TOWN OF PITTSFORD
WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION
December 20, 2011
Water and Sewer Commission Members Present – Allen Hitchcock, Helen McKinlay, John Lapre, and Bob Harnish. Others present: Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Dave Pearson, Mark Youngstrom, Bruce Babcock, John Haverstock and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
Allen Hitchcock Chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
Minutes:
The minutes from the November 15, 2011 meeting were signed, with no corrections.
Town Managers Report:
J. Haverstock reported that AY MacDonaldd/EJ Prescott has offered an extended warranty on the ball valves installed with water meters at 20% of installation locations. J. Lapre inquired if this would include the damages that occurred. M. Youngstrom indicated that this would include the damage expenses.
J. Haverstock also indicated that the next round of meter readings will occur “in house” later this month by Shawn Hendee and Bruce Babcock. There will be some meters installed on December 21 (to include the Post Office and the Wastewater Treatment Facility). The remaining meter installations will occur in the spring.
Public Comment:
None presented at this time.
Water:
Update on Project Status:
J. Haverstock reported that the service lines and hydrant project at the Village Green are about half complete, with the hope of completing the project in the Spring. There is still $70,000 in grant funds remaining. Mark Youngstrom indicated that there is a request in to USDA to have the funds available in the spring of 2012, as the contractor was taken off the project due to Tropical Storm Irene. The USDA decision is expected sometime in the next month.
Joint Proposal from Fire District No. 1 and Golf Course/Corn Hill Residents to Connect to Town Water System:
Mr. Pelkey distributed a copy of a report from Otter Creek Engineering regarding the connection of the Golf Course and Corn Hill Residents to the Town water system. There was also a report concerning the connection of Fire District No. 1 residents. Mr. Pelkey indicated that the desire is that the Town would perform the construction and the users would pay the applicable fees.
A. Hitchcock inquired if the Golf Course would be using any of the water for irrigation. Mr. Pelkey indicated that there are wells on-site that produce approximately 900 gallons per day to be used for irrigation purposes.
There was much discussion concerning this proposal, which is in the beginning stages.
Mark Youngstrom, Bruce Babcock, Dave Pearson, and Hank Pelkey exited at 7:24 PM.
Sewer:
Update on Project Status – Phase I & II:
Mike Smith submitted an e-mail update, which included the following highlights:
- The digester covers have been installed at the Wastewater Facility. This portion of the project (Phase I) is now complete, with only a couple of minor warranty issues to be resolved.
- The Arch Street sewer line from the Wastewater Treatment Facility to the Fire Station has been completed; The Elm Street excavation is complete, and the project has been shut-down until April; The Pleasant Street sewer line is complete.
- There are several Change Orders that have occurred with Phase II. These include lowering the scope/price; the Arch street culvert; the temporary shut-down and the winter shut-down.
- The controls for Elm Street are expected to arrive in mid to late January. The construction will resume in April.
- The winter shut-down has begun. The sewer line work from the fire station to Elm Street will occur in April and May and paving will occur in August – before the beginning of school.
- The engineering and design quote is $4,800 for paving of the “apron” in the area of the Fire Station/Highway garage was approved at the December 7th Select Board meeting. The paving estimate is in the range of $30,000 to $50,000.
- The Town Safety Committee discovered raised boxes in relation to the Arch Street segment. This was discussed with the engineers and the boxes were lowered to grade.
- The Belden Company has been authorized to replace the service at the Rulli residence instead of a slip line.
J. Haverstock has met with Mike Smith and Joe Kamuda concerning future construction in the area of his store. There will be an additional meeting in the spring to preview business impacts during construction.
J. Haverstock was made aware of 2 potential damage claims with regard to the Arch Street sewer project arising from Belden’s blockage of the sewer line and the low of sewage. These claims are potentially from Brian Provin and Page Rose.
Currently, there is a 2% set limit from Rutland City for processing the Town’s sludge. Mike Smith proposed a possibility of installing a sludge thickening facility. J. Lapre inquired how much the hauling frequency has changed. J. Haverstock indicated that this has gone from monthly to quarterly. Mike Smith will propose a way to economize by increasing solids retainage even further.
Bob Berardo has requested an engineering review with regard to spike flows caused by the Lakeside screen. J. Haverstock has authorized 8 hours for this project.
There was also discussion with concern to the Depot Hill pump station’s occasionally spiking flows. J. Lapre has worked with some residents of Alfred Buck Lane in the past and there was no documentation of leakage or pressure testing done on these lines. Mike Smith will propose ways to address the issue.
Water and Sewer:
None stated at this time.
Other:
None stated at this time.
Executive Session:
None necessary at this time.
Adjournment
The Commission adjourned at 7:44 PM.
The next regular meeting will be held on January 17, 2012.
Respectfully Submitted
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary _________________________________
Allen Hitchcock, Chair
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John Lapre, Vice Chair
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Helen McKinlay
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Bob Harnish