the 1960's.  Our ability to deliver water to the City will be reduced from 50 million gallons per day (mgd) to around 18 mgd.  Our winter demands are typically around 14 mgd so residents should see no change in service. 

Residents are encouraged to anticipate this period and water in advance as they see the need but after the 8th, are asked to turn off their sprinkler systems and cease outside watering.  The City is also requesting residents promptly report any leaks during this period to Water and Wastewater Maintenance during regular business hours (685.7270) and to dispatch after hours (685.7340).

This project is part of a $20.8 million project at the Water Purification Plant to improve pressure on the north and west sections of the City and to increase abilities to deliver water to the City.  This project has been ongoing for over a year and should be completed next fall.  It is funded by increased water rates established three years ago and is part of a large plan including a new elevated tower, booster station, and new transmission lines.

The City thanks all residents for their cooperation during this phase of the project.

THEFT ARRESTS
The Midland Police Department concluded a year-long investigation with the arrest of a third and final suspect in a string of thefts.

The cases involved 17 incidents throughout the city of thefts of wheels and tires off of vehicles. The Midland Police Department began receiving reports of vehicles being placed on blocks with the wheels and tires removed back in January of 2008.  Throughout the year, 17 cases were reported with the last case being as recent as January 20, 2009.  The suspects primarily targeted vehicle dealerships on the Wall Street area. However, sporadic cases were reported throughout the City.

On February 3, 2009, the Midland Police Department concluded this investigation by arresting the final suspect in this case.  24-year-old Jaime Benavides (8-31-84) was arrested on February 3, 2009, following two arrests made on Thursday of last week.  19-year-old Daniel Cardenas (8-22-89) and 23-year-old Francisco Mercado (6-4-85) were apprehended last Thursday, January 29, 2009.  In all, the three arrests resulted in over $9,000 in property being recovered.

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