Town, School To Split Cost To Drain Pocasset Puddle

The town and school department agreed to split the estimated $14,250 price tag to fix the drainage problem at Pocasset Elementary School.

After residents complained of a 100-foot wide, 18-inch deep puddle at the school at the March 25 Town Council meeting, the Tiverton council voted on Monday to 50 percent fund the project.

Prior to draining the puddle that sits in southeast corner of the parking lot and driveway, Department of Public Works Director Stephen Berlucchi said the town would need to ensure the ground underneath the puddle is not rock ledge.

"It's not brain surgery, it's a puddle," said Berlucchi. "There are a few ways of getting rid of it, but we have to really know what's under the ground before we can go forward with it."

The problem began in 2009 after renovations were made to the school. Town Administrator James Goncalo said the contractor never designed a mechanism to properly divert the water. 

The council unanimously voted to waive the bidding procedure for the project. The town agreed to pay $7,125 - and so did the school department.