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Council approves up to $41,000 to clear and restore meter pits ahead of new meter installation
Summary
Harpers Ferry Town Council authorized up to $41,000 from the Water Works renew-and-replace fund to hire Greenridge Contractors to clean and repair roughly 150 meter pits so new meters can be installed; council members said the work is needed now to keep the larger meter replacement procurement on schedule.
Harpers Ferry Town Council on March 11 approved spending up to $41,000 from the Water Works renew-and-replace account to have Greenridge Contractors clean and restore approximately 150 meter pits ahead of a planned meter replacement project.
Council members said crews found many pits clogged with dirt and debris or with aged components that will not accept new meters as drop-in replacements. Debbie, Waterworks staff, told the council that Greenridge submitted a bid to clean 150 pits for just over $21,000 and that the town should allow an additional contingency to cover repairs contractors discover on site.
“The price includes cleaning out of all debris, inspection of existing meter and pipe material. All damaged boxes will be repaired separately at an hourly rate plus the cost of materials,” Debbie said when reading the contractor proposal to the council.
The council discussed alternatives, including (1) adding pit prep to the meter contract (which would increase the meter contract price and reduce the equipment the town can afford) or (2) using in‑house crews. Steve, Waterworks operations staff, said the utility’s current crew is short on personnel and that contracted equipment — a large suction machine described by a contractor as more efficient than manual digging — made contracting the work the practical option.
Council member Zachary Motley pressed staff on whether delaying the work or hiring a different contractor was feasible; staff replied Greenridge is the utility’s approved maintenance contractor and is prepared to mobilize quickly. Staff recommended funding the work from the renew-and-replace account; they reported that, after recent spending, the renew-and-replace account and the cash working capital reserve together hold about $360,000 for capital and emergency needs.
After discussion, a council member moved to approve payment of up to $41,000 to Greenridge Contractors Inc. to clean and restore roughly 150 meter pits, with funding from Harpers Ferry Water Works’ renew-and-replace account. The motion passed unanimously, 5–0.
The council instructed staff to proceed so the meter procurement — which is imminent — is not delayed. Staff also said any repairs beyond cleaning (broken boxes, parts replacements) will be invoiced separately under the contractor’s hourly repair rates.
