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Resident proposes winterized hydration station on Main Street, seeks private fundraising
Summary
Resident Tate Collins proposed installing a winterized water refill station and fountain on Main Street, estimating equipment under $6,000 and total fundraising of roughly $7,500–$11,000; the board asked for specifications, will check plumbing and procurement rules, and did not take a vote.
Tate Collins presented a plan to install a winterized public hydration station on Main Street and said she will lead a private fundraising campaign to cover purchase and installation costs.
"Everybody needs water," Collins told the Select Board, arguing the town’s existing fountain is hidden, runs only in warmer months and leaves many visitors without free, accessible water. Collins said the fountain unit she is considering would cost just under $6,000 and installation between $1,500 and $4,000; she said she hopes to raise between $7,500 and $11,000 and can either give funds to town hall or pay contractors directly.
Board members praised the idea but asked technical and maintenance questions. Members discussed ideal siting (near Galada's, the post office or the Old Stone store), winterization mechanics (freeze-resistant models that require deeper excavation), and who would handle ongoing upkeep. The chair cautioned against placing infrastructure that later falls into disrepair and asked Collins to provide specs and visuals.
Collins said the Old Stone store has expressed interest in hosting a unit in front of its building and agreed to send a detailed email laying out questions, costs and proposed locations within a week. The board also noted that privately raised funds can change procurement requirements: if the town does not handle the money, different procurement rules generally apply; staff agreed to check whether a town procurement process would be required depending on how funds are received.
Pat Levine, a town resident, reminded the board the library already has a hydration station available during open hours; Collins and the board said they may coordinate signage and add locations to the town website.
No formal vote was taken; next steps recorded in the meeting include Collins sending detailed specifications and the board researching plumbing availability and procurement rules.
