Tim Woodward points out some of the locations where lift stations would be cleaned at an earlier meeting this year.

By Chelsea Los
InkFreeNews

CROMWELL — Sell your farmland.

That was the message from a light-hearted board during Monday night’s meeting of the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District. After an Aug. 9 auction of 59.3 acres, the district was feeling about $585,000 more secure. Just a moment before the regular meeting started, the group held a public hearing to announce the sale of the land and finalized the documentation during the full meeting.

As the district continues to prepare for the large addition of sewers around Eastshore and Northshore Drives, the Sept. 17 bid deadline creeps closer. Jeff Hersha of Jones and Henry noted the bid notices will be published on Aug. 18 and 25 followed by a pre-bid meeting on Sept. 10. Hersha added the documents certifying that the district would not be converting farmland or digging at any archaeological sites had both been returned.

Some other housekeeping items were brought to the board to keep the wheels rolling for the new sewers as well. Andy Boxberger of Carson LLP presented the board with a resolution required by the State Revolving Fund allowing for district superintendent Timothy Woodward to sign project documents, another one authorizing a bond up to $5.2 million and another allowing the approval of waiver valuations for easement agreements.

Although the district is moving forward with a new project, Woodward shared that one homeowner is still not connected approximately three years after required connect time. The board made the decision Monday night to pursue forced connection after working with the property owner on numerous occasions. Most recently, the contractor for this homeowner reached out to the board indicating an estimate had been provided over six months ago without any additional contact or intent to begin the work. Woodward felt the district had made a good faith effort to assist leading up to that point.

Woodward continues to keep the cleanwater and wastewater systems in top shape after the large flows of summer holidays. His team works together on smaller preventative maintenance projects such as de-greasing tanks, modifying locators for larger depths and taking extra samples. Woodward and crew also need to address unexpected repairs throughout the months, and this past month has included leaking hoses, a $3,600 pump repair and a near overflow.

The board will meet again on Monday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m.