Corunna board OKs proposal to allow truck fills at hydrant pending financial details

The Corunna Town Board agreed to accept in principle a proposal from resident Frank to create a gravel pull-off at the Walnut Street hydrant so commercial vacuum and water trucks can fill from the town system, contingent on financial details the board asked Clerk Sandy to supply.

Frank described the plan as a 7-foot-by-50-foot gravel pull-off adjacent to the hydrant that would let trucks partially get off the road to hook and fill. Board discussion focused on traffic, metering and revenue. Members said some days see seven to nine trucks, while other days have none; drivers commonly top off between about 700 and 1,000 gallons, with the trucks’ total capacity roughly 1,500 gallons.

Justin’s written operations notes, read to the board, said the town currently flushes the hydrant two to three times a week and recommended locking and servicing the meter so drivers can use the hydrant without interfering with fire access. Justin also noted ongoing lift-station and valve maintenance work at the wastewater plant.

Board members discussed meter equipment and potential fees. A used meter price mentioned during the meeting was about $4,500; members discussed a monthly minimum payment as a way to guarantee revenue to cover the meter cost, with examples discussed in the meeting ranging from about $20–$68, and a commonly cited working example of $25 per month.

To move forward, a board member moved — and the board approved — accepting Frank’s proposal pending Sandy’s preparation of full financial figures and rates. The board did not record a detailed vote tally in the meeting transcript; the approval was contingent on the follow-up calculations that board members requested.

The board directed staff to obtain written cost estimates, confirm meter procurement and locking procedures, and return with a proposed fee schedule and formal contract terms. Members stressed the need to ensure fire access is preserved and to lock any customer meter to prevent unauthorized tampering.

Next steps: Sandy will provide the requested financial breakdown and proposed rates; the board agreed to revisit the matter once those figures are available.