The board hasn’t shied away from assigning tasks to newly appointed attorney Andrew Boxberger (right). Boxberger covered info on several new or amended resolutions for the board during November’s meeting and took notes on additional work and changes as Pam Johns, TCRSD office employee, and board member Dan Mikolajczak looked on.

CROMWELL — With less than two months remaining in the year, Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District board members found themselves finalizing resolutions and ordinances, as well as wrapping up the water plant improvement project during Monday night’s meeting. Held Nov. 18, this month felt a little more down-to-business, likely in preparation for December’s more jolly gathering.

TCRSD’s newly appointed attorney, Andrew Boxberger, took the floor first to congratulate (kind of) Jim Boone and Robert Dumford who were re-appointed for an additional four-year term on the board. “So I guess congratulations,” laughed Boxberger, phrasing it more as a question. Boxberger also recommended the board approve payment to a homeowner who received property damage several months ago; the district felt confident the damage was caused by right of way issues but the legal fees to fight it would immensely outweigh the $460.32 being requested.

Boxberger also prepared: an amended version of last month’s proposed wage and salary increase document to reflect a district employee’s new wage after completing a course certification; a resolution that requires two board members signatures before a check to the district can be cashed/deposited; and a resolution authorizing the district to approve holding tanks in rare scenarios where sewer connection would be detrimental to the district.

This final resolution allowing holding tanks brought numerous questions from former board president Rex Heil, who expressed concern about the movement to allow holding tanks at all. The district has faced an uphill battle during the past couple years attempting to convince property owners holding tanks are failing and harmful to the lakes; this motion seemed to go completely against those attempts. District superintendent Timothy Woodward explained his desire and responsibility will always be to provide and encourage sewer, but also realized it won’t always be the perfect solution. He explained this wording of the policy will allow the district to turn down connections that don’t make sense — a request to connect to a force main being just one of those situations. Woodward noted the holding tanks could be both short-term and long-term solutions.

Woodward also recommended the district form a water committee to meet on a regular basis as attention to healthy water requirements increases. Woodward guessed within the next three to four years, the district will be required to meter every property that receives water as well as update the lead, copper, and asbestos regulations. Because of the extra attention to these requirements, Woodward also recommended the district look at updating the water and well ordinances, and possibly look into a rate increase.

Woodward left it to the board to volunteer themselves via email or phone call for the water committee, so no plans were finalized during November’s meeting. The board will reconvene at their annual holiday celebration Monday, Dec. 16, followed by the regular 7 p.m. meeting.

In other news:

TCRSD’s insurance will be updated in December to reflect the improvements made during the past year. Larger policies will be needed to cover the increased value of maintaining the district.

TCRSD will begin a cleaning schedule for all 30 miles of sewer beginning March 2020. New employee Steve Yoder will be completing his CDL licensure to operate the Vactor truck and oversee the cleaning project. Woodward estimates it will take nearly four years in total.