WEST WARWICK TOWN COUNCIL ACTING AS

SEWER COMMISSION

 

MEETING MINUTES

 

DATE:  TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2021     TIME:  6:00 P.M.

 

LOCATION:  TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1170 MAIN STREET

WEST WARWICK, RI  02893

 

A.        Meeting called to order at 6:05 p.m. by Town Council President Gosselin

 

B.        Prayer led by Councilman Bourget

 

C.        Pledge of allegiance led by Councilman Messier

 

D.        Roll Call

Members present:

Council President Gosselin

Council Vice President Williamson

Councilman Messier

Councilman Licciardi (Absent)

Councilman Bourget

 

Participating communities:

Town of Coventry

Town of Scituate

City of Cranston

City of Warwick

Town of West Greenwich

 

E.         Commission Clerk determined a quorum on record.

 

F.         Minutes of previous meeting

SC2021-29: 

 

RESOLVED, that the minutes of the November 2, 2021 Town Council meeting, acting as the Sewer Commission, is hereby accepted.

 

Resolution SC2021-29 was moved by Council Vice President Williamson and seconded by Councilman Messier.  All in favor, none opposed and unanimously voted to accept.

 

G.        Reports

 

G-1:     Plant Manager

The following is taken from the Plant Manager’s report data from October and November 2021.

 

October

·   Mr. Chapdelaine stated October was the end of our permit season which have strict DEM guidelines.  We went the whole season without any facility violations.  He gave a shout out to the Operations, Maintenance and Electrical staff for doing a great job keeping us in compliance.

 

 

November

·   Average daily flow was 5.4 mgd with a maximum of 11.7 mgd and a minimum of 3.0 mgd.

·   CBOD removal was 98% or 2.1 mg/l.  DEM requirement is 85%.

·   TSS removal was 98% or 2.5 mg/l.  DEM requirement is 85%.

·   Total Nitrogen is out of season. 

·   Total Phosphorus was 0.66 mg/l.  DEM requirement is 1.0 mg/l. 

·   Sludge to Synagro was 352 wet tons. Sludge to Landfill was 122 wet tons.  Total sludge was 474 tons.  Synagro had an issue with a pump and was closed for a couple of days. 

 

·   There were 2 public line block ups:

1.   Main Street

2.   Junior Street

 

·   There were 4 private line block ups:

1.   Colonial Way

2.   Queen Avenue

3.   Robinson Way

4.   Wilson Street

 

·   There were 9 odor complaints:

1.   4 from Fernwood Drive

 

·   There were no facility violations. 

·   We have three positions available.  One in maintenance which we will be interviewing for next week and hope to have it filled by mid-January.  We have an office manager’s position open which was previously the Director of Administration.  We have interviews set up for next week and hope to have this position filled by mid to late January.  The third position is for an Assistant Superintendent.  We had interviews yesterday and second interviews will be held later this week.  We hope to have a decision by New Year’s. 

 

G-2:     Industrial Pretreatment Program –October and November 2021

 

Significant Industrial Users

 

·   The Significant Industrial Users all submitted their self-monitoring reports. 

·   Warwick Ice Cream had a violation because of their oil and grease.  They were issued a Notice of Violation and instructed to retest and that test was in compliance.

·   Noramco had a second violation for Acetone.  They were issued a Notice of Violation and an Administrative Penalty of $100. 

·   Amtrol is making modifications in order to correct the problems they’ve been having with zinc.

 

Private Wastewater Treatment Facilities

    

·   East Greenwich Square conducted cleaning of their line and the line was found to be in generally good condition.

 

Food Service Inspections

Over 25 inspections were conducted in October and November.

 

·   Gel’s Kitchen, Cowesett Subway and Alex Pizza all had violations in regards to their grease recovery devices.  Each facility received a $100 penalty.

 

Food Service Permits

Permits were issued to the following establishments.

 

·   Victoria’s Sweet Bakery

·   California Taco

·   Bakery on Tiogue Avenue

·   Hong Kong Restaurant

·   Cowesett Inn

·   Fu Ming

·   Applebee’s

 

Plan Reviews

 

·     Plans were reviewed for 495 Washington Street in Coventry.  The plans were not in compliance and a letter was issued.

·     Plans were reviewed for Thundermist and found to be in general compliance.  A letter was issued.

·     The owner of 293 Providence Street submitted plans to bring Boomerangs and Homemade Donuts into compliance and a letter was issued.

