The Village of Bloomfield is exploring outside funding to replace an aging East Main Street water main after three breaks occurred within a two-week period in August.
Preliminary estimates put the cost of replacing the main at more than $2 million, according to the village’s October newsletter. The village described the line as one of the oldest remaining water mains in the system.
Mayor John Turner said he is discussing possible financial assistance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle and state Sen. Pam Helming as the village considers how to move the project forward.
Turner said the village’s goal is to provide residents with reliable access to clean water and acknowledged that East Main Street residents dealt with repeated water problems during August.
“We will move forward as quickly as possible to navigate this extensive and complicated path,” Turner wrote.
The newsletter does not identify a funding source that has been secured or provide a construction timetable. The more than $2 million figure is preliminary, meaning the project’s final cost could change as planning progresses.
Hydrant flushing continues into October
The village is also continuing its seasonal fire hydrant flushing program, which began in September.
Residents may temporarily encounter brown or cloudy water during flushing. The village recommends running a faucet for a minute or two if discoloration occurs.
Village reminds residents about taxes, fall cleanup
Bloomfield residents with unpaid village taxes have until Nov. 3 before those balances are transferred to Ontario County for collection on January county tax bills.
Payments can be made by mail, online by credit card with a 2.65% processing fee or in person at the Village Office at 46 Main St. Beginning Oct. 15, the village will accept only cash, certified checks or credit cards for those payments.
The village’s scheduled brush pickup will take place the week of Oct. 12. Branches should be placed parallel to the road at the curb and should not be left in streets or gutters. The village does not collect leaves.
Officials are also asking residents not to sweep or blow leaves into streets because yard debris can block storm drains and contribute to flooding and other hazards.
Halloween hours set for Oct. 31
The Village Board of Trustees has established trick-or-treating hours from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
The village is asking families to visit homes with porch lights on. The Bloomfield Fire House and library will also offer treats and refreshments during the evening.
Other upcoming events include an East Bloomfield Methodist Church trunk-or-treat from 10:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 24 and a Fire Department Halloween party from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31.
Looking further ahead, Bloomfield’s annual Christmas tree lighting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at the Four Corners. The Lions Club, Rotary and Fire Department are organizing the event, which will include a hayride to Pickle Park followed by hot cocoa, cookies and a visit with Santa Claus at the firehouse.
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