WPCA Minutes 12/11/2014
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
DECEMBER 11, 2014
“Subject to Vote of Approval”
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman 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, Thomas Hickey, and Paul Gilmore. Also present were Tom Roy, Director of Public Works; Tony Piazza, Superintendent; Alison Sturgeon, Clerk as well as other interested parties.
2. SAFETY BRIEF
Mr. Roy gave a safety brief stating that there have been two incidents in the past few weeks regarding Town employees. A driver’s plow truck became entangled in a downed, live power line during the last storm. The driver credits a training presentation from CL&P, which Public Works employees took part in last summer, with saving his life. The other incident happened when a new custodian crossed the street coming back from delivering the mail to the post office. He was brushed by a car on Route 10. Although he did not have any reflective safety gear on, he fortunately, did not suffer any injuries.
Mr. Roy stated that they have shared these incidents with other Town employees to remind them of safety procedures that need to be followed.
3. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Roy stated that the engineering team would like to see these pending projects move along quicker. He stated that they will be putting together a tracking spreadsheet of all projects that will be used between WPC and Engineering. He stated that they continue to wait on the last piece of the surveying for Russell Lane, which should be ready to be bid on in March for spring construction. Regarding Seminary Road, there is one last piece of surveying that needs to be done. Mr. Sawitzke will be putting together a cost estimate and feels confident that a public hearing could be scheduled for January.
Mr. Roy stated that, regarding the force main associated with the Highway garage and Longview Drive, there may not be appropriate funding on the Town side. This project may need to wait until the new fiscal year begins.
Mr. Shoemaker made a motion to hold a public hearing for 63-86 Seminary Road at the January WPCA meeting. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
4. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Piazza stated that a suspended solids sample and analysis was not completed during the Thanksgiving week. A new schedule process has been adopted in the lab to ensure all sampling is completed.
Mr. Piazza stated that a variable frequency drive at the South pump station failed; a replacement has been ordered. Regarding capital projects, the mechanically cleaned bar screen will be delivered on December 16, 2014 and the screenings conditioner will be on site by January 2015. The FY 15/16 capital items are: a second bar screen and screenings conditioner; four or six inch dry-prime pump; and a portable generator to be cost shared with the Town.
Regarding the Farmington River bank stabilization, Mr. Piazza stated that WMC Consulting Engineers is continuing to work on permitting for the project. Plans have been submitted to the State DEEP and we are waiting for approval of the plans. He stated that he did receive a call from a concerned resident; there are a few spots on the bank that are washing away. A call will be put into the State to try and expedite the process. Also, the Town Attorney has reviewed the proposal for the energy audit. This is scheduled to be brought before the Board of Selectmen.
Regarding the North Interceptor flow assessment, Mr. Piazza stated that AECOM provided a draft copy of the assessment; minor changes are being made to the document to incorporate the review comments from the North Main Interceptor Report and the Wastewater Flow and Load Update.
Mr. Piazza stated that they are currently waiting on the final invoice from CT Carpentry regarding the Tunxis Pump Station replacement. Also, Schultz Construction continues to work on punch list items. In terms of personnel at the plant, Mr. Piazza stated that interviews are being scheduled for the WPC truck driver.
5. CORRESPONDENCE
The WPCA reviewed two letters: Dorset Crossing Pool Backwash, as well as a letter for the FCC charges for Simsbury Specialty Housing, Casterbridge Crossing.
6. NOVEMBER 13, 2014 MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Hickey made a motion to approve the November 13, 2014 minutes as written. Mr. Richardson seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr. Shoemaker and Mr. Gilmore abstained.
7. WPCA 2015 MEETING SCHEDULE (EDITED) – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Richardson stated that there has been a date change to the February 2015 meeting. The WPCA cannot hold a meeting on a State holiday, even when the Town is open.
Mr. Shoemaker made a motion to approve the revised WPCA 2015 Meeting Schedule. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Mr. Piazza stated that the budget process will be starting soon. He should have a preliminary FY 15/16 budget by the next meeting for WPCA review.
Mr. Gilmore questioned if the Authority members would be getting Town email addresses. The WPCA had a short discussion regarding FOI as well as the practice of other Boards and Commissions.
8. ADJOURN
Mr. Shoemaker made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m. Mr. Gilmore seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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Philip Richardson, Chairman