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Waynesfield council approves EPA-funded leak-detection purchases, discusses meter upgrades
Summary
Council reviewed utility committee recommendations, approved purchases under an EPA water grant for leak-detection and valve tools, and discussed logistics for replacing meters that may require exterior pits when plumbers cannot access crawl-space installations.
The Waynesfield Village Council on July 11 reviewed utility committee recommendations and approved purchases funded through an EPA water grant to improve leak detection and valve maintenance.
Clerk reported the village will buy two metal detectors, a sonic listening device to pinpoint underground leaks and a Hy-wrench (a 90° torque drill head) to exercise valves and hydrants. The purchases will be reimbursed by the EPA after the village submits receipts, the Clerk said.
Council members also discussed the status of new electric meters. The Clerk said EJP has not provided a firm update on the new meters and noted that some plumbers have indicated they cannot reach inside crawl spaces to replace meters. In those cases, the village may install external meter pits and relocate meters outside homes, which requires excavation and coordination with homeowners and contractors.
The Council clarified the division of responsibility for service lines: the village is responsible to the corporation stop/curb stop, while the property owner is responsible for piping beyond the outlet on the house side. The Clerk explained that when an exterior meter pit is wet or leaking, staff will investigate and, if needed, average prior usage and adjust bills rather than assume leakage is the customer's fault.
A lagoon pump that had been out of service was returned to operation after crews found the unit plugged; a second pump was sent for diagnostics and a rebuild quote. The Clerk said work crews will dig to inspect a suspected cavity under a road near the P company and repair any broken tile discovered during the inspection.
The utilities committee will take up proposals this fall for staff training and licensing—pesticide, water, wastewater and electrical certificates were all mentioned—then bring recommended language and budget items back to council for review.
Next step: The council scheduled further committee review of meter-replacement logistics, grant language and training proposals before proceeding with larger procurement or changes to service connections.
