Board reviews water‑and‑sewer operations: code cleanup, contractor list, pipeline work and intake inspections

The Glens Falls City Water & Sewer Board spent substantial time discussing operations and ongoing maintenance across the water and sewer system, including a planned cleanup to city code language on hookups, consideration of an approved contractor list for utility taps, progress on Maple Street sewer work, spring hydrant flushing, inspections at intake structures and an update on design work for an electrical upgrade.

Board members opened a review of an amendment to City Code §177-37 to ensure department documentation and the city code align. Members said some code sections are obsolete or unclear about whether the city will perform new-lot hookups, noting that staff capacity influences whether the city performs such work. The board agreed to take a few weeks to finalize draft changes and present a formal resolution at a future meeting.

Separately, board members and staff discussed reinstating a process for an approved utility-contractor list so the city can direct homeowners to qualified contractors for new service taps. Staff said some homeowners had difficulty finding contractors and quoted unexpectedly high estimates in one recent inquiry; the board asked staff to draft a proposed list and process for approval.

On capital work, Services Unlimited completed about 350 feet of new pipe on Maple Street between Center Street and Cherry, tied the line into two existing manholes and reconnected laterals. Staff said gravel has been placed to pavement level and the contractor plans to allow settling before paving. A speaker noted the project should be fully patched within the next couple of weeks.

Board members reported that spring hydrant flushing began and, “By all reports, things are going well.” The seasonal flushing program is expected to finish later in the week or early next week, staff said.

United Service Group (formerly SUEZ) and city staff will inspect intake reservoirs and evaluate coating or lining options after staff noted deterioration in existing gunite. Staff said United Service Group will perform an inspection and then present proposals and options for long-term repairs; the board discussed whether to expand an existing master services agreement to cover the intakes.

Board staff distributed the 2024 annual water quality report prepared by the plant operator and said postcard mailers to notify residents will be printed and mailed; staff noted the postcard must be mailed by the end of the month and the full report is available on the city website upon request.

One operational incident reported during the meeting involved a sewer backup at a Webster Avenue residence. Staff said crews found a blockage several hundred feet downstream that caused sewage to back up through a basement toilet. The board instructed staff to investigate with camera inspection and to coordinate with the contractor on Webster Avenue to determine liability; staff will file a claim and update the resident on findings.

Next steps: board members asked staff to draft the City Code §177‑37 amendments, prepare a proposed approved‑contractor program for utility taps, complete final paving on Maple Street, pursue intake inspection proposals from United Service Group and finish the hydrant‑flushing schedule.