If you're tired of dragging that old lawn sprinkler around every few days, you may want to consider installing your own underground sprinkler system. By doing the job yourself, you can save 30 to 40 percent of the cost of a professional installation, and today's sprinkler components are easier than ever to assemble. Once your system is in place, you can program it to water your lawn on a regular schedule, and also set the startup time and watering duration.

STEP 1: Use a gauge to determine your water pressure.

To start this process, measure your water pressure at an outdoor faucet with a simple pressure gauge available at home centers (Step 1). Then, use a 5-gal. bucket to measure how much water the system delivers per minute. Send this information to the sprinkler manufacturer you have chosen, along with a scale drawing of your property.

In return, you'll receive a system layout and a materials list, including items not sold by the manufacturer. Rain Bird, the company I used for the primary sprinkler components, has a variable fee scale for its layouts that ranges from free to $50, depending on how you want the plans delivered and how soon you need them (rainbird.com). A system layout divides your lawn into zones, each controlled by a zone valve. I installed a total of eight zones and 48 sprinkler heads.

While you can install the entire system yourself and dig everything by hand, I installed the piping with a pipe-pulling machine that rented for around $180 a day.

In addition to the valves, heads and control panel from Rain Bird, I used a clever, self-tapping saddle valve called the Blazing Saddle (blazingproducts.com). This bright yellow valve snaps onto polyethylene pipe without a wrench.

In warm climates, you can run the entire system in PVC pipe. I used polyethylene pipe, a more flexible alternative, because the system has to withstand the freeze-thaw cycles that are common where I live. In any case, you must consult local plumbing codes before beginning work and you may be required to secure a building permit.

Finally, every system needs a backflow preventer to keep the sprinkler system from contaminating the potable water supply. One type is a standard, surface-level backflow preventer (about $150), which must be installed 12 in. above the highest point of the yard. I installed a reduced-pressure backflow preventer (about $350) because it's allowed below grade. I put it in the basement and will drain the system to this point each winter. The cost of an in-ground sprinkler system can vary widely. My eight-zone system ran about $1500.

Running Pipes

If you plan to dig the entire system by hand, dig the main runs first, then the branch lines. They should be at least 6 in. deep, but 8 to 10 in. will give you better fitting room.

If you've rented a pipe puller, begin by attaching the pipe to the machine's blade (Step 2). When running a main feed line, it's best to wrap the low-voltage cable around the pipe and pull it at the same time. With the piping connected, start the machine moving forward and lower the blade into the ground.

Bore through your home's rim joist, and run copper pipe and cable through the hole and to the ground. Make the conversion from copper to PVC at ground level with a threaded connector. Run the main PVC line, along with the cable, to the first zone-valve location.

Assemble the zone-valve sets above-ground, then cement them to the underground piping (Step 3). Install a plastic, inline drain fitting on the downstream side of each valve and connect the cable wires. My cable had 10 wires and each zone valve had two lead wires. Connect one of each pair of valve lead wires to a common (white) cable wire that will service all of the valves. Join a different color-coded wire to the other lead of each zone valve. Continue making connections in this way until you've reached the last set (Step 4). With all the valves connected and wired, install valve boxes and backfill.

The feed line needs to have a drain fitting at its lowest point. Thread a brass drain fitting into the threaded end of a PVC tee and install the tee downward at 45 degrees (Step 5). Dig a small depression under the drain, and fill it with sand and gravel.

STEP 2: Start the pipe puller moving forward and settle the blade into the turf. The blade will shimmy the pipe into the ground.

STEP 3: Assemble the zone valves above-ground, then connect them to the underground pipes. Each valve needs a drain.

STEP 4: Attach one of every valve's lead wires to the white common wire and connect a colored wire to each remaining lead.

STEP 5: Install a brass drain valve at each low spot of the feed line. Thread the valve into the tee with Teflon tape.

To tunnel under walkways and other obstacles, use a homemade sluice pipe. Attach a pointed sluice nozzle, available at home centers, to one end of a length of PVC pipe. Join a hose connector to the other end of the pipe and dig shallow trenches on opposing sides of the sidewalk. With the hose connected and the water turned on, push the pipe forward and back under the sidewalk to create the hole (Step 6).

STEP 6: Use a sluice pipe to tunnel under sidewalks. The brass fitting is sold at hardware stores and home centers.

Polyethylene pipe is joined by barb fittings. These can be secured by hose clamps, but stainless steel crimp rings (to have a look at these, go to http://www.oetiker.com) are a better choice. They're inexpensive ($16 for 100) and are a snap to use. Cut the pipe with a scissors-style pipe cutter (Step 7).

