Loading...
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. 1 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. 2