Work Session
October 28, 2013
Present were: Councilors Remillard, Otis, Benski, Morgan Allain, Rozek, and Theberge; Mayor Grenier, Councilor Higbee and Councilor Nelson were absent.
Others present: City Manager James Wheeler, Public Works Director Mike Perreault, former Mayor Bob Danderson, Barbara Tetreault, Berlin Daily Sun
In the absence of Mayor Grenier, Councilor Remillard opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Status of Impact of I & I
Mr. Wheeler reported that he asked Wright Pierce to put together a memo informing the Council of the measured successes of the City’s Inflow and infiltration work. He explained that I & I refers to unwanted sources of water that get into the sewer system which is then unnecessarily treated as waste water. This stresses the treatment plant’s capacity resulting in Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) events which is like a release valve overflow that dumps directly into the river.
Councilor Remillard asked about sump pumps and how they are affecting I & I. Mr. Wheeler noted that the water being pumped needs to be redirected either to a nearby brook or to the storm drain system. In areas identified, the City is offering assistance to redirect flow. Councilor Otis confirmed that there has not been a CSO event since Hurricane Sandy last year.
There are documented improvements that have reduced I & I in the area of the Dairy Bar Pump Station by 41,000 gallons per day. On McGee Street, I & I is reduced by 60% or 201 gallons per minute. On Kent Street the reduction is by 93% or 260,000 gallons per day. Mr. Perreault noted that we have an ongoing metering system to measure the effectiveness of what has been done. The City purchased the sewer meters and they have been shuffled around the city for 18 months. The data collected is going to be analyzed to see where the next likely removal project will be.
Councilor Remillard asked why there is such a difference in reductions between Kent Street and Grafton Street. Mr. Wheeler explained that every system has a base flow which depends on how many services are connected. If there is reduction in the base flow, it results in a higher percentage.
Councilor Rozek asked why there are so many instances of storm drains where water is directed to the treatment plant. Mr. Wheeler stated that in the early years there was a combined sewer and storm system that dumped into the river. When the Clean Water Act came into effect, the focus was to be sure that sewer went to the treatment plant and not to the river; there was no emphasis on where drain water would go. Mr. Perreault stated all homes in the subject neighborhoods were inspected to see if drainage is going to the right place. Councilor Morgan Allain confirmed the grant money is specific to the targeted areas.
Councilor Rozek confirmed that meters are located in specific areas of concern and the data will be used to come up with a long term plan.
Snow & Ice Policy
Mr. Perreault presented the policy saying that it takes 16 public works personnel to do the 10 routes. It takes four hours to complete a snow route; the downtown and school areas are top priority. There are 152 salt and sand barrels throughout the City; we use eight loaders to move snow and each storm costs about $30,000. We use about 2400 tons of salt per year. Councilor Rozek asked if we could use sand from the airport for city streets and Mr. Wheeler said that he suspects it has a high silt content.
Mr. Perreault stated that the average age of the equipment is over 25 years. We are always looking to update equipment with government surplus. Councilor Rozek asked to see what the hours are on the equipment and asked what the process is to update the equipment. There was some discussion about availability of parts and using the same manufacturer on equipment.
Councilor Otis asked about combining sanding and plowing with one truck. Mr. Perreault stated that we are using the techniques that work best for the city. Mr. Wheeler indicated that the equipment was chosen in part so that there would not be a need for a wingman. Mr. Perreault stated that every storm is different and the supervisor determines the plan after the initial call comes in from the PD.
Councilors asked for an update on the salt shed. Mr. Wheeler reported that there have been several ideas and proposals; he feels the right thing to do is to do a net present value calculation. This will require time to put it together. He was asked to come back in March with the information.
Other
The Council was asked if they would support having Tom McCue represent the City at the NHMA Conference November 6 & 7. Councilor Theberge so moved; Councilor Benski seconded and the motion carried.
Adjournment
Councilor Rozek moved to adjourn; Councilor Theberge seconded and the motion carried. The meeting ended at 7:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Tremblay
Administrative Assistant
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