STEP 7: Use a scissors-type pipe cutter on the polyethylene pipe. It's quick and easy to use, and leaves a clean edge.

Slide the crimp ring onto each pipe and insert the barb fitting (Step 8).

STEP 8: Slide a crimp ring onto each pipe and insert the barb fitting.

Slide the rings in place and crimp them tight with the pliers (Step 9).

STEP 9: Draw the crimp rings together with crimp-ring pliers.

Installing the Heads

The sprinkler heads can be connected to the pipes in several ways. If drainage is not a problem, the simplest method is to install a 90-degree ell with a barb fitting on one end and a female thread on the other (Step 10).

STEP 10: If drainage isn't required, use a 90-degree ell at the sprinkler head. Thread a riser into the top of the ell.

If you're at a low spot and need seasonal drainage, install a 90-degree drain ell instead (Step 11).

STEP 11: To drain a low spot under a sprinkler head, use a 90-degree drain ell. Install it upright, with the threads at the top.

From there, you can connect a head to the ell with a threaded riser, or make an offset swing pipe. To make a swing-pipe connection, thread one 90-degree ell into the drain fitting and another into the bottom of a sprinkler head. Use Teflon tape on the threads. Then, join the two ells with a length of 3/8-in. polyethylene swing pipe (Step 12).

STEP 12: Connect the ell to the sprinkler head with 3/8-in. swing pipe. Use Teflon tape, but no crimp rings.

This fit is so snug that it doesn't need a crimp ring. Finish by filling the hole while tamping the soil with a rubber mallet every 4 in. (Step 13).

STEP 13: Backfill the hole 4 in. at a time and tamp the soil with a rubber mallet. Then top off the soil with sod.

When tapping into a continuous piping run, use the self-tapping saddle valve mentioned earlier (Step 14).

STEP 14: Press the saddle valve's collar around the pipe and snap it together. You will feel it click when it locks in place.

To connect the head, install either a swing pipe or a threaded riser in the top of the fitting (Step 15).

STEP 15: When the pipe is directly under a sprinkler, connect the head with a threaded riser.

I equipped my system with three types of heads: spray heads for small areas, rotary heads for the large areas and a bubbler for the flower garden. The bubbler sends a trickle of water through 1/8-in. tubing to various spots in the garden (Step 16).

STEP 16: A bubbler head is specially designed to allow you to soak a flowerbed without getting the foliage wet.

Final Touches

Local plumbing codes will dictate how you tap into your household water system, but my installation was fairly typical. I cut into the 3/4-in. water line just beyond the meter and upsized to 1-in. pipe for the sprinkler system branch line.

Soon after the tap, install a full-flow ball valve (Step 17).

STEP 17: Install a full-flow ball valve so you can service the backflow preventer without shutting down the house's water supply.

After the ball valve, install a brass nipple and the reduced-pressure backflow preventer (Step 18). Run piping from the backflow preventer to the pipe installed through the rim joist.

STEP 18: Install the reduced-pressure backflow preventer right after the ball valve. This type is designed for below-grade use.

This type of backflow preventer will occasionally back surge, so you'll need a catch basin with an air gap underneath it. Pipe the basin to a nearby floor drain with 1-in. pipe (Step 19). The piping after the backflow preventer will also need a drain valve so you can drain the overhead line in winter.

STEP 19: Install an air-gap catch basin on the unit and run a full-size drainpipe to the nearest floor drain.

Install the control panel. Run the cable into the panel, strip the wires and connect them according to the manufacturer's installation instructions (Step 20).

STEP 20: Run the zone-valve cable to the control box. Connect the wires according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Link:
How to Install a Sprinkler System - Installing an ...

TheNew Hope-Solebury Board of School Directorson Tuesday night willdiscuss the potential renovation of the districts athletic fields and track at a special meeting in the Upper Elementary School LGI Room.

All of the districts fields are in need of an upgrade, but issues with the stadium field and track are potentially the most costly.

The track needs to be resurfaced, and weve been talking about a turf field, explained Dr. Charles Lentz, Superintendent of Schools, in an interview last September.

The athletic field is currently comprised of natural grass,and the price tag for a new synthetic field was estimated at $1.5 million last year. A less expensive option would be to install a sprinkler system and drainage system, and re-crown and sod the field. Problems with overuse of the field would remain under that scenario, and reestablishing the crown and grass would be a chronic maintenance item, the district has asserted.

Other stadium improvements under consideration include installation of a new PA system, an upgrade to the lighting system to mitigate spillage into the surrounding homes, and a new multipurpose building to solve restroom lighting and ADA compliance issues and accommodateticket collection, a snack stand, press box and storage needs.

