WPCA Minutes 11/13/2014
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
NOVEMBER 13, 2014
“Subject to Vote of Approval”
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, Thomas Hickey, and Ed Kelly. Also present were Tom Roy, Director of Public Works, Mike LeClaire, Assistant Superintendent, Alison Sturgeon, Clerk, as well as other interested parties.
2. SAFETY BRIEF – Mr. Richardson gave a safety brief regarding fall safety tips, including the importance of servicing your furnace and cleaning chimneys, as well as space heater safety. He noted that the winter season also poses risks including snow blower safety.
3. ENERGY AUDIT – TOM ROY
Mr. Roy stated that he has met with ESC and has looked at the numbers, which he feels are conservative. He stated that he also reviewed the calculations and paybacks again. A letter has been received by the Town Attorney recommending that this contract be brought before the Board of Selectmen because they consider this to be the equivalent of a state or regional bid; this would fall under the Town’s procurement guidelines. Also, the Town Attorney stated that this would be a loan, and there are policies and procedures in Town that deal with the borrowing of money. Mr. Roy stated that he did speak with the Director of Finance, who did not see this as being an obstacle; they consider this as a pay-back program.
Mr. Roy stated that if the WPCA approves this contract, it will need to go before the Board of Selectmen for approval; no obstacles are anticipated.
Mr. Richardson questioned that, as discussed at the last meeting, lighting would not be a part of this contract. Mr. Roy stated that their recommendation is to only replace that portion of lighting which represents a safety issue. The other lighting will be done in-house.
Dr. Park made a motion to provide the WPCA’s endorsement of the energy efficiency program, requesting that it be presented to the Board of Selectmen with this endorsement. Contingent on BOS approval, the WPCA authorizes the Town to enter into the contracts for the ESC energy efficiency scope with the flexibility of the essential portion of the lighting, at the discretion of the Town. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
4. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.
Mr. Roy stated that there has been minimal movement forward for Russell Lane since the last meeting. He stated that they are currently waiting on the line assignment. Murphy’s Turn has been delayed until late winter or early spring.
5. 78 SEMINARY ROAD – DISCUSSION
Mr. Roy stated that interest cards were sent to 63-86 Seminary Road. Currently, there is a 50/50 split in terms of in favor and against the extension.
Mr. Richardson stated that since this is a spring project, there is time to discuss this issue further at the next meeting. The Authority agreed to send out another interest letter if no more responses were received.
Mr. Kelly stated that an extension was approved for 79-94 Seminary Road. He questioned why interest cards were sent to 79-86 Seminary. He felt that this may be confusing to residents.
6. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT – M. LECLAIRE
Mr. LeClaire stated that all permit requirements were met for October. The plant took a toxic load during the week of October 6. This caused a settling issue in the secondary clarifiers. Although no permit violations occurred, the effluent flow entering the river had a noticeable discoloration.
Regarding capital projects, Mr. LeClaire stated that submittals for the mechanically cleaned bar screens and screenings conditioner have been approved. The new equipment may be on site by January 2015. He stated that WMC Consulting Engineers continues to work on permitting for this project.
Regarding the north interceptor flow assessment, Mr. LeClaire stated that AECOM is in the process of incorporating the review comments for the North Main Interceptor report and the Wastewater Flow and Load Update to finalize the report. Also, an agreement has been made with CT Carpentry to end their contract with the Town. Once the final invoice from the contractor has been received, the rest of the work will be completed by Town staff and a separate SCADA integrator. Mr. LeClaire stated that Schultz Construction started work on the Wolco9tt Pump Station rehab in August 2013. Punch list items continue to be worked on, including minor SCADA programming issues.
Mr. LeClaire stated that the truck driver position was approved by the Town’s Personnel Subcommittee and the Council. An internal candidate is currently being evaluated.
7. CORRESPONDENCE
There was no correspondence to discuss.
8. OCTOBER 9, 2014 MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Richardson made several edits to Item #4 of the October 9, 2014 minutes.
Dr. Park made a motion to approve the October 9, 2014 minutes as amended. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
Mr. Roy stated that, according to FOI Regulations, meeting minutes are not to be marked “draft” going forward; they are to be marked simply as minutes. The minutes are not approved until the following meeting.
9. PROPOSED WPCA 2015 MEETING SCHEDULE – POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Kelly made a motion to approve the WPCA 2015 Meeting Schedule. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
10. ADJOURN
Dr. Park made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m. Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.
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Philip Richardson, Chairman