WURTSBORO — The Westbrookville Fire Chief Bo Tunno had a critical request for the Town of Mamakating Tuesday night: we need more water sources.

In a presentation, Tunno explained the fire department’s planned usage of portable standpipes for drafting. This is a mobile above-ground structure used by firefighters to draw water from a static source.

He explained one of Westbrookville’s issues of having a lack of standing water sources. Because of this, most of their water comes from the  Pine Kill.

“Since 2004 the Pine Kill has been vastly changed,” stated Tunno. “A lot of the work done there to flood mitigation has made the banks higher and more unstable to try and walk to get our suction hose in and get water. It’s made it pretty tough on our members.”

Tunno detailed a multi-pronged approach to improving water access. One proposal included installing a 10,000- to 15,000-gallon holding tank at the fire station, though the cost of $60,000 to $70,000 made it impractical. 

Instead, the department is pursuing “dry hydrants” and portable standpipes that can be deployed as needed. 

“It cradles up on the bridge and it’s very easily deployable by two firefighters. So they would lower that down into the water, hook their hose from the top of the pipe to the truck, and draft out of it,” explained Tunno. “When they’re done, they bring it up out of the water.”

The project targets areas including Havens Road and David Rhodes Road, chosen for their reliable water depth, accessibility for fire trucks, and ability to serve areas with heavy fire loads. Tunno emphasized that the system’s portability minimizes damage during floods. 

“After the ’04 flood, we had some other minor flooding that ripped all the permanent pipes out,” Tunno emphasized. “That’s what we like about this project: it’s going to be there when you need it.” 

The Town Board inquired on cost, maintenance, and longevity. 

Tunno answered that each system, including engineering, mounting, and labor, would cost $6,000 per bridge. He added that the department would handle maintenance and expects the systems to last over 20 years with minimal upkeep.

Tunno also explained that while the systems could eventually contribute to lowering ISO ratings, which can reduce homeowners’ insurance premiums, it would require meeting certain criteria and likely multiple sites.

The presentation also touched on funding logistics. Tunno clarified that the fire company is a not-for-profit contracted by the town, and the funding request is not a loan but a direct town-supported project.

The Mamakating Board expressed their favor in the initiative.

“I’ve been a volunteer a long time, so I’m all in favor of helping the companies get better water sources for our community,” stated Town Supervisor Michael Robbins.

Tunno concluded by inviting board members to visit the sites for a firsthand look and noted the department’s extensive documentation on social media and their website.

“The Town’s doing really well as far as money is concerned so $12,000 isn’t a big ask,” noted Robbins.

Mamakating residents share concerns

During the public comments for the Work Session, Resident Chris Leser stressed that the piping should be stainless steel.

“Yes it’s expensive and yes it’ll ... outlast others. Stainless steel piping all the way,” stated Leser.

Another resident, Cathy Dawkins, while supporting the project, wanted to make sure all the logistics were in writing before they voted, which Robbins confirmed Town Attorney Benjamin Gailey had all “the (details) and all of the quotes and everything”.

The board approved giving $12,000 to the Westbrookville Fire Department with a motion by Councilman John Rufer and second by Councilman Matt Mordas.