Council discusses contractor options and estimates to replace 10 nonfunctional fire hydrants

Town staff updated the council on contractor outreach and preliminary cost estimates to repair or replace roughly 10 nonfunctional fire hydrants.

Staff said they had met with a contractor and are preparing a request for qualifications to create an on-call or project-based contractor list for water, sewer and related emergency repairs. A utility-supply estimate of parts was cited at about $6,800 per hydrant assembly. Staff described contractor labor estimates ranging roughly from $2,400 to $3,500 per hydrant depending on excavation method, and presented a town-estimated total of about $160,000 to fully replace 10 hydrants (materials purchased by the town).

“I think the contractor cost is anywhere from about 2,400 to let's just say 3,500,” the presenter said, adding that hydro-excavation would increase labor charges. The presenter also said some hydrants are older Kennedy-brand models that are harder to service and that the town prefers Mueller-brand hydrants because parts and local expertise are more readily available.

Council members raised questions about the total number of hydrants in town and urged the work to be considered on a larger capital-asset planning horizon (three to five years) rather than only addressing the current 10. Staff said many of the troublesome units date from the 1970s and that inserting valves to isolate mains would reduce service disruptions during repairs.

Staff said they plan to return in January with more detailed contractor quotes and an RFQ scope so the council can consider whether RDC or other funding sources may apply.