Harrisville Town Council approves $3M bid for Mill Pond Dam repairs

The Burrillville Town Council held a regular meeting on May 29, 2025, addressing several key agenda items, including local business expansions, infrastructure improvements, and seasonal operations.

The meeting commenced with a motion to grant a one-day expansion of premises for alcohol service on May 31, 2025, with a rain date set for June 1, 2025. This motion included several local businesses, such as Bravo Brewing, Georgia's Pizza, and Cowsdale Deli. The motion was unanimously approved by the council.

Next, the council considered a significant recommendation from Jeffrey McCormick, the Director of Public Works, regarding the awarding of a bid for repairs to the Harrisville Dam. After five years of planning and multiple bids ranging from $3 million to $7.5 million, the council selected Stoneco EcoContracting as the lowest bidder at $3,018,420. McCormick assured the council that the contractor had experience with similar projects and that all necessary permits were in place. The construction is anticipated to begin later in the summer, with a projected duration of approximately 180 days.

During the discussion, council members expressed their appreciation for the thorough evaluation process and the importance of the dam repairs for public safety. Concerns about potential sinkholes and the need for effective flood control were highlighted, emphasizing the project's urgency.

Following the dam discussion, the council moved on to consider a lease agreement with John Bateman for operating a seasonal arcade at the Spring Lake Beach recreational facility. The lease, which had not been updated in four years, was approved for the 2025 and 2026 seasons at a rate of $7,000 per season, plus a potential storage fee.

The meeting concluded with a brief mention of an appeal from Steven Roderick regarding tax stabilization for his property on South Main Street, which will be addressed in future discussions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to supporting local businesses while addressing critical infrastructure needs in the community.