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Richmond commission reviews flood repair plan, estimates up after bridge hanger repairs
Summary
The Richmond Water & Sewer Commission updated flood‑recovery costs after discovering bent hangers under a bridge and added an estimated $50,000 for repairs; staff also proposed elevating a pump‑station control panel (estimate ~$4,800) and pursuing hazard‑mitigation grant funding.
The Richmond Water & Sewer Commission reviewed updated estimates for flood recovery on Sept. 3, 2024, after staff found additional damage to pipe hangers under a bridge that raises the town’s wastewater repair estimate from roughly $65,000 to about $115,000.
Staff said the original estimate—about $65,000 for wastewater and roughly $200 for water—did not include work to replace or reset bent metal hangers supporting a sewer/water line under the bridge. Adding an estimated $50,000 for hanger work brings the wastewater total to approximately $115,000; staff said the Wastewater fund still projects an unrestricted year‑end balance near $152,000, above the commission’s 15% reserve guideline ($132,000 for FY25).
The superintendent also reported a written electrician’s estimate of about $4,800 to raise the pump‑station control panel to roughly 8 feet to reduce flood risk. Staff described multiple options for access (permanent staircase, catwalk, or removable ladder), and noted that any permanent access structure could trigger permitting and OSHA considerations.
Because full design and construction to relocate the line likely cannot be finished before winter, commissioners agreed to solicit bids for short‑term repairs to stabilize the line and to explore directional boring or phased relocation as later steps. The hangers and short‑term repairs were described as insurance work to get the town through the upcoming winter season.
Staff recommended pursuing a hazard‑mitigation grant pre‑application; the grant could cover an estimated 75% of eligible work with a 25% town match if awarded. Commissioners instructed staff to pursue funding opportunities and to prepare bid documents for interim repairs so contractors could be hired before winter.
The commission also discussed related flood cleanup items, including tree removal near the control panel and associated public‑safety risks; staff said they will obtain additional estimates and pursue cost‑sharing with an adjacent landowner where appropriate.
The commission did not take a formal vote to obligate funds beyond authorizing staff to pursue grants and solicit bids. The next procedural step is for staff to issue a request for bids for temporary repairs and return grant applications or contracted estimates to the commission for approval.
