Utility Commission - Minutes - 04/08/2025

WATERFORD UTILITY COMMISSION 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DATE:  
 
April 8, 2025 
 
PLACE:  
 
1000 Hartford Turnpike  
 
PRESIDING: 
 
Chairman Ken Kirkman 
 
MEMBERS PRESENT: 
 Tom Dembek, Jerry Porter, Ray Valentini and Rodney Pinkham 
 
ALSO PRESENT:  
Attorney Nicholas Kepple, Town Counsel 
 
 
 
J. Robert Tuneski, Finance Liaison 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Staff:  Jill Stevens, Director of Utilities  
 
           Shawn Matthews, Assistant Director of Utilities 
 
Chairman Kirkman called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm 
 
CITIZEN SESSION-             
None 
 
SECRETARY’S REPORT 
MOTION 
Made by Mr. Dembek to amend and approve the Minutes of March 11, 2025, 
Mr. Valentini seconded. 
 
VOTE 
The motion passed unanimously. 
 
BILLING ADJUSTMENTS 
The Commission reviewed the March adjustments. The adjustment report will be kept in the 
office for review.  
 
 
EXPENDITURES 
 
MOTION 
Made by Mr. Dembek to approve the March 2025 bill list, Mr. Pinkham 
seconded. 
 
VOTE 
 
The motion passed unanimously. 
OLD BUSINESS 
• 
Director’s Report 
Ms. Stevens reviewed her report that provides updated information on all Utility 
Commission Capital and Operational projects that are currently funded and the status of 
each project. A copy of the Director’s Report will be attached to the minutes when 
posted. 
 

Waterford Utility Commission 
April 8, 2025 
2 | P a g e  
 
• 
Collection’s Report 
Report was reviewed and Attorney Kepple reported that all is going well. 
 
• 
Financial Report 
 
 
The financials for February were reviewed. 
 
NEW BUSINESS 
Lien Minimum Amount Discussion 
Ms. Stevens updated the Commission on the liens process within our new billing software.  One of the 
questions raised by staff was the minimum amount that we can lien a property.  Ms. Stevens said more 
research is needed into the policy history and a proposal would be put together for the next meeting 
with recommended amount and the reasoning behind it, if needed. 
 
Tri-Town Agreement 
Attorney Kepple reported that the sections of the sewer agreement surrounding Extraterritorial Expansion 
has not been addressed by the three municipalities yet. The agreement stated that this would be updated 
within 2 years of signing.  Attorney Kepple stressed the importance of meeting with the other two towns to 
start working on doing this. 
RTM Meeting 
Attorney Kepple recommended that staff attend the RTM meetings to make a presentation so the 
members of the Board can a have a better understanding of the Utility Commission and how it operates. 
Ms. Stevens reported that she had spoken with the RTM Moderator and Town Clerk about this and is on 
the agenda for the June meeting. 
WATER  
City of New London/Veolia Report. 
The report was reviewed by the Commission. 
 
Water Agreement Working Group Update 
Attorney Kepple gave an update for the working group. He stated that funding will be needed in order to 
thoroughly examine all alternatives that are available for Waterford surrounding the June 2028 
expiration of the Interlocal Water Contract. 
CORRESPONDENCE 
Ms. Stevens reviewed the OSHA complaints with the Commission and is awaiting their findings from 
their investigation. 
 
PLANS REVIEW –  
None 
 
PERSONNEL 
The Department is fully staffed. 
 
ADJOURNMENT 
With no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m. 
 
 

Waterford Utility Commission 
April 8, 2025 
3 | P a g e  
 
 
MOTION 
Made by Mr. Pinkham to adjourn, Mr. Valentini seconded. 
 
 
 
VOTE 
 
The motion passed unanimously. 
 
