TOWN OF PITTSFORD
WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION
August 18, 2015
Water and Sewer Commission Members Present – David Pearson, Helen McKinlay, Bob Harnish, Clarence Greeno and Ernie Clerihew. Others present: Miriam Perez, Tom Carrara, John Haverstock and Kelly Giard.
David Pearson, Chairman, called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
Adoption of Agenda:
J. Haverstock stated that there was a possible need for Executive Session for discussion of abatement requests.
Motion by C. Greeno and seconded by H. McKinlay to amend the agenda to include abatement requests from Morgan McGee and Kit Hudson. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Motion by C. Greeno and seconded by H. McKinlay to adopt the agenda, as amended. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes from the July 21, 2015 meeting were signed, with no corrections.
Town Managers Report:
J. Haverstock reported the following:
- The Source Protection Plan has been approved by the State.
- There was a pipeline leak around the springs. Bruce Babcock located the leak and has made the necessary repairs. There is a possible leak in the area of the Rowe’s meadow. This possible leak is being investigated and necessary repairs will be made if a leak is located.
- Markowski Excavating will be making repairs to the hydrant that was damaged by a driver that fell asleep on Route 7 south.
- Tom Grace has made progress on the Blackberry Lane water line replacement project and is expected to be completed in the next day or so.
- There is a possibility that the bridge project on Route 7 in the area of Route 3 may qualify for grant funding and/or low interest loans.
E. Clerihew inquired if the grant funding/low interest rates were for the plan or complete project. J. Haverstock stated that there is a possibility of up to a $50,000 planning grant from the State. Loan and grant packages are also available from the USDA.
Public Comment:
Tom Carrara inquired about the Route 7 bridge project. J. Haverstock explained the project to Mr. Carrara.
Water:
Discussion of Proposal to Sell Water in Bulk (D. Cummings):
J. Haverstock explained that Mr. Cummings sells bulk water. Bruce Babcock has been consulted and is not in favor of selling water due to concerns of contamination, accounting and various other reasons. This topic was tabled as Mr. Cummings was not present for the discussion.
Mr. Carrara inquired the max use of the water per day, especially when OMYA is on the system. D. Pearson stated that the report that was submitted to the State for July, 2015 showed usages ranging from 66,000 to 283,000 per day.
Sewer:
Grease Trap Compliance Report:
J. Haverstock reported that he has visited Champlain Farms/Sunoco and a grease trap is in place and compliant with the Ordinance.
A visit to JR’s Eatery confirmed that a grease trap is in place. However, the dishwasher and one sink are not connected to the grease trap. Mr. Cormier was made aware that these connections were necessary, in accordance with the Ordinance.
Keith’s Country Store has expressed interest in the loan program for the installation of the necessary grease trap they currently have in hand. J. Haverstock will follow up.
Water & Sewer:
Utility Bill Abatement Request (Bill Cook):
J. Haverstock explained that the service line had frozen to the Cook property and Bruce Babcock made the necessary repairs. However, the plumber that Mr. Cook had contracted recommended running the water until April, 2015.
J. Haverstock explained that Mr. Cook is a new homeowner of this property and there is no usage history available.
Following discussion concerning the abatement policy, D. Pearson recommended using an overall percentage average of approved freeze-up related abatement requests in determining an abatement amount for Mr. Cook. The Water & Sewer Commissioners agreed to this practice for the Cook situation.
Utility Bill Abatement Request (Miriam Perez):
Ms. Perez reported that she was advised to run the water during the winter months to avoid frozen pipes. The amount of the abatement recommended by J. Haverstock is $80.11, bringing the bill from $307.07 to $226.96, which is the highest of the last 3 billing cycles, as mandated in the adopted policy.
Motion by C. Greeno and seconded by B. Harnish to approve the abatement recommendation of $80.11 for Ms. Perez. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Utility Bill Abatement Request (Tom Hooker):
Mr. Hooker requested an abatement for his rental property on Mechanic Street. J. Haverstock recommended a reduction from $805.06 to $623.08 for running the water during the winter months to avoid frozen pipes.
Motion by B. Harnish and seconded by C. Greeno to approve the recommednation. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Utility Bill Abatement Request (Gary Ricketts):
A letter of request for abatement was received from Mr. Ricketts. Mr. Ricketts stated that he noted water leaking from under his trailer during the winter months. However, the weather and temperatures did not allow for repairs. C. Greeno inquired if the leak was a result of frozen pipes. J. Haverstock stated that it is not known if the leak was related to the freezing. Following discussion, it was determined that plumbing is the responsibility of the homeowner.
Motion by E. Clerihew and seconded by C. Greeno to deny the request as presented. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Utility Bill Abatement Request (Tom Carrara):
Mr. Carrara requested an abatement for being advised to run the water during the winter months to avoid frozen pipes. J. Haverstock recommended a reduction of the bill from $275.98 to $211.47.
Motion by C. Greeno and seconded by H. McKinlay to approve the recommendation. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Utility Bill Abatement Request (Morgan McGee):
A letter of request was received from Morgan McGee. Mr. McGee expressed issue with the debit/credit card fees as he found the utility bill insert misleading regarding bank charges.
Motion by B. Harnish and seconded by E. Clerihew to deny the request from Mr. McGee. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Utility Bill Abatement Request (Kit Hudson):
J. Haverstock summarized a letter received from Mr. Hudson complaining about his bill and the impact of multiple ERU charges to landlords. Following discussion, a motion was made by B. Harnish and seconded by E. Clerihew to deny the request of Mr. Hudson for a reduction. Motion passed unanimously 5 – 0.
Other:
None presented at this time.
Executive Session:
None necessary at this time.
Adjournment:
The Commission adjourned at 7:48 PM.
The next regular meeting will be held on September 15, 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