WPCA Minutes 03/10/2016
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 10, 2016
“Subject to Vote of Approval”
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Paul Gilmore called the regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Simsbury Water Pollution Control Facility Conference Room, 36 Drake Hill Road, Simsbury. The following members were present: Michael Park, Loren Shoemaker, Lucian Dragulski, Ed Kelly, and Tom Hickey. Also present were Anthony Piazza, Superintendent, Tom Roy, Director of Public Works, Alison Sturgeon, Clerk, as well as other interested parties.
2. SAFETY BRIEF – Mr. Gilmore gave a safety brief noting the exits in case of an emergency. Dr. Park stated that the bears have come out of hibernation and are hungry. This afternoon, he watched a bear try and get food from his backyard birdfeeder.
3. BUDGET FY 2016/2017 – DISCUSSION
Mr. Piazza stated that there is an approximately 3% increase in the budget, not including the Clean Water Fund Loan. Most of this increase is due to salary increases and the estimated increase in insurance. Also, the energy contract runs out at the end of 2016. Mr. Roy stated that the Town will be going out to bid early for this. With demand charges on the increase, going out to bid early as part of the new contract with the electrical supplier, demand notifications will be given to the Town. This may allow the Town to have a better demand rate.
Mr. Piazza stated that the other percentage increases in the FY 16/17 budget are under contractual services. This is because the HVAC maintenance contract, which is usually under facility maintenance, is now under contractual services. Another increase is under road and drainage supplies, which is anticipated for the upcoming paving season to ensure that the WPC has enough manhole covers and frames.
Regarding capital improvements, Mr. Piazza stated that the DO controls include 2 DO probes as well as programming for SCADA and a cold storage building, which will supplement the current open air shed. The septage receiving station was going to be included in the FY 16/17 budget, although more research is still needed. He stated that the capital improvements slated for FY 17/18 are in anticipation for the potential changes in the phosphorus removal permit. Also, the replacement for the jet flusher truck is on the schedule, although the price will be reduced.
Mr. Piazza stated that the video inspection and root control was already completed on Hopmeadow Street. One sewer improvement in the FY 16/17 budget is to fix several cracks in some of the pipes. The other sewer improvement is the Massaco Street replacement. The bottom section of Massaco Street is currently ductile iron; the top of the street is clay. He stated that the manholes along the street are offset. A full replacement of this line is needed. Mr. Piazza stated that these sewer improvements will come directly out of the sewer assessment fund.
Mr. Piazza stated that the initial design for the West Mountain Road study has been completed. They continue to look at all options for servicing all and/or part of this area. Mr. Roy stated that they are also exploring using low pressure sewer systems in order to look at all possible options for servicing this area.
Mr. Piazza stated that he is awaiting an answer to the question regarding if the WPCA has to vote on their budget prior to the Board of Selectmen voting on the Town budget. The WPCA budget, in the past, has been on the referendum together with other budgets. Mr. Piazza stated that State Statute states that all WPCA funds will be separate from all other Town funds. There was a short discussion regarding this issue. Mr. Roy will be speaking to the Finance Director and First Selectman about the WPCA’s concerns.
Mr. Shoemaker stated that they have done a good job gradually updating the trucks and facility. He questioned how this will be continuing. Mr. Piazza stated that they are currently on a 10-year cycle for replacement. One vehicle will be replaced in FY 16/17.
Mr. Shoemaker made a motion to approve the FY 16/17 budget as presented. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
4. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Roy stated that the design phase has been completed for Andrew Drive. Letters went out to these residents regarding desired placement of their laterals. This will be put out to bid in the next few weeks for spring construction.
Mr. Roy stated that he is currently working with the surveyor for Maple Court, who is developing easement mapping. He has also been working with the Town Attorney regarding the Right of Entry Agreements, since the Town will be working on private property for the installation of laterals.
Regarding developer’s projects, Mr. Roy stated that the sewer inspector has been going out to the site at Garden Homes regularly as development is underway. Also, demolition of The Hartford will be starting soon.
There was a short discussion regarding how imperative it is for developers to meet with WPC staff prior to getting approvals from Planning and Zoning. Mr. Roy stated that he and Tony are looking at getting a clear document to help people who are looking to develop properties, in terms of what the WPCA process is; how sewer allocation works; and the options if there is not enough sewer allocation on a property.
5. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Piazza stated that all permit requirements were met for February. He stated that operators have been starting to prep for the upcoming disinfection season as well as finishing the programming of the new phosphorous analyzer.
Regarding the Farmington River bank stabilization, Mr. Piazza stated that with the recent rainfall, the river bank has begun to wash away. WPC staff is monitoring the bank daily and is prepared to bypass pump if the need arises. The Town’s consultant has been in contact with Army Corps of Engineers to expedite the permit. Staff is also developing plans for a temporary repair if needed.
Mr. Roy described, in further detail, the issues with the bank and the extraordinary circumstances that it would take for the bank to be undermined. Mr. Gilmore suggested that an engineering firm be hired to ensure the information that Town staff has is correct; this firm could also make decisions if things need to be expedited. Mr. Roy agreed. He also stated that the Town has the ability to by-pass the line if the need arises.
Mr. Piazza stated that the Town met with AECOM to complete an updated review of the rate and FCC structure. AECOM is finalizing a spreadsheet that will provide analysis ensuring the WPCA funding is adequate for future needs and for maintaining the sewer use fund at appropriate levels. Mr. Piazza also stated that staff continues with the cleaning of the system. Once the new driver is hired we will be able to maintain a regular cleaning and inspection schedule. Interviews for a replacement truck driver have been completed and the practical tests were conducted yesterday.
6. CORRESPONDENCE – There were none.
7. FEBRUARY 11, 2016 MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Kelly made a motion to approve the February 11, 2016 minutes as written. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr. Dragulski abstained.
8. ADJOURN
Mr. Hickey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Mr. Shoemaker seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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Paul Gilmore, Chairman