Respectfully submitted, 
 
 
Amy Windle 
Recording Secretary 

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Waterford Utility Commission 
Director’s Report 
April 8, 2025 
             This report summarizes the Commission’s ongoing projects and operational activities as of 4/7/25 
 
Current Capital and Capital Non-Recurring Funded Projects 
 
1. Inflow and Infiltration Mitigation and Control 
FY 19 Capital & Non-Recurring Expenditure Fund L.I. #20531-57685  
 
Original Appropriation: $388,303.00       Available Balance: $237,195.76 
 
This is an ongoing project to identify sources of Inflow and Infiltration within the Richards Grove Sewer 
Basin. As of 4/3/2025 Wright Pierce with continued assistance with Waterford continues to review billing 
data as well as flow metering data previously collected by rental units. Wright Pierce is attempting to 
make contact with NE3 to get the flow meter data converted on Waterford’s behalf, as we have been 
unsuccessful in reaching our vendor. A draft report was emailed on October 30, 2024 for review and 
comment, staff reviewed and issued comments back to Wright Pierce to address within the report. 
Waterford has received their flow meters back from calibration.   Flow meter data will be used to 
determine next location for flow meters. Field data and video review and QA/QC will be completed by 
Friday, September 13, 2024 with a target date of September 27th for the draft report. No major manhole 
defects were noted. All field testing is completed (manhole inspections, smoke testing).  Wright Pierce is 
reviewing the field-testing results and working a Technical Memorandum with the results.  Manhole 
inspections were conducted on July 15 followed by Smoke testing of the sewer mains on July 16th. The 
Richards Grove Road Wastewater Basin I&I evaluation being conducted by Wright-Pierce Engineers for 
the amount of $27,500.00 This project consist of conducting inflow and infiltration I&I evaluations and 
Sewer System Evaluation Study (SSES) . This drainage area has been identified as one of the larger 
contributors of I&I to our Collection System. This area possesses approximately 5 miles of 8-
inch diameter gravity sewer piping and serves primarily residential users. The current flows received 
and conveyed by the Richards Grove Pump Station are greater than the current capacity of the pump 
station, triggering the potential need for a capacity upgrade if the I & I  sources cannot be identified 
and mitigated. The I&I mitigation and control program is an ongoing project. Our staff routinely conducts 
pipeline and manhole assessments with the use of our CCTV and Jet Rodding apparatus. Deficiencies are 
located, graded and catalogued based upon severity. Corrective repairs are typically conducted during 
springtime utilizing robotic trenchless technology.  

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2. Old Norwich Road Wastewater Pump Station Rehabilitation 
There are two CNR designations totaling $1,299,369 in L.I. # 20531-57816.   
Available CNR Balance: $160,595.91  
In addition, available ARPA funds in the amount of $1,020,041.  
No major issues/concerns to report as of 4/3/25. Contractor confirming delivery of electrical 
gear.  Currently still indicating end of May to mobilize on site but contingent on receiving confirmation 
from electrical gear supplier. A formal change order to the contract has been requested to extend the 
completion date as the project was originally scheduled to be complete this spring. The new roof was 
installed in June of 2024. Stored materials have been relocated from the Holzner warehouse to a storage 
container box located at the pump station. 
Contractor submittals ongoing (approximately 85% complete with submittals).  Contractor completion 
date remains November of 2025 currently.  
The updated construction schedule is as follows: 
• 
Install new doors & trim: The doors and trim work are complete.  
• 
Power wash building & fencing at fuel tank – will be completed when doors are installed 
• 
Gas line install to building – Eversource installed the line on Thursday 9/19. 
• 
Gas line run from regulator/ meter to building entrance – Holzner/ mechanical contractor ran 
underground gas line from regulator to north side. 
• 
Switchgear is showing delivery late spring – once received, bulk of work will commence 
• 
Bypass install / contractor mobilization – end of May 
• 
Electrical installation – commence once bypass system in place 
• 
Mechanical installation - commence once bypass system in place 
• 
Final site work – commence after bypass system removal 
Competitive bid results for this project were received on August 10, 2023. The lowest bid received was 
from Holzner Construction in the amount of $2,113,850.00 The Notice to Proceed for Holzner was 
executed on January 16, 2024. A Contract Administration proposal from Wright- Pierce was executed 
1/19/2024 in the amount of $55,800.00 an anticipated completion date is expected about November 
2025.  
 
