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Spring Street residents tell Stevensville council of unannounced shutoffs, alleged use of private power during repairs
Summary
Residents of Spring Street told the Stevensville Town Council that town crews worked on a leak for weeks without consistent notice, blocked driveways and used homeowners’ power without permission; they asked the council to hold staff accountable and to improve communication and repairs.
Stevensville — Multiple residents of Spring Street told the Stevensville Town Council that town crews began work on a water leak about three weeks ago and that the repairs have caused repeated problems, including unannounced water shutoffs, blocked driveways and the alleged use of private household power without homeowner permission.
Why it matters: Residents said the problems created safety, economic and privacy impacts for households in the immediate area and asked the council to establish procedures to notify residents in advance of shutoffs and to refrain from using private utilities without permission.
Christine Porter, who identified herself as living at 309 Spring Street, told the council crews did not consistently notify residents before water shutoffs and “they were never notified of blocked driveways.” She said the leak continued to surface and that crews left water “pouring at roughly 5 gallons a minute all of last week,” and she added: “Crews ran extension cords to private homes without asking despite the homeowner being available at home. This is theft of power.” Porter said a neighbor’s breaker was blown and crews then switched to another house where no one was present, and she described household impacts: “My husband lost half a day’s wages, and my son missed a day of school… My elderly neighbor was in the shower when the water was turned off.”
Bridal Easter, who gave an address on Spring Street (318), said she could corroborate Porter’s account and presented the council with a list of specific questions. Her questions included: whether the paving on Mission Street or Spring Street caused any waterline damage; whether there are active leaks that need repair; whether all necessary repairs have been completed or scheduled; whether the town provides 24-hour notice for nonemergency repairs that interrupt utilities; whether the town is permitted to use residents’ private utilities during repairs; whether the repair at 317 Spring Street was an emergency repair; whether pavement and shoulder damage on Spring Street will be repaired by the end of the season; and whether the town’s seat and zone compliance are up to audit standards. She asked the council for written answers and provided copies of her questions to council members.
Council staff and the presiding official told residents the copies would be provided. Residents asked the council to hold staff accountable and to complete repairs properly and efficiently after recent rate increases.
What’s next: Residents asked for written answers to the list of questions presented and for improved notification procedures before shutoffs. The transcript does not show formal council action, a staff response with a timeline for repairs, or a vote on the requested items in the provided excerpt.
