WPCA Meeting Minutes 11/18/2021
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 18, 2021
“Subject to Vote of Approval”
1. CALL TO ORDER
Paul Gilmore called the regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority to order at 7:01 p.m. via a virtual Zoom meeting. The following members were present: Jacques Brignac, Lucian Dragulski, Tom Hickey and Michael Park. Also present were Tony Piazza, Superintendent and Alison Sturgeon, Clerk.
2. SAFETY BRIEF - Mr. Gilmore cautioned people, as the cold months are upon us, to be careful of black ice.
3. PINE HILL HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCATION SEWER UPGRADE REQUEST - UPDATE
Mr. Pizza stated that he and Tom Roy met with the Pine Hill Homeowner’s Association residents. They are asking the WPCA to potentially take over their sewers once they are up to Town standards. He stated that this request is similar to the Maple Court and the Woodland Street upgrade projects; they are all Ensign Bickford housing. At the meeting, residents were given information regarding the process for taking over the sewers; the potential for a public hearing; and the design concepts. They also discussed their options, one of which could be lining the sewers to improve what already exists there, although this option would not allow the sewers to be taken over by the Town since they still would not be up to Town standards.
Mr. Piazza stated that the last evaluation of the sewers in the Pine Hill Homeowner’s Association was done in 2008. Town staff recommended that residents get a video evaluation of their system done. The Homeowner’s Association requested that Town staff video and inspect their sewer system. Mr. Piazza let them know that their video equipment may not fit into some of the sewer lines. But ultimately, permission would be needed from the WPCA in order to do this evaluation. He stated that if they were to do this evaluation, standard rates would apply.
Mr. Gilmore questioned if there was a standard rate for this type of work and if there were any risks associated with doing the work. Mr. Piazza stated that they do have a rate for this type of work, which would include a cost for the vehicle used as well as labor costs; there are no risks for Town staff to perform the work.
Mr. Hickey questioned if the Town has ever done this type of work before. Mr. Piazza stated that staff has, in the past, done video work for the Town of Avon, although not as in depth as this inspection would be. Staff also inspected the sewers in Stratton Forest prior to taking over their sewers.
Mr. Hickey made a motion to authorize the Town staff of the Water Pollution Control to employ their assets and personnel to perform a video assessment of the sewer pipes in the Pine Hill Homeowner’s Association. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
4. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Piazza stated that the Ridge at Talcott Mountain has pulled permits for the final four buildings. Regarding the Woodland Street sewer upgrade project, the oak tree was removed and the pipe jacking has been completed under the sycamore tree. The major portion of the upgrade work will be completed by the second week in December and laterals will be finished shortly after that.
5. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Piazza stated that all permit requirements were met for the month of October. Town 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.
Mr. Piazza stated that Granite Inliner will return in November to complete this year’s work. The lining of the Tunxis Pump Station will be completed during the winter months after we received a more favorable price for excavation work.
The secondary clarifier launder covers project bid closing date was March 25th. RH White will be awarded the contract for the work at a cost of $147,000, which was approximately $55,000 less than expected. Staff has been working with Tighe & Bond with a design issue regarding the building code for the wind and snow load of the covers. This will delay the installation with a start of December.
Mr. Piazza stated that the open operator position was reposted since no favorable candidates were found.
6. CORRESPONDENCE – None.
7. OCTOBER MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Dr. Park made a motion to approve the October 14, 2021 minutes as written. Mr. Dragulski seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
8. PROPOSED WPCA 2022 MEETING SCHEDULE – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Dragulski made a motion to approve the WPCA 2022 meeting schedule as proposed. Mr. Brignac seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
9. ADJOURN
Mr. Hickey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:18 p.m. Mr. Dragulski seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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Paul Gilmore, Chairman