HomeMy Public PortalAbout10-01-2020 Minutes WSAC Regular Meeting
Utilities Analyst Julie Laws
105 E. Corbin St., PO Box 429, Hillsborough, NC 27278
919-296-9630 | julie.laws@hillsboroughnc.gov
www.hillsboroughnc.gov | @HillsboroughGov
Water and Sewer Advisory Committee Minutes | 1 of 2
Minutes - Draft
Water and Sewer Advisory Committee
7 p.m. Oct. 1, 2020
Town of Hillsborough YouTube channel
Present: Chair Dan Barker, Paul Cough, Barry Hupp, Daniel Rawlins, Saru Salvi, Arthur Sprinczeles,
and Jenn Sykes
Absent: Barry Weston
Staff: Utilities Analyst Julie Laws and Utilities Director Marie Strandwitz
Guests: Commissioners Mark Bell and Robb English
1. Call to order and welcome of guests
Chair Dan Barker called the meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m.
2. Updates
Utilities Status Report Highlights
Utilities Director Marie Strandwitz discussed the most recent total trihalomethane (TTHM) reports, noting one
of the numbers was slightly elevated. It was above the limit, and the Utilities Department needed to notify the
customer. Overall, the average in the reports does not result in a violation from the state. Member Saru Salvi
asked about TTHM reporting to know when compliance has been achieved. Strandwitz explained samples are
taken quarterly and are reported on the utilities update report when received. Salvi asked for an update after
the next reporting period to see if numbers decreased.
There have been some repetitive breaks on the 16-inch water main along South Churton Street that may be
due to soil conditions. Strandwitz is investigating lining the pipe before the Collins Ridge development gets
too far built out.
The Water Treatment Plant is performing well while a pump is away for service. Recent rains brought the
town out of water withdrawal restrictions in effect for one week in September.
Utilities Analyst Julie Laws has been working on a contact list for schools, churches, and commercial
customers to help with water emergency notifications. This list will include the physical location, phone
number, and email address of each contact person.
The consultant performing the collection system model is now analyzing flow meter data for modeling and
calibration. The consultant will simulate storms to determine improvements needed in the system. Another
consultant is performing a water system redundancy analysis. This model will help determine where adding
valves, paralleling pipes, and looping mains will provide additional system redundancy and resiliency.
Relaying information from the Financial Services Department, the town resumed service disconnections in
October with over 200 disconnections, roughly double the normal amount. Customers with delinquent bills
have been placed on payment plans over 12 months, 6 more months than the state requires. Customers can
Water and Sewer Advisory Committee Minutes | 2 of 2
pay bills by cash in person but only by appointment. Most financial services employees are still working from
home or isolated in their offices. The town received CARES Act funding from the state in two rounds via
Orange County. About $80,000 was received in July, and more than $86,000 was received in September. The
town divided each round of funding into thirds for water and sewer bill assistance, housing assistance, and
food assistance. Through both rounds, the town gave nearly $54,000 to Orange Congregations in Mission to
distribute for water and sewer bill assistance.
Hillsborough Commissioner Mark Bell asked if penalties and fees can be used to help customers. Strandwitz
said the town cannot use enterprise funds for OCIM. She added as an aside that staff also learned the town
cannot charge fees for hydrant tampering but can prosecute in civil court.
3. New and schedule-based business
Officer elections
Barker announced he is moving from the area and will be resigning from the committee effective Oct. 28. He
opened the floor for nominations for chair of the committee.
Salvi nominated Member Arthur Sprinczeles for chair. He accepted and was approved unanimously.
Motion: Salvi moved approval of Sprinczeles for chair.
Vote: The motion carried upon a unanimous vote of 6-0.
Barker opened the floor for nominations for vice chair of the committee. Sprinczeles nominated Member
Jenn Sykes. She accepted.
Motion: Sprinczeles moved approval of Sykes for vice chair.
Vote: The motion carried upon a unanimous vote of 6-0.
4. Public comments
Bell spoke about the town struggling with issues surrounding the pandemic.
Commissioner Robb English also attended the meeting to become more educated on the committee and
thanked everyone for holding the meeting. He also expressed thanks and appreciation to Barker for his
service to the committee.
5. Future agenda items
Sprinczeles will consult with Strandwitz and Laws regarding the next meeting time and future agenda items.
The ongoing pandemic will determine budget and financial matters. Strandwitz will consult with Finance
Director Daphna Schwartz after the audit is completed. Budget preparations will not begin until January for
the upcoming fiscal year.
6. Adjournment
Member Daniel Rawlins moved to adjourn at 8:32 p.m.