Town of Prospect-Boards & Commissions
Water Pollution Control Authority
Public Hearing for Proposed Sewer Moratorium
Monday, January 28, 2008
Members Present: Carla Perugini-Erickson, Derek Brown, Christopher Wester, Dave Wartko
Others Present: Attorney Antony Casagrande
Chairman Erickson called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
Chairman Perugini-Erickson read the "Notice of a Public Hearing" as it appeared in the Waterbury Republican American on January 18, 2008. Chairman Perugini-Erickson continues to say we are here to receive public comments in regards to the WPCA's proposed sewer monatorium. Chairman Perugini-Erickson then reads into the public record a letter from Mayor Chatfield who writes to say he is in full support of the moratorium. He feels have the Moratorium will give the WPCA the time they need to plan for the Towns Future. He commends our efforts and believes that the Public Hearing will generate positive comments. Chairman Perugini-Erickson then turns the hearing over the C. Wester to continue on the WPCA's prepared presentation.
C. Wester begins the presentation with an overview of who the members of the WPCA are and what the authority of the WPCA is. He continues to detail what the duties and goals of the WPCA are for the Town of Prospect. Stressing that we are here to promote planned growth for the town. He continues on as to why we need a moratorium at this time, why we need the time to develop a new Waste Waters Facilities Plan, what such a plan is, and why it is important the town have an updated plan since the current plan dates back to 1983. He then details the breakdown of why we need the full 18 months to develop a new plan and how much such a plan is proposed to cost. He concludes by explaining some of the risk factors the town may run into if a proper plan is not put into place.
Chairman Perugini-Erickson then opens up the hearing for Public Comment;
Alberto Mimo-57 Talmadge Hill Road: Inquires if the moratorium includes septic systems. Chairman Perugini-Erickson responds by saying septic is control by the Chesprocott Health District and is not affected by the moratorium. Mr. Mimo continues to ask if Prospect has a treatment facilities plant. Chairman Perugini-Erickson replies no and explains the intermunicipal agreements Prospect has with the Cities of Waterbury, Cheshire which all allow sewage to flow from places in town like Pond Place, Toll Brothers development and Senor Panchos restaurant. She also states the town has a private sewer agreement with Naugatuck for the Boulder Brook development. Mr. Mimo's major question and concern is where is there open space left for more developments like Toll Brother's development to go. Chairman Perugini-Erickson states that we don't know exactly which land, but we do know there is still land out there available for development.
John Perugini-6 Buckley Lane: Mr. Perugini's main concern was putting a moratorium into place would give people a false hope of hooking into sewer lines. He feels it would be better if we just said no to sewers. He continues to say that as far as a plan goes it is wonderful, but only for a select few and he is not in favor of the moratorium.
Jack Crumb- 38 Maria Hotchkiss Road: Disagrees with Mr. Perugini and feels as though the WPCA is here to save the Town of Prospect 25 years down the road. Mr. Crumb is in favor of the moratorium.
Al Havican-4 Nancy Mae Avenue: Thinks it is a good proposal and is in favor of it.
Don Reilly-35A Tress Road: Mr. Reilly is in favor of the moratorium and is also in favor of blocking multiple high-density projects. He questioned what input residents will have wil future planning and asks how the board feels about eh new proposed development of 91 units off of Tress Road. He states he was anticipating a 1-2 acre zoned development behind his home hot high density development. Attorney Casagrande responds to say that once this goes out to bid and a study is done, the WPCA will hold several public hearings for input from residents. Chairman Perugini-Erickson says she appreciates Mr. Reilly's input. She continues to say how the board has discussed these issues and feels as though we really need something that gives us a better handle on things. We as a board feel powerless in a way because high density projects can happen. She reiterates that this is a unique board that has a different authority than Planning and Zoning. We have nothing at this current time to base any decisions off of until we have a Waste Water Facilities Plan. Attorney Casagrande interjects to say sewer development in town up to this point has been haphazard and all applications have been dealt with on a case by case basis. Having a plan will help us determine which areas are good for sewers and which areas we should stay away from. The plan will help us determine how the town can develop, it is a tool to try and control how things grow.
Ann Stein-22 Cook Road: Ms. Stein is in favor of moratorium, would like to see smart development.
Pat Geary-31 Lee Road: Ms. Geary complements us for recognizing the responsibility that the board was taken on, She also compliments us on being so pro active. Is in favor of the moratorium and doesn't want to see projects approved on a one by one basis, wants to see a plan. If it means having to stop development for 18 months in the long run it is for the benefit of the town. She references our remarks made on money we need in our budget and says that the Town Council does support the work that the WPCA is doing. Our original budget for last year was originally approved by the council but had to be cut due to the taxpayers request, and after talking with us is was clear that what ever plan we are going to develop was not going to take place this year. She advises teh board not to hesitate to come back to the Town Council to request the money needed to fun the plan.
Tom Osowski-Boulder Brook Court: Mr. Osowski agrees with the board and is in favor of the moratorium; however he is curious about where the currect project at Boulder Brook stands. Chairman Perugini-Erickson advises that he stay for our special meeting to be held immediately following the hearing as the sewer permits status for Boulder BNrook is on our agenda.
John Schieffer-91 Cook Road: Mr. Schieffer states that he was a member of the board 3 years ago, and feels it is a good move on the towns part to go forth with the moratorium and develop a plan. He hopes it will work out for the best. He would like to see sewers put where they are needed.
Carl Graveline-4 Peter Gilkey Road: Mr. Graveline commends the board on their presentation. He is in favor of the moratorium and the planning that needs to be done. He questioned the issue of Boulder Brook being in an aquifer protection zone and where do we stand onthat issue. Chairman Perugini-Erickson states it is more a Land use issue not a WPCA issue.
Bill Andrews-39 Blue Trail Drive: Mr. Andrews is behind us 100%. He feels as though the town does need this. We have his full support and he will be coming out to support our budget.
Theresa Graveline-20 Corrine Drive: Ms. Graveline supports the moratorium. She questions once the 18 months have passed how does the plan become adopted. Chairman Perugini-Erickson states there will be public hearings where the board will seek modifications then the WPCA will hold a vote to adopt the plan. At this point we are not sure if there needs to be a vote of the Town Council as well. We will look into it.
Bill Andrews-39 Blue Trail Drive: Mr. Andrew's questions if the intermunicipal agreements we currently have with other town will be rescinded once a plan is put into place. Attorney Casagrande responds to say what is doen will remain active until the agreement terms end. Mr. Andrews then questions of the existing line will be extended further. Chairman Perugini-Erickson states we are unsure of what will happen with extending preexisting lines. The moratorium will give us the time to decide if such lines should or should not be extended.
Chairman Perugini-Erickson asks if there are any other public comments. Chairman Perugini-Erickson closes the public hearing at 8:03 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carla M. Perugini-Erickson, Chairman