WPCA Minutes 02/11/2021
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
FEBRUARY 11, 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 7:03 p.m. via a virtual Zoom meeting. The following members were present: Jay Sheehan, Jacques Brignac, Tom Hickey and Lucian Dragulski. Also present were Tony Piazza, Superintendent, Thomas Roy, Director of Public Works, and Alison Sturgeon, Clerk.
2. SAFETY BRIEF – Mr. Gilmore recommended that everyone check their gas, propane and oil levels during this season of very cold weather.
3. FY 21/22 BUDGET DISCUSSION – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Piazza stated that the projected revenue is approximately $4 million, although they are projected to make approximately $200,000 less for next fiscal year. This is because the revenue estimates are based on a five-year rolling average. He stated that the FY 2021/22 budget will be very tight, although contracted obligations and insurance dollar amounts have increased. The other change is that they took some money out of consulting; much of this funding is now being taken out of capital projects. There is also a change to contractual services since software will now be set up in its own account. Most other line items are staying flat or decreasing.
Regarding capital improvements, Mr. Piazza reviewed the six-year plan with the Authority members. He stated that there are funds to finish the sewer lining project in Tariffville, which is approximately $600,000. This will include the Tunxis pump station force main. There have been three breaks in the past 12 years; this will be a worthwhile investment. He stated that there is also $750,000 in the capital improvements for the plant berm. This project will only go forward if they are awarded the BRIC grant. The updated estimate for the Woodland Street project is $1.183 million. In future years, Mr. Piazza stated that there will be a $1 million placeholder in case structural deficiencies on the primary clarifiers are needing to be repaired. A study will be done next year to decide whether to get rid of or fix the primary clarifiers.
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to approve the FY 21/22 budget as presented. Mr. Dragulski seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved
4. RECEIVING SEPTIC FROM FARMINGTON (TOWN CODE SEC. 130-28)
Mr. Piazza stated that the Town Code states that the WPCF will accept septage from Simsbury, Avon and Granby or any other Town that the WPCA deems acceptable. He stated that the Town of Farmington’s recently upgraded plant was not designed to accept septage. There have been several septage haulers that are asking for permission to bring septage from the Town of Farmington to the Simsbury treatment plant.
Mr. Piazza stated that due to a recent change on the Town’s septage tickets, septage haulers are now required to write down the address of where the septage is being pumped from. There is septage from many other Towns being brought to the plant. A letter will be sent to all of the septage haulers to have them request permission to dump from other Towns.
Mr. Gilmore stated that he was at the treatment plant this week and saw a septage hauler without his mask on. Mr. Piazza stated that staff has spoken to the septage haulers and there is also signage on the doors. He will monitor the septage haulers to make sure they are wearing their masks and wearing them properly.
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to approve the acceptance of septage emanating from properties from the Town of Farmington.
Mr. Brignac questioned how staff knows that the septage is coming from Farmington. Mr. Piazza stated that it is somewhat on the honor system. Septage haulers need to fill out tickets with the address and owner information when dumping septage.
Mr. Sheehan amended his motion to approve the acceptance of septage from septic tanks from properties situated in Farmington and not the septage hauler’s business location. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion which was approved. Mr. Sheehan, Gilmore, Hickey and Dragulski voted in favor; Mr. Brignac voted against the motion.
5. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Piazza stated that he is finishing the final review of Griswold Place, which is the last phase of Carson Way.
6. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Piazza stated that all permit requirements were met for the month of January. Staff continues with the replacement of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). They are coordinating with the computer integrator from Tighe & Bond for installation. They have received the final cable to complete the installation of Building 6 PLC; this work was performed today. A final punch list will be completed for minor changes that are required.
Mr. Piazza stated that 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. Staff has also worked with DPC Engineering and completed the final BRIC Grant application for the modifications to the protective berm surrounding the plant.
Regarding the secondary clarifier launder covers, Mr. Piazza stated that staff has provided comments after the review of the bid specifications with Tighe and Bond. Final documents are expected to be completed next week. It is expected to advertise for the upgrade in March and have the covers installed in the summer of 2021.
Mr. Piazza stated that registration forms for the miscellaneous industrial user permits, which included swimming pools and automotive repair shops in the Town, have been mailed out. Staff is finalizing the list of all remaining industrial users in the Town by the end of February. Once Simsbury registration letters have been sent, staff will work with Avon and Granby for registration.
7. CORRESPONDENCE
The Authority members reviewed a letter from Mr. Piazza to Updike, Kelly & Spellacy regarding the denial of the waiver for user fees for 16 Seminary Road; and a memo to Michael Glidden, Director of Planning and Community Development, regarding plan comments for The Ridge at Talcott Mountain, 200 Hopmeadow Street.
8. JANUARY MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Dragulski made a motion to approve the January 14, 2021 minutes as written. Mr. Sheehan seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr. Gilmore and Mr. Hickey abstained.
Mr. Piazza stated that the Town has looked at the bonding for the facility upgrade that was done in 2007. Since the interest rates are so low they are going to sell the bond, which would equate to approximately $300,000 in saving for the remaining life of the loan. Once this is completed, they will need to calculate Avon and Granby’s share of this savings.
9. ADJOURN
Mr. Brignac made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:34 p.m. Mr. Sheehan seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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Paul Gilmore, Chairman