3. Control Panel Retrofit 
FY22 Capital Improvement Fund L.I. # 33122-55894 
Original Appropriation: $30,000.00       Available Balance: $0 – line closed 
 
This work is being completed in conjunction with the SCADA system upgrade, to date a high definition 
screen has been installed at the Route 85/Crystal Mall station and a 10 inch screen at Stoney Brook. All 
ordered parts have arrived, we anticipate beginning this project in the next 3-4 weeks once Ridgewood 
Ave is complete. This project entails replacing the existing pump control panels, which are obsolete and 
unsupported with current control technology. This work will ensue upon completion of upgrades 
currently being conducted at 10 of the lift stations, which are identified within this report and are being 
funded with ARPA funds. 
 
4. Pump Station Exterior Improvements 
FY22&23 Capital Improvement Fund L.I. # 33123-55895 
Original Appropriations: $ 100,000.00 (50K ea. L.I.)      Available Balance: $15,412.84 
 

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The crew has begun spring cleanup at all the stations and are taking inventory of exterior items that 
require work. We will be speaking with Turello about a quote for the driveway replacement at Cross Road 
Station in the next few weeks. To date under these two L.I.#s, roof replacements have occurred at Shore 
Road, Dock Road, Bolles Ct, Waterford Village, Sea Side, Niantic River Rd, Mago Pt and Evergreen Ave 
stations. The exterior siding was replaced at the Waterford Village and Bolles Ct stations. Siding repairs 
were conducted at Stoney Brook Station. A new asphalt driveway was installed at the East Neck pump 
station.  
 
5. Gorman-Rupp Pump Station Controls 
This is an ARPA allocation project in the amount of $163,750.00. L.I. # 23531-55013 
 
No change on this project in the last 30 days. To date Shore Road, Dock Road, Richards Grove Road, Old 
Barry Road, Quaker Hill Center, Oil Mill, Oswegatchie Rd and Niantic River Road stations are complete; 
Ridgewood Ave station, is the last station for this project and is at approximately 50% complete, the wet 
well work is complete, some interior work remains, due to manpower issues this work was delayed from 
last month, we anticipate the remaining work will take 10-14 working days to complete as time permits. 
Utility Commission staff is performing the installation of equipment, conduits and wiring. A scope of 
services change order was executed that directs the contractor to supply 18 cellular amplifiers and 
associated equipment in lieu of providing broadband to 5 stations. Utility Commission staff will be 
installing the amplifiers during the process of the controls upgrades. This project is ongoing. 
 
6. Contract #1 Sewer Easement Access Project. 
Capital Improvement Fund L.I. # 33123-55019  
Original Appropriation: $250,000.00     
Available Balance $147,200.00 
 
Drawings are 90% complete, and spec package is 100% complete, a site walk with Wright Pierce is 
scheduled for April 9th to discuss and finalize package for bidding. Per Wright-Pierce, drawing updates 
and draft specifications are in progress. A kick off call to begin the final design package (drawing and 
specs) to be used for contractor bid solicitation and construction for Phase One of the restoration project 
occurred on January 22, drawing updates are in progress.  Phase one will encompass the southern 
section of the interceptor beginning at the intersection of Great Neck Road and Rope Ferry Road to the 
end of the Interceptor at Evergreen Pump Station. Phase two which encompasses the northern section of 
the interceptor from Boston Post Road to Great Neck Road requires the acquisition of additional 
easements to gain access to the interceptor during restoration and for the Utility Commission staff in the 
future. Splitting the project into two Phases allows restoration work to begin while easements are 
procured, so that once Phase one is complete easements will be in place and Phase two can begin shortly 
thereafter. 
Contract One Restoration Preliminary Design: W-P and WUC to have Teams meeting (tentative for 
Tuesday July 16) to discuss scope for the final design and construction.  Also discuss the approach for 2 
new easements that may be required for interceptor access.   Based on the meeting, W-P will provide a 
fee proposal for the final design package (drawing and specs) to be used for contractor bid solicitation 
and construction.   
The request for a Special Appropriation of funds in the amount of $500,000 was approved by the Board 
of Selectmen on 1/10/23. On 1/11/23 the Board of Finance acted to reduce the original request 
appropriation to $250,000. On 2/6/23 the RTM approved the $250,000.00 Special appropriation. On 
August 8, 2023 the Utility Commission accepted Wright–Pierce Engineers (W/P) task order proposal in 

