Utility Commission - Minutes - 07/16/2024

WATERFORD UTILITY COMMISSION 
 
 
 
 
 
Special Meeting 
 
DATE:  
 
July 16, 2024 
 
PLACE:  
 
1000 Hartford Turnpike  
 
PRESIDING: 
 
Chairman Ken Kirkman 
 
MEMBERS PRESENT: 
 Tom Dembek, Raymond Valentini and Steve Negri 
 
ALSO PRESENT:  
Attorney Nick Kepple, Town Counsel 
 
 
 
Staff:  James A. Bartelli, Director of Utilities  
 
           Jill Stevens, Assistant Director of Utilities 
  
MEMBERS ABSENT: 
Rodney Pinkham  
 
Chairman Ken Kirkman called the meeting to order at 10:08 a.m. 
 
CITIZEN SESSION-             
 
None 
 
SECRETARY’S REPORT 
 
MOTION 
Made by Mr. Negri to approve the Minutes of the June 11th meeting, Mr. 
Dembek seconded. 
 
VOTE 
The motion passed unanimously. 
 
BILLING ADJUSTMENTS 
 
The Commission reviewed the June adjustments. The adjustment report will be kept in the 
office for review.  
 
 
EXPENDITURES 
 
MOTION 
Made by Mr. Negri to approve the June 2024 bill list, Mr. Valentini seconded. 
 
VOTE 
 
The motion passed unanimously. 
 
 

Waterford Utility Commission 
June 11, 2024 
 
 
 
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OLD BUSINESS 
 
• 
Director’s Report 
 
Mr. Bartelli reviewed his report that provides updated information on all Utility 
 
Commission Capital 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. 
 
 
• 
Collection’s Report 
The report was reviewed by the Commission.   
 
• 
Ad-Hoc Water Committee 
 
Mr. Valentini stated there was nothing new to report. 
 
• 
Connecticut College Municipal Sewer Connection 
Ms. Stevens stated that they are still waiting for Connecticut College to get back to her. 
 
• 
Asset Management Software 
Ms. Stevens reported that they have met two times with Beehive.  The staff is currently 
gathering information and working on building the system. 
 
• 
Plastic Water Service Replacement Program 
  
Mr. Bartelli reported that the program is going well. 
 
NEW BUSINESS 
• 
SCADA System 
               Mr. Bartelli explained that the current SCADA system is starting to have more failures  
 
and needs replacement.  Mr. Bartelli recommended that a design built concept be l
 
looked into.  The Commission agreed that this should be pursued. 
 
• 
Bloomingdale Road Pressure Zone Report 
               The Commission has been provided a copy of this evaluation report done on this low 
 
pressure area.  There was discussion on this matter. 
 
 
MOTION 
Made by Mr. Negri to accept the report with no action at this time,  
 
 
 
seconded by Mr. Dembek. 
 
 
VOTE 
 
The motion passed unanimously. 
 
WATER  
 
City of New London/Veolia Report. 
The report was reviewed by the Commission. 
 
 

Waterford Utility Commission 
June 11, 2024 
 
 
 
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Municipal Waterworks Meeting Update 
Mr. Bartelli went over the agenda of the last meeting and what was discussed.  He was happy to report 
that the meetings with New London have been beneficial.  He recommended that more Waterford Town 
Agencies should be present in future meetings. 
 
Correspondence 
Thomas Schacht- Attorney Kepple reported that he has received the information from Mr. Schacht that 
was sent to Mr. Bartelli.  Attorney Kepple is in the process of reviewing the information then will send a 
letter to New London’s Legal Counsel. 
 
PLANS REVIEW –  
None 
PERSONNEL 
• 
Sewer Technician 1 position has been posted. 
• 
Mr. Bartelli’s retirement party was discussed with the Commission. 
OTHER 
Evergreen Avenue Pump 1 
Pump 1 needs to be replaced.  We are in possession of an additional ABS pump provided by Carlsen 
Systems a few years ago.  The pump will be installed by one of our on-call contractors, Deedy 
Construction, additional parts needed to install the pump will be purchased by the Utility Commission 
through Carlsen Systems directly. 
 
