A. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Richard Aries, Don Antaya, Joseph Carino, Robert Dickinson, and Vicki Paliulis
Alternates Absent: Carol Fletterick and William Vees
Alternates Present: Ed Havens, Jr. (sitting in for Carol Fletterick)
Alternates Absent: Richard Siedman
Staff Present: C. Fred Shaw, Superintendent of Pollution Control
Ether A. Diaz, Recording Secretary
Others Present: Ben Wheeler, Design Professionals
Scott Kelley, Applicant
Chairman Richard Aries called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The following actions were taken during the May 1, 2012 Regular Meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority (WPCA).
Chairman Aries appointed Mr. Ed Havens, Jr. to sit in for Ms. Vicki Paliulis; Ms. Vicki Paliulis arrived; Mr. Ed Havens was reappointed to sit in for Ms. Carol Fletterick.
B. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
1. April 3, 2012 - Regular Meeting
Mr. Ed Havens, Jr. expressed that he did not have a chance to read the minutes; and Mr. Joseph Carino expressed the same. Therefore, it was requested by Mr. Havens, Jr. to table the acceptance of the minutes until next meeting.
Motion was made to table acceptance of the minutes to the next WPCA meeting.
Motion was made by Mr. Ed Havens, Jr.
Seconded by Mr. Joseph Carino
The motion carried unanimously
C. NEW BUSINESS
1. Tyler Regional Animal Care Shelter, 124 Sullivan Avenue (Approval to Connect)
Mr. Ben Wheeler of Design Professionals, Inc. presented the application for 124 Sullivan Avenue, also known as TRACS. The Planning and Zoning Commission has approved this project. This is the former Fire House #3 which has been converted over to an animal care shelter serving not only South Windsor, but also Manchester and East Hartford. As part of the plan for converting the facility over to the animal care shelter, the Town recommended connecting the building up to the sanitary sewer system and to abandon the septic system that is on site. Mr. Wheeler explained that he is proposing two connections solely for waste discharge. The first connection for the internal plumbing exits the rear of the facility to the existing septic tank and then to the leaching field located in the lawn to the north. Mr. Wheeler also explained that when the facility was first built, the floor drains were connected to a dry well, not the septic system. So the proposal for the next connection is to
provide a new six inch pvc pipe all the way around the east end of the facility and connect it to an existing sanitary lateral that was put in place under the pavement on Sullivan Avenue.
Mr. Wheeler mentioned that the connection to the east side that serves the floor drains presently will still serve as floor drains in the main areas where the kennels are going to be kept. Mr. Ed Havens, Jr. asked if solid waste will be drained through the existing floor drains. Mr. Wheeler responded that the kennels are raised up off the floor and the solid waste will be picked up and taken away.
Mr. Joseph Carino asked if the discharge out of the building is still adequate to handle the proposed use. Mr. Fred Shaw responded yes and Mr. Wheeler explained that the number of rest rooms inside the building is not changing.
Mr. Donald Antaya asked Mr. Fred Shaw if the Town of Manchester and East Hartford are going to be billed for the sewer usage since the Town of South Windsor will be sharing this regional piece with them. Mr. Fred Shaw explained that municipal buildings in Town are not charged a user fee, but he will look further into this.
Motion was made to approve the application as presented for connection to the Town’s sewerage system for commercial property located at 124 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, CT as more specifically shown on plans entitled “Tyler Regional Animal Care Shelter, Site Plan, 124 Sullivan Avenue, South Windsor, Connecticut”; Prepared by Design Professionals, South Windsor, CT; Job No.: 2977, Dated: 02/27/12 and Revision Date: 04/12/12. This approval is subject to the following conditions: (1) Final technical approval of the Town of South Windsor Engineering Department; and (2) Final Authority approval and acceptance of the sanitary sewerage connection will be conditional upon the installed sewer line having been inspected by the Town staff, and upon the written verification of the Town staff that said
sanitary sewer line was installed in substantial conformance with the design plans approved by the Authority, and meeting all regulations and appropriate technical specifications relating to sanitary sewer construction.
Motion was made by Mr. Ed Havens, Jr.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Joseph Carino
The motion carried unanimously
Mr. Shaw reported that an application was received later after the agenda was sent out. This application was for a subdivision at 389 Slater Street. Mr. Fred Shaw recommended adding this item to the agenda because the Town is going to be doing some road reconstruction later this summer on Slater Street; therefore, the Town has asked the applicant to make the connection to the sewer main prior to the Town’s contractor boxing out of road.
