WPCA Meeting Minutes 12/09/2021
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 9, 2021
“Subject to Vote of Approval”
1. CALL TO ORDER
Michael Park called the regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority to order at 7:04 p.m. via a virtual Zoom meeting. The following members were present: Jacques Brignac, Lucian Dragulski, Tom Hickey and Ed Kelly. Also present were Thomas Roy, Director of Public Works and Alison Sturgeon, Clerk.
2. SAFETY BRIEF – Dr. Park cautioned people to drive carefully during the unpredictable New England weather. Also, be aware that bears are still out; keep trash and grills secure.
3. PINE HILL HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCATION SEWER UPGRADE REQUEST - UPDATE
Mr. Roy stated that he and Mr. Piazza met with the residents of the Pine Hill Homeowner Association last month. The sewers are owned by the Association but do not meet the Town’s current standards, which would be needed in order for the Town to take them over. He stated that this is a similar situation to the Maple Court sewer upgrade, although this is a larger development of approximately 42 homes.
The Pine Hill Homeowner Association’s sewer system was recently inspected by Town staff. They were found to be in poor condition; the camera could not make it through in many places due to blockages and offset joints. He stated that lining the pipes is no longer an option since a camera is not able to get through.
Mr. Roy stated that the Pine Hill Homeowner Association has petitioned the Board of Selectmen as to whether some of the Town’s ARPA funding (Federal Covid funding) could possibly be used for this project. The Town’s current understanding is that it would not be able to be used. He stated that if this funding could be used, it would be an option to be used for all privately-owned sewers that are in this similar situation moving forward.
Mr. Roy stated, at this point, they will wait and see if the Pine Hill Homeowner Association would like to move forward and petition the Town for this project.
4. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Roy stated that the Woodland / Hopmeadow Street sewer upgrade project is being done by Tabacco & Son. They are hoping to compete the project by early spring, at which time the Town would be in a position to take over their sewers. There is a bit of pressure to complete the job by spring because the bridge over Hop Brook is scheduled to be replaced next summer as part of a DOT project.
5. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Roy stated that all permit requirements were met for the month of November. 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.
Granite Inliner will return on December 15th to complete their work at the Town Hall. The lining of the Tunxis Pump Station will be completed in January since a more favorable price for excavation work was received.
The project bid closing date for the secondary clarifier launder covers was March 25th. RH White was awarded the contract for the work at a cost of $147,000. This was approximately $55,000 less than expected. Work is scheduled to begin on December 20th and is expected to be completed in 4 to 6 weeks.
Regarding personnel, the open operator position was reposted since no favorable candidates were found.
6. CORRESPONDENCE
The Authority members reviewed a letter from Mr. Piazza to Curaleaf regarding the facility connection charge for their new building expansion.
7. NOVEMBER MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Brignac made a motion to approve the November 18, 2021 minutes as written. Mr. Dragulski seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr. Kelly abstained.
8. ADJOURN
Mr. Hickey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:16 p.m. Mr. Kelly seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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Michael Park, Acting Chairman