Committee recommends $33,000 sewer-inspection camera to council

The Narberth Infrastructure Committee on Oct. 28 recommended that borough council approve a roughly $33,000 purchase of a sewer inspection camera from the sewer fund.

Jeff (public works staff) told the committee the camera would supplement contracted crews and help the borough inspect mains before, during and after nearby utility work. "We're looking to utilize roughly $33,000," Jeff said, adding the unit is in stock and could be acquired quickly if council approves.

Committee members confirmed the purchase is drawn from the sewer fund capital line rather than the general fund and that the item was budgeted; because the cost exceeds an administrative threshold, the committee voted to forward a recommendation to full council for final approval. Speaker 4 noted the purchase is standard practice for larger capital acquisitions: "With any large purchase... it's best to put it in front of you folks," they said.

Staff said the camera would improve diagnostics on older mains—some replaced 10–15 years ago—and reduce reactive repair work by identifying breaks and deterioration earlier. If council approves the recommendation, staff expect to receive the unit within days and deploy it with the borough’s maintenance crew and contracted video inspection partner.

The committee’s recommendation will go before full council at its next meeting for a final vote.