Motion was made to add to the Agenda Item C1a: Colby’s Corner, 389 Slater Street (Approval to Connect)
Motion was made by Mr. Ed Havens, Jr.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Robert Dickenson
The motion carried unanimously
1a. Colby’s Corner, 389 Slater Street (Approval to Connect)
This application consists of one lot which the applicant is going to subdivide into two lots. The Town engineer and Mr. Shaw reviewed the plans. The timing is critical as the Town’s contractor is scheduled to start reconstruction of Slater Street in early June. This project has been approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Two laterals will be installed; one is for the new proposed house and the other lateral is for the utility easement which is for an undefined future use. Applicant needs to obtain approval from the Authority prior to making connection to this lateral.
Motion was made to approve the application of a proposed two lot single family residential subdivision located at 389 Slater Street, South Windsor, CT for connection to the existing South Windsor sanitary sewer on Slater Street; and as more specifically shown on plans entitled “Scott Kelley Subdivision, 389 Slater Street, South Windsor, Connecticut”; prepared by Design Professionals, South Windsor, CT; Project No. 2199; Sheet No CT-01 (3 of 4) “Topographic Plan” Dated 4-9-2012. This approval is subject to the following conditions: (1) Final technical approval of the Town of South Windsor Engineering Department; and (2) Final Authority approval and acceptance of the sanitary sewerage connection will be conditional upon the installed sewer line having been inspected by the Town staff, and upon
the written verification of the Town staff that said sanitary sewer line was installed in substantial conformance with the design plans approved by the Authority, and meeting all regulations and appropriate technical specifications relating to sanitary sewer construction. (3) The connection to the sewer main must be completed by the time the Town’s contractor has boxed out Slater Street in preparation for completing road improvements scheduled for later this summer.
Motion was made by Ms. Vicki Paliulis
The motion was seconded by Mr. Ed Havens, Jr.
The motion carried unanimously
2. Review and Propose Sewer User Charges and Benefit Assessment Rates for FY 2012/2013
As previously presented, Mr. Fred Shaw explained that the proposed operating budget is increasing by 3.43%. Capital projects would include the concrete sewer line replacement, setting aside in reserve funds for the debt service for the Treatment Plant and future debt service for the dry pit pump stations. The user charges would need to be increased by 10%. Mr. Shaw proposed the following Sewer User Charges. The user rates will increase by 10% from $340 to $374. Also, Mr. Fred Shaw proposed an increase by 3.4% of the Sewer User Surcharge Rates for Excessive Solids; the biochemical oxygen demand will increase from $.53 per pound to $.55; and the total suspended solids will increase from $.52 per pound to $.54 per pound.
The sewer assessment rates were also proposed to be increased by 2.7% which reflects the change in value of the dollar according to the urban cpi. This increase will be from $2,184 to $2,243. The frontage per foot currently is $37 it will be increased to $38; the lateral charge will increase from $1,092 to $1,121 and the connection charge will increase as well from $1,092 per unit to $1,121 per unit.
The frontage charge for commercial/industrial properties will increase from $72 to $74 per foot. And the connection charge for commercial which currently is $3,595 per developed acre will increase to $3,692. The septic disposal fees will also increase by 3.4%, from $125 to $130 per 1,500 gallons.
Mr. Fred Shaw reported that the proposed increase in the rate charges for the user fees is in preparation to make the 1/20th payment coming due in September 2013 in the amount of $1.4 million for the treatment plant debt service.
Motion was made to present for purposes of a public hearing the proposed increases in assessment rates of 2.7%, 3.43% increases in rate for septic waste disposal and surcharges and an increase of 10% in user charges as described by Mr. Shaw.
Motion was made by Mr. Joseph Carino
The motion was seconded by Mr. Donald Antaya
The motion carried unanimously
3. Set Time and Date for Public Hearing for the Pollution Control Budget FY 2012/2013 and to establish the Sewer User Charges and Benefit Assessment Rates for FY 2012/2013
Mr. Shaw reported that he has been informed that the Town Council would like to meet with the Authority this month prior to the WPCA public hearing. Mr. Joseph Carino believes it is an excellent opportunity to meet prior to the public hearing. The Authority will be informed of the time and date for the joint meeting with the Town Council.
Mr. Ed Havens, Jr. expressed that in the past there were discussions concerning 10% increase in user charged which could be contingent upon the Town Council providing for the debt service; Mr. Havens, Jr. asked what was the status of this subject. Chairman Aries responded that he was greatly concerned that the Council wasn’t going to provide for the debt service. A report is being prepared by Town Manager, Matthew Galligan documenting the progress of the task force meetings and the recommendations. This report will state that it will be the Town’s obligation to pay for the debt service, and the Authority will make the 1/20th payment. Chairman Aries also reported that there has been discussion about trying to work out a more equitable sewer use charge system to reflect the size of
household and how much water is been discharged to the sewer.
