Gray Town Council
Workshop Meeting Minutes
January 9, 2006
Present: Town Councilors Gary Foster, Andy Upham, Denise Duda, Skip Crane and John Welch
Town Planner Richard Cahill
Excused: Town Manager Mitchell Berkowitz
Others: Bruce Fowler, Alex Wong, Fran Monroe, Wade Trudel, David Knudsen, Phil Pulsifer, Jim Monroe, Bruce Sawyer, Kevin Roche, and Shelly Dunn
Gary Foster called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.
AGENDA:
Council and Gray Water District receive presentation regarding the Aquifer Delineation Report.
Presentation by Bruce Fowler, Seavey and Maher
Mr. Fowler presented additional data that has been collected by his firm to better delineate the Wellhead Protection Area in Gray. The original data was presented eighteen months ago and the new information has provided more data that can now be implemented into the town’s zoning maps.
Mr. Fowler talked about how important time travel and how that factors into contamination to the well located near the Water District.
Three methods were used for providing information:
· Topography
· Water levels
· Pumping Tests
The latest information notes the delineated areas of WH 1 and WH2 with a 200 day travel time in WH2 which is closest to the Gray Water District.
Water level mapping indicates the monitoring wells; two additional wells have been added since 2003. The water table map was developed from the additional well reports. The elevation near the Water District is a bit higher causing water to shed from Libby Hill on one side and Colley Hill on the other. The water then divides and travels north and south to other watersheds away from the direction of the Water District.
The 2005 data shows the water table 4 ft higher in some place than in previous years, due mostly in part to a very wet year. In other places the table was 10 ft. higher than the table levels reported in 2003. Travel time near the Gray Water District wells are roughly 365 days. Travel time from the landfill area would be approximate 5 years.
Alex Wong transposed the new information on the town’s tax map and placed a 250 ft. buffer around the largest area.
Travel time from the Turnpike area and Route 26: 365 days
Information was not available as to any signs of pollution (salt or iron) affecting the water supply near the landfill area.
After discussing the contours Mr. Fowler agreed with Mr. Welch that the bottom line (near the landfill) should be moved upward on the map by ½ inch as the current line is too wide.
Discussion of the buffer zone resulted in Mr. Fowler reporting he was comfortable with the data from 2003. Since 2005 was extremely wet and there is not enough data for a dry year, the buffer zone line seems to be an accurate assessment. The data is significant without including the overlay zone restriction in the WH1 and 2. The buffer is in as a safety measure due to the changes that occur with recharge.
Fran Monroe asked about a spring that is located near her residence on Route 100 north and wondered if any testing had been done at the location of the spring. Ms. Monroe asked why any more restrictions would be necessary in that zone if there has been no adverse impact in that area. Mr. Fowler explained the town has to make those types of decisions as to whether or not the restrictions should be lifted but noted that taking a sample from the well in that area would be a good idea.
Bruce explained with regard to septic systems, natural bacteria clears out over time as do hydrocarbons. Increasing residential density should not be a concern. While there are state regulations concerning the protection of ground water, none of the systems are foolproof and the town should consider balancing owner property rights and ground water protection.
The group discussed continuing the current uses in the zones that abut the Wellhead zones and suggested more monitoring wells be installed in the five year travel time area. Phil Pulsifer asked why the line was moved near the Libby Hill area. Mr. Fowler reported that based on the groundwater contours the area presents more uphill. This topography information adds to the data and resulted in the line change. Mr. Pulsifer mentioned there is a spring located behind the Town Transfer Station located on his property.
The Gray Water District has information for the monitoring wells.
The removal of tress does not impact the wells, the aquifer or the travel of the water but does affect the recharge. If the removal of tress is for agricultural purposes, the ground would be tilled and this would allow water to move into the groundwater system.
Jim Foster reported the current gallon per minute rate is on average: 200 gallons per minute. In the winter it is approximately 160 gallons per minute and in the summer it can reach up to 300 gallons. In order for the town to max out at 300 gallons per minute (365 days per year) the population would have to increase by 50% or one large commercial customer could bring it to that point. The Water District would like to consider installing another monitoring well behind the Commercial Zone. Alex Wong will help the Water District in determining appropriate land uses. Monthly water quality tests should continue near the Gray Water District well.
