Paragonah work meeting focuses on water‑tank access, easements and project schedule

Paragonah town officials and project staff met on Feb. 27, 2026, to review access, easement and permitting issues for a planned town water‑tank and well project and agreed to perform an on‑site inspection before further work proceeds. Town board liaison (S2) moved to adopt the meeting agenda; the motion passed by voice vote.

Town Chair (S1) flagged a proposed well location beside a flood channel that sits on a raised “hump” and near an old slough and a 20‑inch drain pipe. Chair S1 said removing or altering the hump might be necessary to bring a drill rig in but cautioned the hump currently shields a chlorinator building and “the hump’s gotta stay there or be put back in.” Project staff (Presenter S3) and the board agreed to inspect the site together and to avoid a formal site tour with three or more board members until public‑meeting requirements are addressed.

Why it matters: access and easement lines determine whether a drill rig can reach the planned tank site and whether new work will require moving power poles or altering drainage protections. Chair S1 urged coordination with county staff (naming Rich Wilson as a contact) and stressed the need for accurate staking to resolve conflicting access routes.

Staff described the permit and design status. Presenter S3 said the plans have been submitted to the Division of Drinking Water for review and that the team will forward updated plans to the town after they return to the office. S3 told the board the state review is typically allowed up to 30 days and that plan revisions will follow; S3 said, “they said they’ll try to get it end of next week,” while also warning that reviews often slip a few days.

Construction and bidding: Engineers estimated the physical build to take roughly 270–280 days from start, depending on contractor capacity and weather; S3 added the schedule can be compressed if multiple crews are used. On procurement timing, S3 said the team expected to be in a bidding window in mid‑March to mid‑April once state comments are addressed and the town completes any required revisions. The plan includes new mains crossing Main Street at two locations and the reuse of existing, older pipes where feasible; S3 noted engineers are modeling alternatives to meet required pressures and fire flows while minimizing dead ends.

Easements and right‑of‑way: The project team has a survey‑based inventory of town easements and will send that list to the board for review. Board members flagged specific potential conflicts — including an easement off Center Street near the flood control area where a private owner is pursuing construction — and asked staff to confirm legal access before construction.

Public information and hydrant mapping: Fire‑service representatives requested a large, printed hydrant and line map for display at the firehouse so local responders and residents can review proposed line locations; staff agreed to provide a tiled or vinyl map version suitable for public viewing.

Votes at a glance: The meeting opened with a motion by Town board liaison (S2) to adopt the Feb. 27 work‑meeting agenda; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. At the meeting’s close S2 moved to adjourn; S3 seconded and the board voted to adjourn.

Next steps: Staff will forward state review comments and revised plans to the town, schedule a site visit consistent with public‑meeting rules, confirm disputed easements, and provide an enlarged hydrant map for the firehouse display. The project timeline will be refined after the Division of Drinking Water returns its comments.