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| WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY MINUTES |
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Click
here for May 9, 2005 Minutes Click here for June 13, 2005 Minutes Click here for July 11, 2005 Minutes Click here for August 8, 2005 Minutes Click here for September 12, 2005 Minutes |
For minutes prior to January 2004, please
contact Judy Archer of Public Works
at 203-854-7791 or jarcher@norwalkct.org
OCTOBER 17, 2005
ATTENDANCE: John Atkin, Chairman; Jim McInerney; Beatriz Ruiz; Frederika Bikakis-Hajan (5:55 p.m.)
STAFF: Hal Alvord, DPW Director; Lisa Bardon, DPW Operations Manager; Ralph
Kolb,
DPW/WPCA Wastewater Systems Manager;
OTHER: Viktor Huliew, OMI; Kevin Dahl, OMI
PUBLIC HEARING (5:30 p.m.)
Public Hearing on the Sewer Usage Charges (Public advertisement included)
Chairman Atkin opened the Public Hearing at 5:35 p.m.
Chairman Atkin closed the Public Hearing at 5:44 p.m.
WPCA REGULAR MEETING (5:40 p.m.)
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Atkin called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.
FINANCE DIRECTOR REPORT
a. YTD Revenues/Expenditures Report (MUNIS Report)
Ms. Bardon said that this is the typical report from the MUNIS system of year-to-date expenditures and revenues. Mr. McInerney asked why revenue figures are noted as not having been received yet. Ms. Bardon said that they haven’t been posted from the Tax Collector’s office to the WPCA account yet. Mr. McInerney asked why ¾ of OMI expenses are appearing in October when the fiscal year began in June. Ms. Bardon explained that administrative corrections have to be made to the report, and the figures are encumbered.
b. Appeals Status
Mr. Kolb said there is $660,000 in appeals, with $149,000 adjusted, for a grand total of $808,000. There are still some outstanding sewer appeals, which could total $5,000. An additional adjustment was made on the hospital account.
c. Billing Issues
Mr. Kolb said the Grand List has not been updated for a couple years. There is a change regarding the taxing district, and a new list is being finalized. It will impact the sewer fees by having the new users included in the billing, and they will be billed in January.
Ms. Hajan arrived at 5:55 p.m.
APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM WPCA MEETING HELD ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2005
** MR. MCINERNEY MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER 12, 2005.
The correction to the minutes is as follows:
On Page 1, under Approval of the July 11, 2005 Minutes, the word UNIS should be MUNIS.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPROVE A SEWER USE RATE OF $4.95 PER 1,000 GALLONS FOR TEMPORARY DISCHARGES TO THE SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
** MR. MCINERNEY MOVED TO APPROVE THE SEWER USE RATE OF $4.95 PER 1,000 GALLONS
FOR TEMPORARY DISCHARGES TO THE SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY (WPCA), JOHN ATKIN, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS BETWEEN THE WPCA AND THE PROPERTY OWNERS OF 41, 43, 45 AND 49 HIGHLAND AVENUE, NECESSARY FOR THE TEMPORARY RIGHT-OF-WAY AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE PROPOSED LOW PRESSURE SANITARY SEWER EXTENSION PROJECT ON HIGHLAND AVENUE AND WILSON AVENUE.
** MS. HAJAN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY (WPCA), JOHN ATKIN, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS BETWEEN THE WPCA AND THE PROPERTY OWNERS OF 41, 43, 45 AND 49 HIGHLAND AVENUE, NECESSARY FOR THE TEMPORARY RIGHT-OF-WAY AND TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT AGREEMENT FOR THE PROPOSED LOW PRESSURE SANITARY SEWER EXTENSION PROJECT ON HIGHLAND AVENUE AND WILSON AVENUE.
Mr. McInerney asked about the cost vs. what they collect. Ms. Bardon said it is based upon the approved freeholders formula.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
APPROVE SEPTAGE DISPOSAL WRITE-OFFS FROM NOVEMBER 2004 THROUGH JULY 2005
(SUMMARY SHEET INCLUDED)
Mr. Alvord said he would recommend tabling this item, as Mr. Hamilton was not able to attend the meeting, and the most accurate information could be provided to everyone for the next meeting.