The NHSSD track, installed in 2004, has never been properly maintained due to a lack of adequate funds, resulting in damage to its foundation,according to the district. That fix would require a new macadam foundation, rubber surface and paint at a projected cost of $200,000.

The districts Campus Athletic Facility Project also calls for upgrades or repairs to Fields 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12, along with the basketball courts. Many of the field issues involve poor drainage or lack of ADA compliance.

Tuesday nights special meeting at Upper Elementary School LGI Room begins at 6:30 p.m.

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Renovation of New Hope-Solebury athletic fields focus of special meeting Tuesday - New Hope Free Press

By: Conserva Irrigation | 11Shares 82Reads

March 11, 2020 // Franchising.com // RICHMOND, Va - Conserva Irrigation, the only national outdoor irrigation company founded on the concept of water conservation and part of the Outdoor Living Brands family of brands, announced Jason Butler as Conserva Irrigation Franchisee of the Year. The recognition highlights the franchisee who best exemplifies Conserva Irrigation through the successful growth of their network while serving as a strong advocate for the brand. As a franchise owner of two Outdoor Living Brands concepts, including Conserva Irrigation and Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, Butler was recognized for his stand-out leadership within the Conserva Irrigation system at Outdoor Living Brands Annual Meeting in San Antonio.

Since opening Conserva Irrigation of North Atlanta in 2017, Butler has driven his operation to be one of the top three in sales in the system and earned a spot on the Best of Gwinnett list by Guide to Gwinnett for three consecutive years. As owner of his own data and marketing company, Butler has learned to prioritize quality customer service and take a hands-on approach to business. As a result, he brings the same dedication to his franchise territory and local community as he does to Conserva Irrigation, which secured his position on the companys Strategic Advisory Board in 2018.

Its an honor to be recognized by Conserva Irrigation and Outdoor Living Brands, who invest in the continued prosperity of their franchisees and show a passion for responsible irrigation and helping to eliminate water waste across the country, said Butler. As an entrepreneur, Im often searching for business opportunities with a social responsibility component. Conserva is a forward-thinking partner hyper-focused on smart irrigation and utilizes the right tools to help eliminate water waste, while simultaneously saving our clients money. Im excited to continue expanding, while maintaining quality customer care throughout North Atlanta.

Franchisees such as Butler have found success with Conserva Irrigation thanks to the brands proprietary process to audit irrigation systems, which rates the water efficiency of a system based on a numerical scale allowing for homeowners to understand how much water their sprinkler systems are wasting. As a result of the System Efficiency Score, Conserva Irrigation has evolved rapidly within its segment, already adding seven territories across three states this year alone.

Dedicated franchisees like Jason Butler, who joined the company when we launched our franchise program in 2017, have been the backbone of our brand and have given us the power to quickly expand across more than 90 territories, said Russ Jundt, founder of Conserva Irrigation. Were very proud of Jason and his accomplishments and look forward to seeing his success continue. As we aim to eclipse 100 territories very soon, well continue to seek qualified candidates who share our passion for water conservation and environmentally responsible irrigation.

Conserva Irrigation is looking to expand further throughout the United States and is seeking single- and multi-unit operators with a range of experience levels, as well as those looking for add-on or conversion business opportunities. Incentives are also available for veterans, multi-territory agreements and those with existing businesses or are an employee of an existing franchisee.

Founded as a franchise in 2017, Conserva Irrigation is the only national outdoor irrigation company founded on the principle of water conservation. The brand is part of Outdoor Living Brands, a market-leading franchisor of premium residential and commercial outdoor living services. With 91 territories across the country and growing, Conserva Irrigation is helping home and business owners reduce water consumption through its use of a proprietary irrigation auditing system and water-efficient irrigation products. Conserva Irrigation recently debuted on Entrepreneur Magazines 2020 Franchise 500 list at #296. For more information about Conserva Irrigation, visit https://www.conservairrigation.com/or OutdoorLivingBrands.com.

SOURCE Conserva Irrigation

###

Excerpt from:
Outdoor Living Brands Names Jason Butler Franchisee Of The Year - Franchising.com

Following multiple infrastructure evaluations, much deliberation and previous delays, a $22 million capital improvements bond will appear on the ballot for West Lake Hills residents May 2. Since its incorporation in 1953, the city has never gone out for bond, and according to Mayor Linda Anthony, the decision was four years in the making.

The bond is centered on the citys major infrastructure needs and encompasses a proposition for a new City Hall and police building as well as a proposition devoted to drainage and pavement projects. Various roadways, including Wildcat Hollow and Camp Craft Road, are subject to frequent floods and continuous maintenance, according to officials.

