Utility Commission - Minutes - 08/08/2023

WATERFORD UTILITY COMMISSION 
 
 
DATE:  
 
August 8, 2023 
 
PLACE:  
 
1000 Hartford Turnpike 
 
PRESIDING: 
 
Chairman Ken Kirkman 
 
MEMBERS PRESENT: 
 Steve Negri and Tom Dembek 
 
 
 
 
MEMBERS ABSENT: 
Rodney Pinkham and Ray Valentini 
 
ALSO PRESENT: 
J. Robert Tuneski, Board of Finance Liaison 
 
 
 
Staff:  James A. Bartelli, Director of Utilities  
 
            Jill Stevens, Assistant Director of Utilities  
 
 
 
 
Chairman Ken Kirkman called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. 
 
CITIZEN SESSION-None 
 
SECRETARY’S REPORT 
 
MOTION 
Made by Mr. Negri to approve the Minutes of the July 11th meeting, Chairman 
Kirkman seconded. 
 
VOTE 
Yes-2  Abstain-1   Motion Passed   
 
BILLING ADJUSTMENTS 
 
The Commission reviewed the July adjustments. The adjustment report will be kept in the office 
for review.  
 
 
EXPENDITURES 
 
 
MOTION 
Made by Mr. Negri to approve the July 2023 bill list, Mr. Dembek seconded. 
 
VOTE 
The motion passed unanimously. 
 
OLD BUSINESS 
 
• 
Director’s Report 

Waterford Utility Commission 
August 8, 2023 
 
 
 
2 | P a g e  
 
 
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. 
 
 
• 
The Collection Report  
 
There was no report to review. 
 
 
• 
Utility Billing Software Billing Update 
 
The staff continues to work on the new billing software and working on resolving small 
 
concerns. 
• 
Contract #1 Sewer Interceptor Access update 
 
Utility Commission staff met with Wright–Pierce Engineers (W/P) on June 13, 2023 to 
 
review the project, W/P has prepared a Task Order for the Commissions consideration. 
 
MOTION 
made by Mr. Negri to accept the proposal for design services not to  
 
 
 
exceed $75,200.00, seconded by Mr. Dembek. 
 
VOTE 
 
The motion passed unanimously. 
• Plastic Water Service Line Replacement Program 
 
 
A request for an additional $181,300.00 to replace plastic water services on Old 
 
Norwich Rd was acted upon by the Board of Selectman on June 20, 2023 and 
 
forwarded to the Board of Finance for their action on July 12, 2023.  The RTM approved 
 
the appropriation on August 7, 2023. 
• 
Fargo Water Tank Rehabilitation 
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 $990,900.00 and forward to the 
Board of Selectman for award. The Board of Selectman acted to accept the 
recommendation July 11, 2023.  An award letter has been sent to the contractor.  Staff 
is currently working with the Town’s Emergency Management Director, the Town’s 
radio service provider and the tank contractor regarding the temporary relocation of the 
antennas. 
 
• 
Old Norwich Pump Station Upgrade 
 
 
 
This project was placed out bid 6/30/22 as a combination project which entailed the 
 
refurbishment of both Old Norwich and Cross Rd stations. The bids received far 
 
exceeded our available funding. A letter request to the Board of Selectman to 
 
appropriate the currently designated $544,000.00 was approved May 16, 2023 and 

Waterford Utility Commission 
August 8, 2023 
 
 
 
3 | P a g e  
 
 
forwarded to the RTM for their action. On June 5, 2023 the RTM acted to appropriate 
 
the designation. Wright- Pierce Engineers have prepared the bid documents. A non-
 
mandatory pre-bid is scheduled for July 25, 2023.  Bids close on 8/10/23. 
 
 
New Business  
 
No new business at this time 
 
City of New London/Veolia Report 
 
The monthly report was provided to the Commission to review. 
Mr. Bartelli reported that he and staff met again with New London Public Utilities to discuss water 
related topics and discussions are progressing very well. His goal is to conduct regular meetings and 
work together to resolve issues and create more efficiencies.  Mr. Bartelli also reported that WUC staff, 
Waterford’s Fire Marshalls Office and the City/Veolia are collectively working on a comprehensive 
database of public and private fire hydrants in the Town of Waterford. 
 
PLANS REVIEW 
Preliminary Application #25 for 33 Kenyon Road- Proposed New Synagogue  
 
PERSONNEL 
Mr. Bartelli reported that the Department needs a couple of people for summer positions to conduct 
lawn care and general maintenance at the Pump Stations.  Also, our Maintenance Division Sewer Tech 1 
position remains open.  We currently have one Operator out on Worker’s Compensation. 
 
ADJOURNMENT 
 
With no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. 
 
 
MOTION 
made by Mr. Dembek to adjourn, Mr. Negri seconded. 
 
 
 
VOTE 
 
The motion passed unanimously. 
 
 
 
 
Respectfully submitted, 
Amy L. Windle 
Recording Secretary