Town Council
Meeting #04-05
February 17,
2005
Council President Norman Pinder convened meeting #04-05 at 7:00pm in
Town Hall. Donna Turner, Council Vice-President, Mary McCarthy, Council
Member, Royden Powell, Town Manager, Stephen Kehoe, Town Attorney,
Police Chief Ben Cohey, and Deana Ashley, Clerk, were also present.
Welcome: Citizens and guests were welcomed to the
meeting.
Review of Minutes from Previous Meetings: Minutes for the
meetings on February 3, 2005 and February 14, 2005 were accepted as read
by the Council members. Mrs. Turner made a motion to accept the minutes
as read; Mrs. McCarthy seconded the motion. A vote was taken, members
voted in the affirmative, and the minutes were approved unanimously. (3
ayes)
Discussion of Boil Water Alert Week of February 11, 2005:
Mr. Powell introduced Rhody Holthaus, MES Division Chief, and Barry
O’Brien, Chief of the Engineering and Technical Assistance Division of
Maryland Department of the Environment’s water supply program.
Mr. Holthaus gave a chronological description of the events.
-
Between 8:30 and 9pm on Tuesday, February 8, 2005 hydrant flushing began
in Northbrook(NB) by MES employees
-
The process was stopped when low pressure was realized. A 911 call was
reported for low pressure
-
Granard and Brookfield hydrants were tested and pressure was normal
-
MES found no disruption in any type of service on the main panels
-
Mr. Holthaus was notified on Thursday by a field report of the incident
-
MDE was then contacted to ask for directions/protocols
-
Language was drafted for the advisory and local radio stations were
contacted
-
Flyers were distributed throughout town
-
Samples were collected on Friday and Saturday and were negative for
bacteria
-
Despite news reports, there was no failed well pump
-
MES met with MDE this week to discuss protocols
Mr. O’Brien summarized the role of MDE:
- 2 reasons for alerts – 1) a failure of a wastewater treatment plant
water source
and 2) a contamination in the distribution system
- When MDE received the advisory and data was preliminary, actions
taken
were cautionary
- Tests subsequently showed no problem
Mr. Powell asked if a drop in pressure requires notification to MDE?
Mr. O’Brien stated no, but that if there were a complete loss, the Town
and MDE would work together to rectify.
Questions and Answers:
Mary Margaret Goodwin, Commerce St – Ms. Goodwin asked if flushing
hydrants were included in the contract with MES and the Town? Mr.
Powell responded no, but that they were asked to assist in re-instating
the program to a regularly scheduled cycle.
Mike Koval, QAC Commissioner – Mr. Koval asked who held the licenses to
operate the water and wastewater systems? Mr. Holthaus stated that MES
holds the permit to operate wells, the wastewater treatment plant, and
water towers. Mr. Powell stated that David Crossley, Supervisor of
Public Works, has a temporary license with MDE to operate the water
distribution system. Mr. Koval asked that a letter be sent to him
confirming who holds what license for which service.
Sveinn Storm, Commerce St – Mr. Storm reported not just low pressure in
Northbrook, but some homes without pressure. He also stated his concern
with the minimal criteria to obtain the water distribution license and
why it had not been obtained in 3 years.
Mr. Storm asked if the water tower in Northbrook played a role? Mr.
Powell responded that the tower is shut off. The town was not aware that
it was shut off, nor how much water is currently in the tower. Mr.
Powell added that he believes it is relatively empty and is scheduled to
meet next week to inspect the condition of the tower. Mr. Powell stated
that Mr. Crossley’s in-service training is being applied to his
certification.
Rick Ferrell, Autumn Ln – Mr. Ferrell asked if the chemical contents in
the water have changed since the incident? Mr. Holthaus stated no, the
residual chlorine level is the same, or the recommended level.
Kathleen Kennedy, Liberty St – Ms. Kennedy asked when Mr. Crossley
applied for the water operator license? Mr. Crossley stated 3 years
ago. She asked Mr. O’Brien what the MDE guidelines were for
disseminating advisories to the town and people passing through? Mr.
O’Brien stated flyers, media outlets and public postings.
