Fredonia water issues splash Pomfret
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Water issues around here are like a pool in an earthquake -- a volatile whirlpool that splashes everything nearby. The Town of Pomfret Board recently assessed splashback from the Village of Fredonia's decision to halt engineering work on its water project.
The board also brought up a wave that Pomfret is set to unleash on Fredonia: The town is switching customers near the Routes 20 and 60 roundabout to North County Water District service, away from the village's water system.
Pomfret is taking customers away from Fredonia while simultaneously playing a central role in the village's effort to eventually connect with the North County Water District. Pomfret's water service is currently split between the village and the water district.
Pomfret Town Supervisor and NCWD Board Chairman Dan Pacos brought up Fredonia's move to suspend work with water project engineers LaBella. He said the town is still awaiting an agreement with the village on formally upsizing a planned new water tank. Pomfret plans the tank anyway, but Pacos has long advocated upsizing it to accommodate Fredonia as part of village service with the NCWD.
Pacos said that Pomfret's own engineers, CPL, are "getting a little antsy" that no agreement is yet in place.
He also declared that Fredonia should have to pay design fees associated with the upsizing of the tank.
Pacos added that Fredonia Mayor Michael Ferguson has indicated to him that the village connection project with the NCWD is still ongoing. Pacos said there are still monthly meetings planned with village, CPL, and Chautauqua County representatives.
However, he acknowledged, "LaBella probably won't be at the next meeting."
The issue of the service switchover near Routes 20 and 60 came up because Pacos wondered when customers should be formally notified.
"They're not testing out there yet," Pacos said. "But I want to give the customers advance notice."
The notice letter isn't going out until Pacos can get an estimated date for the switchover.
He said the customers covered under the changeover are on Route 20 east of the roundabout to the town of Sheridan line, and on Route 60 south of the roundabout to Straight Road.