WPCA July 8, 2003 Minutes

The following WPCA members were present:
Joseph Lauria, Chairman; Gary Zawacki, Ron Hill, Blair Troutman, Kevin Briody

Other Attendees:

Special Guest:	Max Caldwell
OMI	Mark Kajka, Vicktor Huliew
Metcalf & Eddy:	Jon Pearson

Meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m.

1) Approval of Minutes

a) Minutes from the meeting of June 11, 2003 were presented and approved by Mr. Zawacki, seconded by Mr. Hill and passing unanimously.

2) New Business

a) Halpin Lane Congregate Housing, postponed until next meeting.

b) Metcalf & Eddy, Jon Pearson

1. Middle School Pump Station and Force Main
—Kovacs has almost completed their Punch List items and Mr. Pearson suggested the WPCA release Estimate No. 15 for $20,672.04 and hold $3,000 for additional Punch List items.
—Fox Hill Gravity Sewer was discussed. Borings are completed. Mr. Lauria mentioned billing Fox Hill Condominium Association for work done on a timely basis. Easements were discussed.
—Copps Hill easement was discussed and will investigate.
—Route 7 WWTF Flow Equalization Contract Documents. Mr. Strout was not at meeting. OMI will check with Mr. Strout for further clarification of contracting project.
—South Street WWTF Headwork's Building HVAC was discussed in great detail. The plan would be for M&E to implement the schematic design and OMI would oversee contracting the project to outside contractors. Mr. Pearson stated the engineering cost would be approximately $19,500 and the construction cost would be approximately $125,000. After Mr. Troutman's discussion involving budget and rates the following motion was made by Mr. Briody:

Motion to authorize Mr. Pearson, M&E, to go forward with functional design of South Street WWTF Headwork's buildings HVAC for $19,500 by Mr. Briody seconded by Mr. Hill. Passed unanimously.

c) New User Rates.

1. Mr. Troutman stated the budget was well done last year.
2. Mr. Troutman presented Committee with several spreadsheets indicating a need for a 5 Year Capital Plan from OMI in order to get a better handle on operating expenses for the future. Discussed the option of getting a 5 year plan before implementing new user rates, however, time restrictions for the Tax Collector's Office would be compromised if the rates were not implemented as soon as possible.
3. Would like to have the entire collection system TV'd for better prioritization of repairs and areas needing attention.
4. Reserve and Operating funds discussed.
5. Mr. Briody was against an increase in rates.

Motion to approve new user rates as follows:

By Mr. Troutman seconded by Mr. Zawacki, after detailed discussions, Mr. Lauria called for a vote, Mr. Troutman, Mr. Zawacki, Mr. Lauria, Mr. Hill voted for, Mr. Briody, against, passing four to one.

3) OMI Report

a) OMI Monthly Report discussed in detail.
b) Mr. Lauria requested the 5-year capital improvement plan to be implemented. Mr. Huliew stated he would start executing plan.
c) Grease removal will start this week.
d) Hydrant replacement/repairs are ongoing.
e) Weather station purchase was recommended by OMI. Mr. Hill suggested a local web site could accomplish the same result of weather updates.

4) Adjournment

Motion to adjourn at 9:15 by Mr. Briody seconded by Mr. Hill. Passed unanimously.

Respectively submitted
Diana Van Ness