TOWN OF PITTSFORD
WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION
September 20, 2011
Water and Sewer Commission Members Present – Allen Hitchcock, John Lapre, and Bob Harnish. Absent: 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 August 16, 2011 meeting were signed, with no corrections.
Town Managers Report:
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
- There was relatively little impact to the water system following Tropical Storm Irene. The power was out for just a short time and there was a little extra chlorine briefly used to treat the water as a precaution treatment necessary. There were no line breaks and Pittsford was able to offer Mutual Aid assistance to Rutland City.
- The line replacement on Depot Hill has been delayed due to highway crew work to clean up following Tropical Storm Irene.
- Mark Youngstrom and Rod Dubois met with the Town Manager regarding the ball valve failures that have occurred as a result of the meter installations. Currently, there have been 4 failures and there are 99 of this type of valves installed throughout Town. Bruce Babcock indicated that these do not look to be a result of over-tightening of the valve. EJ Prescott/Meter & Backflow Services (MBS) will increase the current warranty of the valve for an additional year. There was discussion that the issue may be a result of the stimulus mandate of using lead-free products in the project. J. Haverstock reported that MBS is aware of the issue that occurred with the backward OMYA meter installation and the pending Town demand for revenue lost as a result.
Public Comment:
D. Parkinson inquired if there would be a reimbursement coming from MBS for the lost revenue at OMYA. J. Haverstock indicated that there would be a letter going to MBS in the next few days.
Water:
Update on Project Status:
J. Haverstock reported that Markowski Excavating has been at the Butler property on Route 7 to repair the lawn.
J. Haverstock has contacted Otter Creek Engineering regarding the Route 7 south segment past the Route 3 intersection with regard to some erosion that occurred during Tropical Storm Irene. Markowski Excavating will review the area to see what can be done.
The underground services on Route 7 in the village were originally scheduled to occur in October. However, with Tropical Storm Irene, the schedule for this project will need to be confirmed. A. Hitchcock inquired if there was any time limit on the funding. J. Haverstock indicated that there is no time restriction.
Request for Abatement:
J. Haverstock explained that there was a billing address error on one bill. The original bill went to a party that was not responsible for the bill. Motion by B. Harnish and seconded by J. Lapre to grant the abatement for the penalty and interest amount only. Motion passed unanimously 3 – 0.
Sewer:
Update on Project Status – Phase I & II:
J. Haverstock read an e-mail that was received from Mike Smith with regard to the sewer project. Some highlights include:
- Ken Lougee from Belden Construction indicated that Belden would be mobilizing on September 26, and “deep into Arch Street” by September 28. There will be another crew mobilizing on the Pleasant Street segment on October 3.
- The digester covers are expected to be delivered on October 18. The manufacturer will have a representative on-site with the Daniels Construction workers for 5 days to complete the installation process.
A. Hitchcock inquired when the Elm Street pump station replacement project would begin. J. Haverstock indicated that this should occur in November.
Water and Sewer:
Discussion of Draft ERU Policy:
Mark Youngstrom indicated that he is willing to review the current written policy following the third meter read. The current rates, billing cycles and Commercial ERU vs. Residential ERUs were discussed and will be discussed further in the future.
Other:
J. Lapre inquired about the sewer influent flow increase in the wake of Tropical Storm Irene. J. Haverstock indicated that there was over 300,000 gallons through the Wastewater Treatment Facility in the days following TS Irene. J. Haverstock indicated that Bob Berardo had reacted proactively and had the tanks pumped in advance to be able to process the flow properly.
Executive Session:
Motion by A. Hitchcock and seconded by B. Harnish to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Personnel.
The Water and Sewer Commission entered into Executive Session at 7:15 PM. J. Haverstock was invited to stay. The Water and Sewer Commission came out of Executive Session at 7:25 PM, with no action taken.
Adjournment
The Commission adjourned at 7:25 PM.
The next regular meeting will be held on October 18, 2011.
Respectfully Submitted
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
Allen Hitchcock, Chair
John Lapre, Vice Chair
_________________ABSENT_________
Helen McKinlay
Bob Harnish