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Council approves five-year hydro-raking contract and $15,737 aeration fountain for Bessey Pond
Summary
Torrington approved a five-year hydro-raking contract to remove organic buildup and preserve Bessey Pond’s water volume, and separately approved purchase and installation of a Casco 5 HP aeration fountain for $15,737 to improve aeration and water quality.
The Torrington City Council on Aug. 4 approved two measures to help stabilize and revitalize Bessey Pond.
First, the council accepted the recommendation to award a five-year hydro-raking contract to address organic matter accumulation and prevent further loss of pond surface area. Officials explained that previous larger-scale dredging was not approved by the Army Corps of Engineers and would have been cost‑prohibitive; hydro-raking is a targeted approach to remove organic buildup and regain pond depth without large excavation. Public Works staff said the city has used hydro-raking at this pond for the past five years and the new contract continues that work to prevent additional siltation.
Second, council approved the purchase and installation of one Casco 5 HP aeration fountain from Solitude Lake Management (Shrewsbury, Mass.) at a cost of $15,737, to be funded from the Parks Capital Reserve account. Staff said the aeration fountain will help oxygenate the pond and support aquatic life while complementing the hydro-raking work.
Ending: The council approved both the multi‑year hydro-raking contract and the aeration fountain purchase and instructed staff to proceed with procurement and installation under the cited funding source.
