Board hears concerns about Joint Water Project change orders, meter payments and storm release

Councilor Todd Platten told the board May 22 that a resident had been missed during the Joint Water Project engineering phase and that a series of change orders are occurring and "depleting funds faster than we’d like," leaving the board concerned about project cost escalation.

Supervisor Vernon Richardson raised questions about payment for water meters to the Village of Elbridge — including whether meters should be reimbursed or prepaid, and what the Villages retain for operation and maintenance (noted in the minutes as "the 75% kept by the Villages"). During audience participation Louis McIntyre asked about the opening of water gates during a recent storm; Platten said he had heard "they released 58 million gallons" but stated he was not certain when or whether that was in addition to a normal release. The minutes do not provide supporting documentation or exact timing for that figure.