OLD LYME WATER POLLUTION CONTROL COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The Old Lyme Water Pollution Control Commission held a Regular Meeting on Thursday, September 16, 2010, at 7:30 p.m. in the second floor Conference Room of Memorial Town Hall. Those present were Tom Risom, Chairman, Dimitry Tolchinsky, Mervin Roberts, Roger Breunig, Luisa Grogan, and Mike Dickey. Also present was Ron Rose, Sanitarian, Doug Whalen, Chairman of Old Colony Beach Association and Mark Gilbert, Atlantic States Rural Water and Wastewater.
Chairman Risom called the Meeting to order at 7:48 p.m.
Treasurer’s Report
Chairman Risom stated that the 2011/2012 budget is due soon. He noted that he and Louisa Grogan will prepare a draft budget for consideration by the Commission at the October Meeting. He asked any members that any members with input get it to he or Ms. Grogan as soon as possible. Chairman Risom pointed out that the Town is looking for a 0 percent budget increase from all Commissions.
Chairman Risom reviewed the 2010/2011 budget. He noted that counsel was bumped up $5,000.00 due to the Regulation Rewrite and it should stay steady due to the planned pump-out enforcement. Mr. Roberts questioned whether they had any discretionary budget. Chairman Risom stated that they do not.
Ms. Grogan stated that she doesn’t get copies of all invoices for approval before they are paid. Chairman Risom suggested that Ms. Grogan call Nicole.
Chairman’s Report
Chairman Risom distributed a copy of a letter he sent to the First Selectman regarding the Sanitarian’s hours being reduced to part time.
Ordinance Discussion
Chairman Risom stated that the proposed Ordinance has received a lot of publicity, notably in the New London Day. He explained that opposition to the new Ordinance has grown. Mr. Breunig stated that he would like to see the Commission move forward with the public vote. He indicated that he does not think additional education will help at this point in time, noting the opposition.
Chairman Risom stated that they contemplated changing the 5 year pump out requirement to include considering the results of the last pump out and perhaps changing the requirement for a property.
Chairman Risom stated that there was a particular man at the Sound View Presentation that indicated that he did not want to spend a penny on sewer avoidance, but was willing to spend on sewers. He indicated that if each homeowner is hit for $50,000.00 dollars to pump their septage to a community system, people would not be eager to participate. Chairman Risom stated that part of his failure was not to educate the community on sewer systems and their cost.
Mr. Tolchinsky stated that he believes the Commission should not send the proposed Ordinance to public vote. He indicated that he feels they should do more research on alternatives because the Commission exists for the people.
Mr. Roberts pointed out that they could look into solutions for a few homes having problems and perhaps use the land under the streets. He noted that this could be a solution in the beach areas where the roads are private.
Mr. Dickey stated that he agrees with Mr. Roberts’ comments and wonders if things could be resolved on a case by case basis.
Mr. Whalen stated that people are upset because an Ordinance states that you will do something. He indicated that it does not take into account individual circumstances and needs. Mr. Whalen stated that the Beach Association wants to work with the WPCA to come up with a solution. He noted that they want clean ground water. Mr. Whalen stated that the Beach Association has voted to pay for a study to find a solution. He noted that his beach association has open land and roads they can use; he noted that he is the last one to talk about sewers. Mr. Whalen stated that the high density lots and lots with high ground water will need help. He asked the Commission to not bring the Ordinance to Town Meeting for a vote.
Chairman Risom stated that he asked Attorney Ochsner whether the Commission could still litigate with the people who do not pump if the Ordinance does not move forward and he indicated that they could. Chairman Risom stated that they need to gather information so that they can have different solutions for different areas. He noted that the public wants a solution based on research and study. Chairman Risom stated that they should work with the Beach areas and collectively find a solution.
A motion was made by Dmitry Tolchinsky, seconded by Mervin Roberts and voted unanimously to table action on the proposed Ordinance until June 2011 and at this time look into performing studies that will find spot solutions.
Mr. Whalen thanked the Commission for listening to his comments and for expressing their desire to work with the Beach Associations. Chairman Risom stated that everyone should think about how they will form a focus group to coordinate these studies. He indicated that he will invite Brian Curtis to the October Meeting.
The Commission agreed to move ahead with enforcement against those who have not pumped.
Education
No report.
Sanitarian’s Report
Mr. Rose distributed the monthly pump-out report.
The meeting adjourned at 9:04 p.m. on a motion by Luisa Grogan; seconded by Mike Dickey and voted unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan J. Bartlett
Recording Secretary
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