2017.02.27 Council Agenda Item 07

The Public Works Director hosted a public forum on the Middle Road construction project on January 17, 2017. At that meeting, several residents spoke in favor of extending public water to the Cumberland town line. Their comments are represented in the attached memorandum from Public Works Director Jay Reynolds. 

At its meeting on January 23, 2017, the Town Council requested that town staff coordinate well water testing for each homeowner in the study area that had access to a public road and wanted their water tested, evaluate the potential build-out for the study area, and update the cost estimate to extend public water once the results of bidding have been received for a similar project in the Town of Cumberland.

The Town hired water testing and quality consultant Mary Bowers and offered comprehensive well water testing to all homeowners in the study area. Eleven of eighteen homes were tested and the test results are attached. The test results identified typical results for this area. The Council reviewed these test results at their meeting on February 15, 2017.

Theo Holtwijk prepared a report on the potential build-out based on a study from Wright Pierce. The report is attached. Also attached is an updated cost estimate based on the Town of Cumberland recent bids. The estimated cost has decreased from $750,000 to $500,000.

Additional Background Information: 
On February 8, 2016, the Council authorized the Town Manager to enter into a contract with Wright-Pierce for the preparation of a Public Water System Study for Falmouth. This study was prepared in response to inquiries by residents as to the scope of Middle Road reconstruction planned for 2017-18 and the Council's 2015-16 Work Plan which contains a Comprehensive Plan action item (CP 31) that reads "Proactively plan for sewer, water, and other utility extensions in the designated growth area.  (...) Establish a plan for additional public water service in the designated growth area in cooperation with the Portland Water District (PWD)." The Portland Water District (PWD) participated in this study. The services of Wright-Pierce were procured through a competitive bid process. The study findings concluded that the growth area is well served by the existing water system. 

The draft study findings were reviewed with the Long Range Planning Advisory Committee and presented at a Public Forum held on July 6, 2016. The Town Council adopted an Order on July 25, 2016 to accept the study. The Town Manager received several comments and questions from residents in the neighborhood at that time. The e-mail exchange is attached.