Mary Roby, Lurgan Ln – Mrs. Roby stated that she did not lose water, she
only experienced low pressure.
Doug Anderson, Commerce St - Mr. Anderson asked who paid for the NB
water tower? Mr. Powell responded that it was paid by the developer as
stated in the public works agreement. Mr. Anderson discussed dry
hydrants during the first phase of construction, and stated his belief
that the Town is irresponsible if the tower is not on-line in 2005.
There was a general discussion about if the water tower was ever on
line. Mr. Crossley stated that it was at one time, but he is not sure
when it was turned off and why.
Dena Anderson, Commerce St – Mrs. Anderson asked who is responsible for
distribution of the advisories? Mr. Powell stated it was the Town’s
responsibility, although MES is the contractor, there are “lessons
learned”.
Mrs. McCarthy noted her concern over a lack of a “Town” emergency
policy. She asked what is it, and if it is included in the QAC
Emergency Plan, council members should have access to it for reference
in Town Hall.
Aileen Minor, Liberty St – Mrs. Minor asked why Mr. Crossley does not
have a permanent license and that the Town should not be subjected to
“on the job training” as the water distribution system is a critical
matter for residents.
Cathy Downes, Commerce St – Ms. Downes stated that she was ill and was
upset that as an employee of the Star Democrat she was not notified.
She questioned what security measures were in place and that these
issued should be addressed immediately.
Mr. Powell responded that a process will be crafted based on the
“lessons learned”.
Mary Margaret Goodwin – Ms. Goodwin questioned who is liable for this
incident if the work was not included in the contract between MES and
the Town? Mr. Powell stated that MES works on a fee for service basis
and that they are utilized where necessary based on their willingness
and expertise.
Ed Novack, Sonata Way – Mr. Novack asked about overall shut valves in
the distribution systems? Mr. Powell reported that the system is
plumbed with valves for isolation.
Mr. O’Brien added that “check” valves are rarely installed state wide.
Mr. Crossley noted that backflow preventors are installed at each new
home.
Sveinn Storm – Mr. Storm noted that both MES and MDE representatives
stated their intention to err on the side of caution, yet it was two
days before town representatives were notified and three for residents?
Mr. Holthaus stated that no alarms on the main panel occurred nor were
there any notices of wastewater treatment plant failures.
Mike Koval – He noted that the protocols for licensees are outlined in
Title 26 of COMAR.
Dave Duvall, Windsor Ave – Mr. Duvall asked if the cause of the pressure
drop has been identified? Will the same hydrants be tested again to
replicate the incident? Mr. Powell described testing the NB water tower
valve and a small drop occurred; the valve was shut back off pending
further investigation.
Mr. Storm and Mr. Pinder discussed a recent incident where wires were
pulled at a well station and the subsequent police investigation.
Mrs. McCarthy requested an emergency plan dictate which individual is in
charge in such a situation if the Town Manager is not available.
Mr. Pinder stated that despite recent news reports he did not make any
decisions during the incident. He is second in command and tried to
communicate as best as possible with other council members.
Kathleen Kennedy – Mrs. Kennedy asked why signs weren’t posted on the
roads entering town? Mr. Powell stated that these will be
considerations for future emergency planning.
Comments:
Dena Anderson – Ms. Anderson reiterated her concerns about dry hydrant
issues in the first phase of NB. She also believes the Town paid for
half of the water tower and requests an audit of its construction. Mr.
Powell stated he will conduct research. She asked who does the Town
Manager answer to? Mr. Pinder stated the Town Council.
Aileen Minor – She questioned who maintains the town website. Mr.
Powell responded that it is a volunteer but that the expertise should be
built within town staff.
Sveinn Storm – Mr. Storm asked about protection of water towers,
especially as it relates to the Bio-Terrorism Plan? Mr. Powell stated
that proposals have been secured for fencing.
John Wilkes, Queenstown – Mr. Wilkes discussed the Council’s inability
to locate an emergency plan within Town Hall. He asked where does the
“buck stop?” Mr. Pinder said it stops with him and he will make it a
priority to put a system in place for emergencies and their protocols.
