Water Dampens Agenda of Cold Spring Board

At the June 23, 2009, Cold Spring Village Board meeting, the ever-present issue of water, and what to do with it, was again the main topic of discussion. The board heard an action plan from Superintendent Greg Phillips in response to the State Comptroller's Audit issued earlier this spring. Mr. Phillips identified three specific tasks and timelines for completion. A comparison of master meter readings with quarterly billings will begin immediately. "I have been reporting flows with annual comparisons since 1997," said Phillips. He continued, saying that "a more detailed report to the board will begin with second quarter billing."

Starting August 1, the water department will change out 12 meters with new ones as a control to verify meter accuracy. The choice of initial locations will be based upon location within the system, quantity of water flow, and the type of piping. The board agreed with Phillip's suggestion that a local, licensed plumber be engaged to perform this task. While the department could perform the change-over, Mr. Phillips feels that a plumber will be better equipped "in case any plumbing issues arise." The removed meters will be bench-tested and any issues found brought to the attention of the manufacturer and the board.

Addressing the most serious sounding complaint noted in the Comptroller's report, a leak detections survey of the entire village water system will be performed this summer. A similar study performed in 2006 cost $4,000, and Mr. Phillips expects this year's survey cost to be in the same range. It is hoped that the survey will be completed by September 1, but the actual completion date will depend upon the vendor's schedule. Priority for repairs will be established by the survey and performed by water and highway department personnel.

Superintendent Phillips also presented each trustee with a piece of paper titled "Food for Thought," with nine and a half, quarter-inch holes (about the size of a pencil eraser) drawn on it. He explained that any pressurized system would, "by its nature," be subject to leaks and a certain amount of seepage, which the department works to find and remedy. Citing figures from Sensus Technologies, Phillips informed the board that "each quarter-inch hole can yield 1.181 millions of gallons of water each quarter." He went on to explain that "these nine holes . . . spread out over six miles of the distribution system . . . may be one possible explanation for the water loss" cited in the State report. Phillips also estimated that up to 15 percent of the water service distribution is via galvanized pipe with threaded connections. "These connections are weak points" in the system, he added.

In a related matter, the board said it would not grant Springbrook Condominium Association's request to spread out payments to the village for water main repairs. Last April, there was a water line break on Condominium property, which was promptly repaired by the village water and highway departments. In their letter, the Condominium's board stated that the $1,039 bill from the village was not accounted for in their budget, hence the multi-payment request. Mayor Gallagher stated that "past village practice" has been to require payment in full. The trustees also seemed disinclined to accept a deferred payment schedule, given the relatively small amount involved. Superintendent Phillips told the board that, if repairs had been done privately, "they could have cost around $6,000," and taken longer to make. The mayor will issue a letter requesting immediate payment of the amount due.

The board heard a letter from Steve Tomann on behalf of the owner of 144 Main Street, which is located adjacent to the Cold Spring Fire house. The letter notifies the village of storm water run-off onto the property and notes the location of the fire house's propane tanks near windows. Trustee Falloon told the board he was in the process of scheduling a meeting with the owner, wearing both his fire department and village trustee hats. Mayor Gallagher said that he would also attend. Falloon acknowledged that the propane tanks are likely illegal "but the problem has been where to move them and who would pay?" He added that "the dumpster should also be moved." Code requires that propane tanks be at least ten feet from any window. The idea of moving the tanks and dumpster and then housing them in a shed was discussed but no decision was made.

"The issue of water runoff," Mr. Falloon noted, "is more complicated." Water run-off is not only a problem for 144 Main Street, but also for the firehouse. "Water overflow," said Trustee Falloon, "often runs down the outside firehouse wall and then back inside."

It wasn't on the agenda for this board meeting and it's not Christmas in June, but good news nonetheless: Trustee Campbell informed the Cold Spring village board that Central Hudson Energy has given the village permission to suspend lights from the utility poles this year. Although this is likely to be a year-to-year consideration, the board seemed pleased that this village holiday tradition would continue.

In other matters, the board approved the appointment of Cathryn Fadde to the Special Board and Mike Armstrong and Anne Impellizzeri as co-chairs. In lieu of the June 30 workshop meeting, the board will hold a meeting on July 1 at 6pm to discuss final arrangements for Community Day.