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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-08 Infrastructure Committee Minutes Infrastructure Committee Tuesday, February 8, 2011 Minutes Councilors Attending: Susan Hawes Richard Bronson Patricia Blanchette Nelson Durgin Geoffrey Gratwick Charles Longo Staff Attending: Brad Moore Jerry Hughes Dana Wardwell Cathy Conlow Paul Nicklas Jim Ring Others Attending: Catharina Trust Agenda 1. Sewer Abatement Request: 243 Nowell Road, Account #1108405 (Memo from WWTP Superintendent Brad Moore and Materials Attached) Brad indicated this abatement request was due to a ruptured soaker hose. Brad denied this based on the Code, Chapter 252-25H. The water must be metered to qualify for abatement. Councilor Palmer asked Staff recommendation? Brad responded “denial”. Catharina Trust, resident of the property stated she wasn’t aware of sub-metering, as she was accustomed to private well water. She said she had a deaf daughter who could hear for leaks. Councilor Longo motioned and was seconded by Councilor Gratwick. There was discussion that “runoff” went to the Artic Brook, but doubtful it made it to the WWTP. Further discussions regarding flyers and providing new home owners information about the sub- meter program. Councilor Palmer and Councilor Bronson suggested a compromise on splitting the cost of the abatement. Motioned carried. No votes were Councilor Palmer, Councilor Bronson, and Councilor Durgin. Yes votes were Councilor Longo and Councilor Gratwick. 2. Incidental Stormwater Costs & Contributions (Memo from Asst. City Solicitor Paul Nicklas Attached) Paul explained his memo regarding the undertaking of a range of stormwater-related initiatives and objectives. He explained that incidental costs and contributions to working groups and trainings may be construed as an impropriety or improper solicitation. Staff recommendation would be to allow certain City Staff involved with stormwater the authority to approve minor cost-sharing arrangements and contributions from businesses, nonprofits, or other like entities. Staff recommendation of a 50.00 cap be placed on such staff approvals. Councilor questions arose regarding the purpose of cost sharing. Cathy Conlow clarified that it would be minor donations to offset the costs. 1 A provided example of the need for cost sharing such as brochures and publications for outreach to the public regarding stormwater. Motion was made and it was seconded Councilor Longo. Yes votes were Councilor Palmer, Councilor Bronson, Councilor Durgin, Councilor Gratwick, and Councilor Longo. 3. Proposed Traffic Changes on Lower Summer Street (Memo from City Engineer Jim Ring Attached) Jim referenced his memo on page 43. Last year the realignment of Main Street and Summer Street was completed. The issue was citizen traffic was still using the old traffic route on Railroad Street. Realignment on Cedar Street would separate the thru traffic from the waterfront traffic. Proposed was to make Summer Street beyond South Street a one way toward Railroad Street, allowing access to adjacent properties. They then would post a sign at the lower end of the street. Bangor Police Department was support of the plan. There was Council questions regarding making it a one way entirely. However, Jim explained that there were active businesses and property owners were concerned about access. The Council also discussed egress, curb cuts, light timing, and traffic flow. Cathy suggested that the timing concern be looked at and come back, to table it. 4. 2011 Dock Rate Recommendations (Memo from City Engineer Jim Ring & Copy of Dock Rates Attached) Jim referred to his memo on page 44 regarding the rates from 2005 to 2010. The Harbor Committee and Staff recommend that there be on rate increase in 2011. Councilor Bronson moved to Staff Recommendation and it was seconded for passage. 5. Staff Overview of Future Regulatory Requirements and Impacts on Wastewater Management/Sewer Operations & Maintenance Jim provided background of the City’s activity regarding combines sewer overflows. In the 70’s and 80’s the City undertook two million dollar a year sewer work listed in the EPA’s consent decree resulting in forty-three million in expenditure over a twenty year times span. The EPA would not release the City from the degree. The City could expect to enter into another long term program with the contracted help of CH2MHILL. He informed the members that they would expect to hear more during the budget process and expected sewer rates may increase next year. Councilor Bronson provided the history of the clean water act. This was an informational agenda item with no action required. Councilor Gratwick thanked Jim for his work with the Infrastructure Committee as this was his last meeting before retiring. Meeting adjourned at approximately 6:16p.m. 2