Fredonia Trustee Michelle Twichell

A couple of Fredonia’s new trustees have expressed interest in joining the North County Water District.

Nicole Siracuse and Michelle Twichell turned up at a meeting of the county water district’s council earlier this month. They were joined by Fredonia’s newest representative on the Chautauqua County Legislature, Susan Parker.

Their interest is in Fredonia joining up as a water supplier, not necessarily as a user. Twichell said State Sen. George Borrello supported the concept earlier this month during a conference call.

However, as soon as it was brought up, Pomfret Town Supervisor Dan Pacos noted the city of Dunkirk has a 40-year agreement with the North County Water District to be its sole water supplier.

“I didn’t understand that. How do we talk about that?” asked Twichell.

“Like any contract, it can be discussed,” said John Walker, Sheridan’s town supervisor. However, he noted, the city has done the work required to be the district supplier.

“You would have limited backup supply” if Fredonia joined as a supplier, he said, wondering how much water the village would need if it has another issue with its system.

Twichell and Siracuse said the village is considering that now, and looking at all of its options.

Terry Niebel, Sheridan representative on the County Legislature, asked about Fredonia being a consumer of district water. “A supplier is problematic because of our long-term agreement but as a consumer of water, that’s a different situation,” he said.

However, Dunkirk does not have the capacity to supply both the water district and Fredonia. The village would need a supplemental water supply to make it work.

Board members mentioned that Fredonia’s refusal to work with the district when it was initially created didn’t sit well, and still doesn’t.

“We’re all new at this,” Twichell said, apparently referring to herself and the three other Fredonia Trustees who took office in January. “We have to do our homework.”