Members Present – Clarence Greeno, Baird Morgan, and Helen McKinlay (via conference call). ABSENT: Ernie Clerihew, Thomas “Hank” Pelkey. Others present: Shawn Hendee, Mark Stoutes, Craig Jewett (via conference call), John Haverstock – Town Manager and Kelly Giard – Recording Secretary.
The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Chairman Clarence Greeno.
Adoption of Agenda:
J. Haverstock stated that there was no need for Executive Session.
J. Haverstock stated that there was no need to amend the agenda. Motion by B. Morgan and seconded by C. Greeno to adopt the agenda as presented. Motion passed 3 – 0.
Minutes:
The minutes of the June 15, 2021 regular meeting were signed, with no corrections.
Town Manager’s Report:
J. Haverstock reported the following:
- The Town Manager has announced to the Select Board that he will be resigning following Town Meeting in March 2022.
- Good results have been received regarding the pump and well inspection. The State is also satisfied with the spot inspection at the Wastewater Treatment Facility.
- Shawn Hendee, Tyler Allen and Bob Berardo have dismantled the unused blue tank at the Wastewater Treatment Facility and sold the pieces as scrap metal.
- The new truck has arrived.
- The tree cutting at the auxiliary reservoirs is complete.
- The state of emergency for the Covid 19 pandemic has been declared over by the Governor and the shut off moratorium has been lifted.
Public Comment:
Mark Stoutes, resident of 3892 Route 7, was present to inquire about the timing of the planned shut-offs. J. Haverstock explained that the process is put forth by the State Statutes and there is assistance available for residents who are delinquent in their utility billings.
Mr. Stoutes exited at 6:45 PM.
WATER:
Discussion of Water System Hydraulic Study and Related Loan/Grant Application:
Craig Jewett from Otter Creek Engineering stated that the application has been received and the Town qualifies for full loan forgiveness. The loan application is in process and the funding of $70,000 +/- is being funded at 100%. Mr. Jewett stated that he would be working with Mark Youngstrom on the study once the funds are fully guaranteed. Shawn Hendee will also have input. Mr. Jewett stated that Otter Creek will not be billing the Town for its work if the funding falls through.
SEWER:
Update on Depot Hill Road Sewer Project Status:
J. Haverstock stated that Casella Construction has been paid and that contract is closed. There is still $200,000 of grant funding remaining. The portable pump station generator is estimated to cost approximately $95,000; the jetter is estimated at approximately $53,000 – $55,000; a headworks generator is estimated at approximately $50,000. J. Haverstock will send the Brook Field Services generator proposal to Mr. Jewett for review.
Mr. Jewett exited at 7:02 PM.
Discuss Pending Renewal of Wastewater Treatment Permit:
J. Haverstock stated that there will be public hearing for the extension of the Town’s wastewater treatment permit. S. Hendee is working with the Vermont Rural Water on the new tasks items that are necessary. S. Hendee reported that the Proficiency testing has been completed and the results will be forthcoming.
Update on Thiosulfate Trial:
S. Hendee reported that the trial was done and this product is healthier for the operator, however, it was not cost effective for the de-chlorination of wastewater. J. Haverstock stated that ARPA funding can be used for wastewater treatment.
WATER AND SEWER:
Update on Purchase of Utility Truck:
Shawn Hendee reports that the truck will be ready in the near future and the trade-in and delivery date will be set.
Discuss Possible Uses for American Rescue Plan Act Funding:
S. Hendee explained that if the funding was used for a jetter, it would save costs of hiring A1 Sewer & Drain as they are often very busy. There have been issues on lower Arch Street and Plains Road. The ownership of a jetter will allow for all lines to be flushed annually, the same as the hydrant flushing. There was discussion about sharing a jetter with the Highway Department. Following discussion, B. Morgan recommended tabling the discussion until a future meeting. S. Hendee also mentioned that another possibility for ARPA funding would be the installation of force main on Depot Hill Road, which had originally seen planned with the pump station project.
Consider Request for Abatement:
Nothing was presented.
The Water & Sewer Commission adjourned at 7:31 PM.
The next regular meeting of the Water and Sewer Commission will be held on September 21, 2021.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kelly Giard
Recording Secretary
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Clarence Greeno, Chairman
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Thomas “Hank” Pelkey, Vice Chairman
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Helen McKinlay
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Ernie Clerihew
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Baird Morgan