HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-SJC-2009-05-13 SJC MEETING
May13, 2009
SJC Members Staff
Wade Wykstra, Chair Bill Gray
Mayor Carolyn Peterson
Supervisor Herb Engman
Erik Whitney
Scott Gibson
Pat Leary
Rich DePaolo
Jeff Soule
Dan Ramer
Mary Tomlan
Joel Zumoff
Absent
Supervisor MaryAnn Sumner
Steve Thayer
Dan Walker
Matt Sledjeski
Guests
Christopher Kalwara, Johnson Controls
Krisy Gashler, Ithaca Journal
Tim Logue, City Engineer
Jose Lozano – IAWWTF Director of Labs
Wade called the meeting to order at 12:40PM.
Jeff introduced Dan Ramer as the new Chief Operator.
Approval of March 2009 minutes – Joel noted that he was not present for the March meeting
and the attendance list should reflect that Dan Cogan was present. With that correction, Herb
moved to accept the minutes and Pat seconded the motion. The motion passed without dissent.
Approval of April 2009 minutes – Rich asked that the phrase “SPDES permit” be changed to
“SPDES permits” in his conversation with Fred Gillette. Carolyn noted that the word “contact”
should be changed to “contract” in regards to Steve Thayer’s explanation of not having to bid the
Johnson Controls proposal. Carolyn moved to accept the minutes with corrections noted.
Seconded by Wade, the motion passed without dissent.
Lake Phosphorous Monitoring – Jose Lozano
Jose gave a visual presentation explaining the history and planning of the Cayuga Lake
phosphorous monitoring. He explained that with the improvements that have been made to the
plant, we have had a 58% reduction of total phosphorous being discharged into the lake from the
plant. There is a 40% reduction overall in the south end of the lake.
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Waterfront Trail – Tim Logue
Tim stated that we left last months meeting with the task of getting a better sense of how far back
the fence will need to be moved to accommodate the trail. After meeting with the design
consultant, it appears that 20 – 30 feet will be sufficient.
Carolyn noted that the minutes stated that an updated draft resolution reflecting a more
definitive distance that the fence would be moved was requested so that it could be
presented at the main meeting. Wade requested that this be deferred to the June meeting
as the original draft resolution is not available at this meeting. Tim said this would not be a
problem.
Jeff stated that 30 feet may be too much and Erik agreed that 20 feet would be more
reasonable.
Carolyn asked if there is general interest within this body to pursue the Waterfront Trail
prior to Tim doing the work of gathering materials. The members said yes.
Johnson Controls – Chris Kalwara
Chris updated the board on what they have done thus far, and what the costs and savings are
estimated to be. A core group of energy conservation measures has been identified. These
measures have been categorized according to (a) impacting process, (b) facility related, or (c)
renewable energy technologies.
The core project savings has been identified as $152,000 per year. The project costs to achieve
those savings would be $1.86M.
Carolyn asked if there are any updates on available economic stimulus funds.
Chris responded that there are three potential sources. They are:
A. EFC (i.e.: Environmental Facilities Corporation) Green Innovation Grant Program.
Applications are due May 29th.
B. State Energy Program (NYSERDA)
C. Block Grants for Energy Efficiency for Small Municipalities
Johnson Controls would fill out applications and file on behalf of the facility.
The board and staff made a unanimous show of hands in support of proceeding with the grant
application to EFC. Moved by Carolyn, and seconded by Wade, the board voted unanimously to
authorize Johnson Controls to proceed with the grant application at a cost NTE $5,000.
Financial Report – Steve Thayer
Steve distributed the current financial reports. He said that if anyone has any questions, he will
answer them at anytime.
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Operators Report Summary– Jeff Soule
The Actiflow is back on-line using an old polymer makeup system after a motor burned up. We
are working with Auburn Armature to rewire the panel. The HMI panel has been sent out for
repair.
HMT has completed the sub-station maintenance.
We participated in an energy curtailment session.
We have installed 2 new continuous chlorine lines to the effluent and will be replacing the
process lines with continuous tubing also.
We have met with Stearns & Wheler regarding early design of the septage receiving station.
We met with Fred Gillette (DEC) regarding the Cornell Hydrolysis waste. We told him we
would wait for the HWL study before making a decision.
Pat asked what was involved in the meeting with Fred Gillette regarding the headworks
loading study and the testing for hydrolysis. Scott responded that Fred is the regulatory
body for this facility but the plant has a responsibility to evaluate any new discharges
primarily to protect the environment as well as our process. He is satisfied that we’re
going about evaluating hydrolysis correctly. He did not say he is approving hydrolysis. He
is willing to wait for the results of the MAHL study. This body will make the decision to
accept or not accept the hydrolysis. The DEC is a guiding agency and certifies the
accuracy of the results of the study.
A break in the scum line to the septage receiving building has been repaired.
The fuel level sensor on the fuel tank for the emergency generator has been repaired and we are
looking into replacing the level detection.
We have received another quote on the fire alarm system and S&W will be providing us with
specifications.
A final tank and aeration system have been taken out of service.
The billing for septage haulers has been going smoothly since taking it over from the County.
One of the control diversion pumps had a seal failure and we are arranging for a crane to pull the
pump.
Ed Gottlieb arranged the first meeting for unwanted pharmaceutical collection.
Carolyn asked about the unwanted pharmaceutical collection program and if it is
Countywide. Dan explained what was being considered and who attended the meeting.
We did a split sampling event with EPT (Emerson Power Transmission).
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We have sent the Emerson complaint and affidavits back to the attorneys for review.
Personnel – The Operator/Instrumentation Trainee position will be advertised this week.
Jim Goodreau (trainee) will be attending Basic Operations classes at SUNY Morrisville for the
next two weeks.
Nolan Hatfield (trainee) has passed his CDL test.
Engineering Report Summary – Scott Gibson
Phosphorous Removal – We have received the final payment of $479,942 from EFC.
We are still in discussions with Crane-Hogan regarding their delay claims.
Head works Loading Study – We had planned to use historical data for the study (to limit
costs) and supplement for gaps in the data analysis. In light of some legitimate concerns
(hydrolysis waste), we believe that we should do the full pollutant load analysis. This is very
expensive and we have limited it to a four day study.
The sampling and analysis plan has put us over budget for this first round.
We are asking for an increase to the original funding.
Joel noted that the hydrolysis waste could be compared to the water pollution caused by
the plant that was accused of polluting the water in the movie Erin Brockevich and asked if
anyone had any concerns about that. Pat and Herb stated that after having studied this
very carefully, they are comfortable that the lake water would be safe for drinking.
Rich asked Scott to define what leachate is. Scott responded that this is material generated
from landfills and it is not a consistent waste stream.
Scott noted that all of the extra testing that we are asking for would almost double the original
expected cost.
Herb moved to approve an additional $23,000 for the MAHL. Seconded by Pat, the motion
passed without dissent.
Hydrolysis – Pat explained the revisions that will be made to the resolution for presentation at
the June meeting.
On a motion, the meeting was adjourned.
The next meeting is scheduled for June 10, 2009 at 12:30PM.