Minutes

Water Pollution Control - Minutes - Apr 9, 2026

Apr 9, 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
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WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING
April 9, 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
Simsbury Engineering Department: Thomas J. Roy, PE, Director of Public Works, Town Engineer
Minutes Recorder: Jessica Campbell, Administrative Secretary
Public Guest(s): None
1. SAFETY BRIEF
Chairman Gilmore reminded the authority as lawn care season picks up, especially with applications
like crabgrass preventer, be mindful of increased chemical use on grass and landscaping.
2. SEWER USE FEES AND RATES FOR FY 2026/27 – DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION
Mr. Piazza revisited a discussion initiated at the prior meeting regarding sewer use fees. He shared a financial
model previously presented, which demonstrated that there is no need to increase sewer use fees at this time.
Based on this analysis, he recommended that the current rates of $390.00 and $505.00 remain unchanged. Mr.
Piazza did call attention to the labor rates; adjustments were proposed based on recently updated union contracts
and associated cost increases. As part of this review, the Inspector’s compensation was discussed. The current rate
consists of approximately $45.00 per hour in wages and $25.00 per hour in benefits, resulting in a recommended
billing rate of $75.00 per hour to accurately reflect total cost. Mr. Piazza also addressed capacity review fees for
developments. It was noted that the existing $150.00 fee, originally intended for basic capacity review, no longer
reflects the scope of work required. Increased development complexity has led to multiple review cycles and
involvement from several staff members. Additionally, the process now effectively includes both capacity and
design review, though historically treated as a single fee. As a result, an increase to $600.00 was recommended.
Septic dumping fees were then reviewed with comparisons to neighboring municipalities. Rates in Torrington,
Southington, and Bristol were cited from $90.00 to $171.00 per 1,000 gallons, respectively. Based on these
comparisons, it was recommended that the local rate be adjusted to $90.00 per 1,000 gallons.
Mr. Sheehan reiterated a point raised at the previous meeting regarding the fee structure. He expressed
willingness to make a motion to approve the proposed fee changes while keeping all other rates
unchanged. The motion was stated with the understanding that it would formally adopt the
recommended adjustments presented. In addition, Mr. Sheehan noted an interest in exploring a more
systematic approach to future rate adjustments and suggested evaluating the possibility of tying fees to
an appropriate cost index so that rates could adjust over time in alignment with changing economic
conditions. The motion was concluded with this consideration identified as a potential future initiative
for further review and discussion.
Water Pollution Control Authority
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Chairman Gilmore invited feedback from the authority to gauge overall sentiment on the idea. Mrs.
Lawrence responded that indexing could be a valid approach to ensure rates keep pace with rising costs,
reducing the need for frequent manual adjustments. However, she emphasized that careful consideration
would be required in defining the index, including how it is measured, the time period used, and
whether values would be based on point-in-time data or averages. She noted that the complexity of
implementation would require thoughtful planning. Chairman Gilmore acknowledged Mrs. Lawrence’s
familiarity with the topic and asked if she would be willing to develop a proposed index-based formula
for consideration. Mrs. Lawrence agreed and indicated she would collaborate with Mr. Piazza, including
participating in a facility tour to better understand the underlying cost structure and determine which
components would be appropriate to index. Mr. Piazza expressed support for the collaboration but
advised that any index-based approach would be more appropriate for consideration in the next rate
cycle. He noted that changes to current rates would require scheduling a public hearing, and timelines
for the current year may not allow for development and implementation of a new indexing
methodology.
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to approve the proposed fee changes while keeping all other rates
unchanged. Mr. Kelly seconded the motion which passed unanimously.