Appearances: None
Business:
1.
First Reading of Ordinance 01-05, Re: Planning Commission Membership
–
Mr. Kehoe read the ordinance into the record.
2.
Amendment to Public Works Agreement with Waterford Centreville LLC
(Symphony Village) – Mr. Kehoe summarized the amendment as follows:
a.
The Capacity Management Plan (CMP) was based on an EDU of 250,
reliable data allows the Town to adjust it to 200. The Town has
discussed this change with MDE and they will apply to MDE for the
revision to the CMP.
b.
The amendment is intended to settle litigation.
c.
Symphony Village would be eligible for 20,800 gallons per day/year
resulting in 104 allocations in 2005, 104 in 2006, 104 in 2007 and the
balance in 2008.
d.
This amendment is dependent on MDE approval
e.
The current MDE permit is for 500,000 gallons, the Town is
requesting an increase to 540,000.
f.
Symphony Village will give $14,500 each year (05-07) to pay for the
health insurance of the Goodwill Fire Company EMT’s currently paid by
the Town. In 2008, the amount paid will equal the number of building
permits issued times $137.
g.
The next 25 allocation fees will be $7,880, 2005 fees will be
$11,226, and future fees will be assessed at the prevailing rate.
h.
The next step is to obtain circuit court approval.
Mr. Pinder asked about the 24% noted on page 4 of the document? Mr.
Kehoe stated the figure was correct and originated in the Capacity
Management Plan.
There being no further discussion, Mrs. Turner made a motion to approve
the amendment to the Waterford Centreville LLC public works agreement,
Mrs. McCarthy seconded the motion. The Council voted unanimously to
approve the amendment (3 ayes).
Maryland Municipal League: None
QAC Municipal League: None
Announcements and Correspondence: Mr. Pinder read the
announcements into the record.
Report of Department Heads:
Town Clerk – Ms. Ashley reported the following:
·
The Kennard High School Alumni Association had recently
requested a donation to their restoration fund. The Council had
previously granted $500 to the one-room schoolhouse project at QAC High
School. Mrs. McCarthy made a motion to donate $500 to the Kennard
Association to benefit their restoration project; Mrs. Turner seconded
the motion. The Council voted unanimously to approve the contribution (3
ayes).
·
Ms. Ashley presented the Council with a worksheet of
recommended budget amendments to the current fiscal year. Included were
items such as general and enterprise legal fees, salaries, water/sewer
contract services, and sludge generator fees. She asked for their
review for a discussion at an upcoming meeting. Upon Mrs. Turner’s
request she also included a sheet which outlined the historical County
allotments made to the Town from 2001 to date.
Chief of Police –
·
The Chief noted his report was in the Council’s books for
their review. There was nothing unusual to report.
·
A new police officer, David Higgins, was sworn in this
week.
·
A new police car has been delivered and is being equipped
for use.
Town Manager – None
Citizens Forum:
·
Dena Anderson – Mrs. Anderson requested a public hearing
for truck traffic issues? Mr. Pinder and Mr. Powell reported on the
ongoing study and suggested a hearing be conducted once all findings
have been reported.
·
Sveinn Storm – Mr. Storm posed questions regarding the
laboratory used in the tests conducted following the boil water
advisory? Mr. Powell stated that Chesapeake Environmental Labs
conducted the work.
·
Cathy Downes – Ms. Downes requested the pedestrian sign in
front of her home be removed.
·
Mary Margaret Goodwin – She thanked the Council and Mr.
Powell for the forum to discuss the advisory.
·
Mike Koval – Mr. Koval stated he believes the cause of the
issues facing the Town to be a result of annexation, procedures not
being followed, including the “5 year” rule.
Mr. Pinder swore in Mr. Rick Ferrell to a 3 year term to the Elections
Board. The Council thanked Mr. Ferrell for his participation.
Motion to Adjourn: There being nothing further to discuss,
Mrs. Turner made a motion to go into closed session concerning pending
litigation; Mrs. McCarthy seconded the motion. There being no
objection, the Council adjourned to closed session at 9:15 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Deana Ashley, Clerk