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the amount of $75,200.00. Survey of the C-1 easement started October 2, 2023 and is now complete. 
Wright-Pierce (W/P) submitted the Preliminary drawings on February 6, 2024. A plan review session was 
conducted on February 14, 2024 at which time we identified various access alternatives.  
 
7. Plastic Water Service Line Replacement Program 
CNR Appropriation L.I. # 20531-57881       
Original Appropriations: $550,000.00+$181,300.00 = $731,300.00  
Available Balance: $423,514.18 
An additional 100K was designated in both FY24 and FY25, a request to move from an appropriation to a 
designation will take place when the currently appropriated funds are expended.  
 
The bid package for Old Norwich Road PWS replacements has been approved and is out to bid, a pre-
submittal meeting is scheduled for April 22, bids are due May 6th. Bidders are required to mobilize within 
2-3 weeks of receipt of award in order to keep ahead of DPW’s paving schedule. Our crew has picked up 
our mini-excavator for the season, and are preparing to begin work on Albacore the week of April 7th. 
2023-2024 Project History: The Maintenance crew has completed work on Quarry Road, Goshen Road, 
Leary Drive and Country Club Drive, a total of 65 services were investigated, of which 41 were identified 
as plastic service lines and replaced, this amounted to 972 LF of service line replacement on these 
streets.  Work commenced on the Plastic Water Service Replacement Project on May 22, 2023. In Fiscal 
Year 2024 the City of New London’s contract service provider, Veolia replaced 21 plastic services on 
Shore Road; Waterford Utility Commission Maintenance Staff investigated a total of 425 services of 
which 105 were identified as plastic services and replaced on Shore Road, Niantic River Road, Tiffany Ave, 
East Brook Drive, Savi Ave, Cherry Street, Willow Street, Cedar Street, Mackenzie Road, Lark Street, 
Thrush Street, Robin Street, Quail Street, Kingfisher Way, Kestrel Lane, Woodlawn Ave and Woodlawn 
Court; a total of 2,584 LF of service lines were replaced. A request for an additional $181,300.00 to 
replace plastic water services on Old Norwich Rd was approved by the Board of Selectman, Board of 
Finance and subsequently by the RTM on August 7, 2023.  
 
8. Wiemes & Marilyn Road Ejector Pump Replacement 
CNR Appropriation L.I. # 20531-57890  
$19,800.00 
 
A site visit was conducted on April 2nd by Wright-Pierce, both stations were visited along with a packaged 
pump station as an example of what the Utility Commission has done for building enclosures. A signed 
task order was sent to Wright Pierce on March 3rd, Wright-Pierce is working with WUC staff to gather 
station and force main record drawings/documentation and run time data for each station, and a site 
visit to each station will be conducted within the next few weeks as they begin their analysis. On February 
2nd the RTM approved our request to appropriate the designated funds following approval on January 
15th from Board of Finance and January 7th approval from Board of Selectmen, funds will be available 15 
days thereafter, as which time the task order will be signed and the Engineering Study can begin.  
Wiemes Ct and Marilyn Rd pump stations were designed in 1981. These stations are known as Pneumatic 
Ejectors. The station itself is a steel cylinder 9' in diameter buried about 18 feet below ground and 
accessed via a manway. The station houses the pots, compressors and control panel. The stations have 
exceeded their design life and do not operate efficiently. An engineering study is warranted to fully 
evaluate the stations structural integrity and plan for the station's replacement. In addition, 
considerations for permanent stand by power should be evaluated, as portable generators have to be 

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mobilized in the event of need. Wright-Pierce provided a fee proposal for $19,800 to complete the 
needed engineering study, a formalized task order has been requested, with the understanding the 
funding must be appropriated prior to execution of the task order. 
 
