WPCA Minutes 12/14/2017

WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY

REGULAR MEETING

DECEMBER 14, 2017

“Subject to Vote of Approval”

1.             CALL TO ORDER

Michael Park called the regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Simsbury Water Pollution Control Facility Conference Room, 36 Drake Hill Road, Simsbury. The following members were present:  Ed Kelly, Thomas Hickey and Jacques Brignac.  Also present were Anthony Piazza, Superintendent, Thomas Roy, Director of Public Works, Alison Sturgeon, Clerk, as well as other interested parties.

2.         SAFETY BRIEF – Dr. Park gave a safety brief regarding taking the necessary precautions when driving in snowy conditions no matter what type of vehicle you drive.

3.         FLINTLOCK RIDGE / HAWK’S LANE / MUSKET TRAIL – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLY SET PUBLIC HEARING

Mr. Piazza stated that interest cards were sent out about 1 ½ months ago.  A total of 21 responses have been received back from the 35 residents; 19 of those homeowners are in favor of learning more about a sewer extension project in this area.  Mr. Piazza recommended that a public hearing be scheduled in February.

Mr. Kelly made a motion to hold a public hearing for the potential Flintlock Ridge / Hawk’s Lane / Musket Trail sewer extension project at the February 8, 2018 meeting.  Mr. Brignac seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.

4.         BUDGET DISCUSSIONS

Mr. Roy stated that the Boards of Selectmen, Finance and Education have given budget guidelines for the Town and Board of Education to limit increases to 1.75%.  He stated that although this does not directly apply to the WPCA, it would be a good guideline to follow, if possible.

Mr. Piazza stated that there is an increase in the budget for disability insurance as well as all other insurances and social security; increases in electricity, gas and diesel; as well as for equipment maintenance.  He stated that there is a slight decrease for chemicals and laboratory supplies as well as another slight decrease for machinery/equipment.

Regarding capital projects, Mr. Piazza stated that there is a potential need for a phosphorous building.  He will have more information regarding this by September 2018.  If the phosphorous building is necessary, this capital project would be put into the next fiscal year.  He stated that they are also looking into replacing the 1971 jet truck with a smaller new truck in order to make it easier to enter and maintain easements.

Mr. Piazza stated that budgets are due to the Town Manager by mid-January.  The Town Manager will then meet with all department heads and will present a complied budget to the Board of Finance in February.  The budgets will move forward to referendum in March.

5.         STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC.

Mr. Roy stated that the Bushy Hill Road sewer extension project is currently on hold; this will hopefully be going out to rebid in the spring.  The contractor for the Maple Court upgrade tied in the last house today.  He stated that Aquarion Water Company was interested in installing new water lines in conjunction with this project, although they backed out because they did not feel they could keep pace with the Town’s construction schedule.  Aquarion recently informed the Town that they would like to try again to work in conjunction with the Town on this project.  A meeting will need to be had in order to work out the details for the restoration of the roads.  The Town is hoping to come up with an appropriate fee from Aquarion for the restoration and make this a part of the Town’s contract.

6.         TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT

Mr. Piazza stated that all permit requirements were met for November.  He stated that the replacement of the plant boiler has been completed. Staff will evaluate cost savings in operation of the unit for potential replacement of the second boiler.  Also, effluent pump #4 developed a shorted winding and has been sent out for repair.

Regarding the Wolcott pump station radio / PLC, Mr. Piazza stated that they are showing signs of failure.  The PLC and radio are not communicating consistently.  Staff has obtained quotes to replace the SCADA system at the station and will be scheduled for next fiscal year.  As a safety measure staff has installed a high level alarm off of the separate radio system at the station.

Regarding the collection system, Mr. Piazza stated that staff continues to evaluate Tariffville for potential repairs to the pipes.  He stated that they have also received clarification / guidance from the Town attorney on the proposed options for allocation.  They continue to work with DPC on development of a written policy.  Mr. Piazza distributed a draft policy statement for allocation of wastewater capacity for the Authority member’s review.  He stated that staff continues with video inspection and cleaning of the system.

7.         CORRESPONDENCE

The Authority members reviewed a memo regarding plan comments for 942 Hopmeadow Street; a letter regarding residential changes for 84 Winthrop Street, Tariffville; and a letter to SL Simsbury, LLC regarding proposed changes to their Developer’s Agreement as well as the Town Attorney’s response to why those changes will not be accepted. 

8.         NOVEMBER 9, 2017 MEETING MINUTES – POSSIBLE APPROVAL

Mr. Kelly made a motion to approve the November 9, 2017 minutes as written.  Mr. Hickey seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.

9.         ADJOURN

Mr. Hickey made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 p.m.  Mr. Kelly seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved.

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Michael Park