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EAST LYME WATER & SEWER COMMISSION
Scrolling down or clicking the bookmarks will take you to all the submitted minutes for meetings held in March.
SPECIAL MEETING Tuesday, MARCH 20th, 2007 EAST LYME WATER & SEWER COMMISSION MINUTES
PRESENT: Beth Hogan, Chairman, Charles Ashburn, Dave Zoller, Joe Mingo, Steve DiGiovanna, Bob Gadbois, Howard Tisler
ALSO PRESENT: Michael Giannattasio, Director of Public Works Brad Kargl, Municipal Utility Engineer
ABSENT: Mary Cahill, Roger Spencer
1. Call to Order Chairman Hogan called this Special Meeting of the East Lyme Water & Sewer Commission to order at 6:05 PM.
2. Discussion of Water and Sewer Budgets for Fiscal Year 2008 Mr. Giannattasio directed the members to the Sewer Budget information that had been passed out. (Copy attached at end of Minutes) He said that he would explain it and that they could ask questions as they went along. He noted that the estimated revenues had been increased by 25% due to the rate hike that they had approved in November that would take effect and be reflected in this upcoming May 2007 billing. He explained that they had joined a new program with CL&P (NE Demand Response) whereby the Main St. Pump Station will go to generator when CL&P is under heavy demand and the Sewer Dept. will be paid the cost of the fuel to run the generator plus other money. This pump station is the only one that qualifies to take advantage of this new program. On the expense side he noted that he had put $490,000 in the NL Treatment Plant/System Fees line and felt it was a safe figure but cautioned that they never really know. He explained that Waterford had failed to bill them for three years and that they had brought it to their attention and are now paying it in an arrangement that they made. He also noted that the cost of chemicals is always going up. The increase in salaries is the standard increase.
Mr. Mingo asked if the salaries for the specialized workers are comparable to others out there. Mr. Giannattasio and Mr. Kargl said that they have not done a survey of that in some time so they are not sure. Mr. Giannattasio said that they receive the union increases; a 2.5% step on their anniversary and a 3.5% increase July 1 for a total of 6% per year. He noted that there is also overtime and that they have hired an entry level person and that person also shares in that overtime. He said that his own opinion was that there are a few people who are underpaid.
Mr. Mingo suggested that he bring in a recommendation for those people to them. Mr. Tisler cautioned that they are operating a business here and that the both sides need to match. He also asked about any sewer debt. Mr. Giannattasio said that there was no debt on the sewer side.
Mr. Ashburn suggested looking into having the $20,000 for the capacity study come from the fees that they pay in a sinking fund account that are held by New London, by contract, for items such as this. He said that they should decide if they want to push this as this study is for the purpose of the plant. He asked if they knew how much was in that account. Mr. Kargl said that he thought the $1.7M figure that they hear about is what the Tri-Town group has in the fund for improvements.
Mr. Giannattasio commented that if they ask for the money from that fund that New London could also ask for that and more to be put back.
Ms. Hogan suggested just continuing as they have been as she thinks that overall there will be more capacity in the end due to New London. Mr. Ashburn suggested bringing it up at the next full meeting and asking the Commission members how they would like to proceed and the tenor they want to set.
Mr. Giannattasio summed up that he would look at the salaries, the Legal & Accounting line item (he thought this was low) and new service projects and get back to them.
**MOTION (1) Mr. Mingo moved to approve the proposed Sewer Department Budget for FY 2007-2008 in the amount of $1,573,242. Mr. DiGiovanna seconded the motion. Vote: 7 – 0 – 0. Motion passed.
Mr. Giannattasio explained that the water revenues were increased by the 15% increase that they had approved in November 2006 and that would take effect in the May 2007 billing. (Budget attached at end of Minutes) He said that he would like a survey done of the private hydrants as he thinks that the count may be off. He additionally noted the debt that they have to the sewer department for the money that they borrowed from the sewer side. This amounts to $568,116. He said that Mr. Funke has them on an aggressive schedule to pay this back.
Mr. Ashburn asked about the wells being surged. Mr. Kargl said that one is down now and is being done and that he would suggest that they stay with doing two per year as it is beneficial and necessary.
Mr. Ashburn asked about the costs for the last choliform problem. Mr. Kargl said that it was in the $5000 range for advertising and chemicals, etc. plus another $105,000 for the Maguire Group study to eventually put the chlorination system in place.
