A. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Joseph Carino, Thomas Deming, Robert Dickinson, Frank Ferrero, Carol Fletterick, Edward Havens, Jr., and William Vees
Alternates Present: Richard Aries and Richard Siedman
Staff Present: C. Fred Shaw, Superintendent of Pollution Control
Ether A. Diaz, Recording Secretary
Chairman Joseph Carino called the meeting to order. The following actions were taken during the August 17, 2010 Special Meeting of the W.P.C.A.
B. NEW BUSINESS
Chairman Joseph Carino introduced and read the following resolution:
1. Adopting of Resolution Appropriating $1,950,000 For The Design And Construction Of Upgrades To Dry Pit Sewer Pump Stations In The Town Of South Windsor And Authorizing The Issuance Of $1,950,000 Bonds Of The Town To Meet Said Appropriation And Pending The Issuance Thereof The Making Of Temporary Borrowings For Such Purpose
A copy of said resolution is attached hereto (see Exhibit A)
Chairman Carino turned the meeting over to Fred Shaw who provided a history of the three dry pit wastewater pumping stations. Mr. Shaw explained that these three sewer pump stations have reached their useful life expectancies; and as the equipment ages it becomes more difficult to find replacement parts. The Barrington Estates pumping station is located along Pleasant Valley Road and was constructed in the late 1970’s. The Route 5 Pumping Station is located on John Fitch Boulevard and was constructed in 1969 and The Rye Street pumping station was constructed in 1980. Mr. Shaw explained that the resolution involves a figure of $1.95 million, which was recommended by the Town Council. However, the Town’s consulting engineers has previously estimated that the project costs would be
$2.229 (see Exhibit B). He explained that if the referendum passes and indeed if the actual cost to upgrade the three pump stations exceeds $1.95 million, the Water Pollution Control Authority will be required to fund the short fall through the sewer reserve fund.
Mr. Richard Siedman asked for the cost of the Ellington Road pump station upgrade. Mr. Fred Shaw said $500,000. Then Mr. Siedman questioned why should the figure for a referendum not be 3 x $500,000. Mr. Shaw explained that each station is different in capacity, having different technologies and therefore are not the same in each case. The consulting engineers understand this, and that has been the experience in recent competitive building for project of this type, and is therefore, in a better position to give a more informed and accurate estimate of project costs.
Mr. Ed Havens, Jr. stated that maybe there is a lack of public understanding when these sewer pumping stations are referred to as dry pit pumping stations. Mr. Shaw explained that is a technical distinction, but they are all wastewater pump stations. He also explained that if all the pump stations can be done together, there is an economy of scale to reduce the cost.
Mr. William Vees asked how much is in the reserve fund and what would happen should the referendum fails. Mr. Fred Shaw responded that there is $588,000 in reserves that could be use to fund the short fall without increasing next year user fees. He also answered that whether or not the project referendum is approved, the pumps will have to be replaced. However, it will be cost effective to spread the cost for over a twenty (20) year period.
In trying to find ways to educate and inform the public on the project, Mr. Fred Shaw explained to the Authority that the Town Council has passed the resolution and set the date for the referendum. In setting the date for the referendum, there is very little information about the project that can be provided. Mr. Fred Shaw was asked to seek legal opinion as to whether or not the Authority may discuss the pros and cons of upgrading the sewer pump stations as an agenda item for the September 7, 2010 meeting.
Motion was made to approve the proposed legal Resolution Appropriating $1,950,000 For The Design And Construction Of Upgrades To Dry Pit Sewer Pump Stations In The Town Of South Windsor And Authorizing The Issuance Of $1,950,000 Bonds Of The Town To Meet Said Appropriation And Pending The Issuance Thereof The Making Of Temporary Borrowings For Such Purpose (see Exhibit A).
The motion was made by Mr. Ed Havens, Jr.
The motion was seconded by Mr. William Vees
The motion failed, Chairman Carino declared a five minute recess to open the Special Meeting. Chairman Carino declared the special meeting opened at 7:00 p.m.
Mr. Fred Shaw further explained that these improvements involve modern technological advances that help to reduce the cost by providing more energy efficient and safer equipment. Mr. Shaw expressed that hopefully with the passing of the referendum, the project will go out to bid by early 2011; anticipating about a year for completion of the project.
Motion was made to Adopt the Resolution Appropriating $1,950,000 For The Design And Construction Of Upgrades To Dry Pit Sewer Pump Stations In The Town Of South Windsor And Authorizing The Issuance Of $1,950,000 Bonds Of The Town To Meet Said Appropriation And Pending The Issuance Thereof The Making Of Temporary Borrowings For Such Purpose. A copy of said resolution is attached hereto as Exhibit B.
Motion was made by Mr. Thomas Deming
The motion was seconded by Mr. Robert Dickinson
The motion carried unanimously
There being no further business the meeting was adjourned.
C. ADJOURNMENT
Motion was made to adjourn the special meeting at 7:05 p.m.
The motion was made by Mr. Ed Havens, Jr.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Deming
The motion carried unanimously
Respectfully,
_________________________
Ether A. Diaz
Recording Secretary
Date Approved: September 7, 2010
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