The neighboring city of Rollingwood faces similar challenges related to its aging infrastructure, according to a report by engineering firm K. Friese & Associates, which highlighted the citys major flooding and drainage concerns.

Both cities are dealing with issues related to flood damage in their respective municipal buildings, and in Rollingwoods case, black mold has been found. The mold led West Lake Hills to dedicate $12 million of the bond to the construction of a larger, safer and more accessible municipal building, Anthony said.

While Rollingwood has not taken official action on a bond, the city is devoting funds and extensive research toward evaluating the need for citywide upgrades, Mayor Michael Dyson said.

Failing facilities

Officials have frequently discussed the prospect of a capital improvements bond from inside the aging chambers of the West Lake Hills City Hall building, which was built as a residential property in 1982.

Anthony said the structure has faced numerous issues, including flooding, multiple roof repairs, electrical issues, accessibility issues and a number of building code compliance violations. She said when the city contracted a study by Brinkley Sargent Wiginton in 2018 it became increasingly clear that repairing the existing structure was impractical.

People may be under the impression that were a small city [and that] weve got adequate space, Anthony said. They dont realize that our offices are carved out of closets and hallways.

The architectural study concluded that the municipal building was in a state of disrepair, with the buildings connected police department presenting the largest shortcomings.

Police Chief Scott Gerdes said and his officers and staff work through these challenges on a daily basis. The building contains a single locker room for both male and female officers, lacks the necessary electrical abilities to charge devices and contains no fire sprinkler system.

Gerdes has previously told Community Impact Newspaper his department has no proper interview room or privacy for citizens filing police reports, and that is still the case. If a resident needed to report a crime, he or she would do so in the buildings lobby, next to individuals looking to pay their speeding tickets.

Rollingwoods officers also struggle with space and structural problems. In 2016, the city found mold in the police building attached to City Hall, forcing the department into a portable building on the property, out of which officers still operate.

The discovery drove the discussion on the overall inadequacies of the building, eventually leading the city to contract a facilities study by Brinkley Sargent in December 2017. The study concluded that the spatial needs of the combined municipal buildings are 3,896 square feet less than what would be considered adequate.

In terms of aging infrastructure, both cities have also conducted studies highlighting issues related to roadway and drainage improvements.

Critical mass sounds a little dramatic, Dyson said. But for lack of a better word, we realized any number of our infrastructure needs have reached that.

Roadway and drainage repairs

Discussion and assessment of potential drainage improvements are among the first priorities for Rollingwood, Dyson said, adding that the city will tackle drainage plans first, then roadways, then water line repairs.

The study by K. Friese identified 23 potential drainage projects within city limits, including repairs on Bee Caves Road, Edgegrove and Nixon Road. The projects, which totaled $19.72 million, were based on a variety of factors including resident input.

Dyson said the study, presented at the Feb. 19 Rollingwood City Council meeting, provided a detailed scope of the citys drainage ecosystem and took into account public surveys, fieldwork and hydraulic modeling.

What [the study] intended to provide is a kind of overarching foundational conversation supported by a lot of engineering data to help us understand exactly what our challenges are with regard to drainage, Dyson said.

Prior to implementing the reports suggestions, he said, more data is required regarding the citys easements and rights of way within its roadway system. This information would clarify the boundaries between city and private property.

West Lake Hills also contracted K. Friese to examine the scope of the citys critical roadway and drainage projects. The list of potential repairs was debated and edited for months prior to approving the total cost of $10 million.

The most expensive projects include drainage repairs on the Eanes Creek low-water crossing, which totals $2,084,900, as well as both drainage and roadway repairs on Redbud Trail at $2,806,100.

In total, the bond encompasses six roadway and drainage projects, which Anthony referred to as big-ticket items too costly to be funded by the citys general fund.

Sooner or later youre gonna have to spend a significant chunk of change to address our infrastructure needs, Anthony said, adding that minor fixes over the years have only served as temporary Band-Aids.

Finding funding

The West Lake Hills community has benefited from an arguably low tax rate for years, Anthony said. The rate of $0.07 per $100 valuation is significantly lower when compared with cities of similar median home value, according to City Administrator Travis Askey.

Anthony said keeping up with the citys aging infrastructure needs is not feasible at the current rate, and as a result, seeking a bond to fund the major projects was the best option.

The rate could potentially double if both bond propositions pass, and Anthony noted that even if that occurs, the city will still operate on a lower tax rate than comparable municipalities.

In some ways, weve done ourselves a disservice by keeping the property tax as low as we have for as long as we have and making the assumption that sales tax revenue can carry us, Anthony said.

