Members Present: Joseph Carino, Richard Aries, Robert Dickinson, Frank Ferrero,
Ed Havens, Jr., and Max Scheller
Members Absent: Carol Fletterick
Alternates Present: Susan Rose; and Thomas Deming sitting in for Carol Fletterick
Alternates Absent:
Staff Present: C. Fred Shaw, Superintendent of Pollution Control
Others: Karen Isherwood, P.E., Design Professionals, Inc.
Timothy Wentzell, P.E., Connecticut Property Engineering
Phil Forzley, P.E., Fuss & O'Neill, Inc.
Alan Lamson, FLB Architecture & Planning
Chairman Carino called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The following actions were taken during the September 4, 2007 Regular Meeting of the W.P.C.A.
B. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
June 5, 2007 Regular Meeting
Motion to accept the minutes of the June 5, 2007 regular meeting as presented.
Was made by Mr. Havens, Jr.
Seconded by Mr. Deming
The motion carried unanimously
July 17, 2007 Regular Meeting
The following corrections were made to the minutes of July 17, 2007.
Page 5, No.: 5-729 John Fitch Blvd., last sentence reads as follows: "Therefore, Mr. Shaw recommended hat this property be removed from the Sewer User List." The word hat should be that. The sentence should read as follows: "Therefore, Mr. Shaw recommended that this property be removed from the Sewer User List."
Page 1, Item A - Roll Call, Members Present Mr. Aries name was incorrectly spelled.
On page 4, 1st paragraph, 1st sentence reads as follows: "Mr. James Greeson, President of the Association, was in attendance and showed concern as to whether allowing a share of a lateral…" The sentence should read as follows: "Mr. James Greeson, President of the Association, was in attendance and showed concern as to whether sharing a lateral…."
On page 3, 1st paragraph, 1st sentence reads as follows: "She also reported that all of the drainage is underground detention." The word detention should be retention. Therefore, the sentence should read as follows "She also reported that all of the drainage is underground retention."
Motion to accept the minutes of the July 17, 2007 regular meeting with the corrections being made.
Was made by Ferrero
Seconded by Deming
The motion carried unanimously
C. NEW BUSINESS
1. Tuscan Hills, Buckland Road - (Approval to Connect)
Mr. Shaw gave opening remarks and explained that this project is located on the east side of Buckland Road; this project will be the first commercial development connecting the sewer line extended by the Town from west side of Buckland Road to the east side.
Mrs. Karen Isherwood from Design Professionals, Inc. was present to represent the applicant. She explained that there are currently two houses, Parcel A and Parcel B. Parcel A, 218 Buckland Road is located to the north and is a 1.12 acre lot. It is proposed to have 4,148 square feet of retail space on the first floor, and the second floor will have 2,257 square feet of office space. Parcel B known as 206 Buckland Road is located to the south and is 1.58 acres in size. It is proposed that an M&R Liquor Store will be constructed and will include 11,738 square feet of retail space on the first floor and 5,122 square feet of office space on the second floor. This project, will involve connection to an existing sewer main that crosses Buckland Road; a proposed manhole roughly 15 feet deep
will be installed, matching the existing grade for the main flow line; and a new main 8" line will be extended 253 feet northward at 2% slope. The main line will be extended further northward 310 feet at a slope of 1%. A stub will be provided to the south to permit future extension. There is an easement on private property in favor of the Town for sidewalks and for the sanitary sewer main.
Mr. Shaw explained that the proposed sewer will be sufficient to accept gravity flow from future development within the waste shed area.
Mrs. Isherwood was asked if there are any other utilities in this area. She responded that there is water located in the center of the street, and gas located across the street. All of the storm drainage will be outside of the easement. The only thing within the easement is a very small section of the sidewalk.
Answering questions from the Authority, Mr. Shaw stated that the Town Attorney will have to review the easement agreement.