** MS. HAJAN MOVED TO TABLE THE APPROVAL OF SEPTAGE DISPOSAL WRITE-OFFS FROM
NOVEMBER 2004 THROUGH JULY 2005.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY (WPCA), JOHN
ATKIN, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS BETWEEN THE WPCA AND THE PROPERTY OWNERS
OF 41, 43, 45 AND 49 HIGHLAND AVENUE, NECESSARY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF APPURTENANT
EQUIPMENT, TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF THE APPURTENANT EQUIPMENT AFTER CONSTRUCTION
AND TRANSFER OF THE REMAINDER OF MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE GRINDER
PUMPS FOR THE PROPOSED LOW PRESSURE SANITARY SEWER EXTENSION PROJECT ON HIGHLAND
AND WILSON AVENUE.
** MS. HAJAN MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL
AUTHORITY (WPCA), JOHN ATKIN, TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL DOCUMENTS BETWEEN THE WPCA
AND THE PROPERTY OWNERS OF 41, 43, 45 AND 49 HIGHLAND AVENUE, NECESSARY FOR
THE CONSTRUCTION OF APPURTENANT EQUIPMENT, TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF THE APPURTENANT
EQUIPMENT AFTER CONSTRUCTION AND TRANSFER OF THE REMAINDER OF MANUFACTURER’S
LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE GRINDER PUMPS FOR THE PROPOSED LOW PRESSURE SANITARY
SEWER EXTENSION PROJECT ON HIGHLAND AND WILSON AVENUE.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
AUTHORIZE TRANSFER FROM REPLACEMENT RESERVE ACCOUNT (224062 5789) TO CONTRACT OPERATIONS ACCOUNT (224062 5258) IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,241.45 TO REIMBURSE OMI FOR REPLACEMENT OF ALUMINUM POST HYDRANTS WITH CAST IRON POST HYDRANTS. (Request letter included).
** MS. RUIZ MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE TRANSFER FROM REPLACEMENT RESERVE ACCOUNT (224062 5789) TO CONTRACT OPERATIONS ACCOUNT (224062 5258) IN THE AMOUNT OF $21,241.45 TO REIMBURSE OMI FOR REPLACEMENT OF ALUMINUM POST HYDRANTS WITH CAST IRON POST HYDRANTS.
Mr. McInerney confirmed that part of the problem is the hydrants don’t drain properly. The other problem is that the chloride is being trapped in the hydrants. The hydrants were installed during the plant expansion. Aluminum might not have been the best material. Ms. Bardon explained that they have solutions so that they can figure out where the problems are. Ms. Hajan asked why there was sales tax on the invoice. Ms. Bardon confirmed that they are exempt from sales tax. Mr. Dahl from OMI said they are not exempt from sales tax. Mr. Alvord said this is done on a case by case basis. OMI is an international company. The hydrant repair was done on an emergency basis. Ms. Bardon said that they had asked OMI to waive their 10% fee. Ms. Hajan said she is not sure they can get the tax back from the State as the repair work was done on government property. Ms. Hajan and Ms. Bardon will look into this.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Atkin left the meeting at 6:09 p.m., and Mr. McInerney took over as Chairman.
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR REPORT
a. Final NPDES Permit (copy included)
Mr. Alvord explained the final NPDES Permit had been received. He thanked Ms.
Bardon and Mr. Kolb for their efforts in accomplishing this.
b. Request for Qualifications – Sanitary Sewer Collections System Master Plan (copy included).
Ms. Bardon said the RFQ went out to identify capital projects so they could prepare a master plan for the Sanitary Sewer Systems. There was a pre-proposal meeting last Thursday, and they had a great turn out. Proposals are due Thursday. People from the Engineering Department have been asked to participate in the process. A short list will be provided. Based on the number of the people at the pre-proposal meeting, there may be as many as 5 people that could be invited in to present their information. This is part of the 5-year plan.
c. Westport Avenue Service Area Smoke Testing (Public notice and map included)
Mr. Kolb said smoke testing would be completed by the end of this week. They identified a problem in the Westport area. Significant storm events have taken on too much water. A contractor was hired to perform smoke testing. Ms. Bardon said a notice was posted prior to the testing in English and Spanish. One resident on Gwendolyn Street complained about the on-going problem of a manhole cover coming off. Ms. Bardon said the Department will make sure the resident’s home remains water-free.
