TOWN OF PITTSFORD
WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION
August 16, 2011
Water and Sewer Commission Members Present – Allen Hitchcock, John Lapre, Bob Harnish, Hope Rantanen, and Helen McKinlay. Others present: Dorothy Parkinson, John Haverstock and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
Allen Hitchcock, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
Minutes:
The minutes from the July 26, 2011 regular meeting and the July 27, 2011 Emergency Meeting were signed, with no corrections.
Town Managers Report:
J. Haverstock indicated that, at the August 3, 2011 meeting, the Select Board approved the Phase II project contract award to the Belden Company to include the Arch Street culvert portion. The Select Board also approved the proposal of the funding for the culvert to come from the Highway Fund.
Public Comment:
D. Parkinson inquired if there was any progress on the research of the OMYA West metering issues that were discussed at the July 26, 2011 meeting. J. Haverstock indicated that this topic would be discussed in Executive Session as well as how the Commission would like to pursue MBS/EJ Prescott for the lost revenue of 70 days.
Ms. Parkinson indicated that she is aware of a multi-family unit residence in Town that the meter is not working. A. Hitchcock indicated that this was “hearsay”. Ms. Parkinson did not indicate any names or addresses, however, was invited to meet with the Town Manager to discuss this concern.
Water:
Update on Project Status:
J. Haverstock read an e-mail that was received from Carl Crawford with regard to the Route 7 section of work to be done by Markowski Excavating. Dave Markowski indicated to Mr. Crawford that he will be reviewing their construction schedule and will advise. Also to be completed is the lawn at the Butler property.
MBS/EJ Prescott will be installing some additional meters in the coming week. Ball valve failures may be caused by the “lead-free” policy that was required by the Federal Government outlines. Mark Youngstrom has been advised.
Discussion/Adoption of Swimming Pool-Filling Policy
There is information in the packets for review. Motion by H. Rantanen and seconded by B. Harnish to approve the policy as presented. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Consider Requests for Abatement:
This discussion was deferred to Executive Session.
Other Water Concerns:
J. Haverstock indicated that Mark Youngstrom has been working on the Proctor Water Study, which the Commission and Select Board agreed to support with a $22,000 loan. Currently, the abandonment decision is in the courts. Dave Pearson, with Fire District #1, currently is working with Mark Youngstrom on a feasibility study related to the Fire District’s desire to join the Pittsford water system, has the proposal for review.
Sewer:
Update on Project Status – Phase I:
Mike Smith reported, via e-mail, that the digester covers were placed on hold when he made an inquiry to the manufacturer about removing that segment of the project. These covers are back in production and are anticipated to be delivered in 5 weeks.
Status Update on Phase II of the Project:
J. Haverstock indicated that construction began on the lower end of Arch Street on August 16 and will progress northward. Currently, traffic is closed to thru-traffic in the construction area and residents are reminded to be aware of the traffic controllers and to proceed with caution.
Mike Smith reported, via e-mail, that he has made a call to the elementary school principal and would like to meet with him to discuss the Phase II project and the impacts on the school.
J. Lapre inquired what would happen when the Elm Street pump station portion is in progress. J. Haverstock indicated that this portion of the project would occur in November and minimal disruption is anticipated. J. Haverstock indicated that he will discuss this possibility with Mike Smith and notify residents, if necessary.
Authorization of Town Manager to Execute Sewer Project Documents:
J. Haverstock explained that legal counsel must confirm the authorization of the Town Manager to execute sewer project documents. This authorization was signed by the members of the Commission and will also need to be signed by the Select Board.
Water and Sewer:
A. Hitchcock reported that Hope Rantanen has submitted her resignation from the Water & Sewer Commission. Ms. Rantanen was thanked for her involvement with the Commission. A. Hitchcock encouraged members of the Commission to think of names of possible replacements and to communicate these names to the Town Manager.
Other:
None stated at this time.
Executive Session:
Motion by A. Hitchcock and seconded by H. McKinlay to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing legal issues and abatement requests.
The Water & Sewer Commission entered into Executive Session at 7:04 PM. J. Haverstock was invited to stay. The Water and Sewer Commission came out of Executive Session at 7:24 PM, with the following action taken.
The Commission instructed the Town Manager to grant an abatement in the amount of $100.00 to Adam and Christine Parry for the water leak sustained at the point of their meter installation. The Commission also noted that, in general, the customer is responsible for the service line from the curb stop to the residence and that this is a one-time-only abatement, given that the leak was apparently the result of a faulty meter installation.
The Commission instructed the Town Manager to deny the abatement request from St. Alphonsus Church.
Adjournment
The Commission adjourned at 7:27 PM.
The next regular meeting will be held on September 20, 2011.
Respectfully Submitted
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary _________________________________
Allen Hitchcock, Chair
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John Lapre, Vice Chair
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Hope Rantanen
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Helen McKinlay
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Bob Harnish