Wilton Select Board members have approved using up to $125,000 to install an additional exterior water line at the Wilton Public and Gregg Free Library using ARPA funds.
On Monday, Aug. 15, board members met with library trustees, Fire Chief Don Nourse and Water Commission Chairman Tom Schultz to discuss plans to install an additional exterior water line at the town library and a sprinkler system in the basement. The proposed plan states the town will be responsible for allocating up to $125,000 for the water line installation and “other funds as necessary.”
According to Schultz, the library requires a bigger service line to install a sprinkler system in the basement, which is operating under limited capacity due to fire safety code. Nourse said the investment needs to be made to meet fire safety code to operate at full capacity.
“At the end of the day, the basement needs a sprinkler,” said Nourse.
Board members expressed interest in the plan in order to protect the town’s historical infrastructure and prevent future catastrophes.
“We don’t want the most beautiful town building to burn down,” said Chair Kermit Williams.
Library trustees pledged to be responsible for covering the estimated $16,000 engineering costs provided by Meridian Land Services on top of the installation costs needed for a new sprinkler system.
The town will be responsible for allocating up to $125,000 from ARPA funds to finance the water line project. However, board members voted to eliminate the clause stating the town would be responsible for “other funds as necessary” based on liability and cost concerns.
The next step is for Meridian Land Services to review state and town regulations and prepare a base plan for the new installations.