Dimondale/Windsor Wastewater Treatment Plant

SEWER BOARD MINUTES

November 20, 2008

7:05 p.m. Meeting called to order by Chairperson Blair

Roll Call

Present:  Blair, Chappell (arrived at 7:07 p.m.), Reznick, Rich, Slucter Absent: none Also Present: Denise Parisian, Village Manager; Mike Spitler, WWTP Operator; Betsy Kelly, Recording Secretary

Treasurer’s Reports/Bills

Motion by Reznick, second Slucter, to accept the treasurer’s report for November 20, 2008 as presented.  Motion carried.  Motion by Reznick, second Slucter, to approve payment of $20,827.20 for November 20, 2008 bills.  Motion carried.   

Minutes

Motion by Reznick, second Rich to approve the minutes of the October 16, 2008 regular meeting as presented.  Motion carried.

Open to the Public

No comments were received. 

Superintendent’s Report

Spitler reported on the following: progress on the improvement to the discharge site at the headworks and the semi-annual lab work performed for Windsor Estates.

Old Business

1.      Spitler presented an emergency action plan in the event that the sewer main in the river is ever breached.  He proposed running a by-pass hose with a  pump connected to the pipe on the east side of the river over the bridge to the lift station on the west side of the bridge and the installation of a check valve or pipe plug to prevent infiltration of river water into the lift station.  Discussion followed regarding the approximate cost of a check valve; possible pipe plugging options; and  strategic placement of large rocks to prevent a potential main break due to large debris or ice.  Spitler questioned the direction the Board would like to take regarding a permanent fix should an event occur.  Discussion followed regarding the three options previously proposed by Wolverine Engineers and funding vehicles to finance a large repair.  The Members agreed to move forward with obtaining estimates for the proposed methods to plug the pipe and also to look into placing rip rap in the river. 

2.      Spitler explained that the outfall pipe has been jetted and televised removing several root balls and a cursory review reveals that the pipe appears to be in good condition but the tape requires further study to determine if there are any areas of concern.  He also noted that all the trees in the easement strip will be removed next year and the area will be mowed on a regular basis, jetting of the pipe will occur annually as a matter of routine maintenance and televising will take place every five years in a program to monitor and maintain this pipe.  Parisian mentioned that a new easement description and record will be created with the new information.

New Business

1.  Parisian provided an overview of the rate study explaining that the current assumptions provide a rate increase of one dollar per REU per month to generate $40,000 in revenue to replace the auto rake by the end of 2010.  Discussion followed regarding building a healthier fund balance for the sewer fund, accruing a year’s worth of operations  on account as a goal and increasing funding of the equipment replacement component. Slucter suggested running the rate study again to fund equipment replacement at 100% instead of 50% to more aggressively save for capital purchases and catastrophic emergencies.  Motion by Slucter, second Reznick to accept the rate study as presented with the amendment to increase the funding of equipment replacement to 100% of the annual replacement cost.  Motion carried unanimously. 

2.  The Members reviewed the proposed budget line by line.  Discussion followed regarding the value of seal coating asphalt, obtaining bids for clearing the easement and a two dollar per REU per month rate increase to support the plan for building the fund balance for equipment replacement, etc..  Parisian will have the final budget materials ready for the next meeting based upon changes made tonight.

3.  Members discussed the meeting schedule.  Motion by Reznick, second Rich, to cancel the December 18, 2008 meeting in the absence of matters requiring the Board’s attention. Motion carried unanimously.

Motion by Reznick, second Slucter, to adjourn.  Motion carried at 8:50 p.m.