WPCA Minutes 05/14/2015
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
MAY 14, 2015
“Subject to Vote of Approval”
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Philip Richardson called the regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority to order at 7:30 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, Tom Hickey and Ed Kelly. Also present were Tom Roy, Director of Public Works, Alison Sturgeon, Clerk, as well as other interested parties.
2. SAFETY BRIEF – Mr. Richardson gave a safety brief about sun safety and the importance of wearing sunblock.
3. REVIEW OF 4 ANDREW DRIVE AND POSSIBLY SET PUBLIC HEARING
Mr. Richardson stated that interest cards went out to homeowners on Andrew Drive. He stated that the original homeowner making the request, as well as the homeowner at 7 Andrew Drive has responded positively. No other responses have been received. There was a consensus among the Authority to set the public hearing for June prior to going on summer recess.
Mr. Shoemaker made a motion to set the public hearing for the Andrew Drive sewer extension (4, 5, 7, 8 & 9 Andrew Drive) for the June 11, 2015 regular meeting. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
4. RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RESIDENTIAL SEWER USER RATES
Mr. Richardson stated that there was a discussion at the last meeting regarding keeping the residential and non-residential rates unchanged. This motion was not made last month because the item was not on the agenda.
Mr. Hickey made a motion that the sewer rates for FY 2015/16 will remain unchanged at $335 for residential and $4.25/CCF for non-residential customers. Mr. Shoemaker seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
5. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Roy stated that things are moving a bit slower than expected. He stated that although Rich Sawitzke is doing a very efficient job overseeing the sewer extension projects, he only works two days per week and some of the schedules are behind. Mr. Roy stated that if there are more delays, they may be looking at a different process for sewer plans, possibly an outside consultant.
Mr. Roy stated that Long View Drive is being held up for several reasons. They will be bringing the pump station from the Highway Department this summer, which will be tacked on to the end of this project. They need to make sure that there is no change to the size of the pumps with theflow that is brought in by the Public Works facility.
Regarding Russell Lane, Mr. Roy stated that they are waiting on the final right-of-way language. He stated that the developer for Murphy’s Turn has been working with Mr. Piazza regarding the appropriate bond for the project as well as the Developer’s Agreement.
6. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Roy stated that all permit requirements were met for April. The plant was late in reporting seasonal phosphorous loading as required by NPDES; the loading was 16.5 pounds per month average. He stated that the UV system is online for the season. The plant had a power surge that caused the effluent pump station and the sludge tank level indicators to fail, although new units have been ordered and installed.
Regarding the Farmington River bank stabilization, Mr. Roy stated that possible grant money may be available from the State for this project. The project may have a better chance for funding if the project is delayed until next year. A project letter will be submitted to the State. WMC Consulting Engineers have received the necessary permitting for this project.
Mr. Roy stated that, regarding the energy audit, ESC has installed the VFDs for the anoxic mixers, although some SCADA programming still needs to be completed. Regarding the Tunxis Pump Station replacement, the new SCADA PLC is being installed during the week of May 11. The completion of the upgrade is scheduled for the week of May 19. Also, Schultz Construction has submitted a final invoice to AECOM for the Wolcott Pump Station.
Regarding citations, Mr. Roy stated that a certified letter was sent informing 8 businesses, which are in violation for not having the required grease recovery units installed, of their possible fine. The letter also asked them to give the WPC a time table within 10 days of receipt of the letter regarding when the issue will be resolved. To date, Main Moon has completed the installation and Pride has contacted the WPC and is working on installing the correct units. No other establishments have contacted the WPC. Mr. Shoemaker suggested that the WPC work with the Pride stations as well as the FVHD in order to see if a waiver can be given to them.
Mr. Roy stated that a memo has been sent to the Planning Department as well as the Engineering Department, asking them to review the WPC’s process. In order to be more business friendly, the Planning Department has been trying to get zoning approvals earlier, which has put the WPCA and the Town Engineer after their approval process. Mr. Roy stated that developments are being approved pending review of the WPCA. He would like for the WPC to be first in this process.
7. CORRESPONDENCE
The Authority members reviewed a letter to Mr. Janeczko regarding sewer capacity analysis for The Powder Forest Sites 5 and 6. A letter was received last month from the Trinity Church in Tariffville requesting a de minimis discharge waiver. Mr. Roy stated that Mr. Piazza has been working with the church regarding this request.
8. MAY 14, 2015 MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Shoemaker made a motion to approve the May 14, 2015 meeting minutes as written. Mr. Richardson seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr. Kelly, Mr. Hickey and Dr. Park abstained.
The Authority members reviewed the draft FAQ sheet regarding sewer extensions that they would like to hand out to applicable homeowners. Several edits were discussed, including the addition of a sketch with a short description of who is responsible for what sections of pipe. The final draft of the document will be reviewed by the Authority at the next meeting.
9. ADJOURN
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Mr. Shoemaker seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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Philip Richardson, Chairman