Water Main Update
Summary of July 6 meeting on water mains in Lake Country Village by Councilwoman Armstrong.
Mayor Calnon, Councilor Armstrong, and LCV President, Bob Turek met with Assemblywoman Janet Duprey Wednesday to discuss sources of funding to replace the community’s water pipes. Mayor Calnon provided information regarding the scope of the problem, continued efforts to evaluate its source, and steps already being taken to seek federal funding. Mrs. Duprey suggested that two bills, the 2015 Omnibus Article VII (A-6721-A), and the 2016 Capital Projects bill (A.9004D) “appropriated $400 million over 3 years for Water and Sewer Infrastructure Projects, with preference to areas of hardship, dedicated as follows: $50 million in 15-16; $175 million in 16-17, and $175 million 17-18.” Mrs. Duprey was impressed by the city’s efforts so far, but advised that a detailed presentation describing the problem would increase the city’s chances of receiving a grant. Mayor Calnon said that the city’s GIF mapping of infrastructure might be supplemented by the purchase of software for hydro-dynamic models in order to strengthen the city’s case.
With the possibility of procuring money from this grant source, the mayor was encouraged that the city could cobble together various other funds to foot the bill, now estimated at almost $6 million. In the meantime, the city will continue to closely monitor the problem, and repair future breaks. It is worth noting that replacement pipes are made of state-of-the art material–ductile iron. However, since these are thinner than the concrete pipes, costly connecting valves are needed.
Bob Turek, reminded the officials that LCV’s cul-de-sacs– our property due to a deal made between the city and the complex’s original sellers–are a tremendous liability that could threaten property values, or worse, the HOA’s financial health. He said he hoped that the city and LCV could cooperate to reach a mutually beneficial solution in the future. This is a legal complicated matter that will require further investigation.
