Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Members Present: Derek Brown, Christopher Wester, Carl Graveline
Absent Members: William Stankiewicz, Carla Perugini-Erickson,
Also Present: Lorraine DeNicola, Chesprocott, Diane Lauber, Tzx Collector, and several Boulder Brook residents
ViceChairman Graveline called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m.
Motion by C. Wester to dispense with the regular business to discuss the proposed Waste Water Facilities Plan with Lorraine DeNicola of Chesprocott, seconded by D. Brown. Unanimous.
C. Wester explained to Lorraine DeNicola that the WPCA is proposing to develop a waste water facilities Plan to protect the Town's interests for any future sewer systems. The WPCA requested any available recources and information from Chesprocott to assist the development of the plan. Lorraine shared that Cheshire is currently nearing completion of a waste water facilities plan. Lorraine will share any available documents from Cheshire as an example plan. Lorraine shared her knowledge of septic system issues within Prospect that should be addressed in the proposed plan. Lorraine will compile a history of recorded septic system failures within Prosepct and forward the information to WPCA. Lorraine stated that Chesprocott can assist the WPCA select a qualified engineering firm to prepare the proposed plan. Lorraine stated that the WPCA can make an appointment at Chesprocott to review any resources that may be helpful to develop the plan.
C. Graveline recognized Diane Lauber and asked her to share her request for WPCA. Diane stated that the Town has received a sewer bill from the City of Waterbury WPCF for Pond Place. Diane shared that Waterbury's billing for the Intermunicipan sewer services have been very sporadic. The last billing was collected during the foreclosure of the previous owner of Pond Place, Lescare. The billing at the time of foreclosure was for 2 fiscal years of sewer charges. The current billed dated April 3, 2007 is for the fiscal year ending June 2006 in the amount of $2,000.39. Diane stated currently there is no mechanism in place that allows her to forward the billing to Pond Place without approval of the WPCA. The intermunicipal agreement states that payment will be made to Waterbury within 30 days. Diane also stated that after discussions with Atty. John Knott there should be a user fee collected by Prospect to establish a capitol account for sewer. Diane requested approval to collect the appropriate amount to cover the current bill. Diane stated that Waterbury is improving their billing and will be billing on an annual basis for Pond Place. Diane stated that she is concerned with the billing process because of the proposed Toll Bros. development that will be billed on a quarterly basis from Waterbury. C. Wester suggested that the current bill should be addressed immediately and any additional administrative and user charges should be addressed after the Intermunicipal agreement is reviewed by the WPCA.
Motion by C. Wester to authorize Diane Lauber to bill Pond Place for the current outstanding bill from Waterbuty WPCF, seconded by D. Brown. Unanimous.
The WPCA will review the terms of the Intermunicipal Agreement and invite Mayor Chatfield and Diane Lauber to a future meeting to discuss the billing procedure and associated engineering, administrative, and user charges.
C. Graveline recognized the Boulder Brook residents and asked them to share their concerns. The Boulder Brook residents asked the status of the developers agreement and requested information on the approval of the sewer system that has been installed at Boulder Brook.
The meeting was recessed at 7:30 pm because C. Graveline was requested to attend the Zoning Board of Appreals meeting for a vote. The meeting reconviened at 7:35 pm when C. Graveline returned.
The WPCA shared knowledge of the status of the Boulder Brook Sewer system. When the system was installed the WPCA was not active and did not review the proposed sewer system. The sewer system was considered a private system. The Boulder Brrok developer received permission from Naugatuck to discharge the sewerage to Naugatuck's sanitary sewer system. After recent discussions with Connecticut DEP the WPCA learned that the system is considered a community sewer system and requires DEP approval. Lorraine DeNicola stated that Chesprocott had no knowledge of the sewer system when it was installed and was never involved in the approval process. WPCA explained to the Boulder Brook residents that the developers agreement is in the process of being signed and is waiting for the proper authorization of the appropriate signatory's. Boulder Brook residents asked for assistance in determining the adequacy of the sewer system prior to the establishment of the Boulder Brook Association. The WPCA asked if the residents have sought legal counsel to protect their interests, the residents stated that they have not. The WPCA suggested that the developer should provide proof of DEP qpproval prior to the association accepting the sewer system. THe Boulder Brook residents requested WPCA to notify them of any meetings between the WPCA and the developer. The WPCA will notify the residents of future meetings and issues regarding the sewer system. The residents provided a list of email addresses for the residents to attend the meeting.
Previous Meeting Minutes:
Motion by C. Wester to approve the meeting minutes from March 27, 2007, seconded by D. Brown. Unanimous.
Old Business:
New Business: None
Correspondence: None
Motion made by C. wester, seconded by D. Brown to adjourn at 8:05 pm. Unanimous.
Respectfully Submitted
Carla M. Perugini-Erickson
Chairman