With a 2010 population of 1,408, the City of Wellman undertook a special survey to that determined 783 (55.6%) have low- to moderate-income; thereby qualifying for $500,000 in assistance from the CDBG Program.

On October 1, 2014 the City was issued a new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit, as applied to wastewater treatment / discharge into Smith Creek, which discharges to the English River. Due to changes to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) stream water quality standards, the new permit included an E. coli limit and an effluent discharged oxygen limit. However, the E. coli limit requires disinfection that the City's wastewater treatment plant is currently unable to accommodate, and the dissolved oxygen limit requires re-aeration improvement for discharge.

Of alternatives considered the recommended solution proposed development of an ultra-violet (UV) disinfection system, together with improved effluent re-aeration. More specifically, this includes construction of a new cast-in-place concrete structure between the existing Aeromod structure and effluent manhole. The new structure will include a channel for the UV disinfection system, flow diversion gates, and the effluent aeration basin with diffused aeration. A new building will also be constructed to house the effluent aeration blower and for storage of the UV lamps in the winter.

The total cost estimate to develop the project, including engineering for final design and construction management, as well as grant management is $863,000. The City will rely on State Revolving Loan for its local match share of project cost.

ECICOG's Summer Library Reading Program is starting in just a few weeks, and the book for this year's program is "Dairy of a Worm" by Doreen Cronin. The program delivered to area libraries will be similar to years past by reading the book aloud, providing an engaging activity, and the ever-popular treat. The educational portion of the program will focus on how to create compost and how beneficial compost is in reducing waste and improving our soil. The kids will meet the worms through hands-on activities.

Meet Trevor Templemen, who will be teaching ECICOG's Summer Library Reading Program this year. Trevor is working on his Teaching and Learning Graduate Degree at the University of Iowa and this program aligns perfectly with his degree focus. He currently lives in Iowa City with his partner Kari; their three children, Lily, Owen, and Rigby; three dogs; and two cats. Trevor is also a soccer fan and enjoys rock climbing.