 

G-3:     Director of Administration

 

·     Year-to-Date Operating and Debt Expenses for Fiscal Year 2022 as of November 30^th totaled $4,713,526 which is 50% of the annual budget. 

·     Fiscal Year 2022 Sewer Usage collections through November 30^th totaled $3,877,226 which is 58% of the total billed. Of the total collected, $35,796 represents interest.

·     Fiscal Year 2022 Sewer Assessment collections through November 30^th totaled $184,635 which is 79% of the total billed.  Of the total collected, $1,245 represents interest.

·     Cash and Investments through November 30^th totaled $3,240,113.

·     Director of Administration, Christine Suvajian is leaving as of December 31^st.  Below is her letter to the Sewer Commission.

 

Dear Sewer Commission, Town Manager, and my friends of West Warwick:

 

As I retire from my position this month, I want to thank you for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to work, learn and grow with the Town of West Warwick.  Working for the Town has contributed greatly to both my personal and professional development.  After 18 happy and productive years, I leave with many memories and friendships to cherish for the rest of my life.  I want to express my gratitude for the support you have offered me through these years. 

 

As happy as I am to be moving on to the next chapter of my life, I can’t help but be a little sad that I won’t be seeing my coworkers and well-wishers on a daily basis. I’ve enjoyed working for the Town but look forward to making new memories and achieving new goals.

 

I wish the best to the Town of West Warwick and the people who make it great!

 

Sincerely,

Christine Suvajian

 

 

·     Council President Gosselin said it has always been a pleasure working with Ms. Suvajian.  She was always easy to talk with and anytime there was an issue or concern she would get you answers within 24 hours.  He wishes her the best of luck.

·     Council Vice President Williamson stated the Council would like to send gratitude for all the years Ms. Suvajian worked in West Warwick.  She did a terrific job and she has big shoes to fill.

 

H:        Old Business

 

H-1:     CWL Report Update

 

·   Mr. Chapdelaine stated he came in at the tail-end of this report.  He explained that a company was brought in to evaluate the staff and the plant to see where we are and where they thought we should be.  

·   Mr. Chapdelaine handed out a synopsis of the issues that were listed in the report and the status of each.  He asked that the Commission review the handout and if they have any questions or concerns to please call or email him or stop by the plant to discuss them.

·   Council President Gosselin asked about item #8, Inventory Management.  Mr. Chapdelaine stated the storage containers have been purchased and they are just waiting for the Electrician to install the lighting in them.  Once that’s done we will be installing the shelving then stocking the shelves. 

·   Council Vice President Williamson stated during interviews for Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Chapdelaine did ask the candidates if they had experience with Inventory Management and most of them did.

 

H-2:     Reallocation of Capital Funding

 

·   Council Vice President Williamson stated this was discussed at the Sewer Subcommittee meeting.  The American Rescue funds will allow us to do some work at the sewer plant. 

 

·   Mr. Knott stated one of the permissible expenditures through the American Rescue Plan is sewer infrastructure.  At the last Subcommittee we went through some of the pending sewer infrastructure needs.  We are in the process of finalizing the numbers and will propose to utilize American Rescue Plan funds in lieu of Capital expenses in order to potentially keep our rates close to where they are now.

·   Councilman Bourget asked if there is a printout to show what is being moved around.  Mr. Knott replied it is not finalized yet.  We had items on the Capital list for this current year and for next year.  He opes to have a loose priority list to discuss with the Council by the end of January.

 

I.          Resolutions

 

SC2021-30:  Bid Award for Water Meter Chamber

 

RESOLVED, per recommendation of the Superintendent of Sewers and James J. Geremia & Associates, Inc., to award the bid for a Water Meter Chamber (Contract No. 2022-03) to BOYLE & FOGARTY CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. of Smithfield, Rhode Island in the amount of One Hundred Eighty-Six Thousand, Six Hundred Twenty-Five and No/100 Dollars ($186,625.00).

 

Resolution moved by Council Vice President Williamson and seconded by Councilman Messier.

 

·   Mr. Geremia stated we went out to bid in September for the installation of a new water meter.  Two years ago when they went to do the annual calibration of the water meter coming into the plant it was found to be defective and improvements could not be made to it because the below ground structure no longer meets OSHA requirements.  We have delayed this project because of the Capital expenditures but it really should have been done two years ago.

·   The bids range from $194,350.00 to $186,625.00.  The low bid was received by Boyle & Fogarty of Smithfield, Rhode Island. 

·   Based on past experience and performance of Boyle & Forgarty and review of the bids, we recommend with the consent of the Subcommittee, Boyle & Forgarty.