3. HAZELMEADOW II SANITARY SEWER – DISCUSSION, STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Mr. Piazza reported that the evaluation of the Hazelmeadow II area has been completed, including
Mathers Crossing, Tamarack Lane, Hazelmeadow Place, and Nutmeg Court, which is already owned
but was included in the inspection. It was noted that the system consists entirely of Schedule 40 PVC
piping and is generally in good condition. During the inspection, one issue was identified at a property
on Mathers Crossing, where a faulty gasket at the connection to the main line is allowing groundwater
infiltration. Additionally, a potential issue was observed at a property on Riverview Circle, where a
sump pump connection or a defect in the lateral line may be contributing excess clean water into the
system. Further investigation is required to confirm the source. Mr. Piazza emphasized the importance
of eliminating clean water infiltration from the system. Based on the findings, the recommendation is
that, once the identified repairs are completed and the necessary easements are secured, the authority
move forward with accepting these sewer lines into the town’s sewer system.
Mr. Piazza presented a formal recommendation that the authority accept the sanitary sewers for the
Hazelmeadow II area. The recommendation included specific conditions that must be satisfied prior to
acceptance. These conditions include securing all required easements, completing the necessary repair
to the lateral connection at the property located at 4 Mathers Crossing, and determining the source of
excess water entering the system from the property at 2 Riverview Circle. It was noted that fulfillment
of these requirements is necessary before the sanitary sewers can be formally accepted into the Town’s
sewer system.
Mr. Kelly made a motion to accept the sanitary sewers for Hazel Meadow II, contingent upon all
required easements being secured, completion of repairs to the lateral at 4 Mathers Crossing, and
determination of the source of excess water originating from 2 Riverview Circle. Mr. Brignac
seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.
4. STATUS REPORT ON SEWER EXTENSION PROJECTS, ETC
Mr. Piazza explained that Cambridge Court has resumed activity with construction progressing and
additional homes being completed. The remainder of the development is expected to be phased in
moving forward. It was noted that all sanitary sewers in the development have already been installed
and tested; however, acceptance will be deferred until final paving of roads is completed and all
construction activity is finished.
Water Pollution Control Authority
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Mr. Piazza also reported that McLean Homes has resubmitted plans for zoning approval for the
associated development. Additionally, the Iron Horse Boulevard development is restarting construction
activities for the spring season, including installation of the force main and completion of the remaining
sanitary sewer infrastructure.
Mr. Kelly inquired about the status of the Hartford South Campus project. Mr. Piazza responded that the
application had previously been denied by the Zoning Commission but has since been resubmitted with
a revised proposal that includes an increased number of units compared to the original submission. The
project is currently back under review as part of the zoning application process. Mr. Roy added that the
proposal is being submitted under an 840G application, which significantly limits local control from a
planning and zoning perspective. Mr. Piazza noted, however, that there remains sufficient capacity in
the area to accommodate the proposed development.
5. TREATMENT FACILITY REPORT
Mr. Piazza reported that the permit remains on hold pending completion of the EPA’s PFAS rule. He
noted that the new septage system, previously expected earlier, has been delayed and is now anticipated
for delivery in mid-May due to supply issues related to required valves. He also stated that the open
operator position has been posted, with several applications received to date, and the department is
awaiting additional candidates in order to evaluate a stronger applicant pool. From an operational
standpoint, Mr. Piazza reported that overall processes are functioning well and that the department is on
track to take the oxidation ditches offline this year for scheduled maintenance.
6. CORRESPONDENCE: MICHAEL ROAD SECOND INTEREST LETTER
Mr. Piazza reported that an informational meeting was held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 with residents of
Michael Road to explain the sanitary sewer installation process and the role of the board. He noted that
the standard presentation was provided in advance to ensure residents understand the procedures and
next steps. He stated that follow-up letters have been sent to property owners who did not respond to the
initial outreach. There are still 11 homes from which responses have not been received. Staff is working
to obtain remaining responses prior to conducting a survey and scheduling a public hearing. Mr. Piazza
added that, based on feedback received at the informational meeting, most attendees indicated support
for moving forward with the project.
7. MARCH MEETING MINUTES: POSSIBLE APPROVAL
Mr. Sheehan made a motion to approve the March meeting minutes. Mrs. Lawrence seconded the
motion, with Mr. Kelly abstaining. The vote carried.
8. ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Brignac made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:31 p.m.; Mrs. Lawrence seconded the
motion, which was unanimously approved, and the meeting was adjourned.
Water Pollution Control Authority
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_________________________
Paul Gilmore, Chairman