Commission reviews Gaston Road water main looping; stubbing service to non‑village parcels debated

Engineering staff presented 60% design drawings for the Gaston Road TT water main looping project, explaining the route will connect on Gaston Road, loop under the interstate and tie back by the roundabout.

"We're connecting on Gaston Road, looping up underneath the interstate, and then connecting back by the roundabout," Speaker 3 said, describing the project footprint and noting a recently annexed parcel's developer may need public water.

Commissioners discussed whether to include stubs to adjoining parcels that remain in the towns of Cottage Grove or Sun Prairie. Staff said the village historically provided stubs only for properties already annexed, and that providing service without annexation could reduce an incentive to annex in the future.

Speaker 2 suggested adding water service and sanitary lateral stubs as alternate bid items so the base bid is unaffected and the commission can accept alternates later; Speaker 3 agreed to reach out to town property owners and report back before bidding. Staff also noted they will verify casing pipe condition installed in 2010–2011 and televise it as part of the contract to confirm readiness for new main installation.

Staff will coordinate communication with the school district as needed for anticipated road disruptions and will return with an update on town‑resident interest in stubs before the commission finalizes bidding.