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Trustees discuss tank repairs, customer‑notification plan after recent outages and public complaints
Summary
Trustees reviewed DANR-identified water-system deficiencies including a cracked concrete tank lid and improper vent screen, discussed using the $17,000 2025 maintenance budget to obtain quotes, and moved a communications plan for notifying customers about shutoffs into old business after public frustration with outage notifications was aired.
The Board of Trustees began a detailed review June 2 of the town's top waterworks deficiencies and of how to notify residents about planned and emergency water shutoffs.
Chair said the town must respond by June 22 to items flagged by the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources (DANR). The top three deficiencies the town must address are clarifying the sample‑site plan, repairing cracking concrete around the ground tank lid (a condition listed as a severe deficiency because of contamination risk), and replacing an improperly sized vent screen to the required number‑24 corrosion‑resistant specification.
"We have top 3 top deficiencies right now that we are on the hook to do something about or get a plan in place to do something," the Chair said, noting repairs may exceed currently budgeted amounts. The board discussed soliciting qualified contractors for quotes; town staff said a dive inspection produced a photograph showing a large missing chunk of concrete at the corner of the tank lid.
Trustees reviewed the 2025 water repair and maintenance budget, which the Chair said is budgeted at $17,000, with roughly $3,600 spent so far. Several trustees urged getting multiple quotes for repairs and for other urgent items such as SCADA upgrades.
On customer notifications, trustees and staff discussed options for planned and emergency shutoffs: social media, phone calls, door notices and targeted phone calls for residents without internet access. Staff described incidents of hostile interactions when crews worked on leaks, and trustees emphasized a need for a communications policy that balances timely notice with staff safety. The item was moved into old business for development of a formal communications plan.
Public comments also covered community events (the Blowout on June 11–12 and a parade at 11 a.m. on the 12th) and neighborhood pest control (skunks/varmints); the board offered to coordinate with the county for street closures and discussed volunteer support for events.
Next steps: staff will solicit repair quotes, return with cost estimates, and the board will draft a communications plan to formalize notification procedures for water shutdowns and planned maintenance.
