WPCA Meeting Minutes 06/14/2018
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 14, 2018
“Subject to Vote of Approval”
1. CALL TO ORDER
Paul Gilmore called the regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Water Pollution Control Facility, 36 Drake Hill Road, Simsbury. The following members were present: Michael Park, Lucian Dragulski, Tom Hickey, and Jacques Brignac. Also present were Anthony Piazza, Water Pollution Control Superintendent; and Alison Sturgeon, Clerk.
2. SAFETY BRIEF – Mr. Gilmore gave a safety brief noting the exits in case of an emergency.
3. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION – SANITARY SEWER EXTENSION OAKHURST ROAD AND BUSHY HILL ROAD
Mr. Gilmore stated that 320 Bushy Hill Road, owned by Miriam Johnson, is part of this project. The owner of this property also owns the property to the rear, which could support 2 other homes in the future. He stated that Ms. Johnson did articulate some concerns in recent weeks regarding the project, which she understood to be different from what she originally thought. Mr. Gilmore stated that at all public hearings, people are told that the design presented to them is subject to change. The project as currently proposed would terminate at a closer point than originally envisioned. This is not the preference of Ms. Johnson. One option that appears to be available to her is to extend the line by approximately 20-25 feet to the east. Through obtaining an easement from Ms. Johnson across her property, which she is prepared to give, this would permit a tie into the existing access point for the rear lots to the east of the project. This option would lead to some disturbance of her stone wall in the front of the property that would not be restored although it would most likely be regraded. This degree of change is within Mr. Roy’s discretionary authority to implement projects that the Authority approves in both the modest additional cost and the modest differentiation from the current project parameters.
Mr. Gilmore stated that the second option being proposed would be to extend the sewer from Sydney Way to 320 Bushy Hill Road, although this would disturb a great deal of landscaping from someone who would not benefit from this project at all.
Mr. Piazza showed the Authority members a map depicting the project area and where the current extension would be as well as the proposed options.
Mr. Gilmore stated that if Ms. Johnson decides not to grant the easements, the project would revert back to serving her property through the southern portion of the property. He also agrees that extending the line to the east is within Mr. Roy’s discretion; there was a consensus among the Authority members to this as well.
Dr. Park made a motion to authorize the modification of this project so as to have a proposed additional 20—25 foot extension to the east provided that the necessary easement across the property of 320 Bushy Hill Road is granted, otherwise the project would move forward as currently planned. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
4. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Piazza stated that the Bushy Hill Road project is well underway. Regarding the Maple Court upgrade, Aquarion Water Company has finished their project. The Town will put down the final pavement this fall. The bid opening for Massaco Street was today; the price came in at approximately $210,000 to replace and upgrade the existing pipe. He stated that interest cards will go out soon for Winterset Lane. There was a design change for Cambridge Crossing on Hoskins Road; work on that project will begin again soon.
5. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Piazza stated that all permit requirements were met for May. Operators have place the disinfection system on line and have been maintaining phosphorous well under permit requirements.
Regarding the pump stations, Mr. Piazza stated that one of the pumps at Hayes pump station needs to be rebuilt due to a mechanical seal issue. A pump at the Tunxis pump station has an electrical short in the winding. Due to the expense of the repair, it is more cost effective to purchase a new pump. He stated that the development of the draft flow allocation policy has been completed. A copy of the policy and the policy statement has been provided for the Authority’s review.
Mr. Piazza stated that there was a stoppage in a private system at Pine Hill Homeowners Association as well as an issue on Woodland Street owned by Dyno Nobel. Staff cleared both issues and a bill will be created for services rendered. Staff continues with video inspection and cleaning of the system. Easement maintenance will be conducted throughout the summer months. Also, the WPC Truck Driver position remains open. He stated that they are evaluating all job descriptions and reviewing the requirements of the department for future staffing.
6. CORRESPONDENCE
The Authority members reviewed a memo to the Director of Planning regarding plan comments for St. Mary’s Church; a memo to the Tax Collector regarding Granby’s and Avon’s estimated 2019 O&M budget for sewer use; a letter to Sunlight Construction regarding sewer design comments for Cambridge Crossing; and a Freedom of Information Act training in October.
7. MAY MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Dragulski made a motion to approve the May 10, 2018 minutes as written. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
8. POSSIBLE MOTION AND APPROVAL OF AUTHORITY TO CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN DURING RECESS
Dr. Park made a motion that the Chairman and Vice Chairman be empowered to act on behalf of the Water Pollution Control Authority on all routine issues brought before them over the summer recess. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
9. ADJOURN
Mr. Hickey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:25 p.m. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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Paul Gilmore, Chairman