Commissioner recuses as Hillsborough panel agrees to issue "Can and Will Serve" letter for Cardinal Circle subdivision

The Hillsborough Water & Sewer Commission agreed Nov. 13 to provide a "Can and Will Serve" letter for a proposed subdivision on Myrtle Street known as Cardinal Circle, after reviewing engineering plans that propose a 6‑inch water main to serve the development. Commissioner Peter Mellen announced he would recuse himself from discussions and decision-making on the request because of a conflict of interest.

Leigh Bosse presented a written request for the letter covering properties shown on sheet 1 of 9 of the Plan and Profile of Cardinal Circle (A. C. Engineering & Consulting, Sept. 22, 2025, Map 11P Lots 191-1 through 191-10). Commissioners Dave Lewis and Dana Clow reviewed the submission and noted the design includes a proposed easement to allow a future loop to the 6‑inch Dascomb Street main and that three valves will be required at the connection to the existing Myrtle Street 6‑inch main.

The Commission directed staff to draft the Can and Will Serve letter and send it to Mr. Bosse for review; the draft will then be forwarded to Commission counsel for review. The Commission said it will take a formal action to issue the letter once those reviews are complete. Penny Griffin, Water and Sewer Administrator, is responsible for drafting and coordinating the review process.

Why it matters: a Can and Will Serve letter is a formal statement from the water commission that municipal water service can be provided for a proposed development, subject to conditions and final approvals. The recusal by Commissioner Mellen was recorded in the minutes to preserve impartiality in the Commission’s consideration of the request.

The Commission took no final issuance action at the Nov. 13 meeting; the administrative steps described above are to precede a formal vote to issue the letter.