TOWN OF PITTSFORD
WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION
August 20, 2013
Water and Sewer Commission Members Present – David Pearson, Bob Harnish, Helen McKinlay and Clarence Greeno. Absent: Allen Hitchcock. Others present: Bill Bowman (6:41 PM), John Haverstock and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
Bob Harnish called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
Minutes:
The minutes from the July 16, 2013 meeting were signed, with no corrections.
Town Managers Report:
J. Haverstock reported the following:
· The members of the Sewer and Water Departments have new e-mail addresses. The Sewer Department can be contacted at .87.200 and the Water Department can be contacted at .87.200.
· Commissioners Harnish and Pearson recently attended a seminar with the Town Manager on wastewater treatment processes. There is information available via websites for others to view videos describing wastewater treatment processes. Anyone that is interested in the videos should contact the Town Manager.
Public Comment:
None presented at this time.
Water
Status of Property Damage Claim from 2010 – 2011 Water Project;
J. Haverstock reported that Vicky Dodge has submitted a claim for damage to her mobile home due to the absence of a pressure reduction valve and resulting flooding. The claim information has been presented to the Town’s insurer, VLCT, for review. VLCT believes that there is no negligence on the part of the Town and it plans to deny the claim. This topic was discussed further in Executive Session.
Ball Valve Update:
J. Haverstock reported that 15 of the original ball valves installed with water meters have failed. Representatives from EJ Prescott and AY MacDonald have met with Mark Youngstrom and the Town Manager. There has been one failure of the replacement valves. J. Haverstock read a memo that indicates a possibility of over-tightening of the valve during the replacement valve’s installation. The expenses for Bruce Babcock’s time and materials will be reimbursed to the Town.
Update on Water System Expansion Project:
J. Haverstock reported that all boring and pipe laying is complete. There will be a project status meeting on August 23 at 9:00 AM in the Conference Room. The project is on hold following the completion of the drilling and connections. Construction will resume when the pump is delivered. There will be a discussion of the possibility of installing a back-up generator at the pump station.
Update on Proctor Water Well Project:
J. Haverstock reported that a deadline extension has been requested by Proctor, as stated recently in local newspapers. The extension date requested is October 2014.
Update on Well-Drilling Loan Fund:
J. Haverstock reported that 22 of the planned 26 original loans have closed. A letter has been sent to other abandoned customers that the loan funds remain available.
Discussion of Agricultural Use of Water:
J. Haverstock explained that there are several users on the water system that use water for agricultural use and there is no impact on the sewer system. These users have a second meter that must be installed at the agricultural site to avoid additional sewer charges tied to water usage.
Sewer:
Update on Project Status and Related Engineering Work:
J. Haverstock read an e-mail that was sent from Mike Smith with regard to various outstanding projects. Mr. Smith will attend the September meeting to discuss the proposed Sewer Ordinance. Bruce Babcock, Shawn Hendee, and Bob Berardo have also been asked to review the proposed ordinance and make any comments. B. Harnish inquired who would enforce the sewer infractions. J. Haverstock indicated that it would probably be the Town Manager and/or the Chief Wastewater Operator.
Water & Sewer:
There have been some abatement requests, which will be discussed in Executive Session.
Bill Bowman was present to discuss his water bill. Mr. Bowman noted that his water usage seemed higher than he believes he used.
Mr. Bowman indicated that he was out of town for a portion of the billing period. However, he had shut the water off to the property to prevent frozen/broken pipes. Mr. Bowman has spoken with Bruce Babcock and has done the steps that were recommended to check for leaks and found nothing. J. Haverstock will ask for Bruce Babcock and Shawn Hendee to visit the property again to check the meter and to take another reading.
Mr. Bowman exited at 7:04 PM.
Other:
J. Haverstock has received an inquiry from Derek Stewart concerning the charges associated with the filling of his pool. The billing included $300 for the water service and $50 for personnel. J. Haverstock will communicate to Mr. Stewart that this is the policy that was adopted by the Water & Sewer Commission.
Executive Session:
Motion by H. McKinlay and seconded by D. Pearson to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing abatements.
The Water and Sewer Commission entered into Executive Session at 7:12 PM. J. Haverstock was invited to stay. The Water and Sewer Commission came out of Executive Session at 7:23 PM, with no action taken.
Adjournment:
The Commission adjourned at 7:23 PM.
The next regular meeting will be held on September 17, 2013.
Respectfully Submitted
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
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Allen Hitchcock, Chair
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Clarence Greeno
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Helen McKinlay
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Bob Harnish
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David Pearson