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Northport
Village Corporation Utilities
Department January 13,
2006 Minutes Present: Chairman David Crofoot, Chairman, Peter Spollett, Jane Strauss; by telephone, Judy Metcalf, Jim Coughlin and Dick Brockway; Superintendent Dick McElhaney, Village Agent Bill Paige, and secretary Karen Hoedtke. Metcalf
moved and Coughlin seconded that the minutes of the last meeting be approved. Voted. Superintendent’s
Report: Sewer
Department: November Monitoring Data: One license exception for flow; flow averaged 86,000 gpd vs. the permit allowance of 63,000 gpd (down from the 116,000 gpd in October). November 22 was the high day with 408,000 gpd and rainfall of 2.8”. All other parameters were well within the permit allowances. November rainfall totaled 7.49” compared to 16.19” in October and 5.4” for a normal November. Progress on Replacing the Pump at Shore Road Main Pump Station: The new pump which was installed January 6, 2006, was found to have come with a 7.56” diameter impeller rather than the required 8.5” impeller. The 8.5” impeller from the old pump was placed into the new pump. Fernie called on Tuesday to report that the new pump had tripped out several times. Stevens Electric returned on Thursday and found that the impeller nut had loosened allowing the impeller to drop off the shaft. The impeller was replaced with locktite and the pump put back in operation. The Department will be monitoring the pump closely to be sure that the problems have been corrected. The 7.56” impeller will be returned for a new 8.5” impeller which will be installed when Stevens returns to replace the rail guides and slide-aways. The impeller on the other old pump will be replaced as a precaution. We have not received an estimate of the cost to rebuild the old pump; McElhaney believes it would be worth doing if the estimate is at least 50% of the cost of a new pump. McElhaney noted that electricity consumption at the South Shore pump station is down dramatically indicating better efficiency since repair of the back leaks and possibly some benefit from reducing the flow from the Granston line. It will certainly translate into less wear and tear on the pumps. TV Camera Inspection Quotations of Selected Sewer Lines: Price quotations to conduct camera inspections in the spring of selected sewer lines have been requested from two companies. The selected lines were identified during the smoke testing last September. It would appear that this method would better identify egregious leaks in the system than by flow metering. The ideal time for camera inspection would be the wettest day possible, most likely in April or early May. Installation of a Staff Gauge in the Effluent Weir Box: A staff gauge has been ordered and will be installed in the effluent weir box at the dock. This will be an accurate method for the Department to measure the depth of flow over the v-notch weir and calculate the flow. This primary means of flow measurement will help to spot check the accuracy of the flow meter and totalizer and will assist outside technicians who calibrate the meter annually. Installation of the staff gauge would not necessitate a closed-space entry. McElhaney pointed out that even a slight miscalibration of the electronic flow meter might result in large overstatements of flow in high-flow conditions. McElhaney is continuing to monitor flows for infiltration at several points in the Village. Water Department November Monitoring Data: Water consumption during November averaged 13,879 gpd compared to 19,855 in October and 22,024 year-to-date. November 24th was the high day at 17,072 gpd. Chlorine residuals in the water distribution system were trace. Low readings are a concern but Belfast Water District has the matter in hand and the levels are now back up. Calibration of Water Vault Meter: McElhaney and Paige will remove the vault meter and take it to Bangor Water District to check the calibration. Bangor has agreed to do this for approximately $100; to do the calibration in place would cost around $800-$900. A 2” bypass with meter at the vault will be used to supply the Village with water while the regular water meter is removed. There should be no interruption to or impact on the residents. Birchcrest Service Water Line Break: Analysis of the weekly flow chart indicated a possible 10-15 gpd water leak in the distribution system. Paige found the leak shortly after he was notified, shut off the water at the street and the absentee owners were notified. An explanation of the high water bill also has been sent. Review of Budget for 2006: Metcalf
moved and Spollett seconded to approve the revised budget. Voted. Office Report: Update on billing: Meter reading went very quickly as Paige had already recorded the readings of the meters he had removed. A few problems were noted, a meter running backward, a couple not working; these meters will be checked. For the most part the actual billing went very well with only two problems that will require explanation and correction by the software company. A notice explaining the current base rate accompanied the bills. Metcalf
moved and Spollett seconded to adjourn at 3:25. McElhaney is continuing to
monitor flows at several points in the Village. Respectfully submitted, Karen L. Hoedtke Secretary |