WPCA Minutes 09/10/2015
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 10, 2015
“Subject to Vote of Approval”
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Philip Richardson called the regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority to order at 7:33 p.m. in the Simsbury Water Pollution Control Facility Conference Room, 36 Drake Hill Road, Simsbury. The following members were present: Loren Shoemaker, Michael Park, 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 – Tony Piazza gave a safety brief noting that a procedure was not followed correctly when mixing certain chemicals at the plant earlier this month. He was very thankful no one was hurt. The reaction of the chemicals released chlorine, which was immediately vented outside by the exhaust fan; the potential of harm exists when mixing chemicals. Chairman Richardson also noted the exits in case of an emergency.
3. MAPLE COURT – ANNUAL USE CHARGE
Mr. Richardson stated that in 1980, there was a discussion between the Tax Collector and the Maple Court Homeowners Association (MCHO), which is only documented in the Homeowners Association minutes. Their agreement offered a discount of the sewer use fee for these homeowners because it was a private sewer system. He stated that there is no record in the WPCA files of this authorization as well as no record in the Tax Office to allow this discount. In addition to this, Mr. Richardson noted that the correct procedure in this case would have been to hold a public hearing with WPCA approval, of which there is no record. For many years, the MCHO has been receiving a 20% discount on their annual usage fee. Once this was discovered last year, the bills went out to these homeowners this fiscal year without the discount. Mr. Richardson stated that MCHO is requesting that the WPCA continue to offset their costs because this is a private system.
Mr. Cook, 3 Maple Court, stated that their sewer system was installed by Ensign Bickford back in the 1920’s and has been a growing concern for their neighborhood for many years. He stated that originally, the Town of Simsbury was billing EB for sewer maintenance until1981, when the Homeowners Association took over receiving these bills. At that time, the Town Tax Collector and the Association came to an agreement that the Town would bill each homeowner at the reduced rate, which they have been enjoying for the past 34 years.
Mr. Cook stated that the MCHO continues to maintain the sewers. He stated that there is 825’ of sewer pipe serving 10 houses in their neighborhood, as well as 300-400’ of pipe extending beyond their neighborhood which serves 4 properties as well as 17 Firetown Road, which flows through their system. He stated that they have researched replacement costs through the Town as well as a private contractor, which is approximately $130,000 - $160,000.
Mr. Hurtel, 5 Maple Court, stated that the existing pipes throughout their system are clay pipes.
Mr. Hodkin, 7 Maple Court, stated that Old Mill Lane Condominiums currently tie into the MCHO sewer system. He stated that they are essentially free-loading off of their system and they could block off their access pipe, if necessary.
Mr. Richardson stated that he believes this is a legacy issue; the policy of the WPCA is that the Town does not maintain private systems. He stated that in 1980, there was not a public hearing regarding this arrangement. He stated that if MCHO upgraded their system to meet the Town Code as well as getting the system inspected by the Town, the WPCA would be in a position to vote to accept them as Town sewers.
Mr. Cook stated that he has been working with Town staff regarding designing and replacing the system, which would require liens on each property. He has also been in discussions with Ensign Bickford. Mr. Richardson stated that they would treat this in a manner similar to a sewer extension project, which could be financed over a ten year period as a lien on the properties. Mr. Roy stated that if a request is made by the MCHO, the Town would begin the process of doing the cost estimates for each home; each homeowner would be assessed an equal amount.
Mr. Richardson stated that interest cards will be sent out to the 14 homeowners along with a letter stating that this project would bring the sewer system up to current code for the purpose of the Town of Simsbury accepting the new system.
Mr. Cook questioned if, in the meantime, the WPCA would allow their annual fee to continue at the discounted rate. Mr. Richardson stated that they cannot change an annual fee without a public hearing.
4. 326 BUSHY HILL ROAD – EXTENSION REQUEST
Mr. Piazza stated that this is a request for a small sewer extension on Bushy Hill Road from Sydney Way towards the Bushy Hill firehouse. It consists of 4-5 homes on the east side of Bushy Hill Road via a gravity line. He stated that 2 homeowners, 322 & 326 Bushy Hill Road, have already expressed interested in hooking up to the sewer. One homeowner has already tied into the sewer through a pressure main in the back of their house, but would like to tie into the front of the property, although they have already paid their assessment fees. He stated that Rich Sawitzke has done a cost analysis for these 5 houses.
Mr. Richardson stated that interest cards will be sent out.
5. AVON INCREASE CAPACITY
Mr. Piazza stated that due to the potential development of Avon Park North, the Town of Avon would like to know if there is enough capacity to increase their flow by 45,000 gpd in the future. Currently, Simsbury is allowed 58% capacity; Avon 36% and Granby 8%. He stated that he looked at the estimates contained in the Flow and Load study done by AECOM; this increase would raise the flows by 850,000 gpd, which would put the Town up to 2.3 million gpd. The total plant capacity is 3.8 million gpd. Mr. Piazza stated that if the increased capacity is approved, the Inter-Town agreement would also need to be changed. He stated that no action is required by the WPCA tonight, although Avon would like to know if the potential is there if they decide that they need it.