The study by K. Friese originally called for a bond with a larger price tag; however, the city evaluated the data and decided to complete a number of smaller projects out of its general fund.

Dyson noted that as the city continues to build upon its own data pool, Rollingwood is also examining innovative funding options when developing an infrastructure plan.

I would argue that a bond election is our last resort, Dyson said, adding that a number of the citys drainage projects may be eligible for funding through federal or state grants.

Rollingwood is also looking to bolster its commercial district along Bee Caves Road to increase revenue. The citys funding is comprised of an 80% property tax and 20% sales tax ratio, and Dyson said he would like to see a more balanced revenue stream.

Officials recently commissioned what Dyson called a robust study from The Retail Coach, a retail consulting firm that provides market research and development strategies for city governments and other entities.

Information from that study shows one takeaway focuses on planning and zoning inconsistencies along Bee Caves that are potentially hindering potential and current business. The idea of mixed-used and multilevel developments was also considered.

It's maybe not just enough to address aging infrastructure, but in fact, we should probably consider new infrastructure, Dyson said.

Rollingwoods recent data-driven studies have provided the city with a strong overview of its current needs. According to Dyson, the conversation on project design and finances is on the horizon.

Now we can start having a conversation, Dyson said. Where do our needs and our expectations come into play with the actual dollars required to undertake these things?

Emphasizing community outreach

Dyson has stressed the need for a thoughtful and meticulous approach when tackling these infrastructure projects. While the city is acting on this plan there is no desire to rush the process, and Rollingwood will continue with additional studies and analysis on its infrastructure plan, he said.

The time is right. The question is, what is it right for? Dyson said. Thats the conversation the community needs to have, and its on us to give them the data points.

Dyson emphasized civic engagement as an invaluable component of any local government, and said moving forward Rollingwood officials hope for an open conversation with the community regarding its infrastructure needs.

Transparency and community involvement have been frequently discussed in association with the bond for West Lake Hills, and City Council is putting together a political action committee tasked with educating residents throughout the city and advocating for the bond.

To help place more emphasis on community participation, council will also continue to hold open houses prior to the May 2 election. Anthony said this bond is a new venture for both the city and its residents, and working together is the best option.

While the bond may be alarming to residents at first, Askey said, the need to invest in the citys infrastructure has been a long time coming.

I dont know any other municipality in Texas thats gone 60 years of their incorporation that has never issued debt, Askey said. Its unheard of.

Dyson said Rollingwood officials have also prioritized community outreachthat it is the citys duty to obtain the data and make it consumable for residents.

This isnt a community for me. This isnt a community for you. This is a community for us, Dyson said. Hopefully more often than not our needs align.

View post:
Municipalities in the Westlake area work to improve aging infrastructure - Community Impact Newspaper

The "United States Fire Sprinklers Market: Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2020-2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The publisher expects the market to reach a value of US$ 7.2 Billion by 2025, exhibiting a CAGR of about 9% during 2020-2025.

The US fire sprinklers market is currently exhibiting strong growth and reached a value of US$ 4.3 Billion in 2019. A fire sprinkler refers to a type of fire protection system consisting of sprinkler heads installed in ceilings or side walls connected to an active water supply through piping and fittings. Fire sprinklers are triggered by the rise in temperature. When a blaze ignites, the air directly above it heats rapidly and this hot air rises and spreads along with the ceiling. When the air is hot enough and reaches a sprinkler head, it triggers a chain reaction. It is considered to be one of the safest methods for suppressing the fire at an early stage, thus, preventing it to grow any further. On account of this, it is widely being utilized across the United States including different commercial buildings as well as residential buildings.

With technological advancements and product innovations, the market for fire sprinkler has gained strong traction in the United States. Moreover, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has mandated the installation of fire protection in new commercial construction projects under the new regulatory code. As a result, the growing rate of construction of commercial units including offices, retail shops, commercial centers, entertainment centers, hospitals and schools is catalysing the demand for fire sprinklers in the United States. The US government is also organizing various seminars and formulating regulations to facilitate the adoption of these systems.

