Page 23 - 2020 Annual Report

We have seen quite an increase in “flushable” wipes and other nonflushable items trying to make their way
Hallack, Walter (Back St. - 05L / Curran
Ave. - 06L) Nevarez, Joel to the sewer treatment plant. Unfortunately, pumps are a casualty and as such we have increased the sewer
equipment line to $10,000. Please, only the three p’s: pee, poop and toilet paper.
Hannux, Richard Nilsen, Christopher
We have received a forgivable loan (think grant that cannot be called a grant) up to $50,000 from the State
Hawes, Nancy O'Keefe, Michael to create an asset management program for the water system. This program will consolidate information,
help project budgetary needs and track department goals. A part of this program was the Gpsing of many
Hawkins, William O'Keefe, William of the curbstops and valves seen painted around Town this past summer and there are many more yet to do.
Hinton, James Ogden, Danielle Also the Town received a $30,000 USDA Search grant to pay for the preliminary engineering necessary
to proceed with upgrades to the wastewater treatment facility and pumpstations. The Pleasant Street
Hobson, Margaret Pinsonneault, Laurie pumpstation is on its last leg; therefore we have begun the process of replacing it sooner. We had hoped to
have already finished the project but are now shooting for this spring.
Honan, Christopher Raboin, Robert
King, Lawrence Rego, Richard If Covid-19 was not enough, drought helped keep us busy as well. Actually, we have been experiencing
drought conditions over the past few years. And although the reservoirs remained full, we increased
King, Russell Ruiter, Shannon monitoring of our streams and modified our treatment rates. The Town is blessed to have two separate
water sources where we can alter filtration rates to match stream conditions and still meet the Town’s water
Kuczmarski, Thomas Roberto, Joseph needs. Currently we are in some very serious discussions with the State as the State has some concern
Leighton, Leslie Rogers, Michael over the streams being compromised by the Town’s use of the streams. Drought affects the wastewater
treatment plant as well as changes in flow conditions can cause biological upsets.
Lindquist, William Rowe, John
Covid 19 has to be one of the biggest life changers any of us experienced in our lifetimes. It definitely
Little, Peter Santaw, Raymond has altered our ability to communicate in person and has made what were once simple tasks into time
Littlefield, Aldon Schneider, Charles consuming chores. We have purposely avoided going into people’s homes. As such meter repairs are on
hold unless they are leaking. However, if you do have an emergency, please call the Town Clerks Office.
Malerba, James Silas, Sharon
There have been some changes over the last year: Bruce Rolfe retired and was replaced by Zach
Maloney, Frank Southerland, Melissa Letourneau. We wish them both well in their endeavors. Brittany Goulet filled the commissioner spot
Marcus, Catherine Stacey, Stephen vacated by Butch Barney. Virtual replaced human contact. This has made meetings difficult but they are
accessible by phone and sometimes by computer. Meetings are open to the public. Please refer to posted
Marsden, Pauline (Estate) Stone, Michelle (Estate of) agendas for access numbers as they are subject to change.
Maxwell, Paul Telephone Operating Co. During the past year we have repaired a dozen or so curbstops most of which were discovered as a result
of the aforementioned asset management program. A manhole on Pleasant St. was repaired, hopefully
McComisky, Robert Thompson, William saving many shock absorbers and complaints. The sewer force main on Meadow St. showed signs of its
Messier, Rodney age in June when a stone managed to work its magic after forty-five years. It took a long day but the repair
was made with very little untreated sewage making its way to the river. Two water services were improved
Nash, Jessie (000TR7.02AR/000TR7.02BR) and a few leaks were found and repaired.
Toltal 2020 Delinquent Taxes $104,987.51 Two small sewer mains took advantage of 2020. Paquette St. has a hole in it discovered after a back-up
Grand Toltal Delinquent Taxes as of reported in March. We also discovered a hole in the sewer line behind the Town hall. It is expected that we
December 31, 2020 $105,075.26 will be replacing the main this spring as multiple agencies are involved. This hole has also caused some
concern and prodding by the state to move forward on sludge removal at the WWTF. We have been putting
funds away for some time and will now start using them.
2020 Water and Sewer Commissioner’s Report
Regulatory sampling costs are expected to increase as more things to sample for are discovered. Although
2020! Where to begin? It seems the world is reeling from multiple attacks from multiple fronts we met all parameters of PFOA testing required by the State in 2019, we were required to sample for
and the department is finding things no different. Although many issues have arisen, many can be PFOAs again in 2020. As before, this test should be good for three years. We will also be sampling more at
attributed to our aging infrastructure and system. Pump stations are now 45 years old and failing, the the WWTF as the result of the expected new NPDES permit.
water plants are 33 years old and are in need as well. We have been working with the State for the
last few years to put together the plans necessary to upgrade our infrastructure and that will also help 2020 was a hard year for the department, the Town, the State, the Nation, not to mention the World; we ask
keep us in compliance with regulatory requirements. This has been an arduous task but there appears for and appreciate your support. May thanks be to all!
to be light at the end of the tunnel. However, that means we will be coming to you in the near future
to pass a bond to pay for the upgrades. We also will be looking for grant programs that will help the The Brighton Water and Sewer Commission.
Town receive the best financing available. We ask for your support and understanding.
Lisa Moore - Chair - 2021 Ralph Wilkins – 2022 Brittany Goulet – 2023
22 Town of Brighton, VT 2020 Annual Report 23