Northport Village Corporation

Utilities Department

May 5, 2006

Minutes

Present: Chairman David Crofoot, Superintendent Dick McElhaney, Secretary Karen Hoedtke, Ned Lightner and, by telephone, Judy Metcalf, Peter Spollett and Jim Coughlin.

Metcalf moved, Coughlin seconded that the minutes of the last meeting be accepted. Voted.

Superintendent’s Report

            Sewer Department:

                        March Monitoring Data:  NVC was in full compliance during the month of March. With lower than average rainfall and a correctly calibrated flow meter, measured flow averaged just over 16,000 gpd; March 3^rd was the high day at 25,300 (prior to calibration). Rainfall was 1.22” or 3 – 4 times below normal. McElhaney reported that the April flow averaged 14,670 gpd.

                        Shoreline Treatment Train Leak: A pneumatic plug was put into the effluent pipe of the No. 1 treatment train to stop the infiltration of groundwater (a salinity test determined the infiltration was not tidal). Metered readings indicated an inflow of 5 – 6 gpm rather than the previous estimate of 1 – 2 gpm. The leak can be fixed at a later date; one method is the use of polymer grouts.

                        Pump Station Generator: The Shore Road Pump Station’s propane back-up generator was serviced on March 17^th by the Onan Company.  It was in good condition.

                        pH Meter: A used Orion Model 420A pH meter was purchased for $343 (a new one costs around $600) with a 30-day warranty. A borrowed meter has been used for the past two months.

                        Annual Outfall Inspection: Annual inspection took place Sunday, April 30^th. The flow was traced with red dye by a diver and no leaks in the pipe were found.  This is a requirement of the Consent Agreement and will continue as long as the current discharge pipe is in place.

                        DEP Inquiry on New Sewer Connections: DEP has responded to our inquiries regarding new sewer customers and whether we are allowed to expand our user base. The letter specifically comments on previous license violations, instructs us to limit new customers, and states that when the system expands beyond the size envisioned in the original plan, that we must consider conversion to a secondary treatment plant.  Details regarding the design capacity of the plant will be sought. The DEP’s response still leaves us with many questions. Metcalf moved and Crofoot seconded to authorize McElhaney to send another letter to DEP requesting clarification of the letter received from Denise Behr. Voted.

                        Chlorination/Dechlorination: Moore ’s Septic cleaned out the chlorine contact chamber in April. Fernie will be starting the seasonal (May 15^th – September 30^th) chlorination/dechlorination process. The Village uses liquid sodium hypochlorite to eliminate disease causing pathogens/bacteria and sodium bisulfate to denature the chlorine. The effluent will be tested daily for chlorine residuals and weekly, by an outside lab, for fecal coliform.

            Water Department

                        March Operating Data: Water consumption for March averaged 12,487 gpd compared to 11,127 gpd for the same period last year. March 31^st was the high day at 20,247 gallons. Chlorine residuals averaged .10 ppm. Peak flow averaged 35 gpm. Test results for coliform were negative.

                        New People: An inquiry has been received from David Felten re water and sewer connections for a lot of record in the Kelly Cove subdivision. The Kelly Cove house lots were included in the original tallies of plant capacity. A letter with applications will be sent to him.

            Correspondence has been received from DEP indicating that money for sewer systems is not expected to be included in this year’s budget. USDA, Rural Development reports that there will be no grant money available.

            Visitor’s Concerns: Ned Lightner attended the meeting requesting information on what constitutes a bunkhouse and the possibility of water and sewer hookups.  Discussion centered on whether a bunkhouse with shower and toilet added to an existing customer constitutes a new service or connection.  It was recommended that he file an application detailing his proposed project prior to the next Utility Department meeting.

            Review of Utility Ordinance: Each committee member to receive a copy of the Utility Ordinance and to review specific areas prior to a meeting on Friday May 26^th at 2:30 p.m. Workshops to work on the Ordinance will be scheduled for the July 4^th weekend. In light of the letter from the DEP, the Committee should report to the Overseers that: a) There can be no sewer extensions; and, b) New connections should be strongly discouraged, with each application taken on a case-by-case basis through the Trustees with recommendation to and approval by the Board of Overseers.

            The Terms and Conditions for water users, a PUC mandated document, needs to be revised and will be brought up-to-date.

            The next meeting will be June 2^nd.

            Metcalf moved to adjourn at 4:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Karen L. Hoedtke

Secretary