Mr. Fowler suggested the names WH1 and WH 2 be flipped on the map (renamed). It was noted that two-thirds of the Village Aquifer area does not impact the District’s well despite the fact that there are many gas stations located in that area.
The group agreed the best place to start the zoning changes is in the Wellhead area. A workshop meeting will be scheduled with the Council, ORC and Gray Water District members with Alex Wong in attendance.
A tentative meeting date was set for Monday, February 13, 2006.
Information obtained from the Workshop will be forwarded to members of the Downtown Master Plan Committee to keep them informed.
Discussion of executing the Interlocal Agreements and the Waste Handing Agreements that will be transitioned to the new corporation called ECO Maine from the current RWS Corporation.
Chair to execute Agreements. No additional Order needed.
Kevin Roche, Chair of Regional Waste Systems was introduced. RWS will be changing its name to ECO Maine in July 2006 and currently has a cooperative that consists of 27 communities. Shelly Dunn, RWS Communication Specialist was introduced.
RWS is committed to protecting the environment and is ahead of the compliance codes. Their mercury removal rate is at 95 and they are currently adding more carbon into their flue gases to keep mercury rates as low as possible. The company’s waste to energy facility produces electricity (100 million kW) through an incinerator with revenues at 5 million dollars. The company has reduced its landfill costs by internalizing the operation.
RWS has been investigating the refinancing of its debt (55 million) which resulted in over 2 million dollars in savings. The debt is distributed by the amount of tons of waste each community brings in. The company’s debt schedule was distributed.
There are currently 6 associate members whose contracts expired in June that have chosen to renew with RWS due to the company’s stability and environmental record.
The restructuring has resulted in each participating community having a set at the table with interlocal agreements binding the municipalities together. The major change in the contract is the removal of the sunset clause which would expire in 2014.
The sunset clause was implemented in the 1970’s which would end or dissolve the organization in 2014. If a member community chooses to withdraw from the organization, a letter needs to be submitted. The municipality could continue to use the facility but would not be a sitting member. Any municipality that chooses to withdraw, would not incur any additional debt. Removing the sunset clause will extend the life of the facility, which if maintained properly could have an indefinite life span.
RWS has 22,000 tons of recycled waste, 172,000 tons (waste to energy) and 45,000 tons at the landfill.
Mr. Roche said he would provide a list of household and other items that contain mercury.
Upgrades are planned at the Recycling Center which currently handles 22,000 tons, the largest recycling center in the state. The income from the sale of electricity helps offset the shortfall that is charged to owner communities.
A single stream processing system that sorts’ glass, plastic and newspaper would prove to be cost effective as resources could be combined. Participating towns (single stream processing) would provided increased recycling that would result in decreasing the town’s per ton charge. The Board is looking at what the costs would be to implement this new processing system with prices expected to received and reviewed by the committee this coming fall. Communities that move to curbside service will benefit the most from the single stream method. Towns without curbside service can use the revenues from the sale of materials to offset their individual assessment which would be a financial advantage.
Review of January and February priorities and issues.
Councilor Upham brought up incorporating the new fiscal policy in the Town’s Charter and suggested a date be set for this. Councilor Welch did not see how the entire document could be added to the charter and suggested referencing the policy instead.
Councilor Welch suggested the Council look at addressing a Charter change that would have voters approve the town budget by ballot vote instead of at the annual Town Meeting.
Remaining priorities:
· Zoning
· Traffic
· Bypass
January 17th Town Council Meeting Agenda
· Planning Board, Fire Chief to discuss cisterns and sprinkler systems
· China Village and Julien’s license renewals and public hearings
· Mass Gathering Ordinance Repeal 2nd reading
· 2 Interviews and appointments for Downtown Village Master Plan Committee
· Cable Committee negotiations with Time Warner Cable re: franchise fees
· Council Rules: verification of the correct document
January 23rd Workshop Agenda
· Executive Session /performance evaluation of Manager
· Discussion regarding the proposed MDOT Agreement for Signalization related to the Route 26 By-pass project
· Review of February priorities and issues
February 7th Town Council Meeting
· Consent Decree Discussion
February 27th Workshop Agenda
· Fiscal Policy
The meeting adjourned at 9:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Janmarie Castagna Bourret
Recording Secretary
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