the sewer line would support additional economic development behind the former
Ledyard Center School, as well as support existing businesses in Ledyard Center. He
stated the new Developments would spread the costs to operate the Wastewater
Treatment Facility over a larger number of sewer customers.
ü Phase I - American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) $1,200,000-: Mr. Lynch stated the piping
would be installed along Route 117 while they were constructing the Multi-Model
Pathway. He explained that there has been some savings because they have
coordinated this work with the construction of the Multi-Use Pathway (pedestrian
and bicycle) along Colonel Ledyard Highway, which was being paid for by the by
LoTCIP Grant funding (Local Transportation Capital Improvement Plan). Therefore,
he stated the work to lay the pipe under the Multi-Use Pathway has come in $731,668
under the estimated $1,200,000 amount that was initially assigned for Phase I of the
Sewer Line Extension Project.
Mayor Allyn, III, noted that the Multi-Use Pathway work began on March 4, 2024,
with the clearing of the land, with an expected completion date of November 30,
2024. He continued by addressing the importance to provide construction oversight
of the Sewer Line Extension Project. He stated the cost to hire a Clerk of the Works,
who would be in the field on a daily basis to witness and oversee that work the was
being done properly and that the pipes/connections etc. were being tested, etc., would
cost $50,000.
ü Phase II: American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) $950,000 would bring the sewer line
from the High School to Pennywise Lane.
Mayor Allyn noted Mr. Lynch’s email in which he stated that Weston & Sampson
Engineers provided a cost of $381,900 for the engineering work for Phase II. He
stated at their March 6, 2024 Meeting the Finance Committee thought that it seemed
high and questioned whether the $381,900 was only for the engineering work or if it
included other work related to Phase II of the sewer line extension project. Mr. Lynch
stated that he would follow up with Weston & Sampson Engineers to obtain
additional information
The Finance Committee discussed the importance to get these projects moving
explaining that the Federal Treasury definition of “Obligated Funds” meant “An order
has been placed for property and services, or contracts, or some awards were made” by
December 31, 2024; otherwise, the funds would have to be returned to the US Federal
Treasury. Therefore, he stated that the town needed to make sure they had their projects
lined up with contracts in place. In addition, per the ARPA Guidelines that the projects
needed to be completed by December 31, 2026.
·
New Developments - WPCA Chairman Ed Lynch noted that the Planning & Zoning
Commission has indicated that the Habitat for Humanity 35 - 40 Affordable Homes
Project planned for Colby Drive would be coming forward soon, noting that Habitat for
Humanity was finished a project in Norwich and has turned their attention their project
in Ledyard. He stated the piping would be installed along Route 117 while they were
constructing the Multi-Model Pathway. Therefore, he stated to avoid tearing up a newly
paved road that he would like to have the T and Stub installed for the Colby Drive
Project.
Mayor Allyn agreed with Mr. Lynch with regard to the installing as much pipe as
they could. He suggested they amend the contract to run the pipe up Fairway Drive to
the Colby Drive intersection, noting that this would bring the sewer line halfway to
the Habitat for Humanity house and halfway to the proposed Apartment Development
, noting that it that it would require about 740 linear feet of pipe.
