TOWN OF PITTSFORD
WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION
July 17, 2012
Water and Sewer Commission members present – John Lapre, Helen McKinlay, and Dave Boles. Absent: Bob Harnish and Allen Hitchcock. Others present: Bonnie Hawley, John Haverstock and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
John Lapre, Vice Chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
Minutes:
The minutes from the June 19, 2012 meeting were signed, with no corrections.
Town Managers Report:
J. Haverstock reported the following:
- Utility bills have recently been sent to users.
- Ball valve failures continue to be an issue.
- There have been fewer complaints along Arch Street, since the grinding of the pavement and the application of smaller stone.
Public Comment:
Bonnie Hawley was present to discuss the situation at the residence of her mother, Lois Blittersdorf. Currently, the property is in the foreclosure process and Ms. Blittersdorf is in a nursing home. Ms. Hawley inquired what could be done with the utility bill as the house is currently vacant and that the water will be shut off and the pipes drained. J. Haverstock will ask Bruce Babcock to shut the water off at the curb stop. J. Haverstock explained that the bond repayment is the responsibility of the residents and will discuss this issue with the bank handling the matter. J. Haverstock explained that if the sewer allocation was surrendered, there may not be available allotments for re-connection in the event the property is sold. A letter will be submitted to the bank attorney outlining this information.
Ms. Hawley exited at 6:43 PM.
Water:
Update on Water System Expansion Project and Bond Vote:
J. Haverstock reported that there was an informational article in the newsletter concerning the bond vote that is scheduled for July 31 with the informational meetings to be held on July 24. There have been e-mails sent explaining the vote, postings on the Town’s website, a letter to the Proctor water service customers, and advertisements placed.
The USDA has reported that Pittsford is eligible for a funding package including a 42% grant and 58% loan with a 2.75% interest rate over 40 years. There is a deadline of August 3 to confirm with USDA the status of the vote and apply for this funding.
Meter-Related Ball Valve Failure Update:
J. Haverstock reported that the “wrap” fix that was originally proposed by EJ Prescott will not be considered and ball valve replacement appointments will be occurring.
Proctor Water Abandonment News Update on Loan Fund Bond Vote:
J. Haverstock reported that Ann Whiteley has inquired about the eligibility of loan funding to Proctor water customers who “voluntarily”disconnect from the system. J. Haverstock indicated that there are some small issues with the court case settlement. Therefore, the Proctor abandonment decision is not yet official.
Sewer:
Update on Project Status – Phase I & II:
Mike Smith sent an e-mail update to the Commission on the status of the sewer project.
Phase I is complete.
Phase II sewer line work is complete. There was more time than anticipated for the engineer on site and more of an expense than anticipated for gravel in the Arch Street portion of the project. However, the anticipated surplus of funds is approximately $40,000, following the Plains Road in-situ sewer lining that was removed from the original project scope. Other ideas that were discussed over the project duration were to consider assisting the Library with its service line, adding back in the 1” of pavement on Arch Street that was removed, as well as the purchase of blower motor covers at the Wastewater Treatment Facility, as recommended by Bob Berardo and Jack Shedd.
The closing of the sewer loan documents is scheduled for July 18, 2012 at the Select Board meeting, with the anticipated payment of these funds of August 1, 2012, at which time the interim funding source will be re-paid.
Mr. Smith will review the original proposal and recommend what portions should be considered for the use of the available $40,000.
Water and Sewer:
J. Haverstock has been contacted by Carole Fowler, a State wastewater regulator, concerning Shawn Hendee’s request for a Wastewater Operator license. Currently, Shawn is dedicated to the treatment facility on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and the water system on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Other:
None presented at this time.
Executive Session:
Motion by D. Boles and seconded by H. McKinlay to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of a contractual matter.
The Water and Sewer Commission entered into Executive Session at 7:03 PM. J. Haverstock was invited to stay.
The Water and Sewer Commission came out of Executive Session at 7:11 PM.
Motion by J. Lapre and seconded by H. McKinlay to award the sewer rate study project to Otter Creek Engineering. Motion passed unanimously 3 – 0.
Adjournment
The Commission adjourned at 7:13 PM.
The next regular meeting will be held on August 21, 2012.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
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Allen Hitchcock, Chair
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John Lapre, Vice Chair
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Helen McKinlay
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Bob Harnish
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Dave Boles