Citing a need to update information about Chestertown’s infrastructure, Town Utilities Manager Bob Sipes asked the Town Council at Monday’s meeting to consider a high-tech mapping of the municipality’s entire water system.
Sipes said that while most information about water and sewer pipes have been recorded since his hiring as utilities manager, only piecemeal information about previous line placement exists, and some only by memory. He noted that no accurate records of the pipe systems exist for the town’s historic district.
“To find a pipe we have to use a brass rod, he said, pointing out that a new mapped GIS (global information system) would finally offer an accurate schematic to benefit future utility projects and maintenance.
Sipes and other utility employees are also approaching retirement, another reason to fully document and be able to accurately update pipe system locations. He said the historic district lacks any system location documentation.
His proposed mapping system would require three phases: mapping current surface features like hydrants and valves; mapping all the main lines; and updating GIS equipment and software along with training. Printable versions would be available
If approved, the cost, estimated between $50,000 and $150,00 would come out of the town’s capital funds.
Sipes has already sent out a Request for Proposals to offer a close estimate of costs to complete the mapping project. The job would be bid out to a company proficient in GIS mapping.
“I’d be the last person to suggest we hurt ourselves (using capital funds or bank lines of credit), but the long term it’s very responsible, is fiscally sound and end up saving a lot of time ours, for engineers, and developers who are coming through Chestertown,” he added.
Mayor Cerino supported the idea. “I agree, it’s a good project. I think we need more information and summary when we next discuss this,” he said.
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