ROXBURY - Water District Organizer Mike Harrington gave an update on Devner water system repairs at the regular Roxbury Board meeting on Feb. 9th.
The $1.25 million project is underway to replace all water meters, of which only 9% are working. The meters were last replaced in the early 1990s, exceeding the typical battery life of approximately 20 years. The project is being funded in part through an EPA grant. The grant covers 80% of the project costs, with the remaining 20% funded through a bond. District users are responsible for paying back the bond.
The board is prepared to adjust outdated rate costs once the project is completed. Increases are expected to roll out slowly over three years.
Harrington encouraged the council to formalize financial plans for the prospective $5.8 million project. He noted that costs have already increased since the last discussion in the summer. “The sooner a financial plan can be established, the more control we will have over costs,” he noted.
The project seeks to combine the two Denver water filtration systems by installing a Membrane Bioreactor for wastewater treatment.
The town will apply for a municipal grant, which provides 50% of the funds for rural communities. The remaining 50% will be split with the city. The user's portion of the payment will be made over 30 years through a low-interest bond. If the project is approved, users should expect an annual increase of $291.
There are roughly 120 district users in the Denver system.
Other Business
Construction to replace the piping along the bottom of Vega Mountain Road into Bridge Street is expected to be completed this summer, with bidding scheduled for April.
The Bridge Street bridge replacement is expected to be bid out by Delaware County this autumn.
The town is expected to list the former Vega Hall property for sale. Supervisor Allen Hinkley believes the property can not sustain a septic system. One resident suggested obtaining a formal opinion on the septic system, which could significantly affect the sale price. The board was amenable.
The Grand Gorge Community Action Group is seeking a portion of the DRI grant to update the winter wreaths and other decorations on Main Street polls.
The town has experienced issues with employee cell phone use and is updating its policies to address them.
The next regular town board meeting is scheduled Monday, March 9, at 6 p.m.