WPCA Meeting Minutes

WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY

REGULAR MEETING

December 13, 2012  -  DRAFT

1.         CALL TO ORDER

Vice-Chairman Paul Gilmore 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: Michael Park, Loren Shoemaker, Ed Kelly, Jay Sheehan and Warren Coe.  Also present were: James Clifton, WPC Superintendent; Richard Sawitzke, Town Engineer; Alison Sturgeon, Clerk; as well as other interested parties. 

2.         SAFETY BRIEF – Mr. Gilmore gave a safety brief noting that during the winter months, people should use good judgment when handling power equipment such as snow blowers.

3.         TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT

Mr. Clifton stated that all permit requirements for the month of November were met.  He stated that there was a flow error for two days when the display was not changed back from inches to MGD.  The program has now been changed to prevent this from occurring in the future.  Regarding the Tunxis Pump Station replacement, the pumps have passed preliminary testing; once the 7 day trial is run, if successful, the Town will take over operation of the equipment.  He stated that on November 11, 2012, when the emergency genset was load tested, a small fire ignited from a propane line leak.  The Simsbury Fire Department responded; no damage was done.

Mr. Clifton stated that bids were open today for the Wolcott Pump Station rehabilitation.  The lowest bidder was W.M. Schultz Construction Inc.  Regarding the Avon flow data, the Mission Communications M-110 wireless monitoring system has been ordered and is on schedule for an early January start-up.  He also stated that all staff recently received industry standard immunizations and titer evaluations. 

Mr. Clifton stated that two meetings were held regarding DEEP phosphorus reduction at which they discussed the status of phosphorus in CT and approaches to improve surface waters.  Also, regarding nitrogen credit trading, the estimated annual cost is $4.95 per pound of total nitrogen removed.  The Town of Simsbury can expect to receive approximately $20,000 for trading.         

Mr. Clifton stated that he hopes to retire in the summer of 2013; Mr. Sawitzke proposes to retire by the end of 2013.  He stated that prior to leaving, it would be very beneficial to have at least 30 days with his replacement.

4.         STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC. – R. SAWITZKE

Mr. Sawitzke stated that he will have information regarding sewer extensions for Seminary Road, Long View Drive and Russell Lane soon.  The Authority can then possibly hold one hearing per month for each of these projects.

5.         CORRESPONDENCE

Mr. Gilmore stated that the WPCA received a letter dated November 14, 2012 from Mr. McCue stating they he is appealing the November 8, 2012 denial requesting an application for a septic system at 67 Laurel Lane.  Mr. Gilmore stated that since the Authority has been involved in litigation with Mr. McCue, he would recommend referring this matter to the Town Attorney.

Mr. McCue stated that he does not believe this matter should be referred to the Town Attorney; he would like the Authority to either accept or deny the request.

The consensus of the Authority was to refer this matter to the Town Attorney.

Regarding other correspondence, Mr. Gilmore stated that Mr. Clifton sent letters to Mr. Ritson and Mr. Janeczko regarding the new FCC charges for their projects. 

6.         NOVEMBER 8, 2012 MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL

Mr. Shoemaker made a motion to approve the November 8, 2012 minutes as written.  Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was approved.  Mr. Kelly and Mr. Sheehan abstained.

7.         OTHER BUSINESS

There was none.

8.         ADJOURN

Mr. Shoemaker made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m.  Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.

______________________

Paul Gilmore, Vice-Chairman