WPCA September 14, 2004

Motion to approve minutes from the meeting of 10 August 2004 by Mr. Zawacki, seconded by Ms. Siebert, passing unanimously.

2. New Business

Services RFP

• Proposals for the provision of services to operate the waste treatment facilities of the Town were received from AQUARION, OMI, and VEOLIA. Copies of the proposals were delivered to each of the members as well as to Mr. Lauria, consulting for the Authority. A matrix to assist in the analysis of the proposals is being developed. The Authority plans to meet on 28 September 2004 in executive session to review the proposals and determine a schedule for reaching an agreement on the provision of services.
• The vendor VEOLIA was told to coordinate with Jerry Gay, Town Purchasing, if they desired to make an oral presentation, but that such a presentation was not required at this time by the Authority.

Authority Members Dates of Service

• The scheduling of reappointment of Mr. Hill and Mr. Zawacki to the Authority was discussed. The Administrator will follow with the First Selectmen's assistant to document the action.

Adjustment of Sewer Use Units

• The Authority discussed the apparent inconsistency in the use units for larger retail operations that was highlighted by Mr. Briody in the August meeting. Mr. Caldwell reported on the review conducted by the Administrator and himself with the conclusion that a more consistent approach would be to assign units similar to those assigned to warehouse operations. After a thorough debate, it was felt that the warehouse operations usage offered the best alternative to the present large retail category.

Motion to modify the Use Units assigned to large retail (over 7,500 square feet) to that of the warehouse operations was made by Mr. Briody, seconded by Mr. Zawacki, passing unanimously.

• It was requested that the Administrator review the impact of the rate change and report to the Authority.

FOG

• The proposed FOG rules by the State DEP were discussed. It was felt that Ridgefield, through the work of the Administrator and the Health Department, was well advanced compared to many towns. There are still many gray areas regarding implementation and staffing but most of these issues will need be settled by Town policy. The Authority will need to stay abreast of the ongoing evolution of the regulations to ensure that the final regulations are incorporated into our procedures.

Metcalf and Eddy Report

• A written report from John Pearson was discussed.
• The Authority approved wrapping up the Middle School Pump Station & Force Main Project and will execute the necessary documents to conclude this matter per the recommendation of Mr. Pearson.
• Copps Hill Pump station status was reviewed. Mr. Briody suggested, and the Authority agreed, that once the easement is finalized the whole priority of the pumping station revamp effort should be reviewed to make sure that the plans reflect the current status of the various elements.
• Mr. Caldwell will follow with the Town attorney to ascertain the status of the pumping station operating agreement with Fox Hill.

3. OMI Report

• Plant operations for the month of August were reviewed by Jorge Pereira. Operating results were satisfactory for the period with exceptionally low levels of coliform. Heavy rainfall impacted operations on two days during the month but the plant met all criteria for the period.
• Various maintenance items were reviewed with the Authority but it was concluded that none of the issues were of immediate concern. OMI was asked to check with Tower Generator to determine why the necessary repairs have not been completed and why the rental is continuing. Jorge Pereira to follow.

4. Other Business

• Mr. Caldwell reviewed the ongoing collections effort.
• Mr. Caldwell and Mr. Hill discussed the Town's decision to proceed with new financial software for the Tax collectors office. The WPCA share of the cost of the new software was estimated to be $10,000 - $15,000. Once the final package is determined, the WPCA will review the issue with the Tax Collector and Assessor to calculate the Authority's share.

5. Adjournment

Motion to adjourn at 8:45 p.m. by Mr. Zawacki seconded by Mr. Hill, Passed unanimously.

Submitted by Mr. Caldwell