Council reviews water leak‑detection plan and downtown project timelines

Staff reported that a visit to a larger county system that uses leak‑detection meters was informative and recommended the town consider installing four meters to divide the system into quadrants as a phased approach. “I feel like the town needs to implement some of these programs to help our water accountability and loss,” the staff member said, describing how meters placed every several thousand feet can help pinpoint leaks.

The staff presentation noted the county’s meters are spaced roughly 5,000 feet apart and that meter‑based monitoring, tank measurements and time‑of‑day reads can identify where water is being lost. Staff recommended gradually installing meters and seeking grant funding where possible, and said the approach would reduce unnecessary treatment costs.

On downtown work, staff updated councilors that Myles Concrete is replacing sidewalks on North and South Main Street and parts of Church Avenue, and that the contractor expects the work to take about a week. The clerk presented accounts including a Miles/Myles Concrete line item for $16,800.

Staff also said the town had an initial meeting with National Pools to get preliminary information about a potential splash pad on the downtown site; no price has been determined yet. Separately, the town held a pre‑bid meeting for the Kinder Valley Loop project, which is funded by a VDH grant and will be subject to Davis‑Bacon wage requirements and DBE outreach; bids are scheduled to open March 25 at 3 PM.

Staff also said Davenport & Associates will review the town’s finances to inform decisions about downtown work and Staley’s Spring, and that the consultants’ recommendations will be presented at an upcoming meeting.

Councilors did not take final action on funding for leak detection meters or the splash pad; staff identified these as items for future budget and grant consideration.