TOWN OF SOUTH WINDSOR
TOWN COUNCIL WORK SESSION
COUNCIL CHAMBERS NOVEMBER 4, 2002
SOUTH WINDSOR TOWN HALL TIME: 7:00 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order
Mayor Aman called the meeting to order at
2. Roll Call
Members Present: Mayor William Aman
Deputy Mayor Matthew Streeter
Councillor Barbara Barbour
Councillor Paul Burnham
Councillor Thomas Delnicki
Councillor Deborah Fine
Councillor Edward F. Havens
Councillor Judith Paquin
Councillor John Pelkey
Also Present: Town Attorney Barry Guliano
Asst. to the Town Manager Judy Hall
Absent: Town Manager Matthew Galligan
3. Public Participation - None
4. Communications - None
5. Town Manager’s Report - None
6. Items for Discussion
A. Water Pollution Control Authority – Facilities Plan –
Speaking, first, for the Water Pollution Control Authority was the Authority’s Chairman, Joseph Carino. Mr. Carino said that this evening’s presentation was, as stated, the Town’s Wastewater Facilities Plan. In the interest of clarity, Mr. Carino explained that, in layman’s terms, this Plan consists of the Town’s (1) Treatment Plant on Vibert Road; (2) 126 miles of sewer lines around the Town; and (3), eleven (11) Pumping Stations located at strategic areas around the Town.
6. A. (Continued)
The Plan, he continued, is a “20-Year Plan for wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal” for South Windsor; and its purpose is two-fold: (1) to update the Town’s facility with is over 30 years old. Mr. Carino went on to say that the Town has been replacing parts in segments and units; and, over the last 30 years many units “have become obsolete, and replacement parts are not even available anymore.
Mr. Carino said that, more importantly, the second part of this program is a “new Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection mandated General Permit for Nitrogen Discharge.” This topic, according to Mr. Carino, would be covered (in detail) by the Town’s Consultant Engineers this evening when they make their total presentation. At that time, the engineers will explain—what the requirements are; and how the WPCA intends to meet those requirements.
Continuing, Mr. Carino said that “the Plan” will conform to the Connecticut DEP’s requirements, and will be funded through the State’s “Clean Water Fund.” He added that the Plan will also serve to meet the following needs and priorities of the Town’s Strategic Plan--under Economic Development, by insuring capacity for future populations and commercial growth; under environmental protection--under environmental protection, by satisfying issues relating to permit compliance, identifying problem areas, and resolutions of these problems—under “quality of municipal services,” by providing adequate funding, staffing, and code compliance that will result in improved customer service and satisfaction.
With regard to “funding,” Mr. Carino informed the Council that the Town will apply for low-interest loans under the Clean Water Fund; and, Revenue Bonds may be authorized by the Town under the provisions of Section 22A 479c of the Conn. General Statutes rather than pursuing a “Referendum.” Debt Service, he continued to explain, will be retired by Sewer User Fees without reliance on property taxes. According to the Chairman, a financial analysis has shown that the recommendations and improvements can be supported by the user charge system, while maintaining a “positive” balance in both the Capital and Operating Funds.
6. A. (Continued)
Following these remarks, Mr. Carino introduced Messrs. Robert Weimer, Daniel Murphy, and Paul Gilbert, from the Engineering Firm of Camp, Dresser, and McKee. However, before proceeding further, Mr. Carino requested that following the power point presentation any questions from the Council regarding funding and bonding be directed to Fred Shaw; and technical and engineering questions concerning the State nitrogen removal phase of this Plan be directed to these engineers.
Mr. Weimer said that his firm had been working on this project for more than a year; and the goal this evening was to provide the Town Council with a “Primer” as to why this project needed to be done; explain the alternatives adequately so that the Council can appreciate what the basic options are; and, lastly, why they were recommending what was outlined to the WPCA.
Mr. Weimer, using the attached power point aids, then went into detail regarding what was being recommended by the Facilities Plan, and the need for the suggested upgrade and changes. He added that there were “significant” maintenance issues that had to be addressed; and it was time to take a holistic look, and then upgrade.
Continuing, Mr. Weimer pointed out that the “main driving force for taking action and upgrading the Plant” is the result of the decision to try to remove nitrogen from Long Island Sound. Water quality problems have been experienced in the Sound; and the issue is “low levels of oxygen” caused by the nitrogen in the wastewater. Connecticut, according to Mr. Weimer, is a forerunner in developing a Plan for reducing nitrogen over a period of time—the total nitrogen reduction being sought, he said, is about 64% from present levels and is being applied across the entire State.
Because of the high cost to each community associated with the removal of this nitrogen in order to meet the EPA’s goals, the State of Connecticut, according to Mr. Weimer, has established a unique “credit program” where a community can “buy” nitrogen removal credits. He then gave the example of a community which, in the initial stages of its compliance program, removed much more nitrogen than they were required to remove. In such a case, he explained, that community could “give a credit” to a community that is not removing its nitrogen early on, or is having difficulty reached its goal.