Mr. Mingo suggested that they could save some money by not having the Attorney present at every meeting, but only when they need him for public hearings, etc. Ms. Hogan said that they could do that and possibly save $5000 over the course of the year.
3. Bonding for Water Projects Mr. Giannattasio explained the bonding lists that Mr. Kargl had put together and that they have been discussing over time in their regular meetings. He said that the purpose is to get these items done with bonding. They have utilized their own cash flow to do some capital projects and now is the time to put this money back into the system. (Lists attached at end of Minutes)
Mr. Kargl explained the larger sheet where he has proposed the bonding of projects out over the years and the separate sheet that he pulled together for the items that they would be bonding to do now.
Mr. Mingo asked if all of these projects are being paid for by the ratepayers. Mr. Kargl said yes.
Mr. Giannattasio said that they would be looking for a resolution (at their regular meeting) to the Board of Selectmen for bonding for this package as water is reviewed by the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Ashburn asked who would ultimately pay this bond as they are presenting it to be bonded with the Town bonding. Mr. Giannattasio said that it is ultimately the water ratepayers who pay this bond.
Mr. Ashburn asked about the timing on the schedule and why it was not showing in the budget. Mr. Kargl said that it is because they have already put cash towards many of these items and by bonding (as these are capital items), they will get the cash to put back into operations which is where it was taken from in the first place and what has been supporting these items.
**MOTION (2) Mr. Mingo moved to approve the proposed Water Department Budget for FY 2007-2008 in the amount of $2,286,572 and the proposed bonding request of $3,875,000. Mr. Zoller seconded the motion. Vote: 7 – 0 – 0. Motion passed.
4. Adjournment
**MOTION (3) Mr. Ashburn moved to adjourn this March 20, 2007 Special Meeting of the East Lyme Water & Sewer Commission at 7:27 PM. Mr. DiGiovanna seconded the motion. Vote: 7 – 0 – 0. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Zmitruk, Recording Secretary
PUBLIC HEARING I Tuesday, MARCH 27th, 2007 EAST LYME WATER & SEWER COMMISSION MINUTES
The East Lyme Water & Sewer Commission held a Public Hearing on March 26, 2007 at Town Hall, 108 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic, Connecticut to hear comments regarding the proposed sewer assessments for properties on Liberty Way, Freedom Way, West Main Street and Old Black Point Road. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to receive and consider comments regarding proposed supplemental assessment resolutions and proposed supplemental assessments to be levied on the properties as listed (Notice attached at end of Minutes) benefited by the sanitary sewer system in East Lyme.
PRESENT: Beth Hogan, Chairman, Steve DiGiovanna, Mary Cahill, Charles Ashburn, Joe Mingo, Robert Gadbois, Dave Zoller, Howard Tisler, Roger Spencer
ALSO PRESENT: Michael Giannattasio, Director of Public Works Brad Kargl, Municipal Utility Engineer David Funke, Finance Director Attorney Edward O'Connell, Town Counsel Attorney Joshua Foley, Town Counsel
ABSENT: No One
Public Hearing I¨ Proposed Sewer Benefit Assessments for properties on Liberty Way, Freedom Way, West Main Street and Old Black Point Road.
Chairman Hogan opened the Public Hearing and called it to order at 7:00 PM. As there was no one present in the audience the Commission chose to waive the reading of the Notice of Public Hearing (Attached at end of Minutes). She said that the notice had been published in the local newspaper and she then asked Town Counsel to give a brief overview of these benefit assessments.
Attorney Foley said that there were two resolutions for supplemental assessments – West Main Street and Old Black Point Road and Liberty Way and Freedom Way. He said that they would pay under the installment payment plan over 15 years with a 5% interest rate.
Mr. Mingo said that they had formed a subcommittee some time ago and had changed how they understood what condos are and how they would be assessed.
Mr. Tisler said that at that subcommittee that they had eliminated the word ‘condo’ - he asked why these people were receiving the old assessment as they had made the change prior to them coming before them. He said that he would not vote in favor of this with these benefit assessments.
Attorney Foley said that he would defer to Attorney O’Connell as that was something that he had worked on with them. Attorney O’Connell explained that the change that they had made in subcommittee applied to new assessments with new lines that were installed such as Boston Post Road, Smith Avenue and Smith Street. These dwellings are on an old line for which assessments have already been levied. The old assessment states that if other uses were made to existing lines that they have to use the assessment system that existed at that time. This is the difference – they are adding in to an existing line.
