Minutes, News and Notes from the May 14th, 2009 Informational Sewer Project Meeting:
you may also get full, approved copies of the minutes by visiting the Town Hall
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Supervisor Jackson called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.
Board members present: Councilwoman LaPine, Councilman LaForest, Supervisor Jackson, Councilman Wrisley and Councilman Sayward. Also present was Audrey Hoskins, Town Clerk and Lois Sayward.
Visitors present were: Wayne Ryan, James E. Dugan, Todd Hodgson and Dave Whitford of AES Northeast; Sally Johnson, Eileen Kelly, Lauren Murphy, Liz Wilson, Bonnie Monoski, Edward Monoski, Sharon Boisen, Norma Goff, Stephen Cunnion, Tom Duca and Vic Putman.
Wayne Ryan gave an overview of the sewer project. Mr. Ryan brought the layout map for the sewer lines and pump stations. The map will be left in the meeting room for the public’s inspection. Also on display are the drawings of the buildings that will house the sewer treatment plant. Mr. Ryan explained that the main collection center will be in the ECHO parking lot and from there will be pumped up to the sewer plant which will be situated across from the Fire House on the donated Close-Mallett property.
Mr. Ryan stated that there still could be some changes to the overall plan due to considerations such as ledges, properties that have merged, and houses that still had not been inspected.
Mr. Ryan said that a road would be put in along the side of the Hayes property to reach the sewer plant. He also stated that the view of the building from Route 22 would be mainly obscured by the tree line. The only portion to be seen would be the roofline.
Mr. Ryan stated that they are going to keep the project as green as possible. He then asked for questions.
Mr. Tom Duca asked if the turbine was still part of the project. Mr. Ryan said the turbine is part of the green technology and, if the funding is available for this, they do plan on doing it. He also said that it probably would not be in the first round of building because EFC is still working on funding for green technology and how it will be distributed.
Norma Goff asked about the return flow past the Library at Library Brook. Her concern was, would the volume cause the basement of Library to flood. Mr. Hodgson state that the decant flow rate is about 280 gallons per minute. Mr. Jackson stated that is less than in the spring runoff.
The pump station at Orchard Street was discussed and this will be in the town’s right-of-way. Provisions will be made to protect the station from damage from parked cars.
Sally Johnson asked about odors from the vent pipes. Mr. Ryan stated that there was no guarantee of it being odor free. But, if the pump is operating properly, you will not often have odors. Mr. Ryan also state that effluent is turned over often to help prevent it from becoming septic.
The question was asked, how much of the sewer plant capacity will be used initially. Supervisor Jackson answered, about half. There are two chambers. During the winter, the Town will be using one chamber and during summer months, both chambers will be used.
Todd Hodgson stated that, when the entire Town goes online, 40 to 60 percent of the capacity will be used.
Supervisor Jackson stated that sewer district encompasses the same area as the original water district.
Dave Whitford of AES Northeast gave an overview of the buildings that will be constructed on the donated Close-Mallett property. The drawings of the buildings for the sewer plant are on display at the meeting room in the Town Hall. Also on display is the drawing of the pump station located at the ECHO parking lot.
Wayne Ryan stated that, because this is part of the Stimulus Package, all materials must be certified as manufactured in the United States. This certification has to be done by Mr. Ryan and the contractor.
Sally Johnson asked how often the generator at the plant will run and how loud it will be.
There will be special mufflers installed for noise control. The generator will be tested weekly and can be programmed for the time it will come on. It will automatically come on with a loss of power.
Mr. Whitfield stated that they try to design their plants to last 30 to 50 years. The materials used are very durable. The SBR building is usually not used on this type of project. It was decided to construct one over the waste water tanks for the purposes of esthetics and to prevent freezing.
A question was asked as to the purpose of the reed beds. Todd Hodgson stated, the reed beds are another form of green technology to take advantage of natural processes and are, also, a DEC requirement. This is a natural way to treat your sludge bed. This technology will help save money on the disposal of sludge. The Town will most likely need to truck the sludge away in the beginning. The places that take sludge are: Ticonderoga, Plattsburgh and Glens Falls.
Norma Goff asked how many employees will be needed to run the sewer plant. Mr. Ryan stated that Supervisor Jackson is negotiating with the Town of Chesterfield to share the services of their sewer plant manager who has been trained and certified to do the job. He is also certified to operate the water plant. A backup person will also need to be trained to cover time off.
Supervisor Jackson explained the town will have to borrow one million dollars. The additional eight million dollars, we expect to receive in grants. Supervisor Jackson also stated that, if we do not receive the grants, this project will not move forward. Supervisor Jackson stated that we should hear about funding in June.
The Town will need to make a decision on the bond resolution at the regular board meeting tonight. The Town will schedule the vote on June 5. The Town will need to inform the funding sources whether or not the bond was passed by June 8.
Vic Putman, Community Development & Planning Director for Essex County, gave an overview of the different funding sources we have applied for.
Wayne Ryan stated that AES Northeast will be the project manger for the sewer project.
Two more informational meetings will be held. The next meeting is Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 1 p.m. On Tuesday, May 19, 2009, at 7 p.m. will be another meeting. If you have any questions, you may also phone the Town Hall or write us a letter.
The meeting was closed at 7:55 p.m.
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