After a short discussion, the WPCA concluded that the capacity does exists, but further discussion would be required before a formal recommendation is made.
6. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Roy stated that the Russell Lane project is 90% completed in the design phase and final easements will be recorded in the near future. Regarding Andrew Drive, he stated that Mr. Piazza has been getting prices for having a third party engineer do the work in order to expedite the process.
Mr. Roy stated that Dorset Crossing development is complete; Mill Pond Crossing is in its final stages; and Murphy’s Turn recently installed sewers. Mr. Roy stated that there is also a new development of 12 new homes at 80 Climax Road; flow for this development will go through Avon. This will require an agreement from the WPCA that the flow for this development will not be included to Avon’s flow total.
7. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Piazza stated that all permit requirements were met for June, July and August. He stated the phosphorous analyzer, which is part of the permit requirements, has been ordered and will be installed next month. The second bar screen and rag conditioner has been ordered and should be on site in late December.
Regarding the Farmington River bank stabilization, Mr. Piazza stated that the wetland survey and river markings had to be done again after they were removed. Plans were given to the Army Corps of Engineers for approval.
Mr. Piazza stated that Environmental Services Corp. has completed all work and once optimizing run times are completed, they will be able to compare energy usage to past years. Also, he stated that purchase orders have been issued to Northeastern Communications to complete the SCADA and controls upgrade of the Longview Pump Station. This is estimated to be completed by December 2015.
Mr. Piazza stated that an outside vendor was used to perform root control on Hopmeadow Street from Jim Gallagher Way to Iron Horse Blvd. This was required for the planned improvements to the line. Staff has also flushed and started video inspection of the entire Tariffville section of the system.
Regarding citations, Mr. Piazza stated that the State of CT has changed the FOG (Fats, Oils and Grease) program requirements and no longer require automatic grease recover units (AGRU) to be installed and are again allowing passive grease traps. He recommended that the WPCA change the Town Code to maintain the stricter requirement of having the AGRU for Class 3 and 4 food establishments. Mr. Shoemaker felt that changing the Town Code may not be business friendly.
Mr. Richardson stated that he would be reluctant to change the Town Code, although the Town should enforce the current requirements for cleaning and maintaining current traps.
Mr. Piazza stated that Steve Varhol, Engineering Inspector, retired in July. An advertisement for a replacement has been published for a second time and interviews should be completed in October. They currently have a person temporarily assigned to fill the position.
Mr. Roy stated that he was informed that the Board of Finance is questioning why the WPCA is not lowering rates. They feel that the Reserve Fund is too high and should be reflected in lowering annual use charges. Mr. Piazza stated that there was a study done in 2012 regarding facility connection charge increases, which ultimately states that if the annual use charge stay the same, the Reserve Fund will be out of money within 5 years. Mr. Roy stated that the WPCA is saving for the future and the current amount in the Reserve Fund highlights good past management. Mr. Shoemaker suggested looking at the budget closeout from FY 2014/15. Mr. Piazza stated that he believes they were approximately $300,000 below budget.
8. 6 WINSLOW PLACE – BILLING REIMBURSEMENT FOR DISCONNECTED SEWER
Mr. Piazza stated that 6 Winslow Place has been disconnected since 2007, although they continued to receive and pay their annual use fee.
Mr. Shoemaker made a motion to approve the reimbursement in the amount of $1,340 for 6 Winslow Place because of erroneous billing. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
9. REVIEW/DISCUSSION ON INCREASING PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SEWER SERVICE
The Authority members reviewed and edited the draft FAQ sheet. Mr. Richardson suggested having a revision date on this document as well.
10. CORRESPONDENCE
The Authority members reviewed correspondence including a letter from Cardwell Homes, LLC regarding 292 Bushy Hill Road. Mr. Piazza stated that this owner would like to tie into the force main, which was put in by the Town several years ago. They are requesting that their assessment and Facility Connection Charge be financed over a ten year period. The Authority questioned why this homeowner was being assessed since an assessment had already been paid by the homeowner, who recently split their lot, and the Town’s cost for the installed system extension had been recovered. The Authority agreed that this homeowner should not be assessed again.
The Authority members reviewed a memo from Rich Sawitzke regarding acceptance of the sewer extension for 88-94 Seminary Road.
Dr. Park made a motion to accept 88-94 Seminary Road sewer extension into the Town of Simsbury sewer system. Mr. Shoemaker seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Mr. Piazza stated that the owner of 562 &564 Hopmeadow Street (Benny’s Restaurant and Arti’s Liquor Store) would like to add an apartment over the restaurant. He state that this could only be done if the property owner acquires additional flow from a property in the same sewer service area. The property owner is currently working with Ensign Bickford to acquire additional flow.
11. JUNE 11, 2015 MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Roy made an edit to the minutes stating that although the minutes state he was present, he was not in attendance.
Mr. Hickey made a motion to approve the June 11, 2015 minutes as edited. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Mr. Richardson stated that he will be moving out of Town and will be stepping down once his house is sold or once the WPCA finds a replacement to fill the vacancy. When he steps down the WPCA will need to hold a vote for Chair and Vice-Chair.
12. ADJOURN
Mr. Shoemaker made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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Philip Richardson, Chairman