Motion to approve the application as presented for connection to the Town's sewerage system for a proposed commercial building located at 206 and 218 Buckland Road, South Windsor, CT as more specifically show on plans entitled "Tuscan Hills, 206 & 218 Buckland Road, South Windsor, Connecticut" Prepared by Design Professionals, South Windsor, CT., Job No.: 2335, Sheet No.: 4/6 "Topographic Plan, Drawing No.: /2335/2335_TOPO.DWG., Dated May 1, 2007, Revision dates: 5-7-07, 6-14-07, 7-19-07, 7-31-07, and 8-15-07. Also, Sheet No.: 6/6 "Site Details, Drawing No.: /2335/2335_DET.DWG., Dated May 1, 2007, Revision dates: 6-14-07, 7-19-07, 7-31-07, and 8-15-07. This approval is subject to the following conditions: (1) a draft of a private easement between the property owners must be reviewed and
approved by the Town Attorney; (2) final technical approval of the Town of South Windsor Engineering Department.
Motion was made by Mr. Aries
Seconded by Mr. Ferrero
The motion carried unanimously
2. M & S Paving and Sealing, Inc. 97 and 105 Commerce Way - (Approval to Connect)
Mr. Shaw gave opening remarks and explained that this is a development of two commercial lots on Commerce Way.
Mr. Timothy Wentzell was present to represent this application for the proposed development of two commercial lots on Commerce Way including a building of 7,000 square feet involving a small office area in the front. This application has received approval from Planning and Zoning Commission.
There was a concern expressed by the Authority as to whether there were floor drains on the plans. Mr. Wentzell explained that this application is for sanitary sewer only and that there will be no equipment maintenance at the site, and therefore, no floor drains.
Motion to approve the application as presented for connection to the Town's sewerage system for a proposed commercial building at 97 and 105 Commerce Way, South Windsor, CT as more specifically shown on plans entitled "M & S Paving and Sealing, Inc., Grading, Utility and Erosion Control Plan" Sheet No.: 2 of 3, Dated 6/12/07, Revision dates: 7/05/07, and 8/10/07, Prepared by Connecticut Property Engineering, South Windsor, CT." This approval is subject to the following conditions: (1) an understanding that there will be no floor drains; any change in the project, other than originally presented, must be brought back to the Authority for further approval; (2) Final technical approval of the Town of South Windsor Engineering Department.
Motion was made by Mr. Deming
Seconded by Mr. Ferrero
The motion carried unanimously
3. Starbucks, 172 Deming Street, Manchester - (Approval to Connect)
Mr. Shaw explained that this development is in the Town of Manchester, across from Paneras. There was previously a gas station that had been removed at this location. The applicant wants to use the existing lateral. The lateral was inspected with a TV camera and is in good condition. The Town of Manchester has approved this application subject to the Town of South Windsor approval. Mr. Shaw also explained that although the plan does not show an outside grease interceptor, the applicant is aware that an indoor automatic grease recovery unit (AGRU) is required. The applicant has provided Mr. Shaw with data supporting the size of the proposed AGRU and has agreed to install a grease interceptor unit.
Chairman Carino recommended the Authority to make a motion with the understanding that the Town of South Windsor requires a grease interceptor and the applicant agreed to install one.
Motion to approve the application as presented for connection to the Town's sewerage system for a proposed commercial building at 172 Deming Street, Manchester, CT; as more specifically shown on plans entitled "Manchester , CT 172 Deming Street & Hale Road", Prepared by The Colvest Group, Inn., Windsor, CT., Drawing No.: C-2 "Site Grading & Utility Plan, dated: 11/23/05, revision dates: 05/16/06, 09/25/06, 11/2/06, 12/15/06, 4/2/07, 5/3/07, and 8/2/07". This approval is subject to the following conditions: (1) installation of an indoor automatic grease interceptor meeting all Town and State requirements; (2) Final technical approval of the Town of South Windsor Engineering Department.
Motion was made by Mr. Dickinson
Seconded by Mr. Aries
The motion carried unanimously
Answering questions from the Authority, Mr. Shaw reported that the Town of Manchester will be monitoring this site for FOG compliance. Mr. Shaw also reported that he sent the Town of Manchester a brief outline of the South Windsor FOG program, and requested a reply from Manchester describing how the Town will be monitoring FOG facilities in Manchester served by the South Windsor sanitary sewer system.
4. Sakura Japanese Steak House at Highland Park Market - (Approval to Connect)
Mr. Phil Forsley from Fuss & O'Neill, came before the Authority representing the application for proposed restaurant located at Highland Park Market. He explained that there is an existing sewer line in front of the building. They are proposing to have two laterals near the building, one for the 10,000 gallon outside passive grease interceptor and the other lateral for the sanitary sewer service.
