WPCA Minutes 02/08/2018
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 8, 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 7:06 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room at the Town Hall, 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury. The following members were present: Michael Park, Lucian Dragulski, Jay Sheehan, Tom Hickey, and Jacques Brignac. Also present were Thomas Roy, Director of Public Works; 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. PUBLIC HEARING – FLINTLOCK RIDGE/HAWK’S LANE/MUSKET TRAIL SEWER EXTENSION
Mr. Gilmore read the legal notice.
LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF SIMSBURY
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
The Simsbury Water Pollution Control Authority will hold a public hearing on Thursday,
February 8, 2018, at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room at the Simsbury Town Hall, 933 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT. The purpose of the hearing is to review a proposal, and possibly take action, for extending sanitary sewers to serve Flintlock Ridge, Hawks Lane and 1-18 Musket Trail, Simsbury, CT. All interested property owners shall have the opportunity to appear and be heard.
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
Paul Gilmore, Chairman
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to open the public hearing. Mr. Dragulski seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Mr. Roy stated that the Water Pollution Control Authority operates and maintains an advanced wastewater treatment plant which has a capacity of 3.8 MGD, 5 pumping stations, 85 miles of sewer lines and 2,300 manholes. He stated that there are approximately 4,500 residential and non-residential sewer accounts. The sewer service area also includes portions of Avon and Granby. He stated that the WPCA is the sole decision making authority for sewer installations; they are supported by user fees which come from facility connection charges and sewer use fees.
Mr. Roy stated that orders from the DEEP, new developments and neighborhood requests are all reasons for sewer installations. Funding for projects are through a revolving sewer assessment fund. The WPCA includes funds in the yearly budget for potential extensions and rehabilitation. This fund is maintained by assessments, liens and refinancing commitments.
Mr. Roy presented an overview of the sewer extension project for the Musket Trail area. They have evaluated the area; nearby sewers were located on Musket Trail and within Town property north of Flintlock Ridge. He stated that multiple design layouts and options were evaluated and due to the grades, pumping may be required for portions of Musket Trail. If approved by the WPCA, this project would have an anticipated construction of 2019, although it is possible that the potential paving of this area, which is scheduled for approximately 2021, could possibly be expedited to help support this project. Preliminary cost estimates for sewer by gravity is approximately $729,000, which would be divided equally among the 34 homeowners at a cost of $21,500. Preliminary cost estimates for having a Town pump station on Musket Trail is approximately $638,300, which would be divided equally at a cost of $18,800. Mr. Roy broke down the costs including a $4,095 facility connection charge; a $100 permit fee; the yearly user fee which is currently $352; and between $50 and $100 per foot for the cost to install the line from the house to the curb line.
Mr. Roy stated that homeowners could choose to finance the assessment through the Town for a 10 year period at roughly 2% simple interest; this rate is set by the Town Finance Director based on the current Town bond rate. If a homeowner chooses to immediately connect to the sewer, the $4,095 facility connection fee can be finance with the assessment. He stated that these fees together would be approximately $195 per month per homeowner. If a homeowner does not choose to connect to the sewer, the facility connection charge would need to be paid in full prior to connecting.
Mr. Gilmore asked that residents who wished to speak state their name and address for the record.
Mr. Blume, 11 Musket Trail, stated that the statistics on the treatment plant were presented tonight. He questioned if there were any known significant costs for the plant in the near future and if there are, if these costs would be spread out over all the sewer users in Town. Mr. Gilmore stated that there was a treatment plant upgrade approximately 10 years ago; the treatment plant has a useful life of approximately 20 years. He stated that the facility connection charge (FCC) is for this purpose; each homeowner only pays one FCC. Mr. Roy stated that there is nothing that the Town can predict that would be a dramatic change to what they are already anticipating. Mr. Piazza stated that the Town’s State permit for phosphorus/nitrogen removal will be expiring at the end of this year. Although the phosphorus limit may change, this will be an operational cost. He stated that user rates increased 5% last year for the first time in five years.
