Trustee Paul Wandel offered a news-filled report at the latest Fredonia Board of Trustees meeting, topped by talk about water.

Wandel said that on May 13, he and water treatment plant supervisor Luis Fred visited the plant and reservoir “to investigate any concerns. Luis and I did a walk-through in the plant and toured the reservoir, including the access road. The access road is compromised with fallen trees and winds that have wiped out sections of the overhead powerlines. Luis has quotes from BECC electric to remove overhead lines and replace them with below ground lines. Power interruption is an ongoing problem here. The village needs to follow through with this plan (to replace the lines) and consider expenses in the new 2027 budget.

“An emphasis was placed on new chlorinator project work. Overall, the new chlorinator system is functional, and six points: 1. Luis had some concerns on the construction work and engineering design. I contacted to initiate discussion and resolve the issues. 2. Overall, I was impressed to see a new and reliable chlorinator system, which should have been installed many years ago. 3. We are now using a state of the art system that has thus far delivered steady liquid chlorination. 4. Chlorination breakdown is the primary source and reason for Fredonia water boil advisories. 5. The project is a success and a testament to how we can achieve real time solutions for our water reliability issues instead of simply applying Band-Aids as in the past. 6. Suggested improvements to our process automation system are still ongoing.”

Wandel also mentioned a “Friday, May 22, joint water meeting with North County Water District, the town of Pomfret, (Chautauqua County) legislator (Bob) Scudder, Chautauqua County Department of Health, LaBella Engineering, and trustee Paul Wandel at the SUNY Fredonia incubator conference center (on Central Avenue in Dunkirk). Spring 2028, expected start of construction. Review of the proposed NCWD contract, village to complete. On that note, I’m meeting with the mayor this week, I believe it’s Thursday, on that.”

Wandel attended another meeting about the village water project six days later, calling it a “teams meeting” with LaBella. His five points on that were: “1. Many topics were discussed, starting with water source project funding. 2. LaBella is currently underway with data collection work in the village. 3. Blending water study will initiate June 8, compatibility of water systems is the next step. Just an update on that, the blending study is complete and the analysis of that is outstanding right now to be completed. 4. Former DPW supervisor Scott Marsh has agreed to be a consultant to work with LaBella Engineers. 5. Pressure reducing vaults are to be installed in seven potential locations that will be identified and easements will be applied for. This is a critical step, and is very often a time consuming step, too, to get permits to do work for our water improvement project.”

Then there was a “June 17 water committee joint meeting with NCWD, Chautauqua County Department of Health, Mayor Michael Ferguson and myself. Updates were provided from the village and the NCWD. Discussion items included, five items here: 1. Potential site location of pressure reducing vaults, and chlorine booster station at the new hospital location. Mayor to pursue formal authorization from Kaleida Health.”

“We have a verbal on that, working on paperwork,” Ferguson commented.

Wandel continued, “2. Joint water tower location was discussed. A potential location is being explored. This is a 1.5 million gallon tank to be shared between the town (of Pomffet) and the village. 3. NCWD contract to be reviewed by the village. A meeting is being scheduled on the village side, followed by a meeting with the NCWD representative. 4. LaBella reports field work and soil sampling is progressing and going well. Water blending study sampling is completed, analysis of the samples is in process. 5. A public information session on Thursday, July 9. We look forward to meeting village redirects and business owners to inform, update and answer any questions about the project. LaBella will be well represented, as will be the Chautauqua County Department of Health, NCWD, and village representatives.”

Ferguson noted the forum will be at the new Pomfret Town Hall on Chestnut Road from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Wandel went on, “Wednesday, June 17, LaBella meeting at village water treatment plant. Present at the plant were supervisor Luis Fred, Matt Higgins from LaBella, and myself. Objective was to review any outstanding issues and concerns from the chlorinator upgrade project.

“Five points: 1. After the site survey and technical discussions, LaBella is working to resolve the remaining issues. 2. A resolution to authorize payment of the final code inspection will be made at today’s meeting. 3. Labella will submit finalized, as-billed drawings to the village by hopefully late July… 4. This onsite visit was extremely beneficial for closing out the project. 5. Thus far, since its installation, and I’m happy to say, the new chlorinator system has performed very, very well.”

Wandel also mentioned a June 18 meeting with Department of Public Works supervisor Doug Bunge where stormwater drainage work and water main leaks were mentioned. He said a 10-inch line in Main Street, near the site of a huge break in January, is leaking. In addition, a main on Chestnut and Risley streets is also slowly leaking and “several isolation valves are either non-operational, or leak when operated.”

“These issues underscore the need for a major water main replacement project,” Wandel said.

He concluded by stating that Bunge, like Marsh, will also be brought back as a consultant. Bunge retired just days after his meeting with Wandel.