WPCA Minutes 11/14/2019
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 14, 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 7:02 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Water Pollution Control Facility, 36 Drake Hill Road, Simsbury. The following members were present: Michael Park, Tom Hickey, Ed Kelly and Lucian Dragulski. Also present were Tony Piazza, Superintendent and Alison Sturgeon, Clerk.
2. SAFETY BRIEF – Mr. Gilmore gave a safety brief noting the exits in case of an emergency.
3. DISCUSSION – REQUEST BY JOHN VOORVAART FOR POTENTIAL SEWERS ON WESCOTT ROAD
Mr. Piazza stated that Mr. Voorvaart, 11 Wescott Road, is requesting that the WPCA look into whether or not installing sewers on his street would be feasible. He is making this request now because his septic system is failing. Several options include getting easements to connect to a private sewer system from Wolcott Woods; or connecting to the Wolcott Pump Stations, although that is approximately 4,000 feet from Wescott Road. After further review, Mr. Piazza stated that the cost would be approximately $30,000 or more for each of the 22 homes that could connect. He stated that putting sewers in at this time would be cost prohibitive.
After a short discussion, Mr. Gilmore stated that he would like a formal letter sent on behalf of the WPCA to Mr. Voorvaart explaining that his request was presented and discussed and it was determined that installing sewers in that area are not economically feasible. The cost of approximately $30,000 is out of line with what the WPCA has historically moved forward with.
4. ACTUARIAL ACCOUNT DISCUSSION, UPPER FOLLY FARM – REQUEST BY KEVIN PALMER
Mr. Piazza stated that he met with the Upper Folly Farms Board last year regarding their fund and what the money can be used for. Their agreement with the Town states that the fund can be used for maintenance, repair and improvement to the sewer system without polluting the waters in the State of Connecticut. He stated that members of the Upper Folly Farms Board have recently changed and there is currently a disagreement among them in terms of what the funds can and cannot be used for. They are requesting a letter from the Town clarifying what the funds can be used for.
In response to Mr. Gilmore’s question, Mr. Piazza stated that the Upper Folly Farms Board does have authority over the account. Mr. Gilmore suggested that a letter be written by Town staff to include a copy of the agreement as well as the stipulations under which the funds can be utilized. He asked that the letter be forwarded to the Town Attorney prior to being sent out.
Mr. Piazza stated that an annual report is supposed to be sent by the Upper Folly Farms Board to the WPCA. The last time this was done was in 2010. Mr. Gilmore stated that the Board should get 120 days to submit the report to the Town. He also questioned if the Board needs approval for their spending. Mr. Piazza stated that approval is only needed over a specific amount.
5. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Piazza stated that the construction has started on the houses on Murphy’s Turn. Final video inspection has been done; the Town is completing the final pavement. These sewers can be accepted by the WPCA one year after the Town accepts the road. He stated that reports from the video inspection are still needed for Cambridge Court. Highcroft, Powder Forest 5 & 6 apartments are in its final stages and the townhomes are currently being connected to the sewers. Air test and video inspections are still needed for one section of the Ridge at Talcott Mountain. Regarding Woodland Street, Mr. Piazza stated that Town staff met with Dyno Nobel to get clarification on what parts of the system they wanted the Town to take over. An informational meeting will be held on December 4, 2019 with the residents.
6. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Piazza stated that all permit requirements were met for the month of October. He stated that staff has inventoried all Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) and the purchase order will be placed with Graybar Electric for the parts. This purchase will be made through U.S Communities’ bidding. Staff is continuing 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. AECOM has already met with WPCA staff to discuss operational issues and potential system upgrades.
Regarding the plant water system, Mr. Piazza stated that submittals have been approved for the new system. The system has been released for construction. Also, he stated that the plant operator position has been filled by Jerome Grant who transferred from Buildings and Grounds. Jim Corley will be resuming duties as the Engineering Inspector in the coming weeks as well.
7. CORRESPONDENCE
The Authority members reviewed a letter from Mr. Piazza to H.I. Stone & Son, Inc. regarding the notice of award for sludge hauling; and a memo to Mike Glidden regarding 80 Climax Road, Hendricks Cottages.
8. SEPTEMBER MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Several edits were made to the September 12, 2019 minutes.
Mr. Kelly made a motion to approve the September 12, 2019 minutes as amended. Mr. Dragulski seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr. Gilmore abstained.
9. ADJOURN
Mr. Hickey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:28 p.m. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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Paul Gilmore, Chairman