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Buffalo Gap trustees schedule public hearing and special meeting as Phase 2 water work advances
Summary
The Board of Trustees discussed Phase 2 of a multi‑phase water main replacement project funded mostly by a state grant, approved a special meeting to consider remote monitoring (SCADA) equipment, and set a June 17 public hearing on opt‑out meters as the town prepares construction plans.
The Board of Trustees of the Town of Buffalo Gap voted June 2 to schedule a public hearing and to hold a special meeting as it moves forward with Phase 2 of a water main replacement project.
During a presentation, a project representative said the town's Phase 2 will replace major stretches of remaining cast‑iron pipe on Walnut, 2nd, Cedar and portions of Main and 3rd streets. The presenter said the town was awarded roughly a 74.5% grant from the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources to cover most construction costs; the remainder would be a town match and future Phase 3 would address remaining pockets of cast iron.
A town staff member who oversees water and sanitation described a recent leak that was fixed the same day and outlined recurring power and control problems at a pump site. "That leak was running 26 gallons a minute, and the well pumps 32," the staff member said, noting the repair should reduce continuous pump runtime.
Trustees pressed for details about a proposed remote‑monitoring package (SCADA), asking whether it detects leaks, what alerts it provides, and whether it requires a subscription or recurring fee. The water staff said the device will provide remote monitoring, tank level readings and fault alerts; it can attempt automatic resets three times before requiring a physical visit. The staff said the vendor left the existing control panel available for add‑ons and that installation of the full SCADA/motor‑saver package would take about a month after an acceptance agreement is signed.
The board voted to hold a special meeting to review and potentially approve the cost estimate for the remote monitoring work and related hardware so trustees can ask detailed technical and contract questions before committing funds.
Trustees also set a public hearing for 6 p.m. on June 17 at the Old Bank Building to discuss "opt‑out" meters ahead of Phase 2 construction. Chair explained opt‑out customers can remain on older, non‑digital meters and be bypassed during the project, or they can opt in to receive upgraded meters and connect to the new system; a monthly surcharge of $17 per customer was described as part of the plan to repay the bond that finances the work.
Next steps: trustees said they will review detailed contract terms and cost estimates at the special meeting and seek public input at the June 17 hearing before finalizing construction plans.
