Cadott Village Board; Contract approved ahead of application submission

At a Cadott Village Board meeting, May 3, Len Schreiber, Cedar Corp., displayed a map marking locations eligible for pipe replacements, through a safe water drinking program grant. Schreiber says eligible services are spread somewhat sporadically throughout the community. Photo by Julia Wolf

By Julia Wolf

A safe drinking water project is one step closer to fruition, after the Cadott Village Board approved a contract for Cedar Corp. to work on the project, during a regular meeting May 3. Board members approved the application submission for the grant at a previous meeting.

Len Schreiber, Cedar Corp, said the application was already put together.

“What we need, is we need you guys to approve us doing the work,” said Schreiber.

The grant is part of a safe drinking water loan program, and is meant to encourage the elimination of lead and galvanized pipes in the community.

“It’s a pretty good deal, actually,” said Schreiber.

The grant covers replacement of the pipes from the curb stop to the water meter. Schreiber says the grant is part of a $63 million program, available on a first-come, firstserve basis.

Schreiber also says the DNR is trying to get municipalities to enact an ordinance that would require residents to eliminate all lead and galvanized pipes, so it is a good idea for people to get rid of the pipes now, while there is a grant available.

There were 17 services guaranteed as eligible for replacement, though Schreiber says the public works department believes there are likely more than that in the community.

“So, in the application for the funding for this, we actually put in 30,” said Schreiber. “That way, if more come in, we can do that.”

He says, if the village doesn’t put in for enough and more eligible services are found later, those services would not be covered by the grant this year, and would have to wait.

“Let’s put enough in, so we have a little coverage,” said Schreiber.

Bart Chapek, board member, asked if there was a penalty if the village does not have as many services as submitted for. Schreiber says there is not a penalty.

Anson Albarado, board president, asked if the potential contractors committed to doing the work. Schreiber says he has not heard back from any of the contractors yet.

Schreiber also says the price to complete the project will vary by house. He says they are hoping the maximum cost per service is $5,000.

He says the grant is a private grant, so anything above the $5,000 is the property owner’s responsibility.

“What’s the likelihood that a replacement is going to be contained within the estimated figure, that $5,000?” asked Les Liptak, board member.

Schreiber says he is very positive about that.

Schreiber also says the project requires a plumber go inside the house, see what needs to be done at the meter, and identify if boring or open cutting the pipe is better. Schreiber noted open-cutting could lead to a higher restoration cost.

“Hopefully, we don’t have a lot of sidewalk or driveways that we have to cross,” said Schreiber. “But obviously, those are going to bring that cost up.”

The Cedar Corp. contract was for the amount not to exceed $5,000.

In other business, the board approved raising the sewer base rate, from $7.80 to $16. The increase came on the recommendation of the village auditors. Albarado also reported that the Board of Review will meet and adjourn until June 15, as the assessment roll is not completed.

(To the left) At a Cadott Village Board meeting, May 3, Len Schreiber, Cedar Corp., displayed a map marking locations eligible for pipe replacements, through a safe water drinking program grant. Schreiber says eligible services are spread somewhat sporadically throughout the community.

Following a closed session meeting earlier in the evening, Liptak reported they discussed an interpretation of one of the clauses of an employment contract. He said no definitive action was planned for the evening, but will be a topic of discussion at a future committee meeting.

The public is also asked to make sure their fire numbers are visible and not too faded to read. The numbers are important for first responders responding to emergency situations.