HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-08-18 Infrastructure Committee Minutes
Infrastructure Committee
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Minutes
Councilors Attending: Patricia Blanchette, Peter D’Errico, Richard Bronson, Harold
Wheeler
Staff Attending: Ed Barrett, James Ring, Brad Moore
Others Attending: George Elliott, Tim Woodcock, Robin Curran
Committee convened at approximately 5:00 p.m.
Regular Agenda
1. Discussion and Review of Current Sewer Abatement Policy
Brad Moore stated the request was made by the Committee to review the sewer
abatement policy (252-25 A-I). Who would qualify for abatements and
highlighted that it started over ten years ago as a result of the first initial
requests due to plumbing problems and vandalism. He noted that they rate
requests on individual merit. An example of how the abatements were
calculated was provided in the memo. Councilor Wheeler asked for clarification
of the timeframe for abatements. Brad stated there was a limit of 120 days.
Councilor Bronson asked if the abatement was over $500, then it would come
before the Committee. Brad stated that was correct and the Budget was for
abatements was $64,000. Jim Ring stated that over twenty year period there
was a large increase in bills and this was an avenue to cover costs for mandated
combined sewer overflow projects. He noted that pumping costs were
recovered, but treatment was not. Councilor Wheeler and Councilor Bronson
discussed the timeframe and requests for abatements. Councilor Blanchette
asked how to proceed. Ed Barrett stated the Committee at the last meeting had
requested revisiting the sewer abatement policy and legal had reviewed and the
Committee was in the legal realm to approve or deny abatements. Councilor
Wheeler and Councilor D’Errico were supportive. Councilor Bronson was
supportive, but noted they needed to enforce as written. Councilor Blanchette
suggested the WWTP and Engineering keep a watchful eye out for “for profit
entities” that apply. If multiple requests were under $500 for the “for profit
entities” it should come before the Committee to be kept informed. There was
no change to the policy.
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2. Referral: Council Ordinance #09-264, Ordinance, Enacting Chapter 268,
Stormwater, of the code of Ordinances, Requiring Stormwater System Inspection
and Maintenance and Annual Reports, and Amending Chapter 165, Section 165-
43, Stormwater Runoff
Councilor Wheeler asked about preventative measures to ensure inspection and
maintenance would be performed. Paul Nicklas stated the heart of the
Ordinance outlined that a maintenance plan be submitted to the City, approved
by the Code Department, and adherence to the plan. Councilor Wheeler asked
how the City would know unless their system failed. Paul stated that it would be
dealt with in Section 7, which required annual inspection, and a form would need
to be submitted to Code to certify inspection and if any remedial actions were
taken. Councilor Wheeler and Jim Ring discussed potential costs associated with
maintenance to different types of systems and report costs which were unknown
at the time. Councilor Wheeler asked about City owned properties being in
compliance. Ed and Jim indicated maintenance was performed as necessary, but
outdated systems would need to come into compliance. Motor Pool was
provided as an example, which was inherited by the military and would be
required to meet other requirements under the MS4. Councilor D’Errico stated
that Maine Air National Guard and Bangor International Airport had spent
substantial amounts of money to meet requirements. George Elliott, 106 Balsam
asked if a property didn’t have stormwater treatment would they be required to
put one in and what thereafter. Paul stated if a property was required to have a
stormwater system, it would be required report on it. George referred to the last
page of the Ordinance and stated it was confusing. Some language that should
be in wasn’t and some that was in it shouldn’t be. Paul explained that was not a
mistake that what was deleted was in the “Stopgap” measure. Tim Woodcock,
35 Fairview Avenue informed the Committee he had sent an email to Paul
regarding his comments and commended him. Paul outlined the proposed
changes in the Ordinance, additions were underlined and deletions were
struckthrough.
Robin Curran, 250 Randolph Drive stated she was confused because she had
received an email regarding this meeting. She informed the Committee that her
house continually flooded, the stormwater drains were not adequate, and she
had purchased the home from the City. She wanted to know what the City was
willing to do to help her. Councilor Blanchette stated this was not the issue at
hand and referred to the City Manager and City Engineer. Jim requested her
contact information and would follow-up with her.
There was a motion to go to full Council, as amended and seconded by Councilor
Wheeler. There was a unanimous vote in favor.
Motion and seconded to adjourn at approximately 5:56 p.m.
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