Inter-Municipal Flow Metering 
Ms. Stevens explained the inter-municipal flow meter study results which was performed in conjunction 
with New London by Flow Assessment Services, and the next steps planned as a result of the study. 
 
ADJOURNMENT 
With no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 12:05 p.m. 
 
 
 
MOTION 
Made by Mr. Valentini to adjourn, Mr. Negri seconded. 
 
 
 
VOTE 
 
The motion passed unanimously. 
 
 
 
 
Respectfully submitted, 
 
 
 
 
Amy Windle 
Recording Secretary 

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Waterford Utility Commission 
Director’s Report 
July 16, 2024 
             This report summarizes the Commission’s ongoing projects and operational activities 
 
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: $238,825.92 
 
This is an ongoing project. To identify sources of Inflow and Infiltration within the Richards Grove 
Sewer Basin, 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 LI # 20531-57816.  In addition, available 
ARPA funds in the amount of $1,020,041.  
 
The new roof was installed this past month. Stored materials have been relocated from the 
Holzner warehouse to a storage container box located at the pump station. 
The updated construction schedule is as follows: 
• 
Install new doors & trim- week of 7/22 
• 
Power wash building & fencing at fuel tank – week of 7/22 
• 
Gas line install to building – per Eversource, sometime end of July/ early August. CBYD has marked site 
• 
Gas line run from regulator/ meter to building entrance – Holzner/ mechanical contractor to run 
underground gas line from regulator to north side after Eversource work is completed 
• 
Switchgear is showing delivery late winter/early spring -once received, bulk of work will commence 
• 
Bypass install – early May 
• 
Electrical installation – commence once bypass system in place 
• 
Mechanical installation - commence once bypass system in place 
• 
Final sitework – 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 Budget: $30,000.00 
 
We are currently working with the Finance Department to set up a new vendor for the 
purchase of components. 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 Budget: $15,412.84 
 
 The East Neck Station driveway was replaced and the roof at Evergreen Avenue was replaced. 
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 

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were conducted at Stoney Brook Station. A new asphalt driveway was installed at the East Neck 
pump station. This program will reconvene in the spring of 2025 
5. Fargo Water Tank Rehabilitation. 
This is an ARPA allocation project in the amount of $1,200,000.00. 
 
The intermediate coating has been applied to approximately 75% of the tanks surface, the 
crews continue are continuing to apply coatings as weather permits. The project is anticipated 
to be completed by September. 
The Utility Commission accepted the recommendation from Haley Ward Engineering dated 
June 23, 2023 recommendation the Fargo Water Tank refurbishment project be awarded to 
Utility Service Company for the bid price of $999,900.00 and forward to the Board of Selectman 
for award. The Board of Selectman acted to accept the recommendation on July 11, 2023. An 
award letter has been sent to the contractor. The tank contractor, USG Water, is now planning 
to start work spring of 2024. A Pre-Construction meeting was conducted on November 27th.The 
pinhole leak at the base of the fill pipe which recently presented itself was discussed. This issue 
was not present during the Tank Evaluation study nor was the standpipe interior evaluated 
during the study, as there are no means to inspect the interior of the standpipe. Alternatives to 
correct this deficiency were evaluated by our consulting engineer and USG Water, the 
contractor; a change order proposal in the amount of $217,857.00 was submitted by USG. The 
Commission acted on 2/13/24 to award the change order to USG Water and to be funded by 
the Water Revenue Fund.  
6. Gorman-Rupp Pump Station Controls 
This is an ARPA allocation project in the amount of $163,750.00. 
To date Dock Road, Richards Grove Road, Old Barry Road, Quaker Hill Center, Oil Mill, 
Oswegatchie Rd and Niantic River Road stations are complete. Works is ongoing at Shore Rd, 
upon completion; the Ridgewood Ave station is next on the list. 
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. 
 
