Central Avenue water main replacement before Council Wednesday

posted on 1/12/2026

The City Council will consider awarding a $7,375,450 bid for the upgrade of a critical water main along Central Avenue at its first regular meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 14.

The new water main would replace the current 1888-vintage main from the Garrison Hill storage tank to Central Avenue via Abbey Sawyer Memorial Drive, and then continue south on Central Avenue to Broadway. The project cost would be offset by $4.3 million in grants. The Council will also consider an accompanying resolution to authorize construction oversight for $434,900.

Also on the agenda is a resolution that would authorize up to $60,000 to match donations for the 9/11 Memorial planned for the Cochecho Courtyards downtown. This topic was discussed at the City Council’s Jan. 7 workshop.

The Council will also consider:

• Awarding a bid to repair and refurbish the city’s athletic courts for $586,800;
• Accepting and expending a preservation grant for the Lowell Avenue historic Waterworks building, and an exotic aquatic plant control grant;
• Approving a license agreement for Airey Row on Central LLC to use parking spaces in the municipal garage;
• Authorizing the purchase of computer equipment through a state contract; and
• Authorizing the disposal of surplus property in exchange for EMS training.

Find the complete agenda online.

Before the regular meeting, the City Council will hold a special meeting to adopt its Council Rules for the 2026-2027 term.

The special meeting begins at 6 p.m., with the regular meeting starting at 7 p.m. Both will be televised on DoverTV and online.