Mr. Shaw stated that the applicant is required to have an external passive interceptor which has to meet both, State and Town requirements.
Motion to approve the application as presented for connection to the Town's sewerage system for proposed restaurant at Highland Park Market, as more specifically shown on plans entitled: "FLB Architecture & Planning, Inc., Sakura Garden Japanese Steak House, Evergreen Walk, South Windsor, Connecticut" Prepared by Fuss & O'Neill, Manchester,. CT, Proj. No.: 2000 481 A50, Page No.: CU.1.1 "Utility Plan, Sanitary Sewer Connection, Dated: 8/29/07" and Page No.: CD.5.1 "Utility Details, Sanitary Sewer Connection, Dated 8/29/07". This approval is condition upon the following conditions: (1) installation of a grease interceptor meeting all Town and State requirements; (2) Final technical approval of the Town of South Windsor Engineering Department.
Motion was made Mr. Deming
Seconded by Mr. Havens, Jr.
The motion carried unanimously
Chairman asked for a motion to move to Item G2.
Motion to move to Item G2 - Lawrence Road Sewer Extension (Review, Approval)
Motion was made by Mr. Aries
Seconded by Mr. Deming
The motion carried unanimously
G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
2. Lawrence Road Sewer Extension (Review, Approval)
a. Review Schedule for Sewer Assessments
b. Schedule Public Hearing/Meeting with residents
Mr. Shaw explained that at the last WPCA meeting he has mentioned that the Public Works Department is considering some reconstruction of Lawrence Road to improve pavement and road drainage. The Authority reviewed a brief outline of where the sewer will go and a brief estimate of the cost involved to do this project. Mr. Shaw was asked to illustrate how sewer assessments would fund this sewer project (See Exhibit A). Mr. Shaw reported that the assessments will cover about 42% of the actual cost. The estimated construction cost is $384,800; $221,000 will be from the Capital Reserve Fund. The actual design work (plans and specifications) would be done by the Town staff (see Exhibit A-1.)
Mr. Shaw included in his report a schedule of sewer assessments for those properties benefited by the sewer construction (see Exhibit A-2a and A-2b.) Property owners would be assessed even if they don't connect. The homeowner would have an opportunity to either pay the entire assessment up front or over a period of 15 years at
6% interest rate. If the Authority decides to go ahead with this project, a public hearing with the residents will be held. If the decision is to move forward with this project, the Town will prepare a plan of specifications.
Chairman Carino stated that there are many reasons as to why the Town should proceed with this project. The first is because the pavement and road drainage are in poor condition. The second issue is based on the property owners that have come forward over several previous years to complain about sewage in their backyard because of failing septic systems.
Chairman Carino asked for comments from the public.
E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Bart Pettit, 232 Lawrence Road
Jean Pettit, 232 Lawrence Road
Dayton Stimson: 279 Lawrence Road
Mr. Bart Pettit of 232 Lawrence Road commented that when he came to Town all the properties on Lawrence Road were on septic systems that had been built 45 to 47 years ago, which is near the end of their life span. He along with others did research to find out what their options were, should problems occur. The consensus was that people did not want to commit to a higher expansion. Mr. Pettit also stated that if the Town is going to repair Lawrence Road due to its poor condition, then this is the right time to extend the sanitary sewers on Lawrence Road.
Mr. Dayton Stimson of 279 Lawrence Road came before the Authority to obtain more information on the sewer assessments for those properties on Lawrence Road that would not immediately connect to the sewer system.
Mr. Shaw explained that the property owner would get assessed for the sewer in front of their house regardless of whether they connect.
The question was raised as to when this project would start. Mr. Shaw said he would advise at a later date. This project would probably be funded next year is fiscal year 2008/2009.
Chairman Carino requested a Public Meeting in a joint effort with other members of the Town staff that could answer questions pertaining to both the road improvements and the sanitary sewer extension. He also requested a motion to authorize Mr. Shaw to proceed with the project and subject to final approval once the details are presented to the Authority.
Motion to authorize Mr. Shaw to proceed with the Lawrence Road reconstruction project.
Motion was made by Chairman Carino
Seconded by Mr. Dickinson
Motion carried unanimously
Motion to go back to Item C5 of the Agenda.
