Glocester authorizes RME agreement and insurance amendments to keep Chepachet village septic projects on schedule

The Glocester Town Council on Aug. 6 authorized the town council president to sign a Responsible Management Entity (RME) service agreement with the Rhode Island Rural Water Association for the Chepachet Village septic improvement program (term 09/01/2026' 08/31/2029). Town Planner Karen Scott told council the RME will assist participating property owners with long-term operation and maintenance and that the town will pay the first three years of membership for participating properties using grant funds.

Council also addressed a procurement hurdle: multiple installers could not meet a recommended pollution-liability insurance requirement, which in practice prevented teams from obtaining the three bids federal procurement rules require. Planner Scott and the town solicitor told the council the insurance requirement had been removed to avoid forfeiting roughly $600,000 in federal funds earmarked for up to 17 projects. The council authorized cooperative-agreement amendments to eliminate the pollution-liability requirement and approved using grant funds to reimburse installers who bought new, qualifying pollution-coverage policies in the prior 12 months, limited to participation-related purchases. The planner said grant awards range from roughly $19,000 to $39,000 and generally cover up to 90% of construction costs.

The council additionally authorized limited construction advances to help property owners cover large upfront deposit requirements (planner characterized a few projects with $22,000'$25,000 deposits). Members discussed safeguards including requiring owner payment of their 10% share up front and structuring advances so grant funds are paid after contract confirmation, noting federal procurement rules and grant deadlines (projects must be completed before an October deadline to avoid forfeiture).