Avon WPCA tables policy and benefit-assessment items, hears brief pump-station update

The Avon Water Pollution Control Authority on June 13 approved the minutes of its April 18 meeting, voted to table several policy and benefit-assessment items and received brief staff updates including on the Rt. 44 pump station.

Chairperson Chris Roy called the meeting to order at 5:37 p.m. via GoToMeeting. Attendance recorded present were Roy, Vice-Chair Pam Monroe, Rob Gonse, Drew Bloom and Tim Foster, superintendent of sewers; Aden Baume and Town Engineer Lawrence Baril were absent.

Drew Bloom moved and Rob Gonse seconded approval of the April 18, 2024 minutes. The Authority voted in favor; Pam Monroe and Messrs. Roy, Gonse and Bloom voted to approve the minutes.

Under new business, Tim Foster provided a brief update on behalf of Town Engineer Lawrence Baril about proposed policy updates and a change in the town’s attorney. "The memorandum provided in the meeting packet sounded like Mr. Baril was waiting to hear from the new attorneys," Roy said. The packet and the meeting record do not specify the nature of the policy changes or the name of the incoming legal counsel.

Several legacy items listed under old business — including Benefit Assessments for undeveloped properties and Deferred Benefit Assessment clarifications concerning interest charges — were moved, seconded and tabled until the Authority’s next regularly scheduled meeting. Pam Monroe made the motion to table; Drew Bloom seconded. Monroe, Roy, Gonse and Bloom voted in favor; Baril and Baume were absent.

During planning and zoning matters Roy asked about construction at 182–186 West Main Street. Foster said that a few restaurants and medical offices are being constructed there. Foster also provided a brief update on the Rt. 44 pump station upgrade; the update gave no specific schedule, budget or procurement details in the meeting record.

Rob Gonse asked whether the Authority should reach out to neighboring town WPCAs. Foster said members may attend other towns’ public meetings at will; Monroe recommended first getting input from Town Engineer Lawrence Baril. The Authority agreed to seek Baril’s guidance before pursuing outreach.

Drew Bloom moved and Pam Monroe seconded a motion to adjourn; the Authority voted to adjourn at 5:53 p.m. The meeting record is attested by Clerk Nicole Chambers.

Next steps: the tabled policy and benefit-assessment items will return for consideration at the next regularly scheduled Authority meeting; the record indicates the Authority is awaiting guidance from the town engineer and the town’s new legal counsel.