Tim Woodward, left, reviews a month of upkeep and projects with the board as Jeff Hersha, right, looks over his notes. Woodward and Hersha have been working together closely to finalize communication to IDEM and move forward with adding sewer to Northshore and Eastshore drives. Photo by Chelsea Los.

By Chelsea Los
InkFreeNews

CROMWELL — Kicking off the new year, Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District board covered a few big topics in a short monthly meeting held Monday evening, Jan. 18. Here’s a quick overview of what made it to their agenda:

• 2021 board members approved.

• The approval of the first resolution of 2021 to create an internal control policy.

• An overview of next steps for the Eastshore and Northshore sewer project.

• Updates on how the water plant and on-site equipment is running and being maintained.

The board moved ahead with re-electing all 2020 board members for the same roles in 2021, approved meeting minutes from December, and authorized the payment of all written claims.

In addition, Jeff Hersha and John Magsum of Jones and Henry provided updates on the land surveys and placement of potential pumps and lift stations. The Jones and Henry crew is continuing to research the area specs to select those locations and determine the number of generators needed. The next step is submitting the project information to IDEM for the 90-day window for approval.

Andrew Boxberger of Carson LLP assisted the board with a new resolution that outlines procedures for handling money and other material assets. This document is required by the State Board of Accounts and was formally introduced as resolution 2021-1. Boxberger will also be starting the legal proceedings against the one property owner who has failed to respond or connect following August’s 90-day notices. Boxberger will be reviewing the district’s usage ordinance following a request from a property owner to stop billing at his property. The district wants to clarify if simply having a structure is enough grounds for the charge, or if a property owner can prove that sewage production is not capable to stop that charge.

Timothy Woodward, district superintendent, provided a thorough overview of water and treatment plant happenings during the past month. He provided a follow-up to last month’s chats about stuck valves and a pricey miracle machine. Woodward happily reported 98% of the valves have effectively been loosened through the use of this machine, and he is working with the manufacturer to determine next steps for the last 2%. Woodward has also continued to work as the liaison with the Crow’s Nest development, which he reports has brought on approximately $29,000 in revenue for TCRSD. Woodward is also planning out the year of events — cross training employees on lab samples and the Vactor truck and scheduling out projects.

The board will meet again at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15.