The Watkins Glen Village Board approved infrastructure payments, revised purchasing policies, addressed fire-related code enforcement, and moved forward on several operational matters during its meeting last week.
Water project payments approved amid quality concerns
Trustees approved Change Order No. 13 for the Phase 1 Water System Improvements project, reducing the contract by $36,957.75 after removing unused tool and SCADA allowances. The board also took up Payment Application No. 21 totaling $192,001.40.
Discussion centered on concerns about interior tank coating and paint issues at a facility that is not yet fully operational. Board members debated whether to withhold a portion of the payment to ensure deficiencies are corrected. Engineering representatives cautioned that excessive holdbacks could create contractual risk or complicate state funding requirements if the contractor were to walk away.
The board ultimately approved the payment while indicating that a valuation of any appropriate holdback would be determined after further review. Trustees also discussed formally notifying the contractor about previously identified pipe flange concerns noted during a Department of Health inspection to preserve warranty protections.
Procurement policy revised, engineering retainer approved
The board approved a 2026–2027 engineering retainer agreement with Larson Design Group for as-needed services. While trustees authorized the agreement, at least one member questioned language referencing an approximate 5% annual escalation factor.
Trustees also approved revisions to the village’s procurement request form and policy. The changes increase the documentation threshold from $1,000 to $1,500 and eliminate verbal quotes in favor of written documentation. Officials said the expanded six-page form strengthens internal controls and improves audit defensibility, particularly for sole-source purchases. One trustee opposed the higher threshold but supported the tighter documentation standards.
Fire recovery, water issues, and lead line inventory
During department reports, officials addressed code enforcement actions tied to a recent structure fire. Village representatives explained that issuing violations and setting compliance timelines is required under state law to establish due process, even in difficult circumstances. A related court date is expected later this month.
Trustees also discussed standing water near 10th and Perry streets, where conditions raised concerns that it may be more than snowmelt. Staff indicated the issue would be investigated.
The board reviewed progress on the village’s state-mandated Lead Service Line inventory, noting that 177 property owners have not yet responded to outreach efforts.
Wastewater repair, housing authority change, and tax collection
The board authorized a $3,122.82 repair to the wastewater treatment plant’s sludge press, despite questions about a $1,000 travel charge included in the quote. Trustees said timing considerations related to the Joint Pollution Control Board influenced the decision to move forward.
In other action, trustees approved a resolution allowing Housing Authority members to reside outside village limits in an effort to broaden the pool of potential volunteers. The board also authorized advertising properties with unpaid taxes for tax certificate sale, approved electric department employees to attend upcoming training workshops, and signed off on two Fire Hall use applications, including the Fire Company’s annual Casino Night fundraiser.
The meeting concluded with approval of the Jan. 30 general audit and brief discussion of emergency planning requirements and an upcoming presentation related to a potential electric department pilot program.
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