Chris Pelletier, Nederland Public Works Manager. This time of year tends to be interrupted with holidays and employees have taken time off for a variety of reasons this month so essential operations take precedent during times when the Department has fewer staff. Streets Staff is focusing on vehicle and equipment maintenance, data collection, and other preparations for future projects.

The Public Works staff is considering options for reconstruction of Big Springs Drive and School Road. These roads were paved in the late 80’s and early 90’s and have degraded and are nearing the end of their useful life. In 2017, a Roads Assessment was performed by on call engineers JVA Inc and determined that Big Springs Drive would cost an estimated $900,000 to reconstruct and School Road would cost approximately $500,000. By acquiring quotes, the department will have a better understanding if these figures are accurate and how to approach funding these needed upgrades. One of the options being considered is looking for grant opportunities that will fund a portion of the project and then supplementing the remaining amount with a loan that could be paid back over time using Streets Tax Funds. Another consideration is a special tax district. Staff will bring this back as an informational item in the future when more information is collected.

Staff has received the first draft of the Master Infrastructure Plan (MIP) update and is reviewing the changes that are being made. The update is necessary to support an evaluation of utility rates based on the costs to upgrade treatment facilities and make needed infrastructure repairs. A rate study was needed to assess utility rates and ensure that rates align with future utility needs and avoid drastic changes in rates caused by the costs of upgrades. The MIP serves as a guiding planning document to inform the rate study of what Nederland’s future needs are based on future growth, regulatory demands, and system deterioration and upgrades. Understanding these factors helps to quantify costs and budget appropriately for the future. The focus of this update is on the utilities section of the MIP, however it was quickly realized that a streets and stormwater update is needed as well since a lot has changed since the MIP was created in 2013. We will recommend an update to the streets portion of the MIP in 2022.

Staff is working with the Town of Nederland’s on call engineers on a design for grit removal at the Wastewater Treatment Facility. We are scheduling trips to other facilities that have similar equipment to understand operations and ensure that the design and equipment that Nederland chooses is as efficient as possible. It is critical to work with engineers to ensure what is designed realistically aligns with operations. Staff plays an important role in making sure that the final product meets the needs of the Public Works Department. A grant was submitted to the Water Quality Control Division (WQCD) to help fund the facility upgrade. Staff anticipates finding out what projects will be awarded in February and will update the BOT of the results of the Town’s submission. 

The Town was awarded the Safer Main Streets Initiative Grant this month. The grant opportunity that was presented to the BOT in August of 2020. The proposed project was to update the existing earthen crusher fine pathway on Hwy 72 in front of the Library with solid pavers as was originally intended. Additionally, the project proposes to update two major crosswalks with signalized crossings. The two crosswalks identified for upgrades is the crosswalk at the Nederland Community Library and the crosswalk at the Visitor’s Center. Also included in the grant is traffic calming to help reduce speeds on the northbound section of Hwy 72 leaving town. We anticipate that this project will coincide nicely with the TIP project and will add to the improvements being made to the northern part of downtown to be more pedestrian friendly. CDOT awarded the grant for the proposed project valued at $350,000. CDOT’s portion will be $280,000 and the Town is expected to match the other 20% or $70,000. The NDDA has agreed to fund the match. Town Staff has met with the Town’s engineers to create a project scope and timeline for the project. As with the TIP project, Staff will present design versions to the BOT and Advisory Boards for input as the project unfolds.

To read all the reports from staff and elected officials presented at Board of Trustees meetings, go to this link https://nederlandco.civicweb.net/portal/

(Originally published in the January 14, 2021, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)