KINGWOOD — Denver could soon be buying its water from Kingwood once wholesale rates and engineering for the project are worked out.
Bradley C. Pigott, vice president of George E. Pigott and Associates, spoke on behalf of Denver Water Association’s 146 customers at the Tuesday evening Kingwood Water Board meeting.
Pigott said Kingwood has a hook-up within 500 feet of Denver’s water lines.
Denver currently gets its water from Tunnelton but does not have a contract with the town.
Pigott said Denver residents use between 15,000 to 25,000 gallons of water per day.
“We were approached by PSD 1 (to buy water) and I believe we should start and follow the same steps with Denver,” Water Board Member Michael Loughry said.
Board members unanimously voted to provide water to Denver inclusive of engineering and funding.
Clay Riley, vice president of business development for engineering firm The Thrasher Group, said his company is interested in completing phase two of a different water project that began 11 years ago.
Riley said the engineering firm completed phase one of the project eight or nine years ago.
He said there was some misinformation between the company and the city.
“We thought the project had been put on hold,” he said. “It’s a fundable project and we would like to come back to your next meeting and discuss obtaining funding.”
“We’ve only heard from Thrasher twice since phase one was completed in 2008,” board Chairman Robert DeRiggi said.
Board member Bill Robertson asked Riley if Thrasher would be willing to honor the rates they offered 10 years ago. Riley said his intent was to honor the rates for that contract.
“I believe we have to have legal counsel to look into this and make sure the contract is still valid,” Robertson said.
Board members unanimously voted to get legal advice before proceeding.
In other business, DeRiggi said the board is looking for a full time water operator. He said hiring another employee would cut down on overtime.
A discussion about purchasing a V6, F150 short-bed truck was tabled until more information about prices for new and used vehicles could be provided.
Robertson suggested board members consider investing through the state. He said a capital fund on the average would give 1.72% interest.
“It’s a money in, money out and pays as much as CDs,” he said.
Robertson said the city is considering investing in the state capital fund program, after hearing a presentation last week.
No action was taken.
The next meeting of the Kingwood Water Board will be 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Craig Civic Center.
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