Tim Woodward provided district updates digitally for April’s monthly meeting. The team is moving forward with additional sewers for the lake areas, a project that has raised much concern. Pictured front, from left, are Andrew Boxberger, James Boone, and Robert Dumford. In the back row is Keith Ort.

By Chelsea Los
InkFreeNews

CROMWELL — April’s monthly sewer meeting for Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District was short and (mostly) sweet Monday, April 19.

As the district has forged ahead with the controversial Northshore/Eastshore sewer addition, public visitors have dropped off sharply in possible grim acceptance. This month, the board is working toward securing bonds and easements. Here’s the rundown on last month’s happenings.

Tim Woodward, district superintendent, joined the meeting digitally but shared a few brief notes on projects. The district hauled a record 268,000 gallons of sludge — a by-product of sewage. Woodward also indicated annual generator maintenance is around the corner.

Andy Boxberger, Carson LLP, reviewed the rate study and determined the district would be able to secure bonds with relatively low interest rates, regardless of the bond type they choose. Boxberger recommended the SRF bonds for a shorter repayment length and slightly lower rate. He also indicated the bonds would not close within this funding cycle but felt “very little risk” around pushing that out to the following cycle.

Following the district’s team updates, Jim Kaiser approached the board with a request for TCRSD to take ownership of the sewer pump on his shared property (Sunset Condos). Although Kaiser presented this as a “gift,” the board saw it as anything but. Boxberger explained taking on the additional system would create work and maintenance for the TCRSD group yet create no additional income. The cost of servicing this additional system would eventually be passed on to all customers of the district.

Kaiser understood the position a bit better after Woodward explained the large number of customers already using this same method that would be asking for accommodations (more than 200). The district will be providing a letter of rejection so Kaiser can move forward with next steps.

The board will meet again 7 p.m. Monday, May 17.