Water & Sewer Commission

Town of Mount Airy Water and Sewer Commission Meeting Minutes July 8, 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. Barney Quinn and Gina Campanile also attended the meeting. The meeting was virtual due to closing of Town Hall. Minutes: Mark Moxley moved to approve the minutes of the June 3, 2020 meeting. Seconded by John Cherry and the motion passed unanimously. Old Business: 1. Rainfall/WWTP Update: The Waste Water Treatment Plant flow in June continues to significantly exceed the POE gpd. Larry Hushour reported that additional work is planned to address inflow into manholes near the CSX culvert which should help mitigate the inflow. Barney Quinn stated that in addition work will be performed to address infiltration into the sewer system in near the Village Gate community. 2. Public Education: Source Water Protection & Stormwater System – Video/Print/Presentation ideas - PSA initiative is on hold during the virus 3. Emergency Response Team: When available, the W&S will review the Emergency Management Team's proposed process to make water available to residents in the surrounding area during emergencies. 4. Establish a minimum reserve amount for emergencies: Dick Swanson and Council Liaison Larry Hushour met with Town Staff to discuss the proposed resolution establishing a minimum reserve balance in the water and sewer reserve accounts. The group decided that the proposed minimum reserve amount should be revised to reflect approximately 50% of water and sewer operating budget (excluding depreciation) which should be sufficient to address the immediate system requirements to maintain service to the community. The W&S agreed with the revised amount of $1.3 million. 5. Review of “Water Use Limitation Tiers”: Dick Swanson presented some revisions to the memorandum for the members consideration. John Cherry updated the W&S on the approach to redefining the recommended specific levels of water restrictions and resources available to help guide the decision on when and to what extent water restrictions may be imposed. New Business: 1. Proposed “Duck Race” Event: Dick Wilcher (MT Airy Rotary Club) and Matthew Heard (MAVFC) outlined the joint rubber duck race fundraiser on Cottonwood Ave on September 27th . The race will use approximately 6,000 gallons of water from a MAVFC tanker truck and commercially purchased water. The W&S did not consider the amount of water, up to the entire 6,000 gallons, to cause any issues with the water system. The W&S pointed out that any use of hydrant water requires a permit and recommended that they submit a permit request to the Town. 2. W&S Officer Election: The W&S unanimously elected Dick Swanson to serve anoth term as Chair. Other Business: Dick Swanson provided the members with a copy of the Harrison-Leisher informational presentation to the Town Council by Council Member Karl Munder at their July 6, 2020 meeting. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:15 W&S Meeting: The next W&S meeting is August 5, 2020 either in Town Hall or on-line at 7:00 pm. Minutes prepared by Dick Swanson, Secretary