Ms. Grise, 9 Flintlock Ridge, stated that she is a bit overwhelmed by the assessment fee. She feels that it would be unfair that she would have to pay for this assessment and if she was to sell her house, the new buyer would only have to pay a small user fee every year. Mr. Roy stated that this would be correct. He stated that developers of new developments in Simsbury lay the sewer to the Town’s specifications at their own expense, eventually turning the systems over to the Town. These sewer costs are effectively transferred to the new home buyers. No one who is connected to the sanitary sewer has done so without paying into the process.
Mr. Kleiner, 5 Flintlock Ridge, stated that he has lived in Simsbury since 1968. He stated that this neighborhood has never been hooked up to the sewer because all of the pipes are old piping that go out the back of houses to a tank and leach field.
Ms. Sternschein, 17 Musket Trail, questioned how the new pipe would be set up inside and outside of the house. Mr. Roy stated that the plumbing location could be changed, by a private contractor, as to where the pipe would come out of the house. It would be a matter of cost and which option would be the least expensive for each homeowner.
Mr. Palmisano, 7 Flintlock Ridge, stated that many of the houses in the area are lower than the street. He questioned if these houses would require pumps. Mr. Roy stated that the field survey found that there would be adequate pitch to flow by gravity, although if a house is not able to reach the sanitary sewer by gravity, an individual pump could be placed at the house, which would be the homeowner’s responsibility.
Ms. Gschwind, 5 Hawks Lane, stated that she is a realtor in Town and she has sold several homes in the Musket Trail area and has dealt with various septic contractors. This neighborhood has very sandy soil. She stated that her home would probably be one that would require a pump. Ms. Gschwind stated that she put in a new septic system in 2001 at a cost of $10,000. Since these lots are ¾ acres, she believes that there is room for a second septic system, if and when needed. She feels that people need to take these facts into consideration. She also stated that she has found, in her profession, that people are happy to see that there might be sewer lines in the street, although they are just as happy to see a newer septic system. Also, if a buyer comes in with a certain type of loan and there are sewers in the street, in most cases, the seller must connect to the sewers prior to the sale of their home. Ms. Gschwind stated that she feels that the assessment presented tonight is very high; it would be more cost effective to replace the septic system. She also questioned if the homeowner on Flintlock Ridge, who connected to the sewer out the back of their house several years ago, would be a part of the 34 homes in this project. Mr. Piazza stated that the homeowner on Flintlock Ridge tied into the sewers in 2013 and will not be a part of this project; they were assessed at the time of hookup.
Mr. Saucier, 8 Musket Trail, questioned what the size and location of the pump station would be. Mr. Roy stated that there will be several manholes underground; it will look like an electrical control box. This box will send information back to the treatment plant where the operators can watch for any alarms to be signaled.
Ms. Gschwind questioned, on past projects, how close the estimates have been to the final cost. Mr. Roy stated that they like to be at or below the estimated cost. Generally, the final costs are slightly below. Town staff tries to be conservative in their estimates for the unknowns that sometimes come up in projects. He stated that in past projects, although he does not believe this will be the case for this project, they have run into rock, which will drive up the cost. If staff finds that to be the case for this project during design, they will come back to the residents to let them know of the higher costs.
Ms. Casey, 2 Flintlock Ridge, stated that during the presentation, it was stated that currently 4,500 residents are connected to the sewer. She questioned what the percentage of people is that currently have a septic system in Town. Mr. Piazza stated that approximately half of Simsbury has a septic system. Mr. Roy stated that not every neighborhood in Simsbury is within the sewer service area; those residents are not eligible to be connected to the sanitary sewer system. Ms. Casey stated that there are many people in her neighborhood that still have the original septic system. She stated that if this project was to get approved, time would be of the essence. She is in favor of this project and feels that this is an awesome opportunity for her neighborhood.
Mr. Scursso, 8 Flintlock Ridge, stated that he is conflicted regarding this project because when he recently purchased his home, the septic inspection revealed that his septic is in great shape. Although he likes the idea of having sewers, he feels that this is a substantial amount of money. He questioned if the costs would go up if people refuse to pay their share of the assessment. Mr. Gilmore stated that if the project is approved, an equal assessment will be made to each homeowner. The Town does have lien rights with respect to being able to collect the assessment.
