Harlan City Council members heard an inquiry concerning sewer line extensions to the Browning Acres area at Monday's regular called meeting.

"There is a major problem in the area," said Mark Bell. "During the evening hours is when it stinks the most."

Bell wants city sewer lines in the area to eliminate sewage backing up and surfacing on the lawns.

The estimated cost of the project is $100,000 and would provide sewer lines for the entire area.

"The property is not in city limits," said Mayor Danny Howard. "Someone would have to go door to door and see how many residents are wanting to hook up to the sewer line."

If enough residents wish to have sewer lines ran, each house would cost $4,000 to hook up, according to city engineer Leo Miller.

In a previous meeting, sewer plant operator Bob Yost was asked to get quotes on fencing to be used at pump stations in Sunshine and Catrons Creek.

"These are two of our older pump stations," said Yost. "They are not fenced. Anybody can walk up to them."

Yost said without fencing around the pump stations, anyone can easily access the electrical equipment on the poles, and that could present a dangerous situation in which the city could be held liable if someone was injured.

He also explained that people have been putting various items into the wet well, which creates pumping problems.

In the past week, debris that was taken from the pump filters consisted of ladies undergarments, jeans, pillowcases, sheets and candy wrappers.

"These are not items just easily flushed down the toilet," said Yost.

In other business, the council:

n heard from Yost concerning a grease control program which would force restaurants to have their grease traps pumped out at least once a month. The restaurants that do not have a grease trap would be required to get one.

n approved sending out questionnaires to count restaurants that have grease traps.

n approved the minutes from last month's meeting.

n approved paying the monthly bills.

n approved sending out a questionnaire to count residents in Browning Acres who would like a sewer line hook-up.

n held the first reading of the 2004-2005 budget.

n heard monthly reports from the department heads.

n heard from with Air Evac Life team concerning membership dues if the city decides to participate in services.