Water Pollution Control Authority
Regular Meeting Minutes
February 12, 2008
A regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority was held on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The members in attendance included:
Mark Barmasse, Chairman Dave Kelsey Dennis Griswold
John Hanson Roger Abraham
Mr. Lindland was not in attendance. Also attending were Vincent F. Susco Jr., Public Utilities Administrator and Pam McCann, Recording Secretary. Also in attendance were Liaisons George Pfaffenbach, Board of Finance and Jack Hesen, Economic Development Commission.
Call to Order
Chairman Barmasse called the meeting to order at 5:32 P.M.
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Barmasse called for the approval of the minutes of the January 8, 2008 regular meeting. Upon motion by Mr. Griswold, seconded by Mr. Kelsey, the minutes of the regularly scheduled meeting of January 8, 2008 were approved by a 5-0 vote.
Public Comments
No comment at this time.
Review of Correspondence
Mr. Susco reviewed all listed correspondences, which are attached and made a part of the minutes. He reported that our administration company for water meter reading and billing has been changed to Utility Business Solutions, LLC out of Newington, CT. He explained this became necessary as the former company, Birmingham Utilities, has been absorbed through a merger with the South Central Regional Water Authority and the Connecticut Water Company.
He responded to questions from the members regarding the State of Connecticut DEP Diversion Permit for Oakum Dock Road. He explained this was an annual reporting requirement of the permit.
Finally, he explained the Town’s response to the phase 1-A application of the Belltown Place subdivision off of South Main Street.
Economic Development Commission
Mr. Hesen reported that Island Traders Coffee House will be occupying the old Donut Depot building and that www.wine.com has located at Lakeview Court. He explained the distribution center for www.wine.com will be located at 13 Summit Street.
He also mentioned several new establishments have arrived in Town:
· 4 new businesses have opened at Theater Square and that work continues on the new CVS building at the end of the lake along Route 66.
· Belltown Motors has renovated their old garage to be a used car lot
· A new deli has opened up at 82 Main Street called Center Cut.
· Epoch Arts has purchased 27 Skinner Street.
He concluded with a new initiative that the EDC is attempting to establish that being the Festival of Lights celebration and that the Hartford Courant recently highlighted the Odell Organs Repair Shop located at 13 Summit Street.
Town Council Liaison
No liaison was present.
Board of Finance Liaison
Mr. Pfaffenbach reported the Board of Finance did not meet.
Committee Reports
Joint Facilities Committee
Chairman Barmasse reported that the Joint Facilities did not meet.
Operations, Management & Budget Committee
Mr. Susco reported the WPCA and Water budget status reports both have overstated Electricity accounts (#5622). This is due to an accounting oversight as purchase orders have been issued to a new electrical provider (Trans Canada) with no corresponding closure of purchase orders for the original provider (Connecticut Light & Power).
Mr. Susco reported account #5330 – Professional & Technical Services for the Village Center Water System is over budget as a result of the legal expense associated with Epoch Arts and 11 Skinner Street.
Duplicate purchase orders for water meter reading and billing, as discussed previously, has been determined to be the cause for the variance in account #5530 Communications. This error for both the VCWS and the ROWS will be corrected shortly.
Mr. Susco informed the members that the preparation of the 08/09 operational budgets has begun. The WPCA expense budget will be made available to members at the conclusion of the March 25, 2008 Public Hearing. Anticipated approval will be at the May 6th WPCA meeting. Water Budgets will be available at the June 3, 2008 meeting for recommendation to the Town Council.
Public Water System
Town Center Water System Operations
Management opened a discussion of possible solutions for the Town to consider in addressing the Consent Order received from the Department of Health. Mr. Susco pointed out several similarities and differences between the two Consent Orders. He explained the latest Consent Order is more restrictive in that we are being ordered to address only the
VCWS shortcomings. He also pointed out that this Consent Order does not have the requirement to provide a solution that would be consistent with the IWSP. He explained this allows for a quicker solution from the DPH perspective but places the financial burden entirely on the Town with no likelihood that any expenses associated with this solution could
be capitalized into a larger municipal system.
Mr. Susco proceeded to explain a proposal to rebuild the Village Center water treatment plant to maximize the safe yield from the wells. Initial estimates of cost place the project at $500,000.00. Further work will result in more information in the near future.