Ms. Saucier, 8 Musket Trail, stated that she believes this is a wonderful opportunity because it is good timing since these septic systems are very old. Although the assessment is expensive, the finance offer is something that should be considered. Finally, there could also be a cost savings if this project is done in conjunction with the Town’s paving project. In the interest in seizing an opportunity, she feels that this project should go forward.
Ms. Shea, 6 Musket Trail, stated that she believes her house will be dependent on a pumping station. She questioned what would happen to the pumping station if another October storm hits and they are without electricity for a quite some time. Mr. Piazza stated that a generator would be brought out to the pump station so they would not have any issues.
Mr. Perissi, 11 Flintlock Ridge, stated that this is a great opportunity for this neighborhood. He stated that his septic system does have some cracks in the top. Although it is a lot of money, he does not want to risk having to pay more in the future if this project does not move forward now. He questioned when the private contractor hooks the home to the sewer system if there would be any remediation work that would need to be done. Mr. Piazza stated that the contractor is required by law to make the septic tank unusable; this is usually in the cost to run the line from the house.
Ms. Bolling, 4 Flintlock Ridge, asked that Mr. Roy review each cost within the assessment, which he reviewed for her, including the assessment, facility connection charge, permit fee, user fee and private contractor fees.
Ms. Kane, 9 Musket Trail, questioned if the financing would need to be paid in full when a home is sold or if it would pass to the buyer. Mr. Gilmore stated that usually the assessment will need to be paid at the time of the sale since it is a lien on the house.
Mr. Kleiner stated that he is the original owner of his home. He asked that the Authority not try to redesign a plan of their neighborhood that was designed in the 1960’s. It did not work then and it will not work now. He is against this project.
Regarding the finances of the project, it was stated that approximately 51 septic systems could be purchased for the total cost of this project. An individual could pay less for a septic system than the cost for just the assessment for this project. The additional costs for the FCC and private contractor puts the price way above the cost of a new septic. He stated this sewer extension project, he feels, is not a viable option.
Mr. Blume asked that the possibility of coordinating this project with the Town’s paving program be explained further. Mr. Roy stated that although the Town’s paving program has the next 5 years of proposed paving planned out, it would continue to be based upon an anticipated dollar value given to the Public Works Department by the Board of Selectmen and assuming that all of the funding stays at the same levels it was designed to be at. If there are no dramatic changes, paving will be done in this neighborhood in approximately 3 years. If these two projects can be done in conjunction with each other, each homeowner could save approximately $2,000. As part of the sewer project homeowners will be responsible to pay for the temporary paving, which is already accounted for in the assessment, until the following year if and when the Town puts down the final pavement.
Ms. Gschwind questioned at what point during this process the lien would be placed on the home. Mr. Piazza stated that, if this project is approved, there will be an assessment hearing once the final pricing for the project is determined. The assessment bills go out in November of every year.
Mr. Blume stated that the Town has just gone through a reassessment. He questioned if, once his home is connected to the sewer, the Town Assessor will increase the value of his property. Mr. Gilmore stated that he is unsure of the answer. He stated that he feels this extension makes sense and he is in favor of this project.
Mr. Scursso questioned what the timeline would be if this project is approved. Mr. Roy stated that if approved, anticipated construction would be in 2019 or 2020 if this project were to fall in line with the Town’s paving schedule. Mr. Piazza stated that construction could take up to 3 months.
Mr. Gilmore took a straw poll of the residents in attendance, which showed 8 homeowners were in favor and 9 homeowners, including a letter that was sent in by 2 Hawks Lane, were against the sewer extension. The homes in favor included: 5, 6, 8, 11 and 17 Musket Trail and 2, 8 and 11 Flintlock Ridge. The homeowners who were against the project included: 2, 4 and 5 Hawks Lane, 9 and 16 Musket Trail; and 4, 5, 7 and 9 Flintlock Ridge.
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to close the public hearing. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Mr. Piazza stated that he did meet with the homeowner at One Musket Trail last week because he could not make the meeting tonight. That homeowner was in favor of this project.
Mr. Gilmore questioned if this project could be divided. Mr. Roy stated that he will need to look at the project and possibly see if Hawk’s Lane could be excluded since no one on that street was in favor of moving forward. He stated that they will plot out the residents in favor and against the project and will identify the different alternatives with cost implications. Mr. Gilmore suggested that the Authority members table consideration of this project until the next regular meeting so they can receive the cost figures of dividing this project.
