TOWN OF PITTSFORD
WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION
March 17, 2015
Water and Sewer Commission Members Present – David Pearson, Helen McKinlay, Bob Harnish, Ernie Clerihew and Clarence Greeno. Others present: Bruce Babcock, Shawn Hendee, John Haverstock and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
David Pearson, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
Adoption of Agenda:
- Haverstock stated that there was no need for Executive Session. However, there was a need to amend the agenda to add an abatement request that was received from Bill Cook.
Motion by C. Greeno and seconded by H. McKinlay to amend the agenda to include the change recommended by J. Haverstock. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes from the February 17, 2015 meeting were signed, with no corrections.
Town Managers Report:
- Haverstock reported the following:
- Congratulations to Dave Pearson for the presentation at Town Meeting concerning the Water and Sewer Department activities.
- The Town will be participating in the Rural Water Tasting Contest in May at the Annual Rural Water Conference, which will be attended by Shawn Hendee and the Town Manager.
- Full compensation has been received from the trucking company insurance carrier with regard to the hydrant accident in Florence.
- Efficiency Vermont will be visiting the Wastewater Treatment Facility for an assessment and recommendations.
- A FAQ’s section will be included in the near future on the Water & Sewer web page. This will be reviewed by Shawn Hendee and Bruce Babcock prior to posting.
- Credit and Debit card transactions are now being accepted by the Town Clerk’s Office for payment of utility bills. Any fees are being passed on to the cardholder.
- Service lines are freezing up. There has been some research as to how other towns are handling this and how water bills are being adjusted for the customers. Further discussion will occur at a future meeting.
Public Comment:
None presented at this time.
Water:
Update on Proctor Water Study Loan Forgiveness Request:
- Haverstock reported that Rep. Shaw has written legislation and more information is expected in the future.
Consider Draft Policy for Water Shut-Offs for Abandoned Homes:
A copy of the draft was included in the packets for review.
Discuss Water Main Re-Location in Area of Route 7 Bridge on Furnace Brook:
- Haverstock reported that both Otter Creek Engineering and CLD have expressed interest in engineering the re-location of the water main. C. Greeno inquired about the rates offered by each firm. J. Haverstock will get this information and communicate to the Commissioners.
Sewer:
Review Input from Aeromod Representative on Clarifiers:
A report was included in the packets for review from Mr. Newbury following his recent work at the Wastewater Facility. The report was reviewed and discussed and any changes are “a work in progress”.
Discuss Ecoli Test Failure and Related Protocols:
- Haverstock explained that there was a high e-coli test result recently and additional testing of effluent was done, which came back within normal limits. The Rutland Herald ran a misleading story based on a press release from Lake Champlain International.
Shawn Hendee explained the protocol that is followed when a failed test occurs.
Currently, after a sample is collected, it is shipped to New Hampshire for testing. There is a lab in Rutland that tests on Mondays and, in the event of a failed test, a follow-up test can be done within a day, where New Hampshire only tests on Thursdays and a failed test will not be able to be retested until Monday. Mr. Hendee would like to have Rutland do the tests and the cost is approximately $10 additional, as opposed to New Hampshire.
The Water & Sewer Commissioners agreed to change the testing lab to Rutland.
- Haverstock will be e-mailing any future failed test results to the Commissioners, so they are not surprised from residents phone calls.
Water & Sewer:
Utility Bill Abatement Request (LF Carter, Inc)
- Haverstock reported that LF Carter, Inc has the water used to wash trucks hauled off-site for disposal and the only water that enters the sewer is from the kitchen sink and toilet in the garage. There was no decision in this situation.
Utility Bill Abatement Request (Maher)
Mr. Maher expressed concern about a future bill reflecting his use of extra water to prevent repeat freezing of his service line. This item was tabled for further discussion.
Utility Bill Abatement Request (Bill Cook)
Mr. Cook has stated that he will be digging up his service line to prevent re-freezing, but that he is now letting water run.
The utility bill abatement requests were discussed and there will be a determination of any partial abatements, if applicable, in the future.
Other:
None presented at this time.
Executive Session:
None necessary at this time.
Adjournment:
The Commission adjourned at 7:42 PM.
The next regular meeting will be held on April 21, 2015.
Respectfully Submitted
Kelly Giard, Recording Secretary
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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