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River Ridge board opts for lower-cost 'zombie box' instead of immediate aerator relocation
Summary
Faced with a $10,755 relocation proposal for a Lake E1-C aeration system, the board approved installing a $3,098 zombie box and will revisit the larger relocation expense during FY2026 budget discussions; the motion passed 3–2.
The River Ridge board on Nov. 19 approved installing a ‘zombie box’ at the existing aeration location in Lake E1-C instead of relocating the 240V aerator immediately. Operations Manager Shane Willis presented Premier Lakes’ one-time work order and a revised Bentley Electric proposal that would add an additional 125 feet of electrical work and carry a relocation estimate of about $10,755.
Board members discussed budget tradeoffs and an option to defer the $10,755 relocation for consideration during Fiscal Year 2026 budget talks. On motion by Chair Bob Schultz, seconded by Robert Twombly, the board approved the zombie-box installation for $3,098. The motion passed 3–2, with Schultz, Twombly and Keith Merrill voting in favor and Terry Mountford and Kurt Blumenthal dissenting.
Staff said the relocation proposal remains on the table and the board will revisit full relocation costs and placement during upcoming budget deliberations.
