Board approves Enbridge temporary construction easement with conditions; capital projects update includes VoIP transition and field repair estimate
Summary
Board approved a temporary easement for Enbridge Gas (about 0.156 acres) to use a lay‑down yard while repairing a pipeline, accepting $4,711.20 and adding stipulations on vegetation restoration and access. Facilities staff also updated the board on VoIP phone transition, HVAC and a sinkhole repair estimated at about $83,000.
HENDERSON COUNTY, N.C. — The Henderson County Board of Public Education voted Nov. 10 to grant Enbridge Gas a temporary construction easement on district property for pipeline repair, approving the request with three board‑requested stipulations and receiving a capital update on several facilities projects.
Mister Taylor, district facilities staff, told the board Enbridge requested approximately 0.156 acres on the backside of a campus to use as a lay‑down yard while repairing a gas line damaged during Hurricane Helene. Taylor said the company anticipates beginning work in April 2026 and requested use through Dec. 31, 2026; the company offered $4,711.20 for the temporary use.
Board members raised concerns about tree removal, visual impacts for nearby Sweetwater Hills residents and potential access routes. The board approved the easement contingent on (1) returning the property to a "light condition" with attention to revegetation, (2) confirming Enbridge would not access the construction area via school property and (3) ensuring workers would not otherwise remain on school property, according to the transcript. The motion carried by voice vote; no roll‑call tally is recorded in the transcript.
Facilities staff also provided a capital update. The district is transitioning legacy landlines to a Voice over IP phone system (vendor True IP) before January to avoid higher landline rates; staff said they will use FirstNet‑type cellular solutions and other contingency measures where cell service is limited. Superintendent and board members discussed gaps in cell coverage at some schools and requested the superintendent engage county officials and carriers about possible tower or coverage solutions.
Taylor also reported progress on HVAC projects and presented an option to repair a sinkhole affecting the Hendersonville Middle School softball field by inserting a resin liner in the pipe; Taylor said the liner approach carries a 5‑year workmanship warranty and a 50‑year product warranty and estimated the repair cost at about $83,000 with completion targeted by mid‑January.
