Minutes
Water Pollution Control - Minutes - Mar 12, 2026
Mar 12, 2026
A public record published by the Town of Simsbury (simsbury-ct.gov). mySimsbury indexes it and makes it readable; it is not the official copy. View the original file.
Water Pollution Control Authority Page 1 of 3 WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY REGULAR MEETING March 12, 2026 Subject to Approval CALL TO ORDER There being a quorum present, Mr. Paul Gilmore, Chairman, called the regular meeting of the Water Pollution Control Authority to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held via Zoom and was streamed live on Facebook. ☒ Mr. Paul Gilmore ☐ Mr. Ed Kelly ☒ Mr. Jacques Brignac ☒ Mrs. Abby Lawrence ☒ Mr. Jay Sheehan ☒ Mr. Lucian Dragulski ☒ Dr. Michael Park GUESTS Simsbury Water Pollution Control: Anthony Piazza, Superintendent Minutes Recorder: Jessica Campbell, Administrative Secretary Public Guest(s): None 1. SAFETY BRIEF Chairman Gilmore reminded the committee of being vigilant of cyclists on the road in the community. 2. SEWER USE FEES AND RATES FOR FY 2026/27 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLY SET PUBLIC HEARING DATE Mr. Piazza presented the department’s annual financial model. He noted that sewer rates were increased the previous year to $390 for residential customers and $505 for commercial properties. Based on current revenue projections and the anticipated payoff of the Clean Water Fund loan in the middle of Fiscal Year 2028, reserve accounts are projected to remain strong over the next five years. Mr. Piazza stated that, while projections remain subject to change, the department is currently in a strong financial position. He also noted that the department’s operating permit is currently under renewal, and it is expected that the updated permit will require PFAS sampling. Although this requirement will increase laboratory costs, Mr. Piazza indicated that the increase is expected to be manageable. At this time, he believes sewer use rates do not need to be increased, at least until the new permit conditions are finalized. He added that future costs could arise if updated FEMA flood mapping requires the facility berm to be raised, but even with that possibility the department appears financially stable. Mr. Sheehan suggested that the commission consider tying sewer rate increases to an index such as the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or another inflation-based metric. This approach would allow rates to adjust automatically each year, reducing the need for periodic large increases or recurring discussions about rate changes. Mr. Piazza agreed that the concept has merit but recommended waiting until the department’s new permit conditions are finalized, as potential regulatory requirements could affect future costs and rate decisions. Mr. Piazza reported that he monitors sewer rates in neighboring towns: Avon is planning a two-part structure with a minimum annual charge of approximately $500.00. Farmington recently raised rates to about $380.00. Canton was approximately $420.00 last year. He noted that the department’s current rates remain generally in line with, or slightly below, neighboring municipalities. Mr. Piazza will prepare revised fee proposals, particularly for services where the department is currently operating at a loss. These proposals will be presented for review at the next meeting. Mr. Piazza noted that if any fee Water Pollution Control Authority Page 2 of 3 changes are approved, they should ideally be finalized before July 1, when the new fiscal year begins. No formal decisions were made during this discussion. 3. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC. Mr. Piazza reported that the department has not received any additional responses from residents regarding the proposed Michael Road sewer project. He and Mr. Roy are working to schedule an informational meeting with the homeowners to review the project and determine whether there is sufficient interest to move forward. Based on the limited response received so far, Mr. Piazza indicated that the project may not proceed, but additional outreach will be attempted before the next meeting. Mr. Piazza also shared that Cambridge Court has been sold. The new owner is currently addressing several issues identified during the department’s previous inspection. He stated that construction at Iron Horse Boulevard is progressing. The developers expect the sewer installation to be completed within approximately one month, after which a new pump station is expected to come online shortly thereafter. Significant residential development, including new homes and apartment buildings, is currently underway at the site. Mr. Piazza reported that the South Campus project at the Hartford site has recently resubmitted its application to Inland Wetlands Commission for review. He noted that the McLean Homes project is currently with the Planning Department awaiting approval. 4. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT Mr. Piazza explained that plant operations and the treatment process are performing well with no significant issues. The department is planning to take the oxidation ditches offline this summer for cleaning. Staff are currently working to ensure that the proper process and schedule are in place to complete this maintenance. He provided an update on the septage receiving station ordered last year. Due to supply chain delays, delivery has been postponed. As of his last communication with the vendor approximately two weeks ago, the expected delivery timeframe was approximately ten weeks, leaving about eight weeks remaining before delivery is anticipated. Mr. Piazza reported that video inspection and cleaning of the Hazelmeadow’s sewer system have been completed. The final report had not yet been received at the time of the meeting, but he indicated that he expects to present the findings and recommended repairs at the next meeting. The system consists of PVC piping, as previously anticipated. Initial findings indicate several issues that will need to be addressed before the town considers taking ownership of the system. He went on to note that the facility is preparing to bring the disinfection system back online the following week as part of normal seasonal operations. Mr. Piazza informed the commission that Gavin Demski, who had recently obtained his Class III license, has submitted his resignation effective the following day. The department has already advertised the position and hopes to fill the vacancy within the next few weeks. 5. CORRESPONDENCE: CAPACITY REVIEW ALLOCATION – 200 HOPMEADOW STREET Mr. Piazza reported that a development previously approved by the Board in 2023 for 580 units is now requesting approval for 689 units. Under the Town’s revised flow allocation policy, the request remains within the allowable allocation for that service area. Mr. Piazza noted that the development has recently resubmitted its application to Inland Wetlands Commission for further review. Chairman Gilmore asked about the difference in estimated wastewater flow between one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three- bedroom units. Mr. Piazza explained that the system uses an Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) calculation based on a three-bedroom home, which is estimated at approximately 210–220 gallons per day. Smaller units generally generate less flow, though the estimates vary because occupancy levels can differ. He provided an example; a one-bedroom unit may generate approximately 100 gallons per day, while two-bedroom units may generate somewhat higher amounts depending on occupancy. Water Pollution Control Authority Page 3 of 3 Chairman Gilmore noted that earlier correspondence referenced the number of bedrooms per unit, while the revised proposal did not. Mr. Piazza clarified that the original proposal predated the Town’s updated flow allocation policy. The earlier system allocated flow capacity based on bedroom count, whereas the new policy (adopted in 2023) allocates capacity based on available system capacity within a specific area. Mr. Sheehan added that the change was made partly in response to concerns raised by the Town’s Economic Development office, which noted discrepancies between the Town’s allocation system and those used in neighboring communities. 6. FEBRUARY 12th 2026 MEETING MINUTES: POSSIBLE APPROVAL Mr. Sheehan made a motion to approve the February meeting minutes. Mr. Brignac seconded the motion, with Mr. Sheehan abstaining due to his absence. The vote carried. Mr. Piazza informed the commission of pending state legislation that could significantly affect municipal sewer responsibilities. Under current policy, property owners are responsible for maintaining and repairing their sewer lateral from the building all the way to the main sewer line in the street. The proposed legislation would shift responsibility for repairs within the state right-of-way to the municipality. If enacted, any sewer lateral issues occurring between the edge of the state right-of-way and the main sewer line would become the Town’s responsibility to repair. Mr. Piazza noted that a public hearing on the bill was held the previous day, and many municipalities expressed opposition due to the potential financial and operational impact. The proposal is still under consideration at the state level. He also discussed a separate proposed change to the state’s Sewer Right- to-Know law. Currently, when a bypass event occurs, the department must report the incident electronically to the state, where it is posted on a public website. Under the proposed revisions, municipalities would also be required to post physical signage in the area where the bypass occurred. If the discharge reaches a nearby water body, additional signage would be required at that location to notify the public. Mr. Piazza stated that bypass events are relatively rare for the department. 7. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Sheehan made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m.; Dr. Park seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved, and the meeting was adjourned. _________________________ Paul Gilmore, Chairman