Water & Sewer Commission

Town of Mount Airy Water and Sewer Commission Meeting Minutes February 5, 2020 Commission members in attendance: Chair Dick Swanson, Council Liaison Larry Hushour, John Cherry and Mark Moxley. Ron Runkles was an excused absence. The meeting was called to order at 7:10. Minutes: Mark Moxley moved to approve the minutes of the November 6, 2019 meeting. Seconded by John Cherry and the motion passed unanimously. The Commission did not meet in December or January. Old Business: 1. Stormwater Management Update: Dick Swanson reported that East/West Pond request for bids will go out in March with construction planned for May or June. The Twin Ridge dam safety work will be advertised either late January or in February. 2. Rainfall/WWTP Update: The members reviewed that calendar 2019 and January 2020 precipitation, well production, point of entry data and WWTP flow. It was noted that the January 2020 WWTP flow was large (815k gpd) while well and POE numbers were running about average and precipitation was only marginally above normal.. The commission will continue to monitor the situation. 3. MOA for Cost Sharing of Stormwater Mitigation Projects and Co-Permittee Responsibilities – NPDES MS4 Permit – Dick Swanson stated that MDE has not issued a draft stormwater remediation permit for the permit period that started on January 1, 2020. In order to provide some funds to meet the new requirements from MDE, when issued, each Carroll County municipality will fund the same amount in FY 2021 that was appropriated in FY 2020. Mount Airy's share is $82,128. MDE continues to deliberate what percentage of impervious surface will require remediation and to what extent, if any; nutrient reduction requirements will be included in the new permit. 4. Public Information & Education: To start creating a stormwater information/education program, the commission reviewed some readily available stormwater training material. It was suggested and the members agreed to look into making one or more short videos covering various aspects to stormwater management. New Business: 1. W&S Departments Financial Trends & Recommendations: The Chair presented W&S financial information from FY 2017, 2018, & 2019 showing the decline in the W&S reserve accounts (basically cash & CDs). He stated that this trend will continue as the Town faces the need to commit to several capital projects that will require a funding from the W&S reserves. In order to ensure that cash & semi-liquid assets are available in case of an emergency, disaster, or other large unanticipated expense that requires immediate attention, Dick Swanson proposed that the commission recommend that the Council pass a resolution stating that $3.3 million of the approximate $6.1 million in reserved be earmarked as funds set aside to meet emergency and other unforeseen events. The members agreed to draft a resolution for approval at the March meeting. 2. MD Legislative Session – Proposed Bills: Dick Swanson distributed HB 517 (Constitutional Amendment – Environment Rights) stating that it is substantially the same as a bill that failed in the 2019 session. He also distributed HB 700 (Storm Drain Covers) proposing that all new or replaced covers must prevent debris larger that one inch in height or circumference from passing through the drain cover. This bill may required more maintenance to clear accumulating debris but may overall be a good idea. Other Business: Adjournment: Dick Swanson moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Mark Moxley and passed by unanimous vote. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 W&S Meeting: The next W&S meeting is March 4, 2020 in Town Hall at 7:00 pm. Prepared by Dick Swanson, Secretary