·   Council Vice President Williamson asked about the timing of the project.  Mr. Geremia replied he will give the Notice of Award tomorrow.  Once all of the insurance documents and signed contracts are received and the technical specs have been confirmed it will be submitted to the Town Council for signature.  The contractor will begin then however, there is still a great delay on delivery of equipment and we need to cut into the road which can’t be done in the winter months.  Realistically, this project probably won’t begin until the Spring of next year.

·   Council Vice President Williamson asked if we will be using Capital money for this.  Mr. Geremia replied originally this was in the Capital budget but it was put off at the October meeting because we were overbudget.  Now with the American Rescue Funds available we are trying to move all of our Capital expenditures from this year and next year to the American Rescue Plan.

 

All in favor, none opposed and unanimously voted to accept.

 

SC2021-31:  Change Order No. 2 – Solids Handling Facility Upgrades (Contract No. 2020-04)

 

RESOLVED, per recommendation of the Superintendent of Sewers and James J. Geremia & Associates, Inc., that the Town Council President as Sewer Commission Chairman be authorized to sign the attached Change Order No. 2 (Contract No. 2020-04) with Hart Engineering Corporation of Cumberland, Rhode Island in the amount not to exceed $238,960.00.

 

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Council President as Sewer Commission Chairman be authorized to sign any related contracts upon review and approval of the Town Solicitor and the Administration.

 

Resolution moved by Council Vice President Williamson and seconded by Councilman Messier.

 

·   Mr. Geremia stated we talked to the Finance Director and she indicated that we were allowed to extend the contract with Hart Engineering, who installed the Centrifuges, in order to replace the Screw Conveyors.  This project will extend the conveyor belt and allow both Centrifuges to run the conveyor. 

·   This will save in operational expenses and it was on the Capital plan for last year but we held off on it because it came in overbudget.  Now, with the American Rescue Funds we can implement this.

·   The total cost of this project is $1,016,705.25.  The contract completion date has been extended to September 30, 2022.

 

All in favor, none opposed and unanimously voted to accept.

 

SC2021-32:  Sewer Commission Meeting Schedule for 2022

 

RESOLVED, that the Sewer Commission, appointed by the Town Council, will meet on the third Tuesday of each month and on the fourth Tuesday of February, April and May at 6:00 p.m. per the following schedule.  Special Meetings will be held in accordance with Article 4, Section 404 of the Town of West Warwick Town Charter. 

 

Resolution moved by Council Vice President Williamson and seconded by Councilman Messier.  All in favor, none opposed and unanimously voted to accept.

 

SC2021-33:  Sewer Subcommittee Meeting Schedule for 2022

 

RESOLVED, that the Sewer Subcommittee, appointed by the Town Council, will meet on the first Thursday of each month at 3:00 p.m. (excluding holidays when it will be moved to the following Thursday) prior to the monthly Sewer Commission meetings, per the following schedule.  Special Meetings will be held in accordance with Article 4, Section 404 of the Town of West Warwick Town Charter. 

 

Resolution moved by Council Vice President Williamson and seconded by Councilman Messier.  All in favor, none opposed and unanimously voted to accept.

 

SC2021-34:  Sewer Use Appeals Board Meeting Schedule for 2022

 

RESOLVED, that the Sewer Use Appeals Board, appointed by the Town Council, will meet on the first Thursday of each month at 4:00 p.m. (excluding holidays when it will be moved to the following Thursday) per the following schedule. 

 

Resolution moved by Council Vice President Williamson and seconded by Councilman Messier.  All in favor, none opposed and unanimously voted to accept.

 

J.         Consent Agenda

 

SC2021-35: 

 

RESOLVED that the consent agenda, having been posted, all matters having been referred to proper departments and being disposed of or awaiting recommendations the same is hereby approved.

 

Resolution moved by Council Vice President Williamson and seconded by Councilman Messier.  All in favor, none opposed and unanimously voted to accept.

 

K.        Public Comment

 

·Council President Gosselin said he sent an email to Mr. Chapdelaine, Council Vice President Williamson and Mr. Knott regarding Main Street.  Mr. Knott replied he spoke to Mr. Geremia about it.  Council President Gosselin asked that someone get back to him as the business/home owner wants to know what his options are.

 

L.         Adjourn

 

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Messier and seconded by Council Vice President Williamson.  All in favor, none opposed and unanimously voted to accept.

 

 

To view this meeting go to:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6a5AKkU_XWQPoV26Xmc0qA