The meeting began with a discussion on the “serious issue of the reoccurring vandalism,” as highlighted by Water Superintendent David Vigeant. Vigeant outlined multiple incidents, emphasizing that the vandalism had escalated into a significant problem, including break-ins at the well building, which jeopardized the safety of chemical feed pumps and posed risks to public health. He also noted minor issues such as littering of animal waste and unauthorized off-road vehicle access, which were less critical than the vandalism.

Addressing these concerns, the board explored various security measures, with a particular focus on installing new fencing. The proposed fencing would close off pathways between swamp areas, preventing unauthorized access. During the review of quotes, the lowest bid came from On the Fence LLC at $20,000, followed by B&B Fence at $23,350, and the highest bid from Gate City Fence at $29,595. Members expressed frustration over not having received complete bid documents, which limited their ability to make informed decisions. Despite these challenges, the board reached a consensus to proceed with a six-foot high galvanized chain link fence without barbed wire, due to liability concerns.

The board also discussed the necessity of gates for maintenance access and proposed reusing existing gates to manage costs effectively. Signage indicating “no trespassing” was agreed upon, with an initial order of ten signs planned to be erected at well sites. The importance of proper signage was emphasized for legal enforcement against trespassers.

To further enhance security, the installation of new doors at the facility was discussed. The old doors were described as “dented” and “warped,” failing to secure the premises adequately, while the new doors were characterized as “state-of-the-art.” The topic of surveillance cameras arose, with discussions about the costs and types of camera systems that would be integrated with existing security systems. A less expensive alternative to the camera system was proposed, suggesting a sensor-based security system that would trigger notifications if doors or access points were opened, providing a quicker response to potential breaches.

The idea of using natural barriers to block access points was also proposed, with suggestions to utilize logs and rocks to obstruct paths used by ATVs and other vehicles. This approach was seen as a cost-effective measure that would complement the installation of the fence. The conversation recognized the need to balance security with the protection of natural resources, especially considering that some areas near the facility are wetlands. Coordination with conservation efforts was deemed necessary to ensure that any preventive measures would not harm the local ecology.

Participants voiced various opinions on how to proceed with the implementation of security measures. There was a strong consensus on the necessity of moving forward with the fence installation, which was voted on and unanimously approved at a cost of $220,000. The timeline for the fence installation was confirmed to start no later than August 19th, pending the confirmation of the quote. The importance of keeping the public informed about the security measures and ongoing projects was emphasized, with a call for transparency in communication regarding the facility’s water security.

Before concluding the meeting, there were further discussions about the procurement process for future security enhancements, with a reminder of the necessity to consult with the town’s procurement officer to ensure compliance with regulations. The meeting wrapped up with the acknowledgment of the need for ongoing discussions about security measures, and a motion to adjourn was made and accepted, ending the session at 7:42 PM.