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Newfields plans hydrant flushing, tower inspection and considers cell tower sale
Summary
District staff reported the water tower transducer failure, a completed oil spill cleanup with no contamination concerns, a plan to flush hydrants in April, acceptance of a five-year water tower cleaning and inspection quote, and a discussion about potentially selling the cell tower for revenue.
At its Feb. 11 meeting the Newfields Village Water & Sewer District reviewed several operational tasks including hydrant flushing, water tower inspection, and other maintenance items.
Systems Operator Josh Scotton reported well levels are stable but said the water tower transducer was not working and that snow must be removed from the tower to access equipment. He also reported that an oil spill in a Hemlock Court basement has been cleaned up and is not expected to affect wells.
Josh described a requirement from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services that hydrants be flushed twice a year, in spring and fall, and recommended selecting a sequence of hydrants to open for about a half-hour in April with resident notice. Scott Buxton volunteered to begin flushing hydrants on Heath Drive and Route 87. Commissioners requested that hydrant flushing be added to the district’s open tasks list.
The district received a five-year cleaning and inspection proposal from the Statewide Aqua Store for the water tower. Commissioner Bill Meserve moved to accept the quote; George Drinkwater seconded and the motion passed unanimously, 3-0. John Hayden signed the proposal as Commission Chair.
Operations staff also raised the possibility of selling the cell tower and investing proceeds to generate revenue; the board discussed the idea but took no formal action. Treasurer Wendy Chase was directed to invite Underwood Engineers’ representative Keith Pratt to the March 2 meeting at 6:00 PM to discuss project figures.
The Commission agreed to change regular monthly meeting start times to 6:00 PM going forward; the next regular meeting is March 2, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
