The meeting centered on the need to comply with a consent order issued by the DEP, which cited the village for several violations, including unprepared operations and maintenance manuals, sanitary sewer overflows, and an incomplete inline booster station. Tom Bzinski, the executive vice president of Wade Trim, the village’s engineering firm, detailed the technical issues affecting the wastewater system. He explained that the force main breaks were primarily due to longitudinal failures in PVC pipes, exacerbated by transient hydraulic conditions. Bzinski highlighted the necessity of constructing the inline booster station, which has been pending since December 2023, as a critical step toward compliance. The booster station, planned to be situated west of an existing reclaimed water tank, aims to stabilize pressure in the conveyance force main and mitigate wastewater movement issues.

The council discussed the financial implications of the consent order, which includes a penalty of $10,820 and a $500 administrative fee. An alternative option of undertaking an in-kind project at 1.5 times the penalty cost was also considered. The timeline for the booster station’s construction is pressing, with work expected to commence by early 2024 and completion required by December 31, 2027. Concerns were raised about meeting these deadlines, given the complexities of local construction projects.

Simultaneously, the council addressed a pressing fraud issue impacting the village and county. Fraudulent invoices that appeared legitimate, complete with watermarks from village and county seals, were being circulated, misleading recipients into believing they owed fees related to planning applications. The council emphasized the importance of vigilance and the need for residents to only pay through established village channels to avoid falling victim to the scam.

The meeting also provided a platform for discussions about ongoing wastewater management challenges. A key topic was the development of a cooperative relationship with the Keargo Wastewater District, the village’s largest wastewater customer. The village’s general manager, Peter Rasco, highlighted past difficulties but noted improved relations and a shared goal of project completion. The council acknowledged the importance of collaboration with Keargo to enhance water quality and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

In addition to the technical and compliance issues, the council reviewed the village’s financial strategies related to wastewater management. Concerns were raised about the accuracy of Equivalent Dwelling Unit (EDU) counts, with discussions focusing on the fairness of current billing practices. Issues were noted where properties initially assessed at one EDU were found to use the equivalent of ten to eleven EDUs, prompting adjustments in monthly bills. The council also debated the implications of volume discounts available to larger developments, with a focus on ensuring equitable distribution of wastewater costs.

The council addressed concerns from residents about the materials used in wastewater force mains, particularly the decision to utilize PVC in certain areas. Questions were raised about the durability and inspection protocols for these pipes. Assurance was given that emergency response procedures are in place for potential breaks, including emergency bypass systems for temporary solutions.

The meeting concluded with discussions about an environmental restoration project involving the planting of green buttonwood trees. Despite exceeding the required cost for restoration, the council approved the project, recognizing its environmental benefits and alignment with restoration requirements. The importance of conducting a new rate study to address financial deficits and ensure effective management of village resources was also highlighted, with a consensus on the need for transparency and proactive governance.