Mr. Tisler said that there is a new age-related facility going up on the corner of Roxbury Road – he asked how they would be assessed. Attorney O’Connell said that it is a question of if they are connecting to Main Street or Roxbury Road and if they had to enact new a new line. If they had to enact a new line then it would be under a new assessment probably similar to the Smith Avenue, Smith Street assessments.
Mr. Tisler asked if there was a cost to them to add Sea Spray. Attorney O’Connell said no, the line was already there.
Ms. Hogan asked if there was anyone who wished to speak regarding these assessments - Hearing no one -
**MOTION (1) Mr. Mingo moved that this Public Hearing be closed. Mr. Zoller seconded the motion. Vote: 9 – 0 – 0. Motion passed.
Ms. Hogan closed this Public Hearing at 7:10 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Zmitruk, Recording Secretary
REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, MARCH 27th, 2007 EAST LYME WATER & SEWER COMMISSION MINUTES
The East Lyme Water & Sewer Commission held a Regular Meeting on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at the East Lyme Town Hall, 108 Pennsylvania Avenue, Niantic CT. Chairman Hogan called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:11 PM after the previously scheduled Public Hearing.
PRESENT: Beth Hogan, Chairman, Charles Ashburn, Joe Mingo, Steve DiGiovanna, Roger Spencer, Mary Cahill, Robert Gadbois, Howard Tisler, Dave Zoller
ALSO PRESENT: Brad Kargl, Municipal Utility Engineer Michael Giannattasio, Director of Public Works David Funke, Finance Director Attorney Edward O’Connell, Town Counsel Attorney Joshua Foley, Town Counsel
ABSENT: No One
1. Call to Order Chairman Hogan called the meeting to order at 7:11 PM after the previously scheduled Public Hearing. The Pledge was previously observed.
2. Approval of Minutes ¨ Regular Meeting Minutes – February 27, 2007 Ms. Hogan called for any discussion or approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of February 27, 2007 of the Water & Sewer Commission.
**MOTION (1) Mr. DiGiovanna moved to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of February 27, 2007 of the Water & Sewer Commission as presented. Mr. Zoller seconded the motion. Vote: 6 – 0 – 3. Motion passed. Abstained: Mr. Gadbois, Mr. Zoller, Mr. Tisler
¨ Special Meeting Minutes – March 20, 2007 Ms. Hogan called for any discussion or approval of the Special Meeting Minutes of March 20, 2007 of the Water & Sewer Commission.
**MOTION (2) Mr. DiGiovanna moved to approve the Special Meeting Minutes of March 20, 2007 of the Water & Sewer Commission as presented. Mr. Zoller seconded the motion. Vote: 7– 0 – 2. Motion passed. Abstained: Ms. Cahill, Mr. Spencer
3. Delegations Ms. Hogan called for anyone who wished to speak under delegations.
There was no one.
4. Approval of Bills ¨ Cinami Excavation LLC, Invoice No. 9 - $103,075.00 Ms. Hogan asked if there were any questions – hearing none, she called for a motion.
**MOTION (3) Mr. DiGiovanna moved to approve the payment of Invoice No. 9 to Cinami Excavation LLC in the amount of $103,075.00. Mr. Zoller seconded the motion. Vote: 9 – 0 – 0. Motion passed.
¨ Ludlow Construction Company, Inc., Invoice No. 6 - $23,732.56 Ms. Hogan asked if there were any questions – hearing none, she called for a motion.
**MOTION (4) Mr. Tisler moved to approve the payment of Invoice No. 6 to Ludlow Construction Company, Inc. in the amount of $23,732.56. Mr. DiGiovanna seconded the motion. Vote: 9 – 0 – 0. Motion passed.
¨ New London Treatment Plan/System Fees - $164,104.53 Ms. Hogan called for a motion to discuss this item.
**MOTION (5) Mr. DiGiovanna moved to approve the payment of the New London Treatment Plan/System Fees in the amount of $164,104.53. Mr. Mingo seconded the motion.
Mr. Giannattasio said that this reflects the second half of the 2007 budget year bill. He said that he has asked why they have not received the adjustment for the ’05-’06 billing and that he has other questions that he needs answers to from New London. He said that he brought this before them as they have been discussing this recently and that he has a call in to New London to gain some understanding and to get some answers on this.
