Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Lead Service Lines topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council asks voters to authorize planning loan for service-line material identification
Summary
Council voted unanimously to ask voters to authorize a Drinking Water State Revolving Fund planning loan not to exceed $892,771 to identify service line materials and validate non‑lead lines, citing new federal rules and eligibility for IUP loan forgiveness.
Staff asked the council to approve asking voters to authorize a planning loan through the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund not to exceed $892,771 to fund service‑line material identification and non‑lead validation required by updated federal drinking water rules. Regina said Essex Junction’s earlier inventory work made the municipality eligible for loan forgiveness under the state's Intended Use Plan (IUP) because of a change in the income threshold.
Councilors asked clarifying technical questions about how the work is done (digging and validation vs. camera inspection), sample sizes required for validation, and whether the city can decline funds if rules change. Staff said cameras cannot be used on small galvanized private lines and that the city's "Super Sucker" vacuum truck could assist in assessing material near curb stops. Regina also explained the $892,771 figure is a worst‑case estimate and the actual need may be lower; she emphasized loan forgiveness improves net cost. Councilor Marcus moved the authorization request and the motion passed unanimously.
