MINUTES

PUBLIC HEARING EVERGREEN PARK

SEWAGE COLLECTION SYSTEM REPLACEMENT

JUNE 07, 2005

The meeting commenced at 7:00 p.m. In attendance were MetCom staff members Shreve, Pons, and Bryan. Also in attendance were property owners as noted on the attached Sign-In sheet.

Mr. Shreve introduced staff prior to commencing a Power Point presentation on the proposed project. A copy is attached to the Minutes, and is also available for viewing on MetCom’s website at www.metcom.org.

He noted that 26 houses are involved in this project. However, a number of property-owner’s who are building new houses on the left hand side of the entrance have petitioned for connection to the proposed new system.  This would be the County’s decision, as a zoning change would have to be implemented to allow this. In reply to a question from the floor, Mr. Shreve answered that Evergreen Park is not a restricted use system.

Ms. Wilkinson questioned whether permitting this would allow for development on the wooded, right-hand side of the road. Mr. Shreve again replied that this would be the County’s decision. Ms. Reid noted that she was informed this morning by the Office of Land Use and Growth Management that five permits for five lots were issued for that area. Mr. Shreve responded that, regardless of this, they are currently excluded from the project and are zoned for “No Planned Service”. Ms. Reid expressed her concern with additional connections to an already failing pumping system. Mr. Shreve assured her that the pipes in the ground, not the system, is at fault. At this point, he invited Ms. Pons to present brief video clips on condition of the pipes.

Ms. Pons briefly reviewed each clip. These illustrated deterioration of the underground, old, vitrified clay sewer pipes. Specifically, they showed a significant amount of linear cracks in the ceilings; and disconnected joints separating to allow root intrusion. Mr. Shreve agreed that this is one of the older systems in the County, and that materials used at that time is vastly inferior to that currently being utilized. Ms. Reid questioned why MetCom permitted property owners’ to hook up originally, if they were aware of the system’s shortcomings. Mr. Shreve replied that it was then the material of choice; the system was in much better condition; and MetCom wanted to keep their costs at a reasonable level.

Ms. Wilkinson questioned whether the increased inflow would have any impact on drainage from bathtubs. Mr. Shreve replied that this should not be the case. However, root intrusions within service lines would cause problems.

A further property owner questioned whether the problems with the lines would have any impact on odor. Mr. Shreve agreed that it could occur for the following reasons: if the trap is misaligned or out of shape and isn’t containing water properly; the roof vent is clogged up; and there are faulty wax rings on toilets.

Ms. Reid questioned why MetCom did not maintain the system when they took control of it. Mr. Shreve disagreed, stating that the proposed replacement is a problem relating to the age of the system, and does not have anything to do with its maintenance.

Mr. Shreve continued that tonight’s hearing is to acknowledge the existing problem and to assure property owners’ that MetCom proposes to resolve it. He stressed that the numbers being presented tonight are only rough estimates. Once the required Public Hearings have been completed, staff will request Board approval to proceed with the  engineering design. The successful engineering firm will undertake a study to determine the best of the eight options, with the least disruption to the community.

Mr. Shreve pointed out at this time, that property owners’ within the Evergreen Park system have never paid a debt service charge for the sewer pipe. However, MetCom’s laws contained within St. Mary’s County Code, specifies that this charge must be imposed for the new system. He also noted that the project will be included within a proposed County-wide Uniform Debt Service (UDS) charge. This will alleviate problems at locations where a significantly high debt service charge exists. If everything proceeds according to plan, staff anticipates implementing the UDS on July 1^st, 2006. He warned, however, that there is no absolute guarantee that this will happen; and noted that the proposed change in legislation was submitted too late for inclusion in last year’s session. He concluded that, under the UDS format, some bills will decrease; and some will slightly increase, and noted that front footage assessment, and fees relating to  treatment plant capacity and water distribution will no longer apply.  At that point, everyone in the County who has public sewer service will pay $9.04/month towards the UDS charge.

In reply to a question from the floor regarding delay of the project until the proposed legislation is implemented in July, Mr. Shreve said that this cannot be done, as it now has highest priority as one of the two worst systems in the County.

In reply to a question regarding the reason for different rates for different property owners, Mr. Shreve said that the charges are based on front foot assessments. This charge amounts to  67cents/front foot at this location, and will be billed on completion of the project which is scheduled for March, 2006.  

Mr. McCall requested provision of a citation to the statute/ordinance referenced by Mr.  Shreve, regarding the requirement for Evergreen Park property owners’ to pay a debt service charge on the new system, because they failed to do so initially; and that Piney Point property owners’ are absolved from doing so. Mr. Shreve will refer his request to Mr. King, Director of the Commission, but noted that this is standard policy.

Mrs. Reid complained that when property owners were originally connected to the system, she was informed by MetCom staff, that they were responsible for the lines on their properties, but that MetCom would be responsible for the main system. Mr. Shreve agreed that this is correct. He stressed that MetCom has maintained the main line to the best of its ability. Root cutters have been utilized on a regular basis; trucks have been used to flush lines out; and all normal prudent practices followed by