Wilbraham water commissioners advance Miller Street bid timeline, pump-station planning and review hydrant agreement

At its May 8 meeting the Wilbraham Board of Water Commissioners reviewed several capital and operational items, including a water-main replacement, pump-station coordination and the town’s annual hydrant flushing program.

Bids for the Miller Street water-main replacement were issued, with an opening date set for May 21, 2026. The Asset Management Plan is close to completion; the Department of Environmental Protection has required an update to the town’s Capital Improvement Plan and a Rate Study, and those elements will be folded into the AMP.

Water Superintendent Vinnie Pafumi said he has scheduled a May 19 meeting with RJ White, Matt Loveling and Reed Soley to coordinate work at the Brookmont Pump Station and to avoid taking the station offline. The board emphasized finding the most efficient timing for the work to reduce operational disruption.

The Water Department has begun its annual hydrant flushing program, conducted during daytime hours. DPW Director Tonya Capparello reported contacting retired DPW Director Ed Miga, who said no written agreement could be located regarding payment for hydrant maintenance or repairs resulting from Fire Department training exercises. Capparello will contact the City of Springfield to learn how neighboring communities handle hydrant repair compensation and then seek guidance from DEP and MWRA; the board may invite Town Administrator Nick Breault and Fire Chief Michael Andrews to participate in the discussion.

Other items included a recommendation that the Sewer Board accept the proposed sewer budget and an upcoming sewer pipe-lining project at Memorial School. Executive Director Josh Schimmel presented options for the town to purchase water from Springfield; the commission agreed to revisit that discussion later. A Bartlett Court tank inspection is scheduled for June 12, 2026; commissioners expressed interest in attending. The next meeting will be held at Bartlett Court from 8:00-10:00 a.m. on June 12.