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DPW reports reservoirs at 73%, watershed purchases nearly complete; city crews cut demolition costs
Summary
The DPW told the council reservoirs are about 73% full, the city is nearing completion of a $6 million watershed-purchase grant with two properties under negotiation, and in one case city crews performed demolitions in-house for about $70,000 versus the contractor’s $1,000,000 estimate.
Department of Public Works Commissioner Jacob updated the Middletown Common Council on infrastructure and environmental projects at the Nov. 18 meeting.
Jacob said reservoirs are approximately 73% full and that precipitation has been below average since June, leaving the city prepared to supplement supply from the Indigo source if necessary. He described roof and asbestos-abatement work for municipal facilities and reported continuing delays and scope changes on the courthouse construction project that could affect timelines and costs.
On watershed work, Jacob said the city is nearly at the end of a $6 million grant for land purchases to protect the Shwangankel/Kenge watershed. He noted two properties are in active negotiation and that Department of Environmental Conservation requirements mean the city must keep the land undeveloped; any standing structures on purchased properties must be demolished by the city. For one recently acquired horse farm adjacent to the Kenge Reservoir, a contractor quoted roughly $1,000,000 for demolition; the water and sewer department performed the demolition in-house for about $70,000, which Jacob described as substantial savings.
Jacob also reviewed a recent measured water-main break on a 12-inch looped line that created low-pressure conditions across much of the city. The police department helped by issuing public messages during the break; residents were advised to register for the city’s emergency text notices for future alerts. He closed by noting recent street, speed-hump and ornamental-lighting projects and thanking private contractors and union crews for support.
Next steps: DPW is continuing negotiations on remaining watershed properties, monitoring reservoir levels and preparing follow-up cost and schedule updates for the courthouse project.