Key Questions Answered in This Report:

Key Topics Covered:

1 Preface

2 Scope and Methodology

2.1 Objectives of the Study

2.2 Stakeholders

2.3 Data Sources

2.3.1 Primary Sources

2.3.2 Secondary Sources

2.4 Market Estimation

2.4.1 Bottom-Up Approach

2.4.2 Top-Down Approach

2.5 Forecasting Methodology

3 Executive Summary

4 Introduction

4.1 Overview

4.2 Key Industry Trends

5 United States Fire Sprinklers Market

5.1 Market Overview

5.2 Market Performance

5.3 Market Forecast

6 US Fire Sprinklers Market Breakup by Component

6.1 Fire Sprinklers Structures

6.1.1 Pipe

6.1.1.1 Market Trends

6.1.1.2 Market Forecast

6.1.2 Valves & Fittings

6.1.3 Sprinklers Head

6.1.4 Others

6.2 Fire Response System

6.2.1 Fire Alarm Devices

6.2.2 Lightening

6.2.3 Voice/Public Alert

6.2.4 Secure Communication

6.3 Fire Detector and Control Panels

6.4 Fire Suppression Reagent

6.4.1 Water

6.4.2 Foam

6.4.3 Gas

6.4.4 Chemical

7 US Fire Sprinklers Market Breakup by Fire Sprinkler Type

7.1 Wet Sprinkler System

7.1.1 Market Trends

7.1.2 Market Forecast

7.2 Dry Sprinkler System

7.3 Pre-action Sprinkler System

7.4 Deluge System

7.5 Others

8 Market Breakup by Service

8.1. Installation/Design

8.1.1 Market Trends

8.1.2 Market Forecast

8.2. Maintenance & Managed

8.3. Engineering & Fabrication

8.4. Others

9 Market Breakup by Application Sector

9.1 Commercial

9.1.1 Market Trends

9.1.2 Market Forecast

9.2 Industrial

9.2.1 Manufacturing

9.2.2 Oil & Gas

9.2.3 Energy & Power

9.2.4 Healthcare

9.2.5 Transportation & Logistics

9.2.6 Mining

9.2.7 Others

9.3 Residential

10 Market Breakup by Region

10.1 West US

10.1.1 Market Trends

10.1.2 Market Forecast

10.2 Southeast US

10.3 Northeast US

10.4 Midwest US

10.5 Southwest US

11 SWOT Analysis

11.1 Overview

11.2 Strengths

11.3 Weakness

11.4 Opportunities

11.5 Threats

12 Value Chain Analysis

12.1 Overview

12.2 Raw Material Procurement

12.3 Design

12.4 Manufacturing

12.5 Fabrication and Installation

12.6 End-Users

13 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

13.1 Overview

13.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers

13.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

13.4 Degree of Rivalry

13.5 Threat of New Entrants

13.6 Threat of Substitutes

Read more here:
United States Fire Sprinklers Market Expected to Grow with a CAGR of 9% During the Forecast Period, 2020-2025 - ResearchAndMarkets.com - Yahoo Finance

Saugerties new town board which only has one additional new member but a slew of fresh initiatives cleaned up shop at their January 8 reorganizational meeting at the Frank Greco Senior Center, designating citizens for town committees, establishing pay raises and divvying up town board liaison positions.

The town board approved their own pay rates at $11,500, and the town supervisors pay rate of $39,500. As he did last year, Supervisor Fred Costello Jr. chose Councilmember Leeanne Thornton as his deputy supervisor.

Among approved pay rates were Saugerties Police Chief Joe Sinagras annual $105,592.03 (in 2017, Sinagra received a 16 percent pay raise from slightly over $86,000 to $100,000 per year); $84,460.89 for police Captain Steve Filak; $63,008 for head of HUD department Alice Mumper; $78,925 for Town Assessor Frank Orlando; $58,281.60 for Water Superintendent Mark Resso; $74,992.57 for Parks and Rec Department head Greg Chorvas; and $71,228 for building inspector Alvah Weeks.

The only contested agenda item, which was only voted against by Costello, was the salary of assistant building inspector Kevin Brown, which was raised to $30 per hour from $27.70.

Kevin had to cover for Alvah Weeks who was out on disability for a time, so he was bearing the burden of running the building department on his own, said Costello before he voted against the pay raise. He was also an integral part of the ice arena roofing project and was an integral part in the hearing involving the dumping situation in Saugerties as well as other [code enforcement court issues].

When asked about his vote, Costello said he wish[ed he] could give everyone a pay raise, but that there was definitely merit to the assertion that Brown had earned a higher hourly rate.

All part-time clerical workers received a 50 cent increase in their hourly rate; full-time clerical employees received an additional $2.50.

Notably, new county Legislator Al Bruno kept his commitments to nearly all of the boards that he held positions on he will serve again this year as the chair of the Board of Assessment Review and on the Saugerties Transportation Advisory Council. He did step down from his position as an alternate for the county planning board, citing a conflict of interest between that position and his new position as a legislator.

Honestly, I felt honored to be in that chair, I really did, said Bruno of his first legislature meeting, which took place on the same night as the towns reorganizational meeting. I take it really seriously, and from watching from the gallery from the past year to actually being in the seat and bring called on to take a vote. It was exciting in one part and sobering in another. I know the responsibility and job in front of me is pretty serious.

