The board said goodbye to one member while welcoming a new one. Pictured from left are Keith Ort, Jeff Herdrich, Jim Boone and Timothy Woodward. Ort will be leaving the district after completing his term.

By Chelsea Los
InkFreeNews

CROMWELL — Even amongst the busyness of sewer projects, closing bids, and investigating rates, the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District board welcomed a new member during the Monday night, Oct. 18, monthly meeting. Board president Jim Boone introduced Jeff Herdrich to the group, indicating to Jeff “you’re coming in at a busy time.”

Keith Ort will be leaving the district after serving his appointed term to completion.

Prior to kicking off the regular meeting, TCRSD did hold a rate ordinance hearing to introduce the new rate for the Eastshore and Northshore project. Attorney Andrew Boxberger, Carson LLP, introduced the ordinance and surprised the group by saying the new rate would be identical to the existing rate. Boxberger complimented the work happening in the background to structure the bonds in a way that allows the flat rate. This rate will match the $65.10 per EDU of current customers, with a $31.05 interim rate once digging starts. Users should expect to pay that interim rate from the time work begins until the system is available for even a single connection.

The district estimated the construction process will take about one year, weather being a factor in that timing. Each property owner who will connect will also be subject to a $5,800 connect fee. The district indicated they will be sending out communication on how customers can set up a payment plan for that cost with a 2.5% interest rate.

As progress continues for the sewer project, the board was also faced with a decision on fronting approximately $25,000 to start work prior to the bond being finalized. Boone weighed the options with the board using input from Tim Woodward, district superintendent. Woodward shared the alternate uses for the large concrete well and valve pit (making up the majority of the estimated cost) and indicated it is “not that big of a risk for a district this size.” The board opted to move forward with beginning the work and authorizing the contractor to make the purchase, knowing the expense will fall solely on the district if something is awry.

Woodward shared the Department of Homeland Security gave him a Monday morning fright when he checked his email inbox. He received an email indicating the district had received a violation and fine, but Woodward quickly sorted through the matter to reverse that decision. He indicated the communication gaps had led to TCRSD being incorrectly flagged and with a bit of follow up work the district will be able to meet all requirements of DHS.

In other district news:

The owner of Sunset Harbor reached out again asking for the district to take ownership of the lift station, which the board again declined.

Approximately 20 property owners have now expressed desire to add sewer to their homes in Vawter Park. This stemmed from one homeowner reaching out asking if TCRSD could extend current lines for them to connect.

The board approved a new remote participation policy allowing the district to continue utilizing Zoom meetings with the requirement of meeting specific conditions.

New board member Jeff Herdrich signs his agreement with the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District. Herdrich joined the board for the October meeting.