TOWN OF PITTSFORD
WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION
September 16, 2014
Water and Sewer Commission Members Present – Bob Harnish, Ernie Clerihew, Clarence Greeno and Helen McKinlay. Absent: David Pearson. Others present: Peg Armitage, Bruce Altner, John Haverstock and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
Clarence Greeno, Vice-Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:32 PM.
Adoption of Agenda:
J. Haverstock recommended the addition of Executive Session for the purpose of a legal concern (Peg Armitage) and discussion of an abatement concern (Rowe Apartments). Motion by and seconded by to adopt the amended agenda. Motion passed unanimously
4 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes from the August 19, 2014 meeting were signed, with no corrections.
Town Managers Report:
J. Haverstock reported on the following:
• The Wastewater Treatment Facility lab has received a Certificate of Excellence. Thank you to Shawn Hendee and Bob Berardo for proper calibration and operation of the lab.
• There has been no response from the Jacksons with regard to the letter that has been written with regard to their pressure concerns.
• Bruce Babcock provided supplies to John Armitage and Tom Grace as they repaired the leak on the Blackberry Lane water service line.
• The new utility truck has arrived and is in full operation. The old truck was traded-in.
Public Comment:
None presented at this time.
Water:
Review Status of Rowe Utility Bill Abatement Request (Rowe Apartments):
J. Haverstock reported that the meter test results have been received with regard to the meter that was taken from the Rowe Apartments. The testing shows 98.7 – 102% accuracy. The testing process was discussed. A letter has been drafted to the Rowe’s and was deferred to Executive Session.
Remarks from Peg Armitage with Regard to Water Service Line:
Peg Armitage was present to discuss her concerns with regard to the water line from Route 7 to her house and two other houses on Blackberry Lane.
Mrs. Armitage presented a copy of the deed from 1973 that indicated that the Pittsford Aqueduct Company transferred all holdings to the Town of Pittsford.
Mrs. Armitage gave a history of the pipeline that is in question. Tom Grace has dug and found a leak and installed an 8’ patch, with supplies provided by Bruce Babcock.
Mrs. Armitage indicated that there is still a “swamp” in the area of the second utility pole.
C. Greeno inquired if the Town Attorney had a copy of the deed that Mrs. Armitage presented. J. Haverstock stated that the asset transfer document was provided.
Following discussion, Mrs. Armitage stated that she “would like to see the Commission see things her way”.
The final discussion was deferred to Executive Session.
Sewer:
No Sewer related concerns presented at this time.
Water & Sewer:
Execute Loan Application for Route 7 Utility Replacement Study and Coordination with VTrans:
J. Haverstock explained that the loan is for $15,000 for Mark Youngstrom and Otter Creek Engineering to begin preliminary design on the Route 7 utility replacement in the Village. The loan agreement is 0% with 5 year delayed payment, with a possible forgiveness.
E. Clerihew inquired if there would be another study conducted in the future. J. Haverstock indicated that there would be another study, however, there are some funds being set aside currently through the Capital Reserve Fund.
Motion by H. McKinlay and seconded by B. Harnish to sign the loan application, with the final approval coming from the Select Board at its next meeting. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Other:
None presented at this time.
Executive Session:
Motion by B. Harnish and seconded by E. Clerihew to enter into Executive Session at 7:18 PM for legal discussions and an abatement request. C. Greeno invited J. Haverstock to remain for Executive Session. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
The Water and Sewer Commission exited Executive Session at 7:28 PM.
Motion by B. Harnish and seconded by H. McKinlay to instruct the Town Manager to waive the penalty and interest on the Rowe Apartments account, to bill them based on the average of the last three bills, to write a letter to the Rowe’s explaining the decision and have the Water Department staff reinstall the meter. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Motion by H. McKinlay and seconded by E. Clerihew to replace the water line running from Route 7 to the Armitage/Saradarian shut-offs at the Town expense and to pay Tom Grace for his labors in recently fixing a leak at this location. Motion passed unanimously 4 – 0.
Adjournment:
The Commission adjourned at 7:31 PM.
The next regular meeting will be held on October 21, 2014.
Respectfully Submitted
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
______________ABSENT___________
David Pearson, Chairman
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Clarence Greeno, Vice Chairman
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Bob Harnish
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Ernie Clerihew
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Helen McKinlay