WPCA Meeting Minutes 02/09/2023
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 9, 2023
“Subject to Vote of Approval”
1. CALL TO ORDER
Paul Gilmore called the regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority to order at 7:00 p.m. via a Zoom meeting. The following members were present: Jay Sheehan, Ed Kelly, Michael Park, Lucian Dragulski, and Jacques Brignac. Also present were Anthony Piazza, Superintendent, Tom Roy, Director of Public Works, and Alison Sturgeon, Administrative Secretary.
2. SAFETY BRIEF – Mr. Gilmore stated that people should be mindful of black ice and freezing rain while driving during the winter months.
3. BELDEN FOREST COURT CONDOMINIUMS – CONTINUED DISCUSSION
Mr. Gilmore stated that at the last meeting, the WPCA had a healthy discussion regarding the Belden Forest
Court Condominium complex. He recently went on their website; the self-description of their community appears to be functioning as a business. For example, he stated that for safety reasons, each unit is equipped with call signals, which summons immediate assistance. They also have a beauty salon/barber shop on the premises; they provide weekly linen and cleaning services; provide transportation services for people within the community; and social activities to name a few. Mr. Gilmore stated that he feels this facility does not resemble a condominium or apartment complex because of all of the services which they provide. Although they are mostly individually owned, the real driver is in the nature of their business, which is alternative living. He feels it would be appropriate to classify this complex as non-residential.
Mr. Kelly stated that it would be ideal, eventually, if everyone was individually metered and billed based on actual flow. Simsbury businesses are already billed this way. He agrees that this complex should be billed on usage as well. Mr. Gilmore stated that the WPCA needs to base their decisions off of the current policy and not make decisions based upon their future ideals.
Mr. Dragulski stated that the Authority could grant an exception in this case; this complex is unique. Mr. Gilmore stated that if they classify this complex as a business, an exception would not be needed.
Mr. Kelly questioned who defines what a business is. Mr. Piazza stated that the definitions are taken from the Planning Department.
Dr. Park stated that his initial concern was that an exception might tweak the definition of a business and others would possibly claim the same thing. This is such a unique situation, he does not think this will happen.
Mr. Sheehan stated that the Sewer Use Billing Policy has two classifications, which are residential and non-residential. He agrees this complex would fall under non-residential.
Mr. Roy stated that this complex is unique. If the Authority truly feels that this is a business, the plant would be made whole for any flow coming into the treatment plant because what is coming in is being paid for.
Mr. Sheehan made a motion that the Belden Forest Court Condominium complex would be properly characterized as a business given the level of services that are provided by the management of the property and that based upon that classification, the Sewer Use Billing Policy calls for them to be billed on actual usage. Mr. Dragulski seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
4. DYNO NOBEL ASSESSMENT REQUEST – DISCUSSION
Mr. Piazza stated that the Woodland Street sewer upgrade was completed in the summer of 2022. The contract that was signed was for a 10-year payback period. In November of 2022, the WPCA changed the payback of assessments to 15 years. Dyno Nobel is requesting their payback be changed from 10 years to 15 years.
Mr. Gilmore questioned what the cost would be to the Town if this request was granted. Mr. Piazza stated the documents have not been recorded yet; there would be no cost involved. The first billing for the assessment would not go out until November 2023.
Mr. Gilmore stated that if they change the period for Dyno Nobel, what would stop everyone from requesting the same. He stated that it is important to treat everyone fairly unless the situations were different.
Mr. Kelly stated that the difference in this instance is that the billing cycle has not started as of yet. Mr. Gilmore stated his concern regarding people who are paying over ten years wanting to switch to 15 years. Mr. Roy stated that he does not think people will want to switch since the Town’s bond rating has increased significantly in the past year. He also believes that the Town would be reluctant to be in the “refinance” business.
Mr. Kelly made a motion to approve Dyno Nobel’s request for their assessment to be changed to a 15-year amortization. The first payment in November 2023 would be under the new 15-year schedule. Mr. Sheehan seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr. Brignac opposed the motion.
5. PINE HILL HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION SEWER UPGRADE – POSSIBLY SET PUBIC HEARING
Mr. Piazza stated that the WPCA held a public hearing in December 2022 for the Pine Hill Homeowner’s Association sewer upgrade. The construction estimate is $975,000, which was above what the Association originally approved. Last month, the Association voted and approved to move forward with the full amount of $975,000. Mr. Piazza stated that another public hearing is needed.
Dr. Park made a motion to set the public hearing for the Pine Hill Homeowner’s Association sewer upgrade for March 9, 2023. Mr. Sheehan seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
6. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC. – No report.
7. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Piazza stated that all permit requirements were met for the month of January. He stated that with the warmer than expected winter, staff has been containing a foaming issue on the secondary clarifiers; this has not impacted any process or permit requirements. It is more of a nuisance issue. Staff is also installing a new chemical metering system for the odor control scrubber. The new system will update the pumps and replace several older valves.
On Sunday, January 22, staff received a call regarding a sewer back up at 30 Selma Court. Staff found that the 14-inch line on Hopmeadow Street was backed up due to a grease build up prior to the syphon. Staff worked throughout the night and cleared the line to reestablished flow. All reports have been filed with the State DEEP.
Mr. Piazza stated that Granite InLiner is scheduled to be in next week to complete the lining of several sections of pipe in Tariffville and along Hopmeadow Street. This work will complete the three-year contract for the work. Staff will be reviewing the completed sections to determine any future needs.
Regarding the primary clarifier analysis, Mr. Piazza stated that Weston and Sampson has completed the initial analysis and has provided the initial report to Town staff. We are currently reviewing the report to determine what actions need to be taken to ensure the tanks can be ready for future use.
8. CORRESPONDENCE – None.
9. JANUARY MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Brignac made a motion to approve the January 12, 2023 minutes as written. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr. Kelly abstained.
10. ADJOURN
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 p.m. Mr. Kelly seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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Paul Gilmore, Chairman