WPCA Minutes 01/14/2021
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 14, 2020
“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. via a virtual Zoom meeting. The following members were present: Jay Sheehan, Michael Park, Jacques Brignac, Ed Kelly and Lucian Dragulski. Also present were Tony Piazza, Superintendent, Thomas Roy, Director of Public Works, and Alison Sturgeon, Clerk.
2. SAFETY BRIEF – Mr. Gilmore stated that during the winter months, roads can become slick with icy conditions as well as black ice. He cautioned everyone to be mindful of these conditions as well as pedestrians.
3. SEWER USE FEE WAIVER REQUEST – 16 SEMINARY ROAD (Continued)
Mr. Gilmore recused himself from this discussion.
Mr. Roy stated that this request is from the homeowner at 16 Seminary Road. The house had a certain level of disturbance that was associated with a significant water leak. The house was uninhabited for a certain amount of time and the homeowner is looking for some relief.
Mr. Piazza stated that the homeowner has continued to pay their property taxes. The water has been shut off and continues to be off to date. The practice of the WPC is to start billing for new sewer connections once the lateral is connected, not when the water is turned on. He stated that there have been instances where a property with only the foundation is billed for sewer usage.
Mr. Sheehan reminded the Authority members that at the last meeting they discussed that in the past, the Authority denied a waiver for the Ethel Walker old dormitory; they were not using water in that building. He stated that the homeowner at 16 Seminary Road did not lose their certificate of occupancy. Mr. Piazza reminded the Authority members that the billing period starts at the time of connection; the start of when they have the availability to use the sewer.
Mr. Kelly stated that although he feels bad for the homeowner, he is worried about setting a precedent. This could open up waivers for people with various examples of why people are not in their homes.
Mr. Sheehan questioned if there is any record that the water usage was zero. Mr. Piazza stated that Aquarion was called and that the water was shut off on December 5, 2019 and remains off.
Mr. Kelly made a motion to deny the waiver request for 16 Seminary Road due to the fact that this could set a precedent under similar situations, which would be difficult to manage. Mr. Brignac seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr. Gilmore abstained.
Mr. Gilmore rejoined the meeting.
4. FY 21/22 BUDGET DISCUSSION
Mr. Piazza stated that there are several changes to the budget, although maintaining a 0% increase. Adjustments were made to line items to reflect actual costs. He stated that the Town has decided to start the Capital Non-recurring (CNR) program back up for this department. There is now a CNR line item of $95,000, which takes money out of the machinery account as well as small amounts out of some small capital projects.
Regarding capital projects, Mr. Piazza stated that $750,000 is for the berm modifications if the BRIC grant is received. They will not be moving forward at this point in time without the grant. The $600,000 is to finish the sewer lining in Tariffville.
Mr. Roy stated that the CNR and capital program is essentially a different way of accounting. He stated that all of the funding continues to come out of the reserve and assessment funds. The combined total of these funds is approximately $7.5 million. In the event that an account does run short, they would be able to request a transfer back from the reserve fund. Although this budget is lean it does not sacrifice the services that they have been providing.
5. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Piazza stated that The Ridge has finished rerouting one of the sewer lines to accommodate the change that was made several months ago to eliminate the townhomes and put an apartment building in its place. Highcroft continues to move forward. He stated that they just received approval for the last phase of Carson Way, Griswold Place, Phase III. This is the final phase of the project. The Woodland Street project is still in the design phase. Several changes regarding the routing of the pipes have been made. The full layout should be completed by next week.
6. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Piazza stated that all permit requirements were met for the month of December. He stated that staff continues with the replacement of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). They are coordinating with the computer integrator from Tighe & Bond for installation. At this time Building 6 PLC still needs to be upgraded; they are currently waiting on the delivery of a specialty cable to finish the installation. Staff is continuing 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. He stated that staff worked with DPC Engineering and completed the final BRIC Grant application for the modifications to the protective berm surrounding the plant.
Regarding the secondary clarifier launder covers, Mr. Piazza stated that staff is finalizing the bid specifications with Tighe and Bond. It is expected to advertise for the upgrade in February and have the covers installed in the summer of 2021.
Mr. Piazza stated that James Silva of Silva Engineering, LLC performed a structural analysis of the primary clarifiers prior to commencing the upgrade of the mechanical systems. The final report of the inspection was received. Several structural issues were found on the east tank, a section of the exterior wall is leaning in. This issue was also found during the plant upgrade in 2006 and a repair was made at that time. They are looking at multiple options for the potential repair or the possibility of decommissioning the tanks. A capital project for a more in-depth study and recommendations will be needed in future years.
Regarding the Miscellaneous Industrial Users Permit, Mr. Piazza stated that staff has requested registration from the existing permitted industrial users. The next registration will be for swimming pools and automotive repair shops in the Town. Staff is finalizing the list of all remaining industrial users in the Town as well as Avon and Granby. We will be prioritizing the notifications to these businesses to allow for a smooth rollout of the program.
7. CORRESPONDENCE
The Authority members reviewed two letters, both from Mr. Piazza. The first letter was to Mansour Prime Properties regarding their need to provide a maintenance bond for Hendricks Lane. The other letter was to the Pine Hill Homeowner’s Association regarding an internal issue of a large root intrusion.
8. DECEMBER MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to approve the December 10, 2020 minutes as written. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr. Gilmore and Mr. Kelly abstained.
9. ADJOURN
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:31 p.m. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
_________________________
Paul Gilmore, Chairman