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WEST WARWICK TOWN COUNCIL ACTING AS

SEWER COMMISSION

MEETING MINUTES

DATE: TUESDAY, JUNE 21, 2022 TIME: 6:00 P.M.

LOCATION: TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1170 MAIN STREET

WEST WARWICK, RI 02893

A. Meeting called to order at 6:03 p.m. by Town Council President Gosselin

B. Prayer led by Councilman Bourget

C. Pledge of allegiance led by Councilman Licciardi

D. Roll Call

Members present:

Council President Gosselin

Council Vice President Williamson

Councilman Messier

Councilman Licciardi

Councilman Bourget

Participating communities:

Town of Coventry

Town of Scituate

City of Cranston

City of Warwick

Town of West Greenwich

E. Quorum on record declared

F. Minutes of previous meeting

SC2022-18:

RESOLVED, that the minutes of the April 26, 2022 Town Council meeting, acting as the Sewer Commission, is hereby accepted.

Resolution SC2022-12 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: Superintendent’s Report – May 2022

• Average daily flow was 5.1 mgd with a maximum of 9.0 mgd and a minimum of 2.5 mgd.

• CBOD removal was 98% at 3.4 mgd.

• TSS removal was 98% at 3.1 mgd.

• Total Phosphorus was 0.09 mg/l. DEM requirement is 0.1 mg/l.

• Total Nitrogen was 6.9 mg/l. DEM requirement is 7.62 mg/l.

• Sludge to Synagro was 549 tons. No sludge was sent to the Landfill.

• There were no public line block ups:

• There were 5 private line block ups:

1. Robinson Way

2. Queen Avenue

3. Main Street

4. Mill Street

5. Perkins Street

• There were 10 odor complaints:

1. Providence Street (same residence)

• There were no facility violations.

• We are at full staff until the end of the month when three of our employees retire.

• Councilman Licciardi asked if the ten odor complaints were spread throughout the month or if there were a couple per day over a week or so. Mr. Chapdelaine replied they were spread out throughout the month. The resident also called DEM and complained about the odors and DEM contacted us to look into it further.

• Mr. Chapdelaine stated we’ve put a data-logger, which reads H2S, at the beginning of the plant. We have the operator take readings three times per day so we can do a monthly tracking. We are also having the operators do a perimeter check with a gas meter once per shift. So far, for the month of June there have been no odors detected.

• Mr. Hoak stated he talked to this homeowner several times during the month of May. They usually complain when they open their windows or sit out on their deck. The proximity of their house to the plant is pretty close as is the meter at the front of the plant to their house which we are checking that continuously throughout the day.

• Councilman Licciardi asked what they say it smells like. Mr. Hoak replied they say it smells like sewer.

• Councilman Bourget asked if a meter could be set up at the house to see if any readings are being picked up there. Mr. Chapdelaine replied yes. There was mention that the house has recently been sold.

G-2: Industrial Pretreatment Program – May 2022

Significant Industrial Users

• Noramco submitted their self-monitoring reports and all perimeters were within the permit limits.

• We conducted our annual inspection of the Noramco facilities at 498 and 500 Washington Street in Coventry. They are under new ownership and a new permit will be issued. Based on our inspection, the facilities are well run and the employees are well trained. The pharmaceutical company will be transitioning to more virtual and will no longer be doing production at this facility.

Private Wastewater Treatment Facilities

• Centre of New England conducted a line cleaning. They are trying to sell some of the satellite facilities. We will require that the satellite facilities have O&M agreements with the developer.

Food Service

• Blackstone Herb and Coffee Bar took over the taco facility in the Centre of New England to combine the space. They will be issued a new permit.

New Construction

• Construction at 1180 Tiogue Avenue was performed without any inspections by the Program. We notified the engineer for the Town of Coventry and were told that Coventry will accept all responsibility for the sub-standard construction.

• Council Vice President Williamson asked if we have that in writing. Mr. Geremia replied yes.

• Councilman Licciardi asked if that could affect us. Mr. Geremia replied only if there is a break in the line. We would then get in touch with the Town of Coventry and have them correct it.

Plan Reviews

• Plans were reviewed for Splash Car Wash in the Centre of New England. The plans did not meet requirements and a letter was issued. We have a moratorium on new connections there because they are under receivership. Their engineer is supposed to be providing us with O&M manuals but has not therefore, we will not issue a permit for this facility until we see some progress with the O&M manuals and the bills owed to West Warwick.

• Plans were reviewed for the Huntley Building. They were generally consistent with the standards and a letter was issued.

Other

• El Patron International Food Restaurant in West Warwick filed an application. An inspection of the facility showed deficiencies so we are working with the owners to come up with a compliance schedule. In the meanwhile, a permit was issued.

• We are working with the contractor and reviewing plans for an expansion at 22 Monterey Drive.