Mr. Piazza suggested re-opening the public hearing in order to make a motion to continue it to the next WPCA meeting.
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to reopen the public hearing. Dr. Park seconded the motion.
Mr. Sheehan stated his concern that the Authority will get more information, although that information may or may not change the information presented to the residents tonight. Dr. Park suggested not re-opening the hearing until they receive the updated data, although if they found that another public hearing was needed next month, they would schedule that. Mr. Dragulski and Mr. Hickey agreed.
The motion was voted on and all were opposed to re-opening the public hearing.
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to defer consideration of the Flintlock Ridge / Hawks Lane / Musket Trail sewer extension project until the next regularly scheduled meeting. Mr. Dragulski seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
4. STRATTON FOREST HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION – SEWER ACCEPTANCE
Mr. Piazza stated that the Stratton Forest Homeowner’s Association is requesting that the Town take over their private system. He stated that there was an issue regarding the lateral for house #51 where the joint had separated and ground water was seeping in; this has been repaired. He stated that the Homeowner’s Association has met all of the requirements of the WPCA. The easement documents were also approved by the Town Attorney
Dr. Park made a motion to accept the Stratton Forest Homeowner’s Association sewer system into the Town’s sewer collection system. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
5. FY 18/19 BUDGET
Mr. Piazza stated that there is an overall 1.74% budget increase. This is mostly due to insurance increases as well as disability insurance, which is the result from a lapse from 2 years ago when the Town did not increase the premiums appropriately. The other cost for electrical service went up slightly since our current contract is up at the end of this year. Based on the energy efficiency upgrades and the current contract, he is anticipating being approximately $40,000 under budget this year.
Mr. Piazza stated that there are three capital projects, including: refurbishing the primary clarifiers; replacement of the flusher truck and upgrading the plant water system.
Mr. Hickey made a motion to approve the FY 18/19 budget as presented. Mr. Sheehan seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
6. 560-573B HOPMEADOW STREET ASSESSMENT – POSSIBLY SET PUBLIC HEARING DATE
Mr. Piazza stated that this project has been completed. The bid came in at $73,167. The contractor exceeded this amount by $3,000 because the State changed its requirement for paving as well as the hiring of police during the paving process. He recommended setting the public hearing for next month.
Mr. Hickey made a motion to set the public hearing for the assessment of 560-573B Hopmeadow Street to be held at the WPCA’s next regularly scheduled meeting on March 8, 2018. Mr. Sheehan seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
7. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Roy stated that the developer for Carson Way Phase III will be submitting their Developer’s Agreement within the next week or so. The Ridge at Talcott Mountain continues to put in the sewers for the assisted living facility; the final FCC was just received for Aspen Glen.
Mr. Roy stated that the Town will be going out to re-bid the Bushy Hill Road project within the next few weeks. The State will be repaving Bushy Hill during the next construction season so he is hopeful that both projects can work in conjunction with each other to possibly keep the costs down. Massaco Street will be going out to bid in March or April 2018.
8. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Piazza stated that all permit requirements were met for January. He stated that the operators have been starting to prep for the upcoming disinfection season as well as performing annual maintenance and testing of the phosphorous analyzer. Regarding the lighting energy audit, staff met with representatives from Graybar electric. The company performed an audit of all interior lighting. A report will be completed which will include recommendations to improve the existing lighting with energy efficient LED fixtures. The report will also include the payback on investment with rebate incentives and expected energy savings. This audit is being performed at no cost to the Town.
Mr. Piazza stated that the Flow Allocation Subcommittee met with staff and created a draft policy statement for the authority to review. We continue to work on the development of the flow allocation policy.
9. CORRESPONDENCE – None.
10. DECEMBER AND JANUARY MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Hickey made a motion to approve the December 14, 2017 minutes as written. Mr. Dragulski seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr. Sheehan and Mr. Gilmore abstained.
Mr. Brignac made a motion to approve the January 11, 2018 minutes as written. Mr. Sheehan seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr. Sheehan, Dr. Park and Mr. Hickey abstained.
11. ADJOURN
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:06 p.m. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
______________________
Paul Gilmore, Chairman