Mr. DiGiovanna asked if this bill is commensurate with previous bills. Mr. Giannattasio said yes, it is. This year was estimated at $375,000 but he said that he has heard that they are closer to $300,000 and he has asked why they have not been credited in this bill as it is usually done by now.
Mr. Ashburn commented that as bills go that this one seems to be lax in details. He asked if this is typical of the billing that they receive. Mr. Giannattasio said that the billing for the first half was more detailed.
Mr. Ashburn cited the New London Plant costs and Administrative costs that were listed and said that since they have no choice on where they send their sewers, do they have documentation on where these costs come from and how they are tabulated.
Mr. Giannattasio said that he does not know the answer to that although he has heard that the Waterford bill is more detailed on Administrative costs. He said that he has just begun conversation with New London on this and that he is looking into a number of things and should have answers for them. He said that his purpose was to bring this before them as they have on-going discussions regarding this and it is of concern to them.
Mr. Ashburn asked Mr. Funke if we had a large unpaid bill if it would show up in here somewhere. Mr. Funke said no, it would show up as revenue due to the system. If anything were here, it would be some soft costs.
Mr. Tisler said that he did not feel that they had enough information to authorize payment of this bill and suggested that the motion be withdrawn. He said that he would make a motion to table this until more information could be provided. Mr. DiGiovanna and Mr. Mingo rescinded their motion and second respectively. **MOTION (6) Mr. Tisler moved to table discussion and approval of the New London Treatment Plant / System Fees in the amount of $164,104.53, pending further information. Mr. DiGiovanna seconded the motion. Vote: 9 – 0 – 0. Motion passed.
5. Consider Adoption of Sewer Benefit Assessments for Sea Spray Condominiums and Properties on West Main Street and Old Black Point Road Ms. Hogan said that they had just closed the Public Hearing on these and called for discussion.
Mr. Mingo asked if they could put them in one motion. Attorney O’Connell said that they would need to make two motions.
**MOTION (7) Mr. Mingo moved to approve the Sewer Benefit Assessments for 10 West Main Street and 114 Old Black Point Road as set forth in the Assessment Resolution (Attached). Mr. Zoller seconded the motion. Vote: 9 – 0 – 0. Motion passed.
**MOTION (8) Mr. Mingo moved to approve the Sewer Benefit Assessments for Sea Spray Condominiums located at 15 Freedom Way and 22 Liberty Way as set forth in the Assessment Resolution (Attached). Mr. Zoller seconded the motion. Vote: 8 – 1 – 0. Motion passed. Against: Mr. Tisler
6. Bonding Requests for Water Projects Ms. Hogan said that they had discussed this at their Special Budget Meeting and that this is what they had agreed to set forth to the Board of Selectmen.
**MOTION (9) Mr. Mingo moved that the Water and Sewer Commission recommend to the Board of Selectmen that the following Appropriations be adopted by the Town for Water projects:
To appropriate, as approved by the Board of Finance, the SUM of $600,000 for water main extension or replacement in Corey Lane, Pine Grove, Brook Road and Shore Drive and to authorize the issue of not exceeding $600,000 bonds or noted of the Town to meet said appropriation, and pending the issue of said bonds or notes, the making of temporary borrowings for such purpose.
To appropriate, as approved by the Board of Finance, the SUM of $2,450,000 for redevelopment, modification, security, emergency power generation and maintenance of Wells and for mapping of the aquifer and to authorize the issue of not exceeding $2,450,000 bonds or notes of the Town to meet said appropriation, and pending the issue of said bonds or notes, the making of temporary borrowings for such purpose.
To appropriate, as approved by the Board of Finance, the SUM of $1,130,000 for water system and storage tank maintenance, including chemical storage, regionalization development and chlorination and to authorize the issue of not exceeding $1,130,000 bonds or notes of the Town to meet said appropriation, and pending the issue of said bonds or notes, the making of temporary borrowings for such purpose. Mr. DiGiovanna seconded the motion. Vote: 8 – 1 – 0. Motion passed. Against: Mr. Tisler
7. Communications à See Correspondence Log There was no discussion.
à DPH Water Supply Plan Approval Letter – February 20, 2007 Mr. Kargl said that they had received this letter as he had indicated to them in a previous meeting.
8. Chairman’s Report à Tri-Town meeting on Wastewater Capacity Ms. Hogan reported that they had met on March 8, 2007 with Waterford and New London and had discussed the Tri-Town agreement and if there is any excess capacity. They all agreed that a study should be done and that the study would be paid for from the $1.7M sinking fund. There is another meeting scheduled for April 12, 2007 and it will be held at the Police Station.
