Richmond approves up to $188,200 to relocate hydrant for Route 2 bridge work

The Richmond Water and Sewer Commission voted June 17 to authorize up to $188,200 to hire ECI to relocate a fire hydrant and raise three water valves that would otherwise be buried by about 5 feet of fill from Route 2 bridge work.

Staff explained the hydrant move and valve raises are needed so the hydrant remains accessible and protected with bollards once the contractor finishes road and parking‑area work. The project estimate presented to the commission was "$188,200" and staff said the cost would be paid from the water line budget. A motion to approve the work and payment cap passed on a voice/roll‑call vote.

Commissioners discussed procurement approach and cost allocation. Several members said it is unlikely an outside contractor without the site's equipment would be able to complete the short relocation any cheaper than the prime road contractor; staff noted the original contract with the road contractor anticipated moving affected water structures and the water commission had previously approved terms for moving town water structures impacted by the Route 2 project. One commissioner raised the question of whether the town's fire protection fee — described in the budget as 5% of the water budget (about $1,935 in FY25 in the sample discussed) and a $50,000 fire protection line — should be adjusted to reflect such work.

The commission also discussed whether to solicit additional bids or treat the work as a sole‑source to ECI because the contractor already has equipment and access on site; commissioners agreed staff should proceed with the presented approach and the motion carried.

Next steps: staff will proceed with contracting ECI up to the approved cap and schedule the work with the Route 2 contractor.