The Public Works Committee on Thursday approved multiple FY26 capital improvement program (CIP) requests covering corrective drainage, stormwater permit compliance, guardrail upgrades, intersection and street reconstructions, water and sewer projects, equipment replacements and facility repairs.

Committee members advanced the bulk of the packet by voice vote after staff presentations and brief discussion. Projects described as “rolling” or contingency funds — including corrective drainage ($150,000 per year), guardrail improvements, EPA stormwater permit compliance, and ongoing wastewater and water distribution rolling programs — were recommended as priorities and moved forward by the committee.

The committee heard staff descriptions of several large, multicomponent projects. Portland Street Reconstruction was described as a transportation, sewer and water project with an estimated shortfall of about $500,000 on a roughly $2,000,000 preliminary cost for sidewalks and streetscape; staff said construction is targeted for 2026 and that utilities work should precede streetscape construction. The Round Pond Reservoir augmentation received a second-construction installment; staff said the project is currently estimated at about $8 million and that shoreline control and permitting are under way. The committee also approved requests to continue investigations or design for the Estes/Walnut intersection, Flat Rock Bridge Road intersection, Summer Street drainage and several neighborhood water and sewer priorities, including Rochester Hill, Yvonne Thomas and Charles Street/Old Dover Road intersection components.

Staff described multiple small and mid-size ongoing programs for which the committee approved annual increments: corrective drainage ($150,000), water distribution upgrades ($150,000), sewer collections (typically $100,000–$150,000 depending on year), and pump-station PLC and replacement rolling programs. A multi-year lagoon solids-removal contract is continuing after mobilization late in FY25; staff said dewatering is underway and the work is expected to continue through FY26.

Vehicles and equipment also advanced. The committee approved replacement of selected highway and utility vehicles (including frontline 1-ton trucks, a pavement hotbox, and a rescue truck) and shared equipment such as a compressor allocated across divisions. Minor facility projects approved included Community Center sidewalk repairs and select roof replacements and HVAC upgrades at treatment facilities.

Votes at a glance: the committee recorded voice votes on each item, with presenters repeatedly calling for "All those in favor say aye." No roll-call tallies were taken during the session. Where contingencies or uncertainty remained, staff said they would return with clarifications or pursue supplemental appropriations if needed.

Why it matters: the packet combines regulatory-driven work (NPDES/MS4 and lead/copper rule readiness), safety-driven highway and guardrail upgrades, and multi-utility projects that require coordination across water, sewer and roadway programs. Committee approvals move these projects to the next design, permitting or construction step and authorize the contingency funds needed for planning or to avoid mid-year supplemental requests.

The committee did not finalize detailed bid packages or bond documents during the meeting; staff signaled several items will require further design, permitting or coordination with state agencies before construction.