Mr. Ashburn reported that they had come to an agreement that the study needs to be done and that a consultant will be hired and paid for from the sinking fund. A scope of work will be developed by professionals for each Town – he stressed to them that if there is something that they want to see done or have questions about that this is the crucial time to get that request or question out to them. Any relevant issue needs to be part of the ‘scope of work’ phase and needs to be included upfront. He said that he could not stress how important this is. He also said that as has been reported in the newspapers, New London has stated that half of their flow can be attributed to rainwater infiltration and that they are working on this issue. As this is corrected, they gain usable capacity back. The study would be assessed from the sinking fund under the 55% - New London; 35% - Waterford, and 15% - East Lyme system distribution.
Mr. Mingo reported that he thinks that there is an opportunity for regional growth that New London can be a great part of.
The Commission agreed that they should continue to be a part of this important study.
**MOTION (10) Mr. Tisler moved that they participate in the Tri-Town Capacity Study on future capacity. Mr. Mingo seconded the motion. Vote: 9 – 0 – 0. Motion passed.
9. Staff Updates a. Pine Grove Sewer Extension Project Mr. Kargl reported that work is continuing and that Ludlow has started back up.
Attorney O’Connell said that the easements are in progress – they have received the first set of maps and have worked on the descriptions.
b. Boston Post Road Sewer Extension Mr. Kargl reported that they have completed the connection for 345 Boston Post Road and that they are also in progress on one for 365 Boston Post Road.
Ms. Hogan said that the developer still owns the pump stations and stressed that they should make it clear that the Town will not receive them until the punch list items are done. Mr. Kargl and Mr. Giannattasio said that they are working on this with the developer.
c. Crossley Court Sewer Extension Mr. Kargl suggested that they set a Public Hearing on this for their April 24, 2007 meeting as they have a preliminary design map.
Attorney O’Connell said that it would be a Public Hearing on the proposed extensions and not on the benefit assessments although the discussion would most likely come up regarding the assessments.
Mr. Tisler asked when they would anticipate work on this project. Mr. Kargl said that he thought that they would be looking at a fall construction timetable.
d. Brook Road Water and Sewer Extension Mr. Kargl said that he is putting the feasibility surveys together and that he anticipated that they would be mailed out in early April.
e. Camp Rell Readiness Center Mr. Kargl said that he did not have anything new to report.
f. Darrow Pond Project Mr. Kargl reported that they have a new set of revised plans.
Mr. Giannattasio said that there is no construction within the well radius and that the plans are very detailed. The work on the well easement is around 90% done.
Mr. Ashburn asked, in conjunction with this type of concern – if they had every asked the Lumber Co. on Hope Street to keep the storing of their arsenic treated lumber out of the well easement area so that when it rains, it is not washed to the well. Mr. Giannattasio and Mr. Kargl said that was a good point and idea and that it can be made a part of the regular inspections that they do.
g. Maguire Group Monthly Status Report Mr. Kargl said that this report was in their package.
h. Water Department Monthly Report Mr. Kargl reported that he has looked into additional pricing for the tank painting as they had requested. He is in the process of obtaining three (3) more bids on this. Two of the companies are in Connecticut and one is from Massachusetts. He said that he should have four (4) bids by their next meeting for them to look at.
Mr. Mingo said that they do not pay for transportation or per diem costs.
Mr. DiGiovanna asked about the Well 4A pump being removed – he recalled that this was a fairly new well. Mr. Kargl said that this well is over 10 years old and that this pump was never pulled or replaced previously.
i. Sewer Department Monthly Report There was no further discussion.
j. Regionalization Issues This was previously discussed.
k. Rates/Capital Improvement Plan This was previously discussed.
l. 150-day Notice Mr. Kargl said that they still needed to draft this letter.
m. Prison Communications Mr. Kargl said that this has been discussed but a letter still needed to be drafted.
n. DPH Consent Order Update Mr. Kargl noted that they had received a favorable response and that it was in their packets.
o. Other There was no other business.
11. New Business There was none.
12. ADJOURNMENT **MOTION (11) Mr. Tisler moved to adjourn this March 27, 2007 Regular Meeting of the East Lyme Water & Sewer Commission at 8:27 PM. Mr. DiGiovanna seconded the motion. Vote: 9 – 0 – 0. Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Zmitruk, Recording Secretary
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