Visu-Sewer has been in the city of Wilton recently lining old concrete sewer lines along Fourth Street. Complications arose last week while working in front of City Hall. During the Dec. 10 Wilton city council meeting, city administrator Chris Ball explained that a piece of equipment got stuck and when crews pulled it out, the sewer collapsed.
Wilton City Hall and the Junction Grill and Bar were both affected by the collapse, with each experiencing backup in their basements. Visu-Sewer facilitated the clean-up effort. “I’ve been really impressed with the cooperation we’ve gotten with Visu-Sewer on this,” said Ball. Junction owner Steve Meyer agreed saying, “They were great; I was impressed.”
Triple B was called in to excavate and the area was fixed. While checking the sewer with cameras it was found that there are areas of sewer that are sagging, collapsing or deteriorated. The lining that Visu-Sewer has been performing should help alleviate these problems in other areas, but the sewer running along Fourth Street between Maurer and Chestnut streets is beyond repair.
“It’s not a question of if it’s going to collapse, it’s when,” explained Ball. He suggested the city have Triple B excavate the area and the city replace the sewer. Crews would begin work immediately if council approved to move forward with the replacement. He anticipated work to take over a week to complete.
The project will involve digging a six-foot wide trench with all concrete in the middle of the road being torn out. Ball said to fix the trench after the sewer is replaced the city would have two options. The first would be to fill the trench with rock and sand and repave it right away. The second would be cheaper and would involve crews filling the trench with dirt, but then paving wouldn’t be possible until spring.
“I think you’ve got to concrete it back right away,” said Ball, who explained snow removal on dirt on the main road downtown could lead to problems.
Ball estimated the cost of the project to be between $100,000 and $125,000 depending on the final cost of concrete with funding coming from the sewer budget.
The project will begin by Jeff’s Market and move east toward the post office. The sewer will remain operational while under construction. Council approved to move forward with the replacement.
“This is one of the reasons we’re lining the sewers,” said Ball, who added that around 40 percent of the city sewers had lining completed with the rest anticipated over the next 10 years.
City officials talk holiday protesters
Protesters have been popping up at city and business events over the past year. They could be seen in downtown Wilton during Founders Day, outside of Fro’s Pub during its final bike night and most recently, at the Wilton window walk. Council member Wayne Budding simply asked when it comes to the protesters, “What do you do?”
Ball said it was a tricky situation explaining they could be cited for disturbing the peace, but then the city will likely find itself in a costly court battle.
“They’ll fight you in court and that’s what they want,” said Ball. He has been talking with the chief of police and other city administrators who have dealt with protesters. “They want to be in the newspaper, they want the publicity,” he said.
The First Amendment gives rights for citizens to practice free speech, including the right of the people to peaceably assemble. It states, “Government may not discriminate between different kinds of messages in affording access.”
Wilton development
Wilton Economic Development Director Becky Allgood said she is working on locating historic country schools, churches and cemeteries in the county. She said once they are identified, signage can be made and tours can be offered of the historic locations. She is also working on identifying historic homes in Wilton and will help residents get theirs listed as such. She said the work has been historic and fun. “We learn about ourselves.”
On Dec. 19 the Wilton Development Corporation will hold its annual membership lunch at noon at the Wilton Masonic Temple. Reservations can be made to Allgood at wiltondev@netwtc.net by 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18. The meeting will include presentations on the downtown revitalization, skilled workforce initiative and housing survey results.
Mayoral items
Wilton mayor Bob Barrett had questions regarding balances in two city accounts. City Clerk Lori Brown said they should be transfers made per the auditors for payments being made for the downtown revitalization project but would research further and send him the transfers.
Barrett also suggested forgoing a regular council meeting for Dec. 24 due to the holiday and opting for a call-in meeting to approve bills on Dec. 21. Council unanimously agreed.
Miscellany
In other action, council:
* Approved pay application No. 6 to WHR Inc. for $553,910.07 for work on the wastewater system plant.
* Approved the renewal of the liquor license for Fro’s Pub.
* Approved a $15,000 allocation to the Wilton Swimming Pool.
* Approved resolution 12102018 authorizing payment for TIF loan agreement in the amount of $11,336 for Cypress Street LLC.
* It was noted the Christmas play, which was held the weekend of the Wilton Window Walk, was a success with almost 300 people attending during the three days. The play raised $1,000 that was donated to the Ministerial Association.
Council members Sheryl Lenker, Steve Owens, Budding, Keith Stanley and Ted Marolf were present. All action taken was unanimous. The next meeting is Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. in the council chambers.