WPCA Minutes 01/10/2019
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 10, 2019
“Subject to Vote of Approval”
1. CALL TO ORDER
Paul Gilmore called the regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Water Pollution Control Facility, 36 Drake Hill Road, Simsbury. The following members were present: Jay Sheehan, Ed Kelly, Michael Park, Lucian Dragulski, Tom Hickey and Jacques Brignac. Also present were Anthony Piazza, Water Pollution Control Superintendent; and Alison Sturgeon, Clerk.
2. SAFETY BRIEF – Mr. Gilmore gave a safety brief noting the exits in case of an emergency.
3. 200 HOPMEADOW STREET – REQUEST TO TRANSFER FCC FROM SOUTH TO NORTH LOT
Mr. Piazza stated that the Silverman Group owns 200 Hopmeadow Street, which is The Hartford site. The farm, a.k.a. the north site, is currently under construction. He stated that typically, when a building gets demolished, something else goes up in its place and a credit is given for what has already been paid. When The Hartford building was demolished, nothing was built to replace that building; neither was a credit given. The north and south sites are both owned by the same owner. At one time, the north and south sites were all one property; it was subdivided at some point. The Silverman Group is requesting that the FCC from the south site be transferred to the north site.
Mr. Sheehan stated that the north site is installing new pipe for the new construction. He stated that moving allocation from the south to the north lot, he believes, would be fine, although he is unsure of the FCC being transferable in that respect. Mr. Piazza stated that the total FCC, excluding the assisted living building, totals $935,080. The Hartford had an original FCC of $838,000. Mr. Kelly questioned if this request is approved, would the developer still be charged the difference in the FCC. Mr. Piazza stated that they would be charged the difference. If the request is approved, anything built going forward on the south site would need to pay the FCC in full.
Mr. Sheehan stated that he finds it interesting that this has never come before the Authority until now. Mr. Gilmore questioned if the 35 acre north site has ever paid an FCC. Mr. Piazza stated that they have not. Mr. Hickey stated that the south site, in reality, could go undeveloped for many years.
Mr. Gilmore stated that this is a lot of money and he does not want the Authority to make a decision without knowing all of the facts. He appreciates developers wanting to build in Simsbury. He stated that everything the WPCA does needs to be transparent and equitable. This type of decision needs to be justifiable.
Mr. Sheehan stated that he would like the following questions answers by the next meeting: when were the north and south lots subdivided; what the property addresses are for both lots; what was the sewer flow allocation of The Hartford building versus the north property buildings currently under construction; and verify that both properties are titled in the same name. He asked that the Authority get a copy of the meeting minutes regarding when the WPCA reviewed the original developer’s agreement.
Mr. Gilmore stated that he feels this discussion should be continued at the next meeting once these questions have been answered by Town staff. If timing becomes critical, the Authority could hold a special meeting. The Authority members agreed.
4. 5-9 PHELPS LANE EXTENSION – POSSIBLY SET ASSESSMENT HEARING
Mr. Piazza stated that construction costs for 5-9 Phelps Lane sewer extension was $20,500. The survey and easement documents totaled $4,000, for a total project cost of $24,500.
Mr. Hickey made a motion to set the assessment public hearing for 5-9 Phelps Lane for the WPCA regular meeting on March 14, 2019. Mr. Sheehan seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
5. 2019 BUDGET - DISCUSSION
Mr. Piazza stated that there is a 2.5% increase in the 2019 budget, although adding in capital improvement projects, the increase would be 3.5%. He stated that all of the increases, outside of the projects, are because of insurance and utility increases. He stated that insurance, including healthcare and auto, increased 9%.
Mr. Piazza stated that the two capital projects are: replace the PLCs that are 11 years old and now obsolete; and sewer lining, which will costs approximately $500,000.
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to approve the 2019 budget as presented. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
6. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Piazza stated that the Bushy Hill Road sewer extension project is complete except for the lawn restoration, which will be done in the spring. Regarding the Maple Court upgrade, all issues have been resolved and a public hearing will be set within the next few months. Mr. Piazza stated that the Winterset Lane public hearing will take place at their February 14, 2019 meeting and 5-9 Phelps Lane assessment hearing will be held in March 2019.
7. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Piazza stated that all permit requirements were met for the month of December. Northeast Communications has completed the SCADA system programming and the system has been operating without issues. All pump volutes and impellers have been replaced with non-clog versions. This new setup will reduce maintenance time on the pumps from clogging due to rags.
Regarding plant operations, Mr. Piazza stated that the plant 100 gallon hot water heater has started leaking. Staff is receiving quotes on several options for more energy efficient solutions on a replacement. The plant fire alarm system PLC has failed. The system is 11 years old and parts are no longer available. Staff is receiving quotes on replacement of the PLC only and for an entire system replacement.
Mr. Piazza stated that the DEEP has advertised the NPDES for public comment and the thirty day comment period ended on December 20. The new permit should be issued within the coming weeks. Also, after receiving WPCA comments, staff is working with DPC Consulting to finalize the Flow Allocation Policy for final legal review and approval by the WPCA. Lastly, staff has provided new job descriptions to the Town Managers office for review.
8. CORRESPONDENCE
The WPCA members reviewed a letter from Mr. Piazza to the State regarding the NPDES permit.
9. DECEMBER MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Dr. Park made a motion to approve the December 13, 2018 minutes as written. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr. Sheehan and Mr. Kelly abstained.
10. ADJOURN
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:57 p.m. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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Paul Gilmore, Chairman