by Rachel Hunter

The Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees at its Feb. 17 meeting received a detailed update from Department of Public Works Superintendent T.J. Simmons, who outlined January’s workload and emphasized the importance of residents letting their water run at a small trickle during the deep‑freeze period to prevent frozen laterals.

Mayor Ron McDougall opened the discussion by noting that the village experienced three water breaks in two days—on Clinton, Trinity, and West Barney streets—attributed to a frost line measured at four to four‑and‑a‑half feet deep. He reminded residents and businesses that during extreme cold, “it’s always a good idea… to just keep it on a little trickle.”

DPW Supt. Simmons reported two official water breaks in January, separate from the three early‑February breaks referenced by the mayor. Hailesboro St.: Crews located the hydrant valve, shut off the water, and stopped the leak. The hydrant likely froze due to deep frost and cracked. It has been marked out of service and will be replaced when weather allows. Wilson and Johnstown St.: This break occurred within the active sewer‑project zone. Excavation beneath the line allowed frost to push the pipe downward, snapping it. DPW assisted by cleaning valves, saw‑cutting the road, providing a vac truck, and supplying a repair band.

DPW Supt. Simmons also reported that a six‑inch sewer main on Murdoch Street became plugged with baby wipes and paper towels, requiring excavation. With no manholes on that stretch, crews installed a six‑inch clean‑out to clear the blockage. If the issue recurs, a manhole will be installed in the spring for better long‑term access.

DPW crews dug out and cold‑patched water‑break areas on Williams Street, West Barney Street, and the new water/sewer crossing for the Gouverneur Wrestling Club on Rock Island Street. Permanent hot‑patching will occur once asphalt plants reopen in spring.

The department also spent several days clearing snow from around village hydrants to ensure fire‑department access. DPW Supt. Simmons extended a word of appreciation to residents who took the initiative to clear hydrants near their homes, noting it significantly sped up DPW’s work.

Supt. Simmons also reported that DPW crews completed quarterly water‑meter readings and spent much of January plowing and hauling snow, which dominated the department’s workload.

During his report, Supt. Simmons reiterated the mayor’s warning, urging residents to let their water trickle throughout February and possibly into March. The deep frost has already caused four frozen laterals this season, and a small, steady flow can prevent costly freeze‑ups.

Much gratitude was extended to DPW Supt. Simmons for his report.

The next regular monthly meeting of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 6 p.m., in the municipal courtroom. For more information, call the Village Office at 315-287-1720.