WPCA Minutes 01/14/2016
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 14, 2016
“Subject to Vote of Approval”
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Paul Gilmore called the regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Simsbury Water Pollution Control Facility Conference Room, 36 Drake Hill Road, Simsbury. The following members were present: Loren Shoemaker, Michael Park, Jay Sheehan and Tom Hickey. Also present were Anthony Piazza, Superintendent, Tom Roy, Director of Public Works, Michael Paine, Board of Selectmen Liaison, Alison Sturgeon, Clerk, as well as other interested parties.
2. SAFETY BRIEF – Mr. Gilmore gave a safety brief noting the exits in case of an emergency.
3. PUBLIC HEARING – UPGRADE OF SANITARY SEWER FOR MAPLE COURT AREA
LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
The Simsbury Water Pollution Control Authority will hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 14, 2016, at 7:00 pm in the Conference Room at the Simsbury Water Pollution Control, 36 Drake Hill Road, Simsbury, CT. The purpose of this hearing is to review a proposal, and possibly take action, for upgrading the sanitary sewers, which serve 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 Maple Court; 1, 5 & 9 Old Mill Lane; 82, 86, 88 & 90 West Street; and 17 Firetown Road, Simsbury, CT. All interested property owners shall have the opportunity to appear and be heard.
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
Paul Gilmore, Vice-Chairman
Mr. Gilmore read the legal notice.
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to open the public hearing. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Mr. Roy stated that at the last meeting, a homeowner requested that this project be looked at in two separate parts, Maple Court area and Old Mill Lane area. He stated that the engineer estimated what these separate projects would cost based on his knowledge as well as cost history. Each homeowner will be responsible for an equal part of the actual costs.
Mr. Roy stated that 82 West Street contacted the Town and stated that they should not be a part of this project because they are not connected to this system. Mr. Cook, 5 Maple Court, stated that there are no sewers on West Street in this area; 82 West Street is part of the Maple Court Homeowners Association (MCHA). He stated that 82 West Street is legally connected and bound to pay their portion of the MCHA sewer system.
Mr. Roy stated that the two separate projects would break down as follows: Maple Court area cost estimate is approximately $104,000 divided by 11 homeowners; Old Mill Lane area cost estimate is approximately $44,000 divided by 3 homeowners.
Regarding the construction costs, Mr. Roy stated that the preliminary cost estimate for the survey, easements and main line construction is approximately $150,000. This cost is shared by the benefited properties at approximately $10,650 each.
Mr. Gilmore questioned if 82 West Street would be a part of this project. Mr. Piazza stated that this property is part of the Maple Court Homeowner’s Association as well as the Town maps that show they are connected through this system.
Mr. Gilmore questioned what the components to each separate project would be. Mr. Roy stated that the elements of the work are the same whether or not the project is separated into different parts. The only difference would be the cost. Mr. Gilmore stated that there is a substantial increase in cost for the homeowners on Old Mill Lane if the project was separated into two parts.
Ms. Willerup, 17 Firetown Road, questioned at what point would she, as the property owner, maintain ownership of the lateral. Mr. Piazza stated that the homeowner owns the lateral at their property line. Mr. Sheehan questioned if the lateral for this home would also be replaced. Mr. Piazza stated that the portion which is in the grass line would be replaced; they would not be digging up the road. Mr. Willerup stated that he could run the pipe out of the northeast corner of his home and connect to Firetown Road. He still needs time to explore what this cost would be. Mr. Piazza stated that the assessment for the Firetown Road sewer extension has already been paid by the previous homeowner.
Mr. Gilmore took a straw poll of residents who were in favor of separating this upgrade into two separate projects. None of the homeowners in attendance at the meeting were in favor of separating this project. Mr. Gilmore read into the record, a letter from the homeowners at 4 Maple Court, stating that they are in strong support of the original proposal that was presented at the December 10, 2015 meeting. Mr. Gilmore also read into the record, an email from the homeowner at 9 Old Mill Lane stating that after reviewing information from the Town regarding the proposal being separated into two projects, he and his wife are in favor of the original proposal that was presented at the December 10, 2015 meeting.