More officials

George Redder and John Greco were appointed as the official attorneys serving the town. Audrey Klinkenberg will serve again as the town historian. Gary Newkirk was appointed town accountant and Brinnier & Larios the official engineers for the town. Lisa Stanley was reappointed as town clerk and Leslie Duffy was appointed deputy town clerk.

The Saugerties Times was named official town newspaper for the 12th year in a row; the Daily Freeman was also designated as an official town newspaper. M&T Bank was named the official town bank.

Sam Dedericks resignation from the Zoning Board of Appeals was accepted at the meeting; she will remain a member of the Comprehensive Planning Committee. Timothy Scott Jr., who was previously an alternate for the board, was appointed to fill Dedericks position.

Shes been as dedicated now as the day she started, said Costello. She brings a very good perspective to it and really makes that well-known and does and very good job educating herself before she brings them to the town board.

Councilman John Schoonmaker was appointed as liaison to a few new committees, including the Conservation Advisory Committee and the Climate Smart Task Force (both were previously overseen by ex-councilman Mike MacIsaac) and the Parks and Recreation Committee (previously overseen by Councilman Paul Andreassen). New Councilman Mike Ivino was designated as liaison for the transfer station, the assessors office and the Board of Assessment Review.

Sprinkler system

The board voted to solicit bids for a sprinkler system for the newly refurbished Kiwanis Ice Arena. Ivino, asking his first question as a town board member, asked Chorvas whether he knew that the sprinklers would need to be installed after the project was otherwise finished. Chorvas said yes, that he and the town were aware.

Seems to me we piecemeal the project together to hide the real true cost of the entire project, said Ivino after the meeting. Not fair and not right to the taxpayer.

The board determined the dates of its meetings for the rest of the calendar year: January 8 and 22; February 5 and 19; March 7 and 21; April 1 and 15; May 6 and 20; June 15; July 17; August 12; September 2 and 16; October 7 and 21; November 4 and 18; and December 16.

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Saugerties Town Board names officials and sets salaries at reorganizational meeting - Hudson Valley One

BRYAN, Tex. (KBTX) - A gas smell inside a Bryan home is now gone but the homeowner doesn't know if she'll ever be able to move back.

The mystery first started in the fall of 2018 and then an evacuation on Dec. 19 that year.

Last week we told you about a $1 million lawsuit filed against a nearby energy company. This week the homeowner's attorney met us for an update at the home and gave us a tour inside the house.

A dream home has turned into a nightmare situation on Austin's Estates Drive.

81-year-old Lenice Morgan hasn't been able to live here since she evacuated in December 2018 when flammable gas started coming in.

"We've been able to rule out there are no natural gas lines coming to the house. There are no consumer lines coming to the house. None of the appliances run on natural gas and they never have. There are no septic tanks," said Jeremy Allen, who is Morgan's attorney.

"There are no abandoned wells. We've been able to pretty much rule out every other possible source of natural gas other than the oil and gas production on the nearby property," Allen said.

Last week, Allen filed a lawsuit against Hawkwood Energy Operating seeking more than $1 million in damages.

They believe an an eight-inch gas line leaked, filling the ground underneath the home. Allen said the gas remained even after that line was shut-in. Now, they have monitoring wells around the property.

"We can't say with any reasonable degree of certainty at the moment, how long that gas is going to be down there...There's no noticeable odor inside the home...Its been several months since samples have actually been drawn. The last time samples were drawn in the house we did get trace, trace elements but nothing that would be noticeable by smell," said Allen, who is also a grandson of the homeowner.

He took KBTX inside the home which hasn't had electricity for more than a year.

"You're starting to see the presence of mold in the house, there's some settling in the walls and the floor that results from no irrigation. You can't run the sprinkler system and so the soil around the house gets dry the vegetation is suffering," said Allen.

Davis Watson, an attorney for the Hawkwood Energy, said they plan to respond to the suit within 20 days and continue to be responsive to the homeowner. Watson added there will be lots of scientific evidence for the case and experts that will work on studying it.

Allen is ready for their day in court.

"Just not knowing what her future holds, you know she worked her entire life with her late husband to be able to buy this house and being forced out if it has had quite an impact on her," said Allen.

"We don't want to file a lawsuit. Thats kind of a last resort but we felt it was necessary at this point because were just not able to resolve it otherwise up to this point. You know weve spent a lot of time and money out here investigating," said Allen.

An initial sample taken by the Conroe Fire Department found refined hydrocarbons in the gas. Things you would see in products like gasoline.

