HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-03-12 Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Infrastructure Committee
March 12, 2013
ATTENDEES
Councilors:
Neslon Durgin James Gallant Pauline Civiello
Charles Longo David Neally Joseph Baldacci
Staff:
Arthur Morgan, Director Public Cathy Conlow, City Manager Bradley Moore,
Services Superintendent WWTP
Dana Wardwell, Public Works Paul Nicklas, Asst. City Jeremy Martin, Director of
Director Solicitor Code
Guests:
Meeting convened approximately 5:15 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Sewer Abatement Request: 60 Sixth Street, Account #5201305
Councilor Baldacci moved to approve, and it was seconded with no further discussion.
Vote: Unanimous Approval
Agenda
2. Discussion: Sanitary Sewer Overflows Caused by Fats, Oils, & Grease (FOG)
Brad Moore noted his memo and explained that the City had a problem with some establishments not
having adequate collection systems to collect fats, oils, and greases from cooking products. As a result,
there have been instances of sanitary sewer overflows, which end up in the Meadowbrook branch and
eventually the Penjajawoc Stream.
It has been proposed to begin working with establishments in the City to provide education regarding
proper maintenance and what issues to watch for. There had been some success, and was currently
working with Code, City Clerk, and WWTP to add questions to the license renewals and license
applications to identify help whether establishments had collection systems in place, and if those
establishments were aware if they had a system or not, and it they were being maintained. And, if so,
asked to provide documentation. There had been some response, although be it limited. Staff felt a more
pro-active approach was necessary with letters to be sent to the establishments and identifying what was
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expected of them from the plumbing codes and sewer aspect, along with notifications of follow-up visits
to be expected. They would start with establishments that they knew didn’t have the collection
equipment and would eventually focus on others that did have equipment. There was concern if the
education was being passed along at those locations that had a high turnover of managers.
Cathy referenced required reports be submitted to DEP and EPA during sanitary sewer events and used
the example of the recent Haskell Road issue.
Councilors Baldacci asked about the expense to install interceptor equipment. Jeremy Martin stated for
a 1,000- 2,000 interceptor the possible cost would be 5,000 – 10,000 dollars with pipe work, tank, and
site work. He also mentioned that the location of the systems was important as there was often a
problem with in-line, under the sink systems where hot water and soap would allow for the FOG to be
broken down and run into the City’s system and then solidifying.
Councilor Baldacci also inquired about incentives to help those establishments with incorporating
interceptor systems, and expressed that small business would find it of significant cost. At which point,
Councilor Neally also suggested looking at funding sources for private as well as non-profits. He also
suggested looking into the permitting fees. Additional suggestions by members were to look into
Community Development grants, set up low cost financing, look at Mall Area Impact Fee that hadn’t
been changed for a number of years, and sewer impact fees. Cathy indicated they would look into the
options and they were in queue to be looked at.
Jeremy also made a suggestion that in the situation of downtown establishments were they didn’t own
land, to place a tank that could serve to a set number of establishments, perhaps on City property.
Councilor Durgin also pointed out that it wasn’t only restaurants, but non-profits, hospitals, colleges,
schools, and nursing homes. Brad assured they were on the list to work with.
Brad explained for Councilor Neally that the lines were TV’d to see if or where the build-ups were
occurring. Cathy spoke of the residential issue on Essex Street that costs thousands and involved several
homes. She wanted to express the City wasn’t trying to be heavy handed, but help protect citizens from
sewer backups.
Brad stated there had been information provided to the public and more would be provided periodically.
Jeremy also spoke about new projects that were reviewed to ensure proper sizing to meet the
establishments demand.
No action necessary, informational.
3. Discussion: Non Residential Fees for Chip & Brush Area
Dana Wardwell explained that residents, as well as non-residents were disposing of brush, chips, and
yard waste in an area they had configured two years ago at the Public Works facility. This area, since,
had been unstaffed on the weekends.
He explained that annually 1,000 tons of brush was sold for biomass, and 1,000 ton of wood chips were
used on projects for erosion control and the remainder sold to PERC. He explained that at a previous
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Infrastructure Committee meeting, there was a discussion of charging non-residents, who had been
dumping freely.
Proposed would be a $100 annual fee for each non-resident vehicle would be collected. An estimated
thirty vehicles would generate 3,000 in annual revenue from the proposed charge. He had figured a
rough estimate of 3,000-4,000 vehicles used the facility, requiring a purchase of 649.00 for 4,000
stickers for the vehicles. These stickers could be obtained from Public Works, City Clerk, or Treasury
presumably.
This would require an Ordinance change due to a change in fee structure, thus would need a
recommendation from the Infrastructure Committee.
Councilor Baldacci moved and seconded by Councilor Civiello.
Vote: Unanimous Approval
4. Discussion: Re-Designating Stream Water Quality Classifications
Paul Nicklas provided some history and an update regarding his research and the continuing research of
reclassification of the streams. With continued monitoring and good faith efforts to improve water
quality in Bangor’s Class B streams, in five to ten years the City’s effort would hopefully layout the
groundwork and provide the facts for a strong rationale for reclassification. Even if the streams were to
be reclassified, a good faith effort and work would still be needed.
Vote: No Action Necessary, informational.
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