A. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Joe Carino, Richard Aries, Robert Dickinson, Franck Ferrero, Carol Fletterick, Ed Havens, Jr., and Michael Patitucci
Alternates Present: Thomas Deming and Richard Siedman
Staff Present: C. Fred Shaw, Superintendent of Pollution Control
Elizabeth Locicero, Recording Secretary
Public Participation: Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail, South Windsor, CT
Chairman Carino called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. He stated that the public hearing is being held to establish the proposed sewer user charge rates, sewer assessment schedules, and septic disposal fees for fiscal year 2008/2009.
Locicero read the legal notice as it was published in the Journal Inquirer. (Exhibit A).
Shaw had the following comments:
" User rates are intended to fund operating costs at the Treatment Plant, 11 pump stations, maintenance of the 138 miles of sewer line.
" Intended to meet debt service, Capitol Improvements, and the GATSBY 34 (Governmental Accounting Standards Board).
" Assets are depreciated over time, thereby providing a picture of how government officials are allocating resources.
Public input was requested.
Don Gonsalves, 40 Bayberry Trail had the following concerns regarding questions being answered, $443,000 every year into the Capital Budget, addition of $416,000. for the Lawrence Street extension and why isn't this being taken out of the Capital Budget, and he expressed concern for the increase of 15% this year. Mr. Gonsalves stated that the Town should be on a proportional basis (based on water usage).
Shaw replied that eventually the Lawrence Road sewer cost will be recovered through assessments. The portion of the actual cost will be paid by the property owners over a 15 year period. The contractor expects to be paid; therefore, sufficient funds have to be available. These funds will be recovered through assessments. The Town has to meet the requirements of GATSBY 34 which requires the Town to set aside monies to pay for maintenance, unforeseen problems, and funds in reserve for future borrowing rates. User fees have not been increased the last eight years. Better management strategy is being proposed for the users in Town. The sewer system is valued over a $150 million dollars. Presently the Town has not met all of the GATSBY requirements, e.g. sufficient funds in place. All
government officials have to move in this direction. The regulations went into effect in 1999, updated by Statements 45, 55, etc. The idea is for Towns to recognize these obligations to be fiscally prudent and to plan for the future.
Also to assure that the Town has enough reserve to handle problems that may arise. As in private business, government should be business like. Towns are required through their accounting practices to operate in that fashion, i.e. citizens are aware what the user fees are for, assets are being cared for, being maintained, and sufficient funds to accomplish this. Citizens should be cognizant of the fact that the Town has a 40 year old treatment plant. Goal is to be prepared to meet any unforeseen future problems included the well advertised requirements of the General Accounting Standards Board.
Shaw indicated that there are two sectors involved, Commercial and Residential. There is a cost to treat waste water (normal strength waste water). The Regulations contain a surcharge regulation which allows the Town to assess a business or an industry that puts into the system a waste water that requires a higher level of treatment (more costs). Surcharges attempt to recover that portion of treatment costs. Monitoring is done through monthly or quarterly reports from the different businesses located in South Windsor. The Town is attempting to cover the costs, being equitable, but also trying to keep costs down.
Shaw stated that there are over 7500 users presently in Town. Water consumption reports from the water companies are not always accurate. Bottom line is to keep the cost down. WPCA is well aware that there are people who have pools, wash their cars every week, and have more children than the next person.
Carino read a letter of opposition into the record from Carl and Christine Leanrt, 74 Partridge Lane, South Windsor, CT. (Exhibit B).
Carino closed the public hearing.
Date Approved: July 18, 2008 Respectfully submitted,
Phyllis M. Mann
Recording Secretary
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