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Council debates sewer backups on Preston Street, considers $200,000 in equipment purchases and stormwater fee
Summary
After a sewer backup on Preston Street damaged several basements, councilors discussed causes (flushable wipes), homeowner claims (one reported ~ $10,700 in damage), more frequent manhole inspections, and staff plans to propose about $200,000 in sewer equipment purchases and a possible stormwater utility fee funded by a small monthly charge.
Councilors heard a report about a sewer blockage on Preston Street that backed up into multiple basements and generated at least one homeowner damage claim. A resident said cleanup and replacement costs were about $10,700.
Staff described repeated blockages in the Calhoun area and said flushable wipes are a recurring problem. The village has been advising affected residents to contact their homeowners insurance; staff said that when the village is aware of an infrastructure failure it has an obligation to act, but when the village was not aware the homeowner's insurance typically bears the initial cost.
Council discussed options to reduce future incidents. Suggestions included more regular manhole inspections targeted at problem spots, using historical spreadsheets and GIS to prioritize a rotation, and investing in equipment so the village can handle more jetting and line inspection work in-house rather than relying on contractors.
Staff said they would return with a schedule and cost estimate for more frequent inspections. They also signaled they plan to propose a package of sewer-related purchases next month — a new lift vehicle for manhole entry, a sewer camera to inspect lines, and a jet trailer — that together could be in the neighborhood of $200,000, to be funded from the sewer fund reserve. Staff reported the village currently has about $1 million in that reserve and said council would need to approve an increase in appropriation to transfer funds for the purchases.
Because the village has experienced multiple stormwater and sewer failures, staff recommended beginning a discussion this fall about a dedicated stormwater utility fee — a small monthly charge restricted to a stormwater fund — to pay for repairs and targeted replacements such as the collapsed Hartford storm line and the recently repaired W's Edge failure.
Council members also raised safety, PPE and mapping issues: staff reported updated GIS maps for water, sewer and storm infrastructure are now online (still being refined) and that crews have gas monitors and other safety gear; trench training with the fire department is scheduled.
What happens next: staff will return to council with (1) a schedule and cost estimate for manhole inspections and targeted preventative maintenance; (2) a detailed list and appropriation request for the proposed ~ $200,000 in sewer equipment purchases; and (3) an agenda item to discuss forming a stormwater utility to generate dedicated funding for repairs and maintenance.