Motion was made to schedule the WPCA Public Hearing for June 5, 2012 at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers for the Pollution Control Budget FY2012/2013 and to establish the proposed Sewer Charges and Benefit Assessment Rates for FY 2012/2013.
Motion was made by Mr. Joseph Carino
The motion was seconded by Mr. Ed Havens, Jr.
The motion carried unanimously
4. Task Force Committee (Discussion)
Chairman Aries reported that at the previous meetings, the Town Council in fact confirmed that they would provide the debt service payments if the Authority made the 1/20th payment. Also, there was some discussion about trying to create a different method for the sewer use charge system; there was an understanding that it cannot be done quickly but would require sometime to do it properly. At the last Task Force meeting, there was a member from the Connecticut Water Company in attendance that is to provide information on how to use water consumption for sewer user fees billing purposes.
D. COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS
1. Sewer System Evaluation Project – Update
At the last WPCA meeting it was discussed that because of a lack of rainfall, insufficient data was collected for the inflow component, therefore, the Authority approved an extension of time for additional monitoring through the end of April. Mr. Fred Shaw reported that the engineer was able to collect adequate inflow data from the last rainfall. He also reported that he reviewed with the engineer the design plans for the replacement of the 1370 linear feet of concrete pipe which was identified by the engineer as in eminent danger of collapsing. In the budget for next fiscal year, $882,000 was provided for the construction phase in replacing the concrete pipe and rehabilitation of several manholes. In discussing the schedule for this project, it was decided that it would be desirable to complete the
project before the school goes back into session. The project should be substantially completed within seven to eight weeks. Therefore, Mr. Shaw recommended authorization for $5,000 be withdrawn from the reserve for I/Ii manhole rehabilitation in order to start the bidding phase earlier. The bidding phase will involve the production of the documents, legal ad, and the administrative costs which includes attendance at a pre bid meeting.
Motion was made to add to the Agenda Item C5: Phase I Sewer System Improvements – Bidding Phase Services (approval to advertise this month).
Motion was made by Mr. Robert Dickenson
The motion was seconded by Mr. Ed Havens, Jr.
The motion carried unanimously
C. NEW BUSINESS
5. Phase I Sewer System Improvements – Bidding Phase Services (approval to advertise this month)
Motion was made to approve the withdrawal of funds, not to exceed $5,000 from the Reserve for I/I Manhole Rehabilitation and to authorize the bidding phase for the Phase I Sewer System Improvements Project.
The motion was made by Mr. Robert Dickenson
The motion was seconded by Mr. Ed Havens, Jr.
The motion carried unanimously
D. COMMUNICATIONS AND REPORTS
2. Dry Pit Pump Station Upgrade (Progress Report)
Mr. Fred Shaw reported that the Barrington Estates pump station project is progressing on schedule. The contractor is expected to have this pump station finished by the middle of May. He reported that Route 5 pump station is essentially completed except for some exterior work. The contractor is expected to begin work at the final dry pit pump station on Rye Street later this month.
Chairman Richard Aries asked Mr. Fred Shaw to comment on the Treatment Plant. As previously reported, there was a problem with the odor control system at the Treatment Plant; however, the engineer has finally determined the correct location for the dampers and plans will be prepared and provided to the contractor for fabrication and installation. The engineer had their specialists visit the Plant and determine locations for the dampers. A test was completed on the biofilter by the contractor and the installation of the dampers should provide the proper air movement for effective odor control air movement.
In regards to the resident concerns for exterior lighting, Mr. Fred Shaw reported that some of the exterior lighting system has been controlled manually and the residents seem to be pleased by it. However, other ways will need to be found to control the lighting system. The SW Police Department will perform a security analysis at the Treatment Plant and only necessary number of lights will be kept on to provide for security purposes.
Mr. Shaw also reported that the Town is planning to have a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Treatment Plant once the odor problem is under control.
E. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (Items not on the agenda) - None
F. BILLS, CHANGE ORDERS, DISBURSEMENTS - None
G. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - None
H. MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS PENDING CLAIMS - None
I. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:17 p.m.
Motion was made by Mr. Ed Havens, Jr.
The motion was seconded by M. Robert Dickinson
The motion carried unanimously
Respectfully Submitted,
______________________________
Ether A. Diaz
Recording Secretary
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