HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-03 Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Infrastructure Committee
April 3, 2012
ATTENDANCE
Councilors:
Joseph Baldacci Ben Sprague, Chair- in for Geoffrey Gratwick
Councilor Blanchette
Staff:
Art Morgan, Dir. Public Services Wendy Warren, Enviro. Coord.
Guests:
Kathy Moriarty, BWD G.M. Ralph Foss, BWD Trustee Gerry Palmer, BWD Trustee
Robert Sypitkowski, BWD Trustee Dan Wellington, BWD Trustee Stanley Miller, BWD Trustee
The Committee convened at 5:00 p.m.
Item #3 was first on the agenda.
1. Agenda Item #3 - Update: Bangor Area Stormwater Group Award
Wendy Warren explained that Maine had four regional stormwater groups located in
Bangor, Portland, Lewiston area, and in southern Maine. Under the State
enforcement of the stormwater permit, phase two of the Clean Water Act, there was
a requirement to provide education outreach to the public. The Department of
Environmental Protect supported and led the way to develop a video. Each regional
group paid a portion of the production costs based on population and taxation of the
advertising fees. The stormwater ad ran in spring of last year. She stated that out of
nearly 2000 entries the Devil Ducks won the bronze award in the Ninth Annual
Service Industry Advertising Awards. The ad was run for the Committee members.
No further discussion and no action required.
2. Agenda Item #1 - Update: Bangor Water District
Kathy Moriarty stated that the topic of a water problem on Winter Street was
discussed at a recent Council Meeting. Diagram was provided of the location with
green lines representing Bangor Water District, blue lines representing private lines
(between 14-42 Winter Street), and the green dots representing valves.
She explained construction of the water lines was in 1906 by the residents with
easements conveyed to each other, with which there wasn’t a history of maintenance
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or repair. In 1980, John Rohman at 14 Winter Street discontinued his private service
and put in new service between Fremont and his home. 24-42 Winter Street
addresses were still private responsibility. According to PUC, BWD responsibility ends
at the shut off valve at the entrance of their private line. BWD was not given
easements to that private line.
Mr. Tatarcyk at 34 Winter Street requested the Board to accept responsibility. BWD
denied the request after researching and giving it consideration. It was determined it
was not in the public right-of-way, no easement granted and upon research of deeds,
it was clearly expressed that the owner was responsible, as in the example of 34
Winter Street. In 2000, residents were notified as to why the lines could not be
accepted. However, BWD could accept if the lines were brought to standard and
easements were obtained.
The latest event occurred on January 3, 2012, notification of the leak was sent to
residents on January 4, 2012. Mr. Tatarcyk contacted the Bangor City Council on
February 13, 2012. The leak would need to be repaired by the residents by April 15,
2012. A letter was sent to the residents during the most recent event outlining
repair/replacement options and estimated costs to be borne by customer. BWD could
not do the work for them. The customer would need to obtain a private contractor
and could, if necessary, obtain funding resources through Community and Economic
Development’s Residential Rehabilitation Loan Program.
Options outlined in letter:
#1: To repair leak would cost - $1,000
#2: Replace with 2” polyethylene pipe - $29,000
#3: Install new service. Individual service (easements required) to each home to
Fremont St. - $4,800 per line.
(14 Winter Street already took this option)
Councilor Gratwick asked where the right side of Winter Street was obtaining their
water from. Kathy responded that it came from the next street over from Winter
Street.
#4: Install new line from Fremont Street. If it met BWD standards the District
would accept new main and maintain perpetuity. - $78,000, plus $2,000 each
service line.
#5: Install new main on Winter Street, then connect each home (easements
required). - $126,000, plus $2,000 each service line.
Kathy stated the residents had not contacted the MPUC and their plan was to hand
dig and repair the leak themselves.
Kathy provided an update for the Essex Street tank replacement and the new 5.6
million dollar facility that would generate renewable energy and was expected to be
built near Floods Pond. A dedication ceremony for the Rogalski Energy Recovery
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Facility was scheduled for May 30. She also mentioned Bangor Water District’s open
house would take place on May 11, 2012 and the Thomas Hill Standpipe tour on May
23, 2012.
There was some discussion and no action was required.
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3. Agenda Item #2 - Easement Request: Bangor Natural Gas, Broad Street
Art explained there was a gas main installed three years ago in the small park to the
rear of the old Standard Shoe building. The easement was required and
recommended.
Councilor Baldacci moved recommendation.
Councilor Gratwick state his discontent for the after installation cleanup work of
Bangor Gas and explained the work that was done in front of his place of business.
He would be voting not to recommend granting easement.
Councilor Baldacci suggested not to hold that against the customer and suggested
holding a public forum to discuss Bangor Gas installation issues. He also asked Art to
recommend holding a public forum to the City Council at next Monday’s meeting.
Moved by Councilor Baldacci and seconded by Councilor Sprague.
Vote: Yes – Councilor Spraque & Councilor Baldacci
Vote: No – Councilor Gratwick
There was no further discussion. Meeting adjourned at 5:43 P.M.
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