But the homeowner's attorney said their results haven't exactly matched and point to natural gas as the substance.

A trial date isn't expected anytime soon.

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Bryan homeowner still unable to live in home more than one year after gas leak - KBTX

Sponsored byFBC Mortgage, LLC:This six-bedroom, five-bath home in College Park comes with an office, a Florida room, and tons of upgrades.

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Other features include new interior doors, new gutters, new sprinkler system, and the large oak tree in the front yard was just trimmed.

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Click HERE for more information or to arrange a tour.

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House of the Day: 5/3 College Park home asking $644500 - Bungalower

LAWRENCE The University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism & Mass Communications is kicking off the spring semester with ribbon-cutting ceremonies to celebrate the completion of a multimillion-dollar renovation project of Stauffer-Flint Hall.

The school closed the building in May 2019 to complete the nearly $5 million project. On Tuesday, Jan. 21, the first day of spring classes, the school plans a ribbon-cutting ceremony for journalism school students, faculty and staff at 10:30 a.m. On Thursday, Jan. 23, the entire KU community is invited to a grand reopening ceremony. Starting at 3 p.m., Chancellor Douglas A. Girod will give remarks, and donors of the project will be recognized.

The renovation project focused on creating a new plaza and front door and extensive remodeling of the first and third floors of Stauffer-Flint Hall. The first floor, which housed classrooms, a conference room and faculty offices, will be the new home for the University Daily Kansan, Media Crossroads and KUJH News. Those student media organizations had been located in the Dole Human Development Center and Anschutz Library.

The renovated first floor also will include state-of-the-art media technology, a 39-foot ticker that will display news and events, and large screen monitors that will broadcast national, local and student media news programs. The main floor also will feature flex space designed for students to gather and study, including bar-level seating along the north wall facing Jayhawk Boulevard.

The third floor of Stauffer-Flint, which held tightly configured faculty offices and a conference room, was renovated into an open-concept classroom space and an updated conference room.

The renovation project also addressed some critical maintenance and safety needs for the building, which is more than 120 years old. The elevator and HVAC system were replaced, and a fire sprinkler system has been installed.

The last major renovation of Stauffer-Flint Hall was in 1982, and it was time for an update, according to Dean Ann Brill.

The remodel is a wonderful metaphor for journalistic training, Brill said. Throughout the building, you can see the pillars that held up these walls for more than a century, much like the traditional values we continue to teach. However, there is a new entrance that reflects the many changes in media that make them more accessible to all.

The Kansas Board of Regents approved the creation of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Public Information in 1945, and in 1952 the school moved into the building, which was then named Fowler Shops. In 1955, it was renamed Flint Hall to honor Leon Daddy Flint, who served as chairman of the Department of Journalism from 1916 to 1941. In 1983, Flint Hall was renamed Stauffer-Flint Hall to honor Oscar S. Stauffer, founder of Stauffer Communications Inc. and longtime supporter of the school. Stauffer donated $1 million in 1979 for the buildings renovation and academic programs.

The current renovation is funded by private dollars and university deferred-maintenance funds.

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Stauffer-Flint Hall reopens next week with ribbon cutting to celebrate completion of renovation - KU Today

The first project in the series, called Frame 283 and located at 283 Greene Avenue in Clinton Hill, is an industrial-style five-story building with 10 apartments, all with two bedrooms and either one or two bathrooms, and private outdoor space.

Spruce boards, which are glued at perpendicular angles to make thick beams called cross-laminated timber, are clearly visible in columns, beams, walls and ceilings. And the veins, knots and whorls in the wood wont always be concealed behind Sheetrock or paint.

But not every surface at Frame 283 is wood. Some walls are made of unfinished concrete, giving the building, which has open-air staircases, an almost work-in-progress look. Some pipes are exposed, too. Other building features include an 80-panel solar system, a shared roof deck and a bike room.

While wood can be pricier than concrete, labor costs can be much less, developers say. In fact, because Frame 283s cross-laminated timber arrived in prefabricated sections, it took only about two weeks to put up its main structure, in what might traditionally be a six-week project, said Ms. Wilson, of Frame Home, who would not divulge the development cost. The land, city records show, cost $6 million in 2015.

The building, which began marketing in the fall and expects to open this winter, is priced near the top of the market.

Rents start at more than $4,000 a month, which is high for Clinton Hill, where market-rate two-bedrooms have averaged $3,300 a month, according to the brokerage Ideal Properties Group. But two-bedrooms in next-door Fort Greene average $4,100, the brokerage said.

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Five Stories Tall and Made of Wood - The New York Times