TOWN OF PITTSFORD
WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION
February 18, 2014
Water and Sewer Commission Members Present – Allen Hitchcock, David Pearson, Bob Harnish, Clarence Greeno and Helen McKinlay. Others present: John Haverstock and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
Allen Hitchcock, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
Minutes:
The minutes from the January 21, 2014 meeting were signed, with no corrections.
Town Managers Report:
J. Haverstock reported the following:
· There have been 3 water line breaks this winter. Markowski Excavating has been contracted to perform the repairs due to difficult weather conditions and the absence of staff members that have been out due to injuries. These breaks were on West Creek Road (near Smith’s Pond); the corner by Kamuda’s; and by the Lothrop School.
· A complaint has been received from Dr. DelBianco with regard to the water being too hard. Dr. DelBianco was a former customer of Fire District #1 and has joined the Town system with the merger. Shawn Hendee has performed testing and will be meeting with the customer.
· There will be a meeting on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at 12:30 PM between the Town Manager and Chris Stone – the new Rutland County Forester. The meeting will discuss Dave Parker’s sugarbush area; and a couple of other areas that may require attention in the future.
· A notice was received from the State to participate in a leak detection survey. Bruce Babcock will review the request and apply for the free test that is offered as part of the survey.
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Public Comment:
None presented at this time.
Water:
Update on Water System Expansion Project:
The easement letter to the Curtis’ has been sent again.
The door for the pump station is expected to be delivered and installed during the week of March 3.
Proctor Water News:
There is a boil water order in effect until the out of district customers have been completely disconnected from the Proctor water system. This notice has been sent to the affected residents and has been posted around Town. There was discussion that approximately half of the residents affected have received loan funds. There was also discussion concerning late notices going out to some of the recipients of the loan funds who have missed payments.
Sewer:
Update on Project Status and Related Engineering Work:
Mike Smith has generated a grease trap report that was included in the packets for review. This report will be discussed at the next meeting, following review by the Commission members.
Mr. Smith has also completed a second draft of the Sewer Ordinance. There are some questions that will need to be answered prior to adopting. This ordinance will also be reviewed at a future meeting, following review by the Commission members.
J. Haverstock reported that there was approximately $5,000 remaining from the sewer project grant funds, of which $3,500 has been spent for items at the Waste Water Treatment Facility. There is a hope to close out the loan in the near future and a request for grant funds will be submitted.
Water & Sewer:
Utility Bill Abatement Requests:
J. Haverstock reported that Mr. Roberts paid his utility bill on the Monday after the Friday deadline and did not utilize the drop box. There was discussion concerning the timing of the payment.
Motion by D. Pearson and seconded by B. Harnish to deny the request for abatement. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0. J. Haverstock will communicate this decision to Mr. Roberts.
J. Haverstock reported that Bob Forrest had originally requested a sewer abatement, which was granted due to the fact that the use of much of his metered water was for agricultural purposes. Mr. Forrest’s property has developed a leak in the service line between the house and the barn. A. Hitchcock inquired if this leak has been fixed. Mr. Forrest indicated to J. Haverstock that Zack Provin has repaired the leak by installing a shut-off.
Motion by D. Pearson and seconded by B. Harnish to deny the request for abatement, because the Town is not responsible for problems with private plumbing. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0. J. Haverstock will communicate this decision to Mr. Forrest.
Discussion of Money-Saving Ideas (S. Hendee):
This item was tabled until a future meeting.
Other:
Chairman Hitchcock will present the Water & Sewer Commission information at Town Meeting.
B. Harnish inquired about the procedures for collecting on the delinquent accounts. J. Haverstock explained the statutes, policies and procedures now in place.
Executive Session:
Not necessary at this time.
Adjournment:
The Commission adjourned at 7:14 PM.
The next regular meeting will be held on March 18, 2014.
Respectfully Submitted
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
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Allen Hitchcock, Chair
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David Pearson, Vice Chairman
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Helen McKinlay
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Bob Harnish
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Clarence Greeno