WPCA Meeting Minutes 01/13/2022

WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY

REGULAR MEETING

JANUARY 13, 2022

“Subject to Vote of Approval”

1.            CALL TO ORDER

Michael Park called the regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority to order at 7:05 p.m. via a virtual Zoom meeting. The following members were present:   Lucian Dragulski and Jacques Brignac.  Also present were Anthony Piazza, Superintendent, Thomas Roy, Director of Public Works and Alison Sturgeon, Clerk.

Although there was not a quorum at this regularly scheduled meeting, no agenda items were voted on.

2.            SAFETY BRIEF – Dr. Park cautioned everyone to be careful of black ice and especially ice that is hidden under snowfall.

3.             FY 2022/23 BUDGET - DISCUSSION

Regarding the FY 22/23 budget, Mr. Piazza stated that payroll has decreased since several seasoned employees have retired, although insurance costs may need to be updated prior to the Authority members voting on the budget next month.  There was an increase in the lab line item because of outsourcing some of the lab analysis and because of increased costs from the vendor.  He stated that electrical and natural gas costs are increasing as well as refuse, due to contract costs with MDC and the sludge hauler.  Mr. Piazza stated that overall, there is a 4.5% increase over last year’s budget.  Last year, there was a 0% increase in the budget and for several years prior to that, there have been 1-1.5% increases.

Regarding capital projects, Mr. Piazza stated that these include safety railings for building rooftops; an evaluation of the primary clarifiers to either repair or decommission them; replacement of the HVAC controls; SCADA computers; and continuation of the sewer lining project. 

Mr. Dragulski questioned what type of safety rails would be installed on the rooftops and what types of controls would be purchased for the HVAC.  Mr. Piazza stated that the railings will most likely be removeable held down by weights and explained that a jace system has been used in the past regarding the HVAC.  Mr. Roy stated that Matthew Hopkins, Facilities Supervisor for Building and Grounds, will be working with Tony regarding the HVAC controls; Mr. Dragulski’s input would also be appreciated.

4.             STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.

Mr. Piazza stated that the Woodland Street/Hopmeadow Street sewer upgrade project is progressing.  Work has been completed along Hopmeadow Street as well as the south end of Woodland Street.  The lawn restoration and sidewalk replacement to the homes will be done in the spring.  The contractor is currently working behind Table 570 installing that line to pick up the last few homes on the east side of Hopmeadow Street.  Once completed, they will then begin work at Dyno Nobel. 

Mr. Piazza stated that the sewers for Murphy’s Turn and Highcroft Townhomes will be on the agenda next month for acceptance.  

Regarding the Pine Hill Homeowner’s Association, Mr. Roy stated that there was some discussion regarding if this project would be a qualifying expense in terms of the ARPA funding.  He stated that there has been a slight change and the Finance Director now believes that it may qualify, although this does not necessarily mean that the Town will want to go in that direction. 

5.            TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT

Mr. Piazza stated that all permit requirements were met for the month of December.  He stated that staff continues to work with AECOM for the update of the Water Pollution Control Plan, the Water Pollution Control Facilities Plan, analysis of the protective berm with the updated flood plain mapping, and an update on the phosphorous removal plan. The draft copy of the plan should be delivered in January.

Regarding the sewer lining, Mr. Piazza stated that Granite Inliner completed the work at the Town hall.  The lining of the Tunxis Pump Station is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.

The secondary clarifier launder covers project bid closing date was March 25th.  R.H. White was awarded the contract for the work at a cost of $147,000.  This was approximately $55,000 less than expected. Work has been completed on one of the secondary clarifiers.  The second clarifier is scheduled to be completed in January.  Mr. Roy stated that during this project, where half of the clarifying capacity is down for several weeks and having to keep the plant running smoothly, staff has been doing a great job. 

Mr. Piazza stated that the open operator position was reposted and interviews will be scheduled in January.

6.            CORRESPONDENCE – None.

7.            DECEMBER MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL

Mr. Roy made one edit to the December meeting minutes.

The December meeting minutes will remain on the agenda for next month since there is not a quorum.  

8.             ADJOURN

The meeting ended at 7:29 p.m.

_________________________

Michael Park, Acting Chairman