d. Collection System Issues – General
Mr. Kolb said there were two pump station issues over the weekend. An estimated 110,000 gallons overflowed to Keeler Brook from the Keeler Brook Pump Station. Mr. Dahl explained that about 1,000 gallons overflowed into a stream as a result of a power outage at the Karen Drive Pump Station. The generator kicked on, but the cooling hose ruptured, causing the generator to shut down.
e. Industrial Pretreatment Program (IPP) Requirements (OMI presentation outline included)
Mr. Dahl explained the IPP and POTW (Publicly Owned Treatment Works) from the presentation provided. The DEP announced on October 6, 2005, that it is issuing new restrictions regarding restaurant fats, oil and grease (FOG). Food preparation facilities have until July 1, 2011 to comply with the conditions of the permit. Facilities that renovate and facilities that are sold have to comply with this process up front. The State won’t fund the restaurants to do this. There is a difference between having grease traps and maintaining them. As compliance increases, the fines would decrease. The Staff is recommending that they do this, as they found a large amount of grease from non-compliance. Mr. McInerney suggested that the situation be monitored. Mr. Dahl said that the program worked very well for New Haven. Mr. Dahl said he implemented the Hamden and East Haven IPP’s, and they are successful. Ms. Bardon suggested that OMI put together a cost proposal for future discussion. It might be difficult to rely on Health Department records. There are 200 restaurants in Hamden, and he received less than 20 calls about the new restrictions.
f. 3rd Taxing District Generator Proposal Status
Mr. Alvord said the Lytec Program has been extended 10 months. CMEC and the 3rd Taxing District will look at the deal again in the Spring of 2006. Two reports were received from the consultant that CMEC and the 3rd Taxing District hired, and neither were satisfactory. It was agreed that the Consultant will work directly with Mr. Kolb.
g. Underground Storage Tank Removal Project Contract Status
Mr. Alvord said a contract with CRA, Conestoga Rivers Associates, was proposed. The contract is not in effect yet, and there is a possibility that the contract might not go into effect. The contract is very strict and very broad. The City requires the contract to be signed at City Hall. The CRA representative has to fly in from Canada to sign the contract. CRA requested a draft of the contract, and the City wasn’t going to send a draft for review, but did eventually. It was suggested that intervention would be necessary.
h. Information copies
1. Fats, Oil and Grease Brochure
This brochure was available at the recent DPW Open House. They would like to include the brochure in the tax bills.
2. Draft General Permit for Nitrogen Discharges (Permit Re-issuance)
3. Chapter 92, Septage Disposal
CONTRACT OPERATIONS REPORT
a. Public Works Director Report
1. Wet Weather Plant Performance
Mr. Kolb reported on the recent wastewater treatment plant process. A total of approximately 34,000,000 gallons can now flow through the plant on any given day. During the last storm event, the instantaneous flow was approximately 34,000,000 gallons through the plant and 15,000,000 gallons through the second outfall.
2. Electrical Cost Projection
They will exceed the electrical budget by $40,000. A 10% increase was budgeted. More equipment is being used during peak demand due to recent heavy rains.
b. OMI Report
1. Keeler Brook Consent Order Update/Construction Schedule/Impacted Areas
Mr. Dahl said the Keeler Brook grouting should be done this week. North Main Street is the last item, and that has not been scheduled yet.
2. Monthly Operating Report – August 2005.
Mr. Dahl said major maintenance items were completed. There were 206 work
orders completed. They have 131 backlogged. There were no violations on permits.
3. Collection System and Pump Station MRR Accounts
The Westport Avenue skylights were replaced, at the request of local residents.
There were no bypass reports for August. The total number of personnel at the
plant is 23. They promoted a utility worker, and replaced him with a new hire.
The total nitrogen performance is 46 points below lookup value on table. There
weren’t any inspections in August.
ACTION ON ANY ITEMS DISCUSSED HEREIN
None.
ADJOURNMENT
** MS. HAJAN MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carolyn Marr
Telesco Secretarial Services
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