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Downtown infrastructure update: utility coordination, arborists, and a state review delay slow advertised start
Summary
Public Works reported active outreach to downtown owners about utility stubs and service-line work, confirmed arborist involvement in tree preservation, and said a suspended NHDES technical review will delay the project advertisement for construction by several weeks; the committee approved catenary-light license agreements.
City staff told the Municipal Services, Facilities & Infrastructure Committee that coordination with downtown property owners is underway for utility stubs, roof‑drain connections and potential interior plumbing work reimbursed by owners, and that arborists have informed the project’s tree‑preservation plan; however, the city said a New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) technical‑review interruption will delay the planned advertisement for construction.
Public Works Director Donald said the city mailed letters to property owners inviting them to coordinate accessibility improvements, roof‑drain stub placement and service‑line upgrades. As part of the project design, the city will replace failing service runs up to the property line and can offer a contract plumber to perform interior work with the city paying up front and the property owner reimbursing the cost if they accept the service; Donald said no owners had elected that option to date.
Donald confirmed that Bartlett Tree Consultants conducted a comprehensive tree inventory and health assessment used to shape final design decisions about tree preservation and replacement. He said Keene State College forestry staff reviewed plans and provided comments that were incorporated.
On project scheduling, Donald said NHDES has approximately $2 million in drinking‑water SRF funding for the potable water portion, but staff discovered that DES inadvertently suspended its technical review in April. DES told the city it cannot permit the project advertisement for construction until the commissioner's signed determination that environmental requirements are met. Donald estimated the suspension would delay advertisement by at least several weeks but could not provide a firm timeline.
The committee also received other project updates: a planned test/rental of a new mobile barricade system was canceled after the vendor quoted $1,048,000 for a full system; the city will not pursue that purchase. Staff reported selection of a consultant for construction‑administration services and progress on a federally funded solar pavilion project (design work now, construction anticipated in 2027). Property owners adjacent to Railroad Square indicated willingness to support attaching decorative catenary lighting to their buildings; the committee unanimously authorized the city manager to negotiate revocable license agreements to allow city‑owned fixtures to be mounted to private façades.
Ombudsman George described outreach efforts: door‑to‑door visits and business binders meant to provide phasing, contact points and information for merchants concerned about parking and delivery access during construction. The committee unanimously accepted the ombudsman’s informational report.
Next steps: staff will pursue the DES technical review follow‑up, continue owner coordination for utility connections, finalize consultant contracts for construction oversight and return to council with recommended license agreements and schedule updates.