6. A. (Continued)
Mr. Weimer did warn, however, that at the present time the “credit program” is having some difficulty so its future remains uncertain. Again, at the present time, credits are available and they have been “factored into the decision making” that will be presented this evening.
Of serious consideration when developing these Plans, according to Mr. Weimer, is #1 - making certain the Plan is big enough—not only today, but even 20 years from now. He explained the importance of reviewing a community’s Plan of Development. This has been done in South Windsor, he said; including a determination of remaining areas to be developed, those areas where wastewater flows would increase in the future, and, an examination of the wastewater treatment and collection systems.
#2 - From this information, Mr. Weimer said, they developed a Plan for resolving any “shortfalls.” The only area of some concern, he added, was that as the sewers age, they sometimes allow infiltration and inflow—which is a common problem that must be assessed in the future because of possible impact to the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Other areas looked at, he said were the current pumping stations, sewers in areas of some limitation, issues related to “codes,” and the areas of either high (or relatively high) corrective maintenance, and the general operation of the Plant and the collection system with regard to the current number of personnel as well as future requirements.
Lastly, Mr. Weimer stressed the importance placed on consideration of how best to “economize in the overall Budget.”
The basic issue, he said, was the Wastewater Treatment Plant—that this facility was, clearly, the highest capital investment the Town has now, and will have in the future. This Plan and what was needed now was looked at first, without consideration to what would be needed for nitrogen removal; and there then followed options for nitrogen removal—thus providing the full spectrum of cost.
Included in the Plan are basic improvements that are needed now (whether or not the Town were to address the nitrogen issue); and then there is a recommendation as to how to moderately upgrade the Plant—excepting the fact that we will not achieve the full nitrogen removal required, but the Town
6. A. (Continued)
#3 - Mr. Weimer said that the Town could, today, improve the Plan to the maximum nitrogen that the Town could remove. That then, he added, would give the Town the opportunity to “sell credits to a third party.” This option will, however, require additional capital investment; and those decisions should be based on a “cost analysis.”
Lastly, Mr. Weimer said, they did look at the concept of “just eliminating the Wastewater Treatment Plant in its entirety; and accepting the fact that the costs might be better if South Windsor were to send its wastewater to the East Hartford Plan (which is the closest available Plant that was going to proceed with upgrades). The firm’s cost analysis showed that this alternative was at least 50% higher in cost over the next 20 years. Because of this, the firm did not feel it made sense to continue analyzing this option any further. He said he would not be referring to that option again this evening. .
Mr. Weimer, and his colleagues, using the outlined information contained in their power point presentation, explained in greater detail the Wastewater Facility Plan – “Planning for the Next 20 Years. A copy of the power point presentation material is attached.
Questions followed from the Town Councillors—particularly with regard to the process for receiving “nitrogen credits.” These questions were answered by Fred Shaw, and the representatives from Camp, Dresser, and McKee.
Following this, Mayor Aman asked Fred Shaw to briefly review for the Town Council, the User Fees with regard to what they have been over the last period of time; and how they would be impacted by the mandated nitrogen removal program in the future. The Mayor also requested information on future plans by the WPCA to meet those additional costs and how it has been “budgeted in over the last several years.”
Using “conservative but reasonable” assumptions while considering how South Windsor’s system is going to grow—i.e., number of users; increase in expenses over time; etc., Mr. Shaw said that the User Fee currently has been raised to a level where the WPCA and he felt comfortable that they will be in a good position in the future to meet their debt service and operating costs.
6. A. (Continued)
Mr. Shaw stated that the proposed “Facilities Plan” offers staff and the WPCA the opportunity to upgrade the Treatment Plant, and provide new equipment that will allow staff to meet Permit Requirements, and reduce their total operating costs in the process. In conclusion, Mr. Shaw summarized that they have tried to anticipate future needs, and to try to build the User Fee to the point where future expenditures may comfortably be met.
Included in the projections, he added, were this Debt Service. Of course every year, he added, the assumptions being used must be reevaluated. However, Mr. Shaw said, currently, significant increases in the User Charge are not seen.
What is anticipated, according to Mr. Shaw, is the funding of the “upgrade of the Plant,” and the “collection system—including pumping stations, collection system, and pipe—solely, through the revenue generated by the Sewer User Fees and other fees that they collect.”
Mayor Aman asked Mr. Shaw what impact, if any, will this have on the Main Street residents who live the closest to the Plant?
Mr. Shaw said that, in terms of odors, it will provide staff with the opportunity to replace certain equipment that does generate more odor with equipment that generates less odor. Operationally, he added, we should become more efficient; and we should not have the problems with odors that were experienced in the past.
Councillor Delnicki then discussed with Mr. Shaw the technical terms for the process being considered. And the conversation returned to the subject of penalties vs. credits for nitrogen disposal, and a better understanding of how that process works. Referring to specific dollar figures, Councillor Delnicki said he noticed $3.3 million in actual mechanical upgrades; and about $10 million in costs for the nitrogen removal process.
