Town manager reports boil-water advisory lifted; bridge projects advancing

Town Manager Michelle Benivegna reviewed a written report that the Council had received as an attachment to the July 15 minutes.

On July 10 Connecticut Water, under direction from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, issued a precautionary Boil Water Notice affecting customers served by the Guilford and Chester systems after a routine sample in Essex tested positive for E. coli. The manager's memo states that town staff coordinated with Connecticut Water, DPH and the local health district to share updates and potable-water distribution information. After follow-up testing showed the system met state and federal drinking-water standards, the Department of Public Health lifted the advisory and normal water use resumed.

Benivegna's report also outlined progress on the Beach Park Road Bridge and Tide Gate Project: foundation work, drilled shafts, cofferdam construction and fabrication of bridge components have been completed, and the project will move next into tide-gate system completion, abutment and deck work, with final testing anticipated in spring 2027. She also said she met on July 7 with the Director of Public Works, the Town Planner and Connecticut DOT representatives concerning the Waterside Lane Bridge; DOT is revising the design after resident feedback and plans to submit a design exception request.

The manager's written report thanked residents and partner agencies for their cooperation during the boil-water advisory and noted continued staff communications about project milestones, subscriber growth for town notifications, and several upcoming community events.