WPCA Regular Meeting Minutes 12 April 2016
Present: Regular Members‐ Chairman Richard Prendergast, Vice Chair Donna Bednar, Treasurer Doug Wilkinson, Ernest Lorda, Andrea Lombard, Dimitri Tolchinski, Sal Cancelliere;
Alternates Steve Cinami and Joe Carpentino. Town Sanitarian John Sieviec also attended the meeting. Approximately 12 members of the public were also in attendance.
Absent: Robert McCarthy, Frank Chan
Call to Order
Chairman Richard Prendergast called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.
He noted the excused absence of two members and appointed alternates Joe Carpentino and Steve Cinami as voting members for the meeting.
Approval of the Minutes – March 8, 2016
Sal Cancelliere requested the following correction to the Minutes under Old Business: Discussion on researching options to finalize the wastewater plan on page 3, paragraph 4, 2nd sentence: Frank Chan commented that option 3 [not option 2] would do the most good for the most people in the shortest time period. Frank Chan was not present to clarify, but members believed the correction was accurate.
Motion made by Doug Wilkinson, seconded by Ernest Lorda, to approve the minutes of 8 March 2016 as amended. Motion passed.
Chairman’s Report
Meeting with Board of Finance
Chairman Prendergast characterized the meeting with the Board of Finance as successful. He presented the consequences of the options under consideration.
Correspondence with DEEP; Posting documents on web site
The chairman shared a letter with WPCA members confirming that the Town is in compliance with the DEEP Administrative Order and that Clean Water funding availability has been extended until March 31, 2018. He read aloud part of the letter from the DEEP and has asked that the letter be posted on the Town website.
Discussions with Attorney, Woodard & Curran, and Town Engineer Dave Prickett
Attorney Lord suggests that the WPCA continue to periodically confirm compliance with the DEEP Administrative Order. Woodard & Curran indicated that instructions to them must come through First Selectwoman Reemsnyder. Their contract was signed by her on behalf of the Town. Dave Prickett provided costs for additional testing; those costs will be discussed later in the meeting.
Budget Update and Expenses
Budget submittal explanation by Doug Wilkinson
Treasurer Wilkinson requested that budget documents be part of the Minutes.
The WPCA is currently under budget for the current year with the exception of the Clerk line. With the consent of the Board of Finance, available funds from another WPCA line item can make up the difference.
A process to meet regularly to update the Board of Finance has been established. The WPCA chair and treasurer will meet with the Board of Finance chair following each WPCA meeting for an oversight meeting, and they will continue to evaluate the WPCA budget on a monthly basis.
Doug Wilkinson reviewed the proposed WPCA budget for FY2017. $40,000 is included for wastewater management testing. This is based on a projected testing budget of $60,000 over a three year period. The bulk of the expense will occur in 2017 when new test holes will be drilled.
Andrea Lombard asked about the process when expenses are charged to the WPCA that are outside of WPCA control. Both Chair & Treasurer confirmed that two authorizing signatures will be required for invoice approval. Steve Cinami said it was the WPCA, not outside parties, that went over budget last year. Treasurer Wilkinson clarified that some invoices that should have been deferred had been paid.
Treasurer Wilkinson intends to question the Finance Director about a postage charge to the WPCA account. He said the new procedure with the Board of Finance is a significantly better process than the WPCA had in the past, and he is very comfortable with the new procedure.
New invoices acceptance
None
Correspondence
Chairman Prendergast said correspondence included the previously mentioned letter from the DEEP and a number of emails with several common themes:
- Conflicts of interest on the WPCA
- Data provided by residents being ignored
- Letter written by Health Director Dr. Vijay Sikand
He did not agree about conflicts of interest, stating that each member has only 1 vote.
He pointed to the volume of data compiled by the Town’s Sanitarian John Sieviec and said no data has been ignored, although some property owners have provided information that they mistakenly believe is an indication of no problems existing with their systems. He commended the Sanitarian on an excellent job.
Joe Carpentino noted that the type of bacteria identified through testing is indicative of the cause of a problem and specifically mentioned coliform as indicative of a sewage problem.
Donna Bednar noted that connecting to public water does not eliminate pollution; it only solves a drinking water problem for a particular household.
Some correspondence questioned why Dr. Sikand was raising health concerns now. Chairman Prendergast said Dr. Sikand wrote his letter after consulting with the Town Sanitarian about data in the Health Department. Dr. Sikand has made it clear that he will support further testing and evaluation at Hawks Nest.
As noted at the prior meeting, Sandy Garvin submitted a number of questions. Donna Bednar and Frank Chan worked together on responses. Chairman Prendergast anticipates that the FAQs on the Town website will also be updated.
