WPCA Minutes 10/08/2020
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 8, 2020
“Subject to Vote of Approval”
1. CALL TO ORDER
Paul Gilmore called the regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority to order at 7:09 p.m. via a virtual Zoom meeting. The following members were present: Tom Hickey, Jay Sheehan, Michael Park, Jacques Brignac, Ed Kelly and Lucian Dragulski. Also present were Tony Piazza, Superintendent, and Alison Sturgeon, Clerk.
2. SAFETY BRIEF – Mr. Gilmore gave a safety brief asking everyone to exercise caution when traveling and to not drive distracted.
3. REQUEST WAIVER – 98 COUNTY ROAD (CONTINUED)
Mr. Gilmore stated that this request for a waiver of the facility connection charge (FCC) for 98 County Road was discussed at the last meeting. He stated that Town staff was going to do some investigating as to whether or not it is sound policy for the WPCA to do something and/or make a counter proposal. Mr. Piazza stated that Section 7-255 of Chapter 103 of the State Statues states, “Any municipality may, by ordinance, provide for optional methods of payment of sewer use charges to the water pollution control authority by (1) elderly taxpayers who are eligible for tax relief under the provisions of section 12-129b, section 12-170aa or a plan of tax relief for elderly taxpayers provided by such municipality in accordance with section 12-129n…”. Mr. Piazza stated that the owners of 98 County Road would fall under this part of the statute as disabled and elderly, which allows for financing of the FCC.
Mr. Gilmore stated that if the FCC was amortized over a ten year period, the homeowner would pay approximately $400 per year, which would equate to $33 per month. The other option could be that the FCC would be due upon the sale of their house. The WPCA members could decide to do nothing or they could let the homeowners decide on which option works best for them. There was a consensus among the Authority members to let the homeowners choose which option, if any, they would like to take.
Mr. Dragulski made a motion to offer the homeowners of 98 County Road, Simsbury, two options for paying the facility connection charge of $4,095 by either: 1) installment payments over a 10 year period of time at the Town’s customary rate of interest with a lien on the property to secure this obligation; or 2) the payment of the $4,095 facility connection charge, together with interest at the Town’s rate but with no installment payment obligation and to have the principle amount and interest due at the time that the home is sold. This second option is subject to some due diligence in terms of the home value and present liens existing on the property. Mr. Brignac seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
4. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Piazza stated that Murphy’s Turn will be accepted by the Town next month. This will be the start of their one year maintenance bond with the WPC; the sewers can be accepted one year after the road has been accepted. He stated that the one year period for the maintenance bond for Hendricks Lane has begun.
Regarding the Woodland Street project, Mr. Piazza stated that they will be meeting with the consultant to go over the design for the project, which will be approximately 80% completed. He will also be calling the State to see if and when the bridge project on Hopmeadow Street will begin in order to see if the Town’s sewer project will need to be delayed.
5. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Piazza stated that all permit requirements were met for the month of September. In terms of plant operations, he stated that they had two separate issues with the UV disinfection system during the month. The first happened when the low water safety sensor failed and caused the units to shut down to protect the system. This resulted in approximately 30 minutes of non-disinfected water being discharged into the river. The second issue occurred during the bi-weekly cleaning of the system. The operator performing the work accidentally turned off the backup UV bank. This again resulted in non-disinfected water being discharged into the river. All appropriate reports have been submitted to the State DEEP and FVHD. Staff has been reminded of the importance of following proper procedures when conducting maintenance on all systems.
Mr. Piazza stated that staff has started the replacement of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC). They are coordinating with the computer integrator from Tighe & Bond for installation. At this time two PLC’s still need to be upgraded and will be completed during October. He 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. AECOM engineers visited the site to perform an overall assessment for potential system upgrades.
Regarding the secondary clarifier launder covers, Mr. Piazza stated that staff is working with Tighe and Bond to create a bid document for the covers. It is expected to have the covers installed in the spring of 2021.
6. CORRESPONDENCE – There was none.
7. SEPTEMBER MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to approve the September 10, 2020 minutes as written. Mr. Kelly seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr. Gilmore abstained.
8. ADJOURN
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:38 p.m. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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Paul Gilmore, Chairman