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Town staffs water upgrade plan: lower Route 3 line, hydrant replacements, fences and cameras; SRF loan discussed
Summary
Staff proposed budgeting for a lower Route 3 waterline replacement, phased hydrant replacements, and security upgrades (fencing and cameras) around well sites and tanks; staff said the town will seek grants and loans, including possible SRF funding for lead and copper work.
Town staff told the Selectboard they intend to budget for a multi‑year replacement of the water main on lower Route 3 and would pursue grants and low‑interest loans to reduce the town’s share of the cost.
"We'd like to budget for the, waterline replacement on lower route 3. It takes, like, a year and a half to really get through this process," Michael, a staff member, said. Staff said they will apply for grants and loans over the next six to eight months and aim to be ready in spring. They emphasized the project alone should not raise water rates beyond the modest annual increases already under discussion (3–4% per year), assuming grant or loan assistance.
Staff also discussed hydrant upgrades and replacement of older hydrants with 4‑inch outlets; some older units include lead parts. "We've got some that... they should have a 4 inch spout on them... a few of them don't... we're gonna start replacing those. I'd like to do, like, 3 a year if we can," a staff member said.
The board reviewed a proposal to improve security at well sites and tanks by installing six‑foot fencing and cameras. Staff and board members discussed constraints including lack of internet and electrical service at some sites and concerns raised in a recent cyber assessment about connecting operational systems to the internet. The town discussed using battery‑powered or game‑style cameras for remote locations and noted cameras would be easier to place where electricity is available.
Staff and board members discussed financing options. A staff member said a $1,000,000 financing option (bond or note) is being considered for water projects and that the town will present offsetting revenues if the town pursues borrowing. Staff also discussed the state SRF loan program in the context of lead and copper compliance and said the town will likely apply during the coming year but that award is not guaranteed.
No formal action was taken in this meeting to authorize bonding or contracts; staff were directed to pursue grant and loan applications and to report back with detailed revenue and timeline estimates.
