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Kanarraville board prioritizes surge protector and transformer installs for town wells, defers some master-plan work
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Summary
After reviewing higher-than-expected power bills and equipment failures, the town board approved installing a previously authorized surge protector and moving forward with a transformer installation for Well No. 2, while deferring soft-start/VFD decisions and some master-plan work to seek second bids and next-year budgeting.
The Kanarraville Town Board voted March 12 to move forward promptly with installation of a surge protector and to install a transformer at Well No. 2 after a discussion about continuing equipment failures and rising power costs. Chair (Speaker S1) said the town had already approved buying the surge protector in November and urged getting it installed quickly to protect pumps from repeated power surges.
Committee members reviewed a bid from Barney Brothers to perform the Well No. 2 repairs. Board members said the transformer has been on site for about a year but not yet installed. The board asked staff to obtain a second bid to ensure “apples-to-apples” comparisons for work that remains undecided, such as whether to add a soft start or instead a variable-frequency drive (VFD), technical options discussed by members during the meeting (Speaker S3 and Staff member S2 raised the VFD alternative).
During the discussion, board members prioritized the surge protector and transformer because those items are causing recurring costs and pose an immediate risk to pump equipment. Speaker S7 described the soft-start as a newer option and said the conservancy staff would be asked to inspect the site and advise whether a soft start or VFD is preferable. The board agreed to proceed with ordering and installing the surge protector and transformer now and to revisit the soft-start/VFD question after receiving a second contractor opinion and updated pricing.
Members also discussed meter security and other immediate water-system needs. Speaker S7 reported the town is researching tamper-proof, weatherproof meter locks keyed alike, estimating roughly $100–$200 each; the board suggested budgeting an initial set (about 15) and reassessing after meters are activated and bills begin in July. The town’s spring surface flow was reported at approximately 33.37 gallons per minute (Speaker S7).
Next steps: staff will attempt to secure a second bid for the Well No. 2 work, schedule installation of the surge protector and transformer under the previous authorization, and present soft-start/VFD recommendations and costs at a later meeting or in the next budget cycle.