Shelton WPCA approves multiple invoices for wastewater facilities planning as consultants seek Clean Water Fund support

The Shelton City Water Pollution Control Authority voted to approve several consultant invoices tied to a comprehensive wastewater facilities planning effort and discussed the project's funding through Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEP) programs.

Consultant speakers described the current work scope as nearing the end of the existing-conditions evaluation for the wastewater treatment facility. The team said it is preparing an energy assessment and additional site visits to complete the baseline analysis before moving to alternatives and recommended plans. A consultant who identified himself as Luke said crews were coordinating DMR (discharge monitoring report) data collection and planned an on-site energy assessment the next day.

Board members reviewed multiple invoices and authorized payment motions. Invoices referenced in the meeting included: invoice 0268186 for $1,087.50, invoice O0267458 for $6,630.16, invoice 0268301 for $1,920, and invoice O0268138 for $15,784 (all invoice numbers and amounts cited in the meeting transcript). The board also discussed a reported figure of outstanding invoices for the project during the meeting; participants cited a figure of about $20,600 for the day’s outstanding invoices but did not reconcile a final total in the transcript.

A board member criticized the use of percent-complete billing for the contract, calling it "not the best way to issue a contract" because it provides limited backup documentation for the hours billed. The board asked consultants to provide more detailed progress reports and task-by-task backup tied to invoices. The consultant said the DEP preapproval letter and the Clean Water Fund application make the project eligible for reimbursement and that the planning application had been submitted to DEP the prior week.

Consultants said the WPCA is seeking Clean Water Fund planning funds through DEP that, if awarded, would cover 55% as a grant and 45% as a loan; the consultant described the loan portion as 2% for 20 years. "We have completed that application, and like I said, it was submitted to the state last week," a consulting speaker said. The consultant also said the Raftelis subcontractor would assist with a rate-study and that Raftelis’ fee is included in the cost-of-service task.

The board approved the invoices by motion and voice votes at the meeting. Members asked for more detailed backup with future invoices so the board could better evaluate percent-complete billings and task progress. The board also approved a motion to adjourn at the meeting’s close.

Clarifying details captured during the discussion include the listed invoice numbers and amounts, that consultants are near completion of the existing-conditions evaluation, that an energy assessment site visit was scheduled, that the Clean Water Fund planning application was submitted and requests 55% grant / 45% loan funding (loan at 2% over 20 years), and that consultants agreed to provide task-level progress reports to accompany future invoices for transparency and reimbursement tracking.