WPCA Minutes 12/13/2018

WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY

REGULAR MEETING

DECEMBER 13, 2018

“Subject to Vote of Approval”

1.             CALL TO ORDER

Paul Gilmore called the regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Water Pollution Control Facility, 36 Drake Hill Road, Simsbury. The following members were present:  Michael Park, Lucian Dragulski, Tom Hickey and Jacques Brignac.  Also present were Anthony Piazza, Water Pollution Control Superintendent; Thomas Roy, Director of Public Works; and Alison Sturgeon, Clerk.

2.             SAFETY BRIEF – Mr. Gilmore gave an overview of snow blower safety as well as a warning to be cautious of black ice during the winter months.

3.             FLOW ALLOCATION – OBTAIN WPCA MEMBER’S COMMENTS  

Mr. Piazza stated that Town staff will be finalizing the flow allocation policy once member’s comments have been received.  He stated that the draft has already gone for legal review.  Edits to the draft policy are being made from the Town attorney’s comments as well.  He is hopeful to have a final document that the WPCA can vote on at the January or February meeting. 

Mr. Brignac stated that he did review the draft policy and feels that it captures the direction of where the Authority was looking to go.

In response to a question by Mr. Hickey, Mr. Piazza stated that some of the numbers (e.g. percentages) are placeholders and can be changed in the future.

4.         2019 BUDGET - DISCUSSION           

Mr. Piazza stated that the only increases in the 2019 budget are for employee salaries, insurance and some utilities.  Everything else in the budget has a zero increase.  He stated that the WPC has typically been under budget in the last few years, mostly because of electrical savings and operational costs. 

Regarding capital expenses, Mr. Piazza stated that the 2019 budget includes the replacement of the PLCs for the SCADA system.  The current PLCs have become obsolete.  This capital project will be funded over the course of two years.  Regarding sewer improvements, slip lining and root control on several sewer mains will also be done.  The force main at Tunxis pump station will also be replaced.    

Overall, Mr. Piazza stated that there is a 2.74% increase in the 2019 budget.  Once all of the exact costs are received, the budget will be presented to the WPCA for approval.

5.         STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.

Mr. Roy stated that the public hearing for the Maple Court upgrade project should be scheduled for the March or April 2019 meeting.  He stated that the public hearing for possibly extending sewers on Winterset Lane is set for February 14, 2019.  Also, the Phelps Road sewer extension has been completed.  The final cost for that project was $20,500.

6.             TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT

Mr. Piazza stated that all permit requirements were met for the month of November.  Regarding the Wolcott Pump Station, Northeast Communications has completed the SCADA system programming.  The new programing should provide for additional electrical cost savings. Replacement pumps have been received and will be installed in December.  These pumps will reduce maintenance time on the pumps from clogging due to rags.

Mr. Piazza stated that the state DOT and the Town collaborated to fix a collapsed storm drain culvert at the Tunxis pump station.  This collapse was a result of construction work performed during the station upgrade in 2012. During the most recent repair, the contractor damaged the force main from the station. A minor bypass occurred and was cleaned up.  During this repair, the station was bypassed and the repair was completed within a few hours.

Mr. Piazza stated that the DEEP has advertised the NPDES for public comment with the thirty day comment period ending December 20.  Staff comments have been provided to the DEEP. No changes have been made to the permit allowing a change in the current five year capital project outlook.   He stated that after receiving WPCA comments, staff will finalize the flow allocation policy for final legal review and approval by the WPCA.

Mr. Piazza stated that new job descriptions have been provided to the Town Manager’s office for review, including the creation of a new operator position and eliminating the current truck driver position.  There is also the creation of a mechanic foreman position to replace a mechanic position.

7.         CORRESPONDENCE

The WPCA members reviewed the following:  a memo from the Town Manager regarding the now withdrawn request for business development assistance at 690 Hopmeadow Street; a memo from Mr. Piazza to the Director of Planning regarding comments for the Henry James Memorial School Phase II alterations and additions; a letter to Mitchell Auto Group regarding the WPCA’s denial of request for waiver of the FCC for their building addition; and a letter  to Mr. O’Donnell regarding the approval to discharge treated groundwater to the sanitary sewer.

8.         NOVEMBER MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL

Dr. Park made a motion to approve the November 8, 2018 minutes as written.  Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.

9.         ADJOURN

Mr. Hickey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:31 p.m.  Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.

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Paul Gilmore, Chairman