7. Contract #1 Sewer Easement Access Project. 
Capital Improvement Fund L.I. 33123-55019 $250,000.00     
Current Available Balance $174,800.00 
Preliminary Design is complete, Access alternatives are currently being reviewed. 
 
 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 

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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 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.  
 
8. Plastic Water Service Line Replacement Program 
CNR Appropriation Li# 20531-57881      $550,000.00+  $181,300.00 = $731,300.00  
An additional 100K was designated FY24 , a request to move from an appropriation to a 
designation will take place when the currently appropriated funds are expended.  
Current Available Balance: $496,904.58 
 
The Maintenance is currently working on Goshen Rd, Leary Drive, SpinikerDrive and Country 
Club Road next week. 
 The replacement of services previously scheduled for Old Norwich Rd was pushed off till the 
Fall. 
Work commenced on the Plastic Water Service Replacement Project on May 22, 2023. The City 
of New London contract service provider, Veolia replaced 21 plastic services on Shore Road and 
Waterford Utility Commission Maintenance Staff replaced 16 services on Shore Rd. Waterford 
crews also replaced 35 services on Niantic River Road and 38 services within the Tiffany 
neighborhood and replaced 41 services  within the Birdville neighborhood. To date a total of 
2,488 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.  
 
Water Revenue Funded Projects 
   
9. The Lead and Copper Rule     $98,763.00 Wright-Pierce Engineers (W/P)  L.I.  # 21131-
55302 
 
 
Service Line Material Inventory mailing and online survey finalized in April 2024. There are 
1,633 responses in the online survey as of 7/12/2024.  

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    The Lead and Copper Rule (LCR), first promulgated in 1991, was enacted by the USEPA to 
protect public health and reduce exposure to lead and copper in drinking water. In January 
2021 the USEPA published the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR). The LCRR aims to better 
protect public and get the lead out of our nation’s drinking water. One major regulatory change 
included in the LCRR is the requirement for water systems to develop a lead service line (LSL) 
material inventory and an LSL replacement (LSLR) plan if lead or lead goosenecks are found by 
October 16, 2024. The LSL inventory which is mandated by USEPA and the Connecticut 
Department of Public Health (CTDPH) requires that Waterford creates an inventory of the 
existing water service lines materials (plastic, copper, lead, galvanized, other) on public and 
private side in Waterford’s water system and identify which service lines may be galvanized or 
contain lead. 
 
 
 
 
 
10.   Bloomingdale Rd Low Pressure Evaluation   $13,900.00 Wright-Pierce Engineers 
(W/P)    L.I. # 21131-55303 
The Engineering Report is being reviewed by staff. 
This evaluation entails the engineering services to reevaluate options to enhance residential 
and fire protection pressures on Bloomingdale Road, near the Gallows Lane tank. The 
Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) regulations require water systems to 
maintain a minimum pressure of 25 psi in their water distribution system and a minimum of 20 
psi during a fire flow event. In 2004, the Waterford Utility Commission (WUC) received 
complaints of low pressure from residents on Bloomingdale Road, near the Gallows Lane tank. 
In a subsequent sanitary survey, CT DPH cited a violation for water pressures below 25 psi and 
20 psi at services in this area. The proposed evaluation is to review recommendations from 
previous study, update construction cost estimates, and evaluate new alternatives. Work on 
this project continues. 
 
Utility Commission Operational Project 
• All wastewater collection system components and equipment are operational with 
exception to : 
1. A  SCADA evaluation proposal was received from W/P  and is being reviewed by 
staff. 
•  Caroline Ct land acquisition was approved by P&Z and will be forwarded to the RTM 
for final action.  
• The Asset Management software project is underway 
 
• The Compliance Enforcement Technician position has been filled. 
• The Generator Service Contract Bid closed on June 4, 2024, one bidder submitted. 

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• Municipal Waterworks Meetings Update. 
• Municipal Wastewater Flow Metering verification was performed by an independent 
vendor, additional Information forthcoming 
 
 
 
 
 
Respectfully Submitted, 
James A. Bartelli   
Director of Utilities