HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-11-18 Sewer Committee Minutes Sewer Committee
Meeting Minutes
November 18, 1998
� Councilors Attending: Nichi Farnham, Pat Blanchette, Jim Tyler, Joe Baldacci
Staff Attending: Edward Banett, 7im Ring, John Murphy, Brad Moore
1. �Velcome New Committee Members '
Pat Blanchette was welcomed to the Sewer Committee. Jim Ring will put together an
outline for Pat over what has been taking place over the last year. Staff is available to
meet with any members of the Committee to answer any questions they may have.
2. Sewer Abatement Request-Ban�;or Parks and Recreation Daki_n Pool and West Side Pool
Brad explained that there is a lot of water consumed at both pools as a result of filling the
pools and not necessarily for sanitary sewage(sinks, flushes). Last year, Parks and Rec
had several meters put on to meter the sewerage flow only. The water district continues
to bill on the master meter, so WWT'P makes the adjustment according to the water that
was used only in the bathrooms. The amount for Dakin is $1,025.85; West Side is
$2,034.31. Abatement granted.
3. �ewer Abatement Request- 372 Hammond Street
Brad explained that the owner of this property contacted him about the excessive use at
� his property. Staff has been monitoring this over a period of time to see what possible
reasons there could be for the excessive use. The consumption has dropped down, but not
to the previous rate. Brad feels it could be the result of tenants changing in the building. '
There is someone on the properry watching the meter on a weekly basis but there is no
definable reason for the excessive use. Brad brought this before the Committee to see if
an abatement is possible. The amount of the abatement would be $770.36. Committee
tabled the request until the ne�rt sewer meeting to give the owner more time to discover
the problem.
4. �ewer Abatement Rec�uest- 109 State Street
Joan Imhoff, C&B Associates, is requesting an abatement for sewer fees for property
located on State Street. After the increase in the bill, the toilets were replaced and Ms.
Imhoff feels this will take ca.re of the problem. The abatement is possible for the 6/19/98
bill but not for the 3/20/98 bill because it fails to meet the 120 day request deadline. The
6/19/98 request does fit the criteria for an abatement. The amount would be $576.81.
Approved request.
5. Sewer Abatement Request -Whi�& Courier
Brad explained that two leaks in the toilet facilities were detected by a Water District
� Representative. Brad advised the manager of the facility to repair both toilets and forward
the receipts to the Committee for proof of repair. One concern with this abatement
request is that they have received two other abatements, one earlier this year. It is felt that
the fact this is a restaurant, someone should have noticed the leak much sooner.
Abatement denied.
6. Status of CSO Projects
There has not been a lot of activity on the tank project on the river&ont since last week because
the contractor reached the supplier of the pre-cast units and has been cleaning up the odds and
� ends with a small crew. Another 96 pre-cast units came in on Saturday so work will be resuming
within the next day or two. The installation of the pre-cast units is about two-thirds complete.
The completion time for the entire project is next spring.
By the end of the week all the pipes for the Patten Street separation project should be in the
ground. This was a 25 foot total excavation. Campbell Construction is doing the work. Trench
repairs will be made this year and final pavement will be in the spring.
The Committee commended staff for their work and the amount of money saved on the tank
project.
7. Staff Activities
► 7ohn recently attended a JETSE(7oint Environmental Training Coordinating Committee)
Board of Directors Meeting. This organization is responsible for training and certification
of wastewater professionals and those that run treatment plants in the State of Maine.
JETSE was not funded by the legislature this year and will be looking for support from the
Council in some way to help convince the legislature to help fund this committee. They
are currently doing $60,000 of training on less than$20,000 in funding. John will
continue to update the Committee regarding this issue.
► Jim Ring informed the Committee that he and Brad addressed the National Resources
. Committee about the delegation bill where the state would have the authority to
administer the program and delegate from the EPA. This was approved by the legislature.
The next step will be putting together an agreement between the DEP and EPA. Staff has ,
indicated to DEP that they want to be actively involved in this process. Staffwill continue
to keep the Committee updated.
► The Civil Engineering Association will be meeting on Friday and Jim will be attending.
They have a number of funcrions where they review and evaluate curriculum and give
recommendations and work to tie the scholastic programs to real world expertise.
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