Commission discusses Fireman's Park hydrant; staff recommends deferring full replacement to larger park project

Staff told the Cottage Grove Utility Commission on April 9 that a contractor quoted about $4,000 to install a curb stop to restore the Fireman's Park hydrant, but recommended delaying that limited repair and instead addressing the buried 1-inch service line and failing park pavement as part of a larger parks/utility project in a future budget cycle.

The staff member said parts of the existing 1-inch line are buried as little as 6 inches and need replacement. "Given the cost of that, my recommendation ... is we don't replace the curb stop, or put a curb stop in and replace the water line and replace Sean's failing park asphalt, just on the utility, would be my recommendation," the staff member said, adding the project would better be handled with parks' involvement.

Commission members said they preferred the hydrant be functional before next fall. One commission member noted the hydrant is currently shut down in winter to prevent freezing, and that if the hydrant remains out of service it could complicate response to a building fire next to the hydrant. The nearest alternative hydrants are on Bridal Street or Bass Street, the commission noted. Staff agreed to continue budgeting work and follow up as the parks department develops a repair plan.

No formal vote was taken; the item remained unfinished business and staff was instructed to pursue budgeting options and report back.