Sewer Development & Maintenance Fund Projects 
9. SCADA System Upgrade Design/Build 
L.I. # 24431-57766  
Approved Task Order: $147,600.00 
 
A final amendment to the scope of the project was received on March 26th after much discussion, one 
final addition to the scope was made to host a documentation management portal for ease of 
management for all Utility Commission documentation moving forward. The total cost for the change of 
scope is an additional $19,200 to their original approved task order and a timeline extension of 6-8 weeks 
as a result of the verbally agreed upon scope changes. The changes to the scope will net long term 
savings to the Commission over the life of the SCADA system due to the elimination of the $2,000 
monthly cost for a separate fiber internet connection which over an anticipated 7 year life of the system 
equates to a cost savings of over $150,000 in internet connection fees alone, amongst other reoccurring 
costs for data storage and back up. 
The current SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system has experienced multiple failures 
over the past several months, which has necessitated calling in the entire crew to canvas the pumps 
stations on at least one occasion while the system was brought back online; additionally two different 
software programs used to operate the system are no longer supported and the hardware has exceeded 
its useful life. The Commission has entered into a design-build contract with Wright Pierce, our on-call 
engineering firm, to replace the failing system. The new system platform will be Ignition, a software 
system found and piloted by one of our current Maintenance Operators and presented to the 
Commission over the past few years. Additionally the communication between stations to the 
maintenance shop/Municipal Complex will be accomplished over a closed zero-tunnel cellular network 
with radio redundancy. The Commission approved the proposal from Wright-Pierce for this project in 
August of 2024, the cellular network work is outside of this proposal and is being handled by Utility 
Commission staff. As a result of discussions and investigations made over the last few months, an 
amendment to the scope of the project will be made. This amendment was discussed at the December 
meeting with a representative from Wright-Pierce and involved avoiding duplicative efforts in terms of IT 
infrastructure/resources that the Town could provide the Commission, including options for fiber 
connectivity, data storage, and virtualized hosts. 
To date the following progress has been made on this project: 
1) Project kickoff meeting held on site October 3rd.  Wright-Pierce reviewed the current network 
architecture and programs/ hardware.   
2) Preliminary network architecture drawings in progress, coordination meeting with Waterford IT on 
Dec 6h.    
3) Revised preliminary network drawings based on initial/follow up discussions. 
4) Verizon design meeting to review cellular network needs 
5) IT meeting to discuss virtual historian and data storage. 
6) Commission meeting to review modified scope per above 
7) A follow up IT meeting to solidify scope changes for forthcoming amendment. 
8) Conceptual SCADA hardware design 95% complete waiting on Client decision on Pump Station Wi-Fi 
dot1x 
9) Virtual Infrastructure Network Drawing 95% complete 

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10) Amendment 1 being drafted for changes as outcome of virtualization decisions. 
11) HMI Development 90% Complete.  
12) Currently working on putting screenshots together for client review.  
 
10. Water and Wastewater Standards and Specifications Update 
L.I. # 24431-52121 
Approved Task Order: $36,800.00 
 
The current Water and Wastewater Standard and Specifications the Utility Commission uses are 
significantly outdated and require updating. This project is being cost-shared with the City of New 
London. Wright Pierce Update as of 4/3/25: Water specifications and standard details draft submitted for 
review by Waterford staff. WUC staff is currently reviewing. 
 
Utility Commission Operational Projects 
• 
All wastewater collection system components and equipment are operational.  
• 
Asset Management update:  
• 
Preparing to deploy fleet module  
• 
Integrating safety equipment 
• 
Continuing training and reviewing provided workflows to best fit the needs of our crew 
• 
Municipal Waterworks Meetings: a meeting is scheduled for April 17th 
• 
Municipal Wastewater Flow Metering verification was performed by an independent vendor, the Utility 
Commission and the City of New London will engage Flow Assessment Services to manage the inter-
municipal flow meters with full transparency and ensuring both municipalities have real time access to 
the data at all times moving forward. 
 
Respectfully Submitted, 
Jill N. Stevens 
Director of Utilities