Old Business
Waste Water Facilities Plan
Chairman Prendergast summarized the options under discussion by the WPCA:
- Do nothing
- Move forward with a plan that include both Sound View and Hawks Nest
- Move forward with Sound View and delay implementation in Hawks Nest pending additional testing
Untable motion for project direction
A motion to take from the table a motion made by Dimitri Tolchinski at the March meeting was made by Doug Wilkinson, seconded by Joe Carpentino.
The motion was “to temporarily remove Hawks Nest beach from our project to the Phase Two, and support forming a joint shared system with Old Colony Beach, Old Lyme Shores and Miami Beach Associations, which are already under the State of Connecticut DEEP order to provide the design and installation of the central sewer system discharging to the New London sewer treatment plan, and ask these beach communities to include in their design and installation as the Phase One, the Sound View Beach Association main line and the street branches.”
The chairman said some WPCA members felt the motion was too complicated.
Members discussed revising the language in the motion: changing temporarily remove to conditionally remove, and eliminating the section about forming a joint shared system. Members agreed that moving forward would entail collaboration with the chartered beach associations, but felt it was not necessary to include the mechanics of that collaboration in the motion.
Andrea Lombard suggested including that the town would move forward “consistent with the DEEP’s written instructions,” but other members were reluctant to tie themselves to a DEEP instruction that could later change.
Dimitri was amenable to changing the language about removing Hawks Nest, but would not consider removing the language about a joint shared system.
Doug Wilkinson called the question. Dimitri Tolchinksi and Ernest Lorda were in favor; other WPCA members were opposed. Motion failed 7:2.
Steve Cinami made a motion, seconded by Doug Wilkinson, to finalize the Facilities Wastewater Management Plan to include Sound View and postpone Hawks Nest, pending further water testing. Motion passed 8:0:1, with Dimitri Tolchinski abstaining.
Scope of work development to finalize waste water facilities plan discussion
Chairman Prendergast asked for volunteers to serve with him on a task force to develop items for a revised Scope of Work. Steve Cinami and Andrea Lombard volunteered. Rob McCarthy will also be asked to serve.
Development of time line of major actions for DEEP
Chairman Prendergast will ask Dave Prickett to develop a timeline as requested by the DEEP.
Additional waste water testing plan discussion
Proposals for additional testing were requested from Woodard & Curran and Nathan Jacobson. Proposals ranged from $17,000 for continued testing of existing wells twice a year, to $300,000 to add additional wells and conduct more frequent testing.
Chairman Prendergast and Treasurer Wilkinson budgeted $60,000 to cover additional wells and provide for frequent testing in the summer months and less frequent testing over the winter months over a three year period. The new plan will require a workshop with the DEEP’s well testing section. Donna Bednar said the additional testing was important to avoid any ambiguity.
Clean Water Fund reimbursement @55% will be available only if the testing is conducted by Woodard & Curran or an agreed upon subcontractor.
Steve Cinami said he does not doubt the integrity of Woodard & Curran but thinks the public may be more receptive to a subcontractor. Members mentioned the importance of scientific protocol and strict criteria for any testing. Joe Carpentino suggested requested Woodard & Curran’s Standard Operating Procedures.
New Business
Scheduling a public session Q&A session
Chairman Prendergast suggested planning a public meeting in June, and possibly another in August. Sal Cancelliere asked if the WPCA will schedule a meeting with Sound View residents, and Joe Carpentino asked if the DEEP will attend the public sessions. Chairman Prendergast will follow up. Developing a Coordination meeting with the private beach associations’ WPCAs.
Chairman Prendergast said the private associations are currently negotiating with the Selectman’s Office over use of Town land. Andrea Lombard suggested scheduling a special meeting asap to discuss aligning plans.
Other
Dimitri Tolchinski brought up an article from the New London Day about lead found in Old Lyme wells. John Sieviec confirmed that this is under the jurisdiction of the Town Health Dept. and State Department of Health.
Sal Cancelliere requested clarification from Attorney Lord: he understands that Clean Water funds cannot be used to create density and wonders if a seasonal cottage can become year round after sewer installation if Clean Water funds were used for the sewers. Chairman Prendergast will contact Attorney Lord.
Public Comment
Laura Parent, Center Beach Avenue, said she found it insulting that her test results were not considered by the WPCA. Her water was tested when she purchased her property and no problems were indicated until 2010 when her property flooded following a storm. She subsequently treated her well. Several years later, she decided to connect to CT Water for unrelated reasons.
Sandy Garvin, Hawks Nest, reiterated her suggestion that the WPCA consult with environmental scientist Dave Potts. She believes additional testing at Hawks Nest should include soil testing and said it is time to have a real understanding of conditions at Hawks Nest.
Adjournment
Motion was made by Doug Wilkinson, seconded by Ernest Lorda to adjourn at 9:22pm.