Motion made by Mr. Aries
Seconded by Mr. Ferrero
The motion carried unanimously
5. Uncollectible Sewer Assessments - (Approval to Declare Accounts as Uncollectible and to Authorize Collector of Revenue to write off accounts)
A discussion ensued regarding the memo received by the Collector of Revenue requesting approval to remove all outstanding sewer assessments that have been liened over 15 years ago (see Exhibit B and B-1). The Authority also reviewed the legal opinion from the Town Attorney (see Exhibit B-2a and B-2b).
Mr. Shaw reported that apparently the Collector of Revenue years ago did not pursue liens placed on these properties listed on Exhibit B2. The Authority raised questions as why this happened, can a new lien be placed, and how can this be prevented from happening again.
Motion to declare accounts as uncollectible and to authorize the Collector of Revenue to write off accounts.
Motion was made by Mr. Deming
Mr. Aries stated that he prefered to see in the list provided by the Collector of Revenue, a column stating when these liens were placed, and when the last installment payment was schedule to be made. He also raised the fact that the Town Attorney's legal opinion does an analysis only on 70 Ronda Drive but not the other properties listed on Exhibit B2. Therefore, the question was raised if the proper investigation was done for the rest of the properties. Mr. Shaw responded that he approached the Collector of Revenue with the same question and she responded that all of the properties are uncollectible. The cover memo from the Collector of Revenue states that the liens were placed on the properties between 1979 and 1987.
Chairman Carino stated that the Authority will act under the assumption that the Collector of Revenue did the adequate research to justify that that these properties are not collectible. With that understanding, the motion was modified as follows:
Motion to declare the accounts as uncollectible as listed on Exhibit B, and to authorize the Collector of Revenue to write off accounts based upon Town Attorney's Legal opinion and with the understanding that the Collector of Revenue has determined through careful examination that said accounts are uncollectible pursuant to the Town Attorney's legal interpretation of all applicable laws.
Motion was made by Mr. Deming
Seconded by Mr. Ferrero
The motion carried unanimously
Chairman Carino also stated that although the Authority is authorizing the Town to drop all of the sewer assessments, there is a concern of giving away $50,227.64 because of no effort from the Collector of Revenue to collect for the last fifteen years. Mr. Aries was asked to draft a letter on behalf of the group to the Town Manager and the Town Council expressing their concern and indicating that something different should be done to avoid this from reoccurring.
6. Residential Sewer User Charges FY 2007/2008 (Authorization to Bill)
Mr. Shaw provided a memorandum to the Authority (Exhibit C). The memo states that there have been 78 new residential sewer connections that occurred during the past year; representing an increase of 1.0% as compared with the previous year. The proposed residential sewer billing list includes 7,899 units totaling $2,101,968 in revenue; this revenue exceeds the projected revenue for this year.
Motion was made to approve the billing for the Residential Sewer User charges for FY 2007/2008.
Motion was made by Mr. Havens, Jr.
Seconded by Mr. Deming
The motion carried unanimously
D. COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS
As mentioned in the previous meeting, Mr. Shaw received a phone call from the Director of Human Resources; she stated that she was approached by the Union inquiring as to whether or not the meeting schedule can be changed from 7:30 p.m. to an earlier time. This is because there are Union members who wish to start the meeting at an earlier time so that they get home earlier. Also, at the last meeting there was a consensus from those present to begin the meeting at 7:00 p.m. For those that were absent, the Recording Secretary called them and it was unanimously; everyone has agreed to change the meeting to 7:00 p.m.
Motion to change the WPCA meeting time from 7:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. beginning October 2007.
Motion was made by Mr. Aries
Seconded by Mr. Deming
Motion carried unanimously
The question was raised as to whether or not the bylaws need to be changed to reflect the meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. The Recording Secretary will review the WPCA bylaws, and if in deed the time of the meeting is in the bylaws then a Public Hearing will be scheduled. However, the WPCA will begin at 7:00 p.m. as October 2007.
F. BILLS, CHANGE ORDERS, DISBURSEMENTS
None
G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. 1333 and 1343 Sullivan Avenue sewer connection
This item will be postponed until next meeting.
H. MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS PENDING CLAIMS
None
I. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m.
Was made by Mr. Deming
Seconded by Mr. Dickinson
The motion carried unanimously
______________________________
Ether A. Diaz
Recording Secretary
Date Approved: November 7, 2007
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