District reports water system repairs, SCADA upgrades and a $350,000 one-year note for a property purchase

Public-works and finance staff updated the Dalton District Board on infrastructure work and a short-term financing decision for a property purchase.

Staff described progress on the Daddy East brick bridge, where a corporation valve had to be temporarily removed because contractor formwork interfered; the valve has been reinstalled. SCADA upgrades are under way (new computer delivered and fine-tuning of tank-level instrumentation), and staff reported replacement of a damaged copper water line on Raymond Drive and subsequent paving and driveway repairs. Dam inspections were completed and staff are awaiting the written reports; the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) was completed and delivered.

Staff also reported communications problems at Washington Mountain Road and said new antennas were deployed to improve intermittent outages. A localized customer leak at 59 Kirk Road was isolated and repaired; the isolation took about four hours. Equipment maintenance continues, with a Bobcat under warranty being serviced and summer-help staff assisting with hydrant painting and related safety controls.

On finance, staff said four bids were received for a one-year note to fund the district’s purchase of a neighboring property: 4.00%, 3.45%, 3.40% and 3.10%. Bank ESV (the district’s bank) was selected to take the entire $350,000 note for one year; the first payment is not due until July 2, 2027. Accounts receivable for semiannual water bills was reported a little above $50,000 and staff said shut-off notices would be processed by July 15. The district also received a $3,000 check from Middlefield EMS as a recurring annual payment.

Next steps: staff will provide dam inspection reports when available, continue SCADA/tank-level calibration, proceed with antenna installation at the government mill, and circulate loan documents to commissioners for signatures.