Submitted by
Catherine Frank 4/13/16
03/15/16 15: 50 Town of old Lyme Page
nnnno1
B U D G E T W O R K S H E E T E X P E N D I T U R E S
Repo rt Sequence Object
Account = Fi rst thru Last ; Mask = 01-202-0220-####-### Level of Detail Account Number; Level 9
Fund : Gene ral Fund - FY2016
/01 7
Budget Year : J ul y 2016 th ru J une
|
Last Year |
Last Year |
This Year |
Thi s Year |
Next Year |
Next Year |
Budget |
Actual |
Budget |
Actual |
Requested |
Revi sed |
Account Number |
Account Name |
(1) |
(2) |
(3) |
(4) |
(5) |
(6) |
-------------------- ------------------------------ -------------------------- --------------------------
\•JATER POLLUTION CONTROL
-----------------------
01-202-0220-0002-000 \'IP Cl erk \\\'.'M |
|
|
1,200 |
1,187 |
1,200 |
1,200 |
01-202-0220-0003-000 \'IP Cl erk |
2,400 |
929 |
|
150 |
|
|
01-202-0220-0005-000 WP Offi ce Supp1ies |
2,600 |
1, 576 |
600 |
|
600 |
600 |
01-202-0220-0006-000 WP Postage |
|
68 |
2 , 000 |
296 |
21000 |
2,000 |
01-202-0220-0007-000 \'IP Legal counsel |
16,000 |
25,682 |
45 ,000 |
14, 220 |
45 ,000 |
45 , 000 |
01-202-0220-0008-000 WP Advertisi ng |
|
|
1,000 |
|
1,000 |
1,000 |
01-202-0220-0010-000 WP Consul tant |
20,400 |
34,432 |
12 , 000 |
6,143 |
30 ,000 |
20,000 |
01-202-0220-0010-001 WP \•NJM Project Consul tant |
14,000 |
115 ,627 |
25,000 |
|
50 ,000 |
5 ,000 |
01-202-0220-0010-002 WP W.vr.1 Testing |
|
|
|
|
|
40,000 |
01-202-0220-0011-000 WP Contracted Servi ces |
|
|
|
|
|
|
01-202-0220-0012-000 ''" Pri nti ng |
|
|
21000 |
|
2 ,000 |
2 ,000 |
01-?f\-0220-0020-000 \'JP Clerk Wl'JM |
22,204 |
15 ,443 |
|
|
|
|
Ol -0220-0200-000 WP Othe r/Misc |
3,475 ------------ |
1,25J ------------ |
500 ------------ |
------------ |
500 ------------ |
500 ------------ |
**TOTAL** WATER POLLUTION CONTROL 81,079 195 , 010 89 , JOO 21,995 132 ,JOO 117, JOO
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
**TOTAL** BUDGET TOTAL 81, 079 195 ,010 89,JOO 21,995 132 , JOO 117, JOO
4/5/2016 9:00:09 AM Actual & Budgeted Expenses & Encumberance Page: 0018
|
Current Year |
Adjustment |
Net Working |
Period |
Current Year |
Balance |
Percent Left |
Account Number |
Account Description |
Budgeted |
|
Budget |
Expenditure |
Expenditure |
Remalning |
|
General Fund (01)
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
01-202-0220-0002-000 |
WP Clerk VWJM |
0.00 |
1,200.00 |
1,200.00 |
0.00 |
1,186.50 |
13.50 |
1.13 |
01-202-0220-0003-000 |
WP Clerk |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0,00 |
75.00 |
225.00 |
(225.00) |
0.00 |
01-202-0220-0005-000 |
WP Office Supplies |
0.00 |
600.00 |
600.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
600.00 |
100.00 |
01-202-0220-0006-000 |
WP Postage |
0.00 |
2,000,00 |
2,000.00 |
404.49 |
700.35 |
1,299,65 |
64.98 |
01-202-0220-0007-000 |
WP Legal Counsel |
0.00 |
45,000.00 |
45,000.00 |
2,460.00 |
16,680.00 |
28,320.00 |
62.93 |
01-202-0220-0008-000 |
WP Advertising |
0.00 |
1,000.00 |
1,000.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1,000.00 |
100.00 |
01-202-0220-0010-000 |
WP Consultant |
0,00 |
12,000.00 |
12,000.00 |
607,50 |
6,750.00 |
5,250.00 |
43.75 |
01-202-0220-0010-001 |
WP WMoA Project Consultant |
0.00 |
25,000.00 |
25,000.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
25,000.00 |
100.00 |
01-202-0220-0012-000 |
WP Printing |
0.00 |
2,000.00 |
2,000.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
2,000.00 |
100.00 |
01-202-0220-0200-000 |
WP Other/N!isc |
0.00 |
500.00 |
500.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
500.00 |
100.00 |
-TOTAL- |
WATER POLLUTION CONTROL |
0.00 |
89,300.00 |
89,300.00 |
3,546.99 |
25,541.85 |
63,758.15 |
71.40 |
NOTICE: Messages to or from the Town of Old Lyme domain are subject to the Freedom of Information statutes and regulations.
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