CASSADAGA - Finally, the Putnam Road water line replacement project is moving forward at a steady clip.

At Wednesday's meeting, Cassadaga Village Board members learned the project, which has been in the planning stage for close to a year, could break ground within a matter of weeks.

Engineer Bob Armstrong told the board that L.W. Parker of Dewittville, the contractor awarded the project's work for a bid of $138,116, has returned the signed paperwork required by finance agency Rural Development.

The next task is to hire a resident project representative or clerk of the works to oversee the construction.

Trustees Rudy Abersold and Jeff Frick have agreed to conduct interviews of the three candidates who have expressed an interest in the position.

The board also agreed to advertise the position.

In an associated action, the board officially accepted the resignation of Len Ensalaco, who had been appointed to the clerk of the works position.

Trustee Rodney Waite abstained.

Armstrong also said bids for the drilling of a productive water well on the village-owned property behind Cassadaga Elementary School could be sought by the first week of October.

"We are on track for this project as well," he said.

The balance of the phase I portion of the project, including the water main lines from the water well along Maple Avenue and up High Street to a new water storage tank, will be undertaken in 2010, Armstrong said.

The board agreed to hold a workshop meeting on Sept. 30 to discuss the water rate increases needed to meet the payment on the $3 million bond obtained to finance the phase 1 project.

Cara Seekings, a member of the Lily Dale Assembly Board of Directors, said the water supply contract between Lily Dale and Cassadaga expired Sept. 1 and the Assembly is looking for a new contract.

Mayor LeeAnn Lazarony said once the new rates are established, the contract will be negotiated.

"We will continue our commitment to be fair to Lily Dale," the mayor said.

Trustee Michael Lehnen thanked the Cassadaga Volunteer Fire Department members for the help they provided Forestville at the site of a collapsed building.

"They spent a number of hours there," he said.