Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Operations Maintenance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Superintendent reports fence, tank cleaning, chlorination work and AMI meter rollout at 70%
Summary
Superintendent David Shaw updated the commission on fence installation and repairs, tank cleaning reports, chlorination work at Main Street and Cross Street, and the ongoing advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) rollout, which the staff said is roughly 70% complete and whose endpoints have an expected battery life around 10 years.
Superintendent David Shaw told the Townsend Water Commission July 13 that infrastructure work is progressing: fence installation is scheduled (DigSafe checks complete), tank-cleaning reports are forthcoming, and chlorination adjustments for Main Street and Cross Street are being completed to meet DEP testing requirements.
Shaw reported that both tanks had been cleaned and that the contractor’s report was expected to be delivered to the department. He also said the department’s AMI (advanced meter infrastructure) rollout is about 70% complete and that endpoints and batteries are expected to last roughly 10 years. Commissioners discussed keeping a modest stock of replacement endpoints and meters — Shaw said the plan is to keep about 40–50 spares on hand to cover failures and seasonal damage.
Shaw also noted a recent customer complaint on social media about a meter noise. Staff said replacing the meter did not stop the noise for that customer and that, during phone follow-up, the complainant called a staffer a liar and used profanity; commissioners praised staff for their handling of the contact.
Why it matters: Fence and security upgrades protect critical facilities, tank cleaning and testing demonstrate continued water-quality stewardship, and the AMI rollout and spare-part planning affect long-term operations and replacement budgets.
Next steps: Superintendent will distribute the tank-cleaning report to commissioners when available, continue AMI installations and manage spare-part inventory planning for future budget cycles.