Management reported that two existing well sites have been offered to augment the VCWS. The Town Library/Community Center and American Legion properties were investigated. Mr. Susco indicated both sites would not qualify as CWS supply wells under current health code regulations. He did conclude that the possibility of a future rock well site exists on the southern end of the Library property and that it should be explored.
Mr. Susco reported a formal request for water service for 21 Skinner Street, Scott Energy, was received on January 17, 2007. He indicated this connection is possible under the current Consent Order, but will be up to the Town Council to decide exactly where any excess water would be provided.
Mr. Susco reported work continues on the proposed water main extension to serve 27 Skinner Street, Epoch Arts. A final decision is expected shortly and will be made part of the Consent Order.
Royal Oaks Water System Operations
Mr. Susco reported that the developer has sent plans to the DPH for approval of the corrosion control plan for the water station. Problems with the potassium permanganate (KMnO4) feed pump have centered around the five way valve. Management continues to evaluate the situation and expects a remedy shortly.
Proposed Public Water Systems
No activity was reported on the Village @ Long Crossing.
Belltown Place
Discussions with the DOHS indicated that they are expressing several concerns with the Phase 1-A Well Site application submitted by the Developer. They have indicated the submission is deficient in several areas and will formalizing a response shortly.
Sewer Development
Skyline Estates Phase 1A
The Developer has requested a partial Construction Bond reduction based upon work that has been completed to date. Management has responded with several items that are required and until they have been addressed no reduction can be granted.
CLA, the WPCA’s engineer, has completed its design of the upgrade to the Clark Hill Lift Station. Management has presented the information to the Developer along with a reminder that no lots beyond the original 23 can be served until this pump station is upgraded.
Skyline Phase II
No activity occurred on this section of this subdivision.
Belltown Place
Mr. Susco reported CLA has provided initial comments which the Developer is now addressing. The Developer has been informed no Public hearing will be scheduled until all issues have bee addressed.
Village @ Long Crossing and Butler Industrial Park.
No activity occurred on these subdivisions.
East Hampton\Marlborough Sewer Connection
Management reported no activity has occurred in this project and indicated a update is in order for the next scheduled meeting.
New Business
Future Sewer Connection Charges
Mr. Susco continued the discussion begun at the previous meeting. He indicated the Public Hearing for the setting of proposed new and supplemental sewer benefit assessments will be held at the Water Pollution Control Authority on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at the Treatment Plant. This will be the last meeting for new and supplemental sewer benefit assessments as the debt associated with the original 20 year financing for the construction of the wastewater system will be paid off and the timeframe for collection of such assessments will be concluded. All assessments set at the Public Hearing will become due May 1, 2008 and payable in full by June 1, 2008. This event sets the stage for the introduction of a sewer connection charge.
Mr. Susco explained that wastewater improvements which will require new financing are several years away; however, it is strongly recommended by management that a sewer connection charge be in place for any request for sewer service after May 1, 2008. This charge should remain in affect until such time that financing arrangements for the new improvements are determined and new fiscal parameters are established.
Mr. Susco explained there was no right way or generally accepted practice to be followed in the establishment of such a charge and for that reason several models for consideration have been prepared. Mr. Susco presented these models and administration factors for their consideration which where contained in his memo distributed to the members prior to the meeting and which are made part of these minutes. Mr. Susco asked all the board members to be prepared to discuss fee proposals at the next scheduled meeting of the Authority.
Members discussed the models presented and requested a modification to the “present value model” which management indicated could be accomplished.
35 Day Point Road
Mr. Susco reported the WPCA has been approached to accommodate an easement request at 35 Day Point Road. The property owner, Ms. Susan Curtiss, was instructed to provide a plot plan for discussion at this meeting. Until such time that this is accomplished there can be no action by the Authority.
Old Business
Mr. Susco reported that repair work on the Airline Trail is nearing completion. New England Infrastruture will demobilize probably next week.~They will be placing stone dust on the entire trail in spring when they come back.~
~
We believe funding remains and have requested the Town of Colchester to quantify the balance and begin preliminary talks on repairing the outfall of the Lyman Viaduct rather than return the money.~
Management reminded all members that the next meeting is scheduled for March 4th and then followed by a meeting and Public Hearing on March 25, 2008. T here will be no meeting in April. Members who will not be available should let management know as a quorum is required to conduct business.
Adjournment
Mr. Kelsey motioned, seconded by Mr. Abraham, to adjourn the meeting. All voting in favor, the meeting was closed at 6:55 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Pamela McCann
Recording Secretary
| 
