Town Commissioners — 2025-09-17

This record summarizes a Queenstown Commissioners work session on September 17, 2025 to discuss financing for the Water Tank and Infrastructure Upgrade Project; attendees included Commissioners Hardee, Willis and Callahan, town staff and attorneys, Finance Chair Pat Bowell, and Richmond American Homes representatives Barry Waterman and Jeff Barba. The group reviewed three financing/management options: (1) Richmond American manages the Wheatlands portion (their full quote $5,310,000 vs. reimbursement of $4,031,700, which is not viable); (1B) a reduced Richmond American scope limited to the Rt. 50 water line crossing and pump/tank (estimated $1,675,500); and (2) Richmond American/WFLP deposit $4,031,700 into an independent escrow and the town manages construction with a requirement to make water/sewer allocations available for 198 lots. Town Attorney Lyndsey Ryan presented budget figures showing a total project budget of $5,820,860 and a post-contribution shortfall of $1,789,160 (reduced to $989,160 without the Wall St. tower rehab and to $821,460 after factoring DRRA-required lines). Commissioners asked Rauch engineer James Cook to identify non-capacity elements to trim or rebid separately, agreed to pursue cuts and additional grants, were advised that USDA funding requires proof of how the town will fund the gap (a PWA could be submitted), and agreed that Option 2 (town manages work via escrow) is the preferred plan to move forward. The work session adjourned at 4:32 p.m. by a 3-0 vote.