Mrs. Willerup stated her concerns regarding her lateral, which is very old. Although a portion of the lateral had been replaced several years ago, she stated, for the record, she would like the condition of her lateral to be inspected since it will not be replaced as part of this project. Matthew Cook encouraged Mrs. Willerup to speak with Ensign Bickford, who, he says, owns her lateral.
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to close the public hearing. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Mr. Sheehan stated that Town staff needs to reconcile if 82 West Street is connected through this system. He also suggested allowing Mr. and Mrs. Willerup, 17 Firetown Road, to further investigate the cost of hooking up to Firetown Road.
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to approve the original sewer extension connection, being one project, for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 Maple Court; 1, 5 & 9 Old Mill Lane; 82, 86, 88 & 90 West Street; and 17 Firetown Road as proposed with the 2 elements of 82 West Street and 17 Firetown Road yet to be resolved.
After a short discussion and input from Mr. Gilmore, Mr. Sheehan made a change to his motion.
Mr. Sheehan amended his motion to further state that the property owners at 82 West Street and 17 Firetown Road, upon further investigation, may withdraw from this project and connect elsewhere. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
4. REVIEW 88-94 SEMINARY ROAD AND POSSIBLY SET SEWER ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING
Mr. Roy stated that the sewer extension for 88-94 Seminary Road has been completed.
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to set the sewer assessment public hearing for 88-94 Seminary Road for the February 2016 WPCA meeting. Mr. Shoemaker seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
5. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Roy stated that there is no progress on the Russell Lane project. All of the easements have not been obtained so the project will not move forward. Regarding Andrew Drive, Guy Hesketh continues to work on this project; bids should go out in March. He stated that there will be a public hearing on 318-321 Bushy Hill Road, as well as the assessment hearing for Seminary Road, at next month’s meeting.
6. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Piazza stated that all permit requirements were met for November. He stated that the second bar and rag conditioner have been installed and the factory start-up is scheduled for the first week in February. He stated that the WPC staff continues to work with WMC Engineering to finalize all of the permit requirements and design for construction in the summer of 2016.
Mr. Piazza stated that the upgrade of the Longview pump station is completed and is operating under SCADA controls. Regarding the collection system, the WPC staff assisted the Town of Avon Historical Society with a video inspection of an abandoned well inside of the Darren House.
Mr. Piazza stated that the department recently sold the 1984 septage pump truck for $4,000 (truck had a bad transmission), and the 2000 Ford Ranger Pickup for $2,050. Regarding the budget, staff is currently working on the FY 16/17 budget. Current projections indicate an increase of approximately 3.5% in expenditures, mostly due to the increase in utility costs, insurance premiums, and negotiated wage increases. Proposed capital items are: grit washing system; septage receiving station; Bobcat for easement maintenance; and one truck replacement.
Mr. Piazza stated that they are actively looking for a replacement truck driver. Also, Joe Boruff took his Operator III exam this week and is currently waiting for the results.
7. CORRESPONDENCE
The Authority members reviewed a letter from Mr. Piazza regarding the completion and recommendation of acceptance of the sewers for Murphy’s Turn.
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to accept the sewers on Murphy’s Turn, as recommended. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
8. DECEMBER 10, 2015 MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Dr. Park made a motion to approve the December 10, 2015 minutes as written. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr. Sheehan abstained.
9. POSSIBLE NOMINATION FOR CHAIRMAN
Dr. Park nominated Mr. Sheehan for Vice Chairman of the Water Pollution Control Authority. Mr. Shoemaker seconded the nomination.
Mr. Sheehan stated that he appreciated the nomination and although his work keeps him from attending some meetings, he will attend as often as possible.
The motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Paine, Board of Selectmen liaison, stated that he will attend the WPCA meetings as often as possible. He also stated that if any of the Authority members have any questions for him, to feel free to contact him. Mr. Shoemaker suggested that Mr. Paine look into the financials of the WPCA in order to get familiar with them.
Mr. Piazza stated that AECOM will be doing a rate study with the currently financials, which will hopefully be ready to review by budget time.
10. ADJOURN
Mr. Shoemaker made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
______________________
Paul Gilmore, Chairman