Councillor Barbour questioned the type of chemicals being used now, and how they would change. Mr. Shaw stated up front that the Town does not use a lot of chemicals; however, in the process of “sludge management” there is a chemical used in the “de-watering process.” The “treatment system” is predominantly a “biological system,” whereby they rely on the organisms to do the work.
6. A. (Continued)
Councillor Havens asked Mr. Shaw what the engineering costs were on this Study. Mr. Shaw replied that it was $240,000; however, he added, there was a State Grant for 55% of that cost; and the balance comes out of the User Charge Fund. The Councillor then asked for the “timetable” on this project. Mr. Shaw replied that it was WPCA’s intent to (1) receive public comment; (2) hold a Public Hearing; (3) incorporate that public comment into the finalization of the report; (4) submit it to DEP for their review and approval; and (5) then proceed with our applications next Spring for the design and construction phase work.
Mr. Shaw estimated it would take a year for the “design phase;” and another two years for construction—he guessed around 2005-2006 before it is finished.
Councillor Havens said it was obvious to him that this had to move forward; and he suggested that “we get on the fast track.”
At 7:45 p.m., Mayor Aman recessed the Work Session in order to call the scheduled Public Hearing to order. At the same time, Mayor Aman then turned the Public Hearing over to Deputy Mayor Streeter because Mayor Aman is currently serving as “Chairman of the Board” of The Hartford Homebuilders Association; and he felt the conflict of interest was apparent.
Following the Public Hearing, and at 8:00 p.m., Deputy Mayor Streeter called the Regular Meeting of November 4, 2002 to Order; and immediately recessed it in order to continue the Work Session.
Mayor Aman then called the Work Session back to order.
Councillor Burnham asked Fred Shaw asked if last year’s increase in the User Fee was the “final” increase needed to maintain the Facilities Plan being discussed this evening. Mr. Fred Shaw said that, in all fairness, he would state that the Town is “in a good situation;” however, he could not predict 20 years into the future. If current factors, projections, and assumptions remain unchanged, he stated, it “looks very good at the current rate.”
Councillor Burnham asked if a part of the Facilities Plan included keeping an eye on the condition of the pipe leading from the Treatment Plant to the Connecticut River. The Councillor alluded to the age of the existing pipe. Mr. Shaw assured Councillor Burnham that this pipe was a part of the study; and the ongoing erosion of that pipe was noted.
6. A. (Continued)
Councillor Burnham continued to express concern with this pipe because of the proximity of the Linear Park and a “safety” concern for those using the Park. Mr. Shaw agreed that this was a concern with staff, also.
Referring to the Wastewater System Evaluation, Councillor Pelkey asked if there was some type of measuring system for comparing “flow” in and out of South Windsor between, in some cases, the Town of Manchester, and in other Towns such as Vernon and East Hartford. Mr. Shaw said that the real justification for entering into these types of Agreements with our “neighbors,” is to take a look at the alternatives—which could involve the installation of “costly” pump stations, and paying for their maintenance, operation, and eventual replacement.
By allowing it to flow, by gravity, to the other Towns, he added, the “going rate” is charged by each Town; and South Windsor has found that entering into these types of agreements is more “cost effective” then building pump stations.
Councillor Fine asked if the reason for the adoption of this Plan was “to reduce the nitrogen going into Long Island Sound.” Mr. Shaw replied that this was only one aspect of it; however, he added, even without the nitrogen removal, the Town would be looking to upgrade its Treatment Plant in order to maintain the Plant’s reliability and capacity for future growth.
Councillor Fine then asked if every Town in the State had to reduce its nitrogen output by the same percentage? Mr. Shaw replied that the goal is the same for every town that has a Treatment Plan that “discharges to a stream.”
Councillor Delnicki asked what percentage of nitrogen reduction the Town would see for the $10.9 Million. Mr. Shaw said that the process being looked at right now will not achieve the 64% nitrogen reduction; however, no one (at this point) is certain what other facilities will be able to accomplish—and, along this line, the State is reevaluating its performance for “cleaning up the Sound” over the next 10 years. And, following Councillor Delnicki’s second question as to what percentage the Town would realize for the $10 Million, Mr. Shaw replied about 56%.
6. A. (Continued)
Mayor Aman then asked Mr. Shaw what the next Town Council action, if any, he would be looking for. Mr. Shaw replied that, at this point, perhaps a favorable consensus of the Facilities Plan so that the WPCA may move on to the its required Public Hearing to receive citizen comments on the Facilities Plan. (A copy of the Plan is attached and made a part of these Minutes.)
7. Executive Session None
8. Motion to Adjourn
At 8:15 p.m., Mayor Aman asked for a Motion to Adjourn. It was so moved by Councillor Delnicki; seconded by Deputy Mayor Streeter, and was approved unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Patricia R. Brown
Clerk of the Council
Attmt. (South Windsor Facilities Plan)
| 
