The Gainesboro Board of Aldermen voted Thursday night to seek bids to repair multiple leaks on the Elk Mountain waterline.
The town has had significant water loss due to leaks the past two months. Alderman Tom Goetz said if the Elk Mountain leaks are known, then the town needs to make the repair as soon as possible.
“This is one we know is here; it’s 25 percent of our water leak, and we need to fix it,” Goetz said. “Do you what you have to do so we can get it fixed, so we can get it bid and get it fixed, and if not by you, then by a contractor.”
Water Supervisor Jerry Rhoten said the town loses an estimated 1.5 million gallons of water per month on that line. Board members discussed options, including repairing the current line or installing a new one. Water Department Employee Joe Lynch said either way, the terrain presents many challenges.
“We go up there digging trying to dig those rocks out, it would probably be a month, probably a two-week job,” Lynch said. “You tear the black top up, and you can tear it over all bases.”
Lynch said a new line would help. Lynch also warned that the current waterline is a finger-width away from a sewer line. Goetz said that may be a problem when the town eventually has someone walk the lines to find hidden leaks.
“I’m willing to bet you some of our other leaks are gonna be the exact same problem,” Goetz said. “They are just in a different part of the county, and we are gonna have to address them anyway. So yeah, that is good to know up front, but the contractor, whoever gets awarded the contract, tell them that and it’s theirs. If there is damage to it, it’s theirs to repair and fix.”
The board asked Consulting Engineer Nathaniel Green if the town would need a permit to perform the repair. Green said this is what he called a gray area.
“Some instances TDEC may consider that something that would have to be engineered,” Green said. “A lot of times they let cities, particularly if it’s something that affects a limited number of customers, which this is going to, then they could allow it to be done by, you know, a certified operator or whoever to sign off on it. So that’s the potential here.”
Lynch said he had been quoted that the repair could be completed for an estimated $17,000, but mentioned that the quote was given without providing any specs. In an attempt to fix the leak as soon as possible, the board ultimately approved a motion to seek sealed bids for the project, setting a maximum cost of $25,000.
In other business, the aldermen honored the family of the late John Richard Fox. Fox previously served as Mayor of Gainesboro and passed away in March.
Jackie Jenkins was appointed to the Gainesboro Planning Committee.
The aldermen approved the purchase of a replacement vehicle for the Wastewater Department. The vehicle is an estimated $15,000 truck and will be covered with insurance reimbursement.