G-3: Financial Report

• Year-to-Date Operating and Debt Expenses for Fiscal Year 2022 as of May 31st totaled $8,627,234 which is 91% of the annual budget.

• Fiscal Year 2022 Sewer Usage collections through May 31st totaled $6,980,515 which is 82% of the total billed.

• Fiscal Year 2022 Sewer Assessment collections through May 31st totaled $295,139 which is 133% of the total billed.

• Cash and Investments through May 31st totaled $3,243,148.

• There is only one private pump station bill outstanding from last year. A second delinquent invoice with additional penalties has been mailed.

• In May we mailed 1,443 delinquent notices following the same criteria as the February notices. This was a 32% decrease from what we mailed in February. The total of this mailing is $751,412. The February mailing totaled $1,071,896.

• The facility received two grants from The Trust. One for $1,000 to reduce the cost of replacing two defibrillators and another for $192.50 to purchase additional Lockout/Tagout products.

• In April the facility signed an agreement with the Department of Human Services. The Governor has expanded the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to include a new Low-Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). This will allow Westbay Community Action to make payments to the Town on behalf of residents who are delinquent on their bills.

• Mr. Corrente stated he has forwarded the delinquent list to Westbay Community Action who will call the taxpayers on the list and let them know they are eligible for this new program.

• Mr. Corrente said this information has been posted on our website.

• Councilman Licciardi asked how far under budget we project to be. Mr. Corrente replied about $250,000-$300,000 under.

• Council Vice President Williamson noted the sewer usage is a little lower than expected for the end of May. Mr. Corrente replied he saw that also and he has reached out to Accountant Civetti who will be coming in the last week of July to do his review and to give us final numbers. Mr. Corrente said he anticipates it being similar to last year and the numbers not being as far off as they seem now.

• Councilman Licciardi said we’ve collected 133% of the total billed and we’re projecting to be $300,000 in the black for this year. Would it be possible to lower the rate for next year? Mr. Corrente replied this year we’re under budget primarily because ARPA funds were being utilized for Capital projects. Council Vice President Williamson stated the 133% over is for sewer assessment, the sewer usage amount is below what it should be.

H. Resolutions

SC2022-19: Emergency Generator Repair Services

RESOLVED, per recommendation by the Superintendent of Sewers, to award the following bid for EMERGENCY GENERATOR PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR SERVICES (Contract No. 2022-012) to: GENERATOR’S MD, LLC, 14 CIRCLEWOOD DRIVE, COVENTRY, RI 02816.

The Award shall be for a period of three (3) years, commencing on June 1, 2022 and terminating on May 31, 2025 for the sum of Thirty-Three Thousand Three-Hundred and Thirty-Dollars and zero cents. ($33,330.00).

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

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

• Mr. Chapdelaine stated we had two bidders and our current vendor came in with the lowest bid.

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

SC2022-20: Sewer Excavating Services

RESOLVED, per recommendation by the Superintendent of Sewers, to award the following bid for MUNICIPAL SEWER EXCAVATING SERVICES (Contract No. 2022-11) to: CASSISI II CONSTRUCTION INC., PO BOX 19959, JOHNSTON, RI 02919

The Award shall be for a period of one (1) year, commencing on June 1, 2022 and terminating on May 31, 2023, unless an extension is mutually agreed upon by the parties, for an As-Needed Basis for pricing as set forth in the attached Exhibit A.

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

• Mr. Corrente asked the Council to reject this bid award. There was only one bid. He said after doing more due diligence, we found the excavator cost is triple and the labor cost is more than double what we’re currently paying. The Superintendent did some research and found some contractors we can use through the State MPA, the bid vendor being one of them. We would like the flexibility to use the MPA or re-bid if necessary. Mr. Nunes is our current contractor for emergency excavating and he will continue to help us until we get a new contractor in place so we won’t run the risk of not having excavating services.

• Councilman Bourget asked if we’re sure we can just not award a bid after it’s already been put out. Solicitor Williamson nodded yes and Council President Gosselin said yes, we can.

• Councilman Licciardi asked if DPW or the Town owns an excavator. Council President Gosselin said yes, we just purchased it. He and Council Vice President Williamson said we really don’t want to get into that though due to the professional operation of excavating and digging up the roads.

A motion was made to deny resolution SC2022-20 by Councilman Messier and seconded by Council Vice President Williamson. All in favor, none opposed and unanimously voted to accept.

SC2022-21: Compost Mixing Unit

RESOLVED, per recommendation by the Superintendent of Sewers, the Town Council of the Town of West Warwick, acting as Sewer Commission, hereby authorizes the Wastewater Treatment Facility to sell in “AS-IS” condition to the highest bidder the above referenced equipment. This piece of equipment is no longer utilized by the Facility.

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

• Mr. Chapdelaine stated we have two centrifuges now for dewatering sludge. The compost was prior to that. We don’t use it or compost so we would like to sell it as it is not any use to us.

• Mr. Knott said it can go on Gov-Deals and go through the bidding process so we can get the best price.

• Council Vice President Williamson asked about the cost for moving it. Mr. Knott replied we can put conditions in the ad. Mr. Chapdelaine replied it has wheels so it can be towed.

• Councilman Licciardi asked if this is something we would ever use again. Mr. Chapdelaine said we haven’t used it in seven or eight years. Councilman Licciardi asked if this is something we would ever have to buy again if we got rid of this one. Mr. Chapdelaine replied we shouldn’t, unless the facility decides to give up everything we’ve been doing and go back to composting again.

• Mr. Knott said he believes the regulations changed and the cost of composting was more than we wanted to partake in. Mr. Geremia briefly discussed said regulations.

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

SC2022-22: Amendment-Primary Clarifiers

RESOLVED, per recommendation of the Superintendent of Sewers, to amend Resolution SC2022-09, as awarded by the Honorable West Warwick Town Council, acting as Sewer Commission, on March 15th 2022, awarding the bid to Hart Engineering Corporation of Cumberland, Rhode Island, to include the following company for the purpose of purchasing a 42H8T Spur Gear Assembly Drive to be utilized as part of replacing the Primary Clarifiers. AMWELL, C/O MCNISH CORPORATION of AURORA, IL 60506. This amendment does not increase the cost of the project and allows the Facility to purchase the part without paying a surcharge. The cost of the part is included with Resolution SC2022-09 utilizing ARPA.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Council President acting as Sewer Commission Chairman is hereby authorized to sign any related contracts subject to review and approval of the Town Solicitor and the Administration.

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

• Mr. Chapdelaine stated we would like to add a vendor to this resolution so we can pay a bill through ARPA. If it goes through the company doing the work it will be $7,000 more.

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

SC2022-23: Analytical Laboratory Work

RESOLVED, per recommendation by the Superintendent of Sewers, to award the following bid for ANALYTICAL LABORATORY WORK (Contract No. 2022-014) to: MICROBAC, 61 LOUISA VIENS DRIVE, DAYVILLE, CT 06241.

The Award shall be for a period of three (3) years, commencing on July 1, 2022 and terminating on June 30, 2025 for the sum of One-Hundred Thirty-Four Thousand Four-Hundred and Ninety-Six-Dollars and zero cents. ($134,496.00)

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

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

SC2022-24: Retirements - Congratulations and Well Wishes

WHEREAS: Candace Mandell, Michael Meagher and Patricia Sheridan have been dedicated employees for the Town of West Warwick with each providing over twenty-years of honorable service, and on the 30th day of June 2022, Candace, Michael and Patricia will retire from town employment where they have been valuable members of the Wastewater Facility Team, and

WHEREAS: Candace, Michael and Patricia’s enthusiasm, knowledge, work ethic and loyalty to the Sewer Commission, Wastewater Facility and Ratepayer’s of West Warwick will be greatly missed.

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

• Council President Gosselin thanked everyone for their 20+ years of service and said congratulations and best of luck.

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

SC2022-25: Polymer

RESOLVED, per recommendation by the Superintendent of Sewers, to award the following bid for POLYMER (Contract No. 2022-017) to: ATLANTIC COAST POLYMERS INC., 224 COMMERCIAL BLVD., SUITE 204, LAUDERDALE-BY-THE-SEA, FL 33308-4443.

The Award shall be for a period of one (1) year, commencing on July 1, 2022 and terminating on June 30, 2023 for the following pricing:

• ACP320: $2.46 per pound

• ACP4141: $1.83 per pound

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

• Mr. Chapdelaine stated there was only the one bidder who currently provides us with one of the polymers. Now they will provide us with both polymers that we use.

• Council Vice President Williamson wondered if they increase the price year after year and why no one else bid.

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

SC2022-26: Amendment-Solids Handling Facility & Water Meter Chamber

RESOLVED, per the recommendation of the Town Manager and Superintendent of Sewers that the Town Council acting as the Sewer Commission amend Resolutions SC2021-31 (Centrifuge) and SC2021-30 (Water Meter Chamber) to approve the use of American Rescue Plan Funds and encumber the following per project:

• SC2021-31 – Centrifuge: $238,960.00

• SC2021-30 – Water Meter Chamber: $186,625.00

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

• Mr. Knott stated this is an amendment to two resolutions that the Sewer Commission approved in December, 2021 to fix an omission. We had discussed these two projects being funded through ARPA but original resolution that was approved didn’t contain that phrase and we need that for reporting and compliance. Both projects are still in progress so we haven’t paid for them yet.

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

I. Consent Agenda

SC2022-27:

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.

J. Public Comment

• Someone asked for a copy of the Sewer Commission agenda. Council President Gosselin said they will get one.

K. 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.

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