WPCA Minutes 10/10/2013
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 10, 2013
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Richardson called the regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority to order at 7:30 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, and Jay Sheehan. Also present were Michael LeClaire, Acting WPC Superintendent, Richard Sawitzke, Town Engineer, Alison Sturgeon, Clerk as well as other interested parties.
2. SAFETY BRIEF – Mr. Richardson gave a safety brief noting that deer are becoming more active so please watch for them while driving.
Dr. Park made a motion to take the agenda items out of order. Mr. Sheehan seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
3. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT – M. LECLAIRE
Mr. LeClaire stated that all permit requirements were met for the months of July and August. He stated that when the bypass was attempted on the Wolcott pump station, the pipe was found broken and wastewater was running across the grass toward Munnisunk Brook. Necessary actions were taken to fix and report the problem. Regarding the Wolcott pump station rehab, the station has been gutted and running on bypass pumping. The piping and stairs have been removed, as well as the roof caulking and insulation in order to remove any asbestos.
Mr. LeClaire stated that they did have final interviews with three candidates for the plant mechanic position. Human Resources will negotiate a starting wage and benefits package with the best candidate.
4. RECEIPT OF FLINTLOCK RIDGE SEWER EXTENSION REQUEST –
R. SAWITZKE
Mr. Sawitzke reported that there had been a request to consider a sewer extension in the vicinity of Flintlock Ridge. He stated that there are a series of streets, either in part or in full, that are not serviced in this area. He stated that he will be investigating as to why they were not sewered. Cost estimates and designs will be put together for review.
5. BUTTONWOOD DRIVE SEWER EXTENSION REQUEST – DISCUSSION
Mr. Sawitzke reported that there had been a request to consider a sewer extension on Buttonwood Drive. He stated that the last four houses on Buttonwood Drive are currently not served. He stated that there may be ledge rock in the area and some of the houses are at a relatively low elevation. The original sewer design was intended to serve from connections below basement level; an alternate design criterion would be to serve from a first floor elevation.
Mr. Sawitzke stated that the cost estimates have a ledge rock contingency as well as long laterals. Ledge rock was encountered between manholes E-11 and E-12. Test holes will be done prior to the hearing.
6. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Sawitzke stated that there are two projects pending. He stated that there was not a great deal of interest at the hearing on Long View Drive, although there are two people who would like to hook up into the force main that will serve the Public Works campus. Mr. Sawitzke stated that it would be a common force main, although the homeowners who would like to connect would need to install grinders.
Because the design has changed, Mr. Richardson suggested having a public hearing for connecting the Public Works campus.
7. STATE GUIDELINES FOR TAX RELIEF – DISCUSSION
Mr. Richardson stated that he downloaded the 2008 CT Property Tax Relief for Older Adults, a profile of Connecticut’s local programs. He stated that it sets up revenue guidelines. There are households with veteran’s exemptions as well as 12% of Simsbury’s population that is 65 or older.
Mr. Shoemaker stated that this relief lets residents pay interest only on assessments; the principal is held as a lien on the property. Another approach that the Authority can take is allowing residents to amortize payments over a ten year period using the prevailing bond rate plus 2 basis points.
The Authority members agreed to ask the Town Tax Collector and/or Town Assessor to draft a document stating the options available, the process and qualifications or to come to an upcoming meeting to discuss this issue.
8. CORRESPONDENCE
The Authority members reviewed a letter from Mr. Sawitzke regarding the release of Powder Forest Homes Sewer Bond.
9. SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Shoemaker made a motion to approve the September 12, 2013 minutes as written. Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was approved. Mr. Sheehan abstained.
10. ADJOURN
Dr. Park made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Mr. Sheehan seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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Philip Richardson, Chairman