Cornwall readies wastewater project

CORNWALL — The study committee that worked on the West Cornwall wastewater project proposal, which was approved by July 9 town meeting vote, will now serve as the building committee.

First Selectman Gordon Ridgway reported at the regular Board of Selectmen meeting on Tuesday, July 19, that the board will retain responsibility for the eventual bid process and construction.

Volunteers are welcome, Ridgway said, particularly if they offer expertise in construction, architecture and engineering, and the committee should have a layperson.

Selectwoman Priscilla Pavel agreed to continue her service on the committee.

An early step will involve the choice of a project engineer, Ridgway said, commending the work of Stephen McDonnell of WMC Engineers in Newington who assisted the study committee throughout its six years of research and planning. Now that the project has been approved, Ridgway said, the U.S. Department of Agriculture grant application prepared by WMC will proceed through the review process.

New plow truck

By unanimous vote the selectmen accepted a bid from Western Star of $127,000 for a new plow truck to replace the town’s 21-year-old truck. The bid amount covers the cab and chassis. Installation of hydraulics to operate the plow assembly will cost an additional $100,775, as reported by town road foreman Jim Vanicky. The new truck will be delivered in early November or earlier, in time for winter weather, Vanicky said.

Summer paving reduced

Due to current high cost of asphalt materials, the selectmen agreed to limit summer paving to two projects, including the Town Hall parking lot to be paved for $55,000 and Jewel Street for $197,000, the latter likely to be done in September. The selectmen will then leave the remainder of the paving funds in the budget, looking ahead to accomplishing more projects, perhaps in the spring of 2023.

Intrusive parking

Responding to residents’ concerns about visitors to West Cornwall parking along River Road in the village, dangerously close to the intersection adjacent to covered bridge, selectwoman Janet Carlson called for the selectmen to find a solution, suggesting signage as a good start. Affected areas, she said, were in the vicinity of frank.food and Railroad Square. Some residents termed the intrusions as trespassing.

Pavel agreed that a large part of the problem is that it is not clear where cars may park. All agreed that it is best that cars park away from the corner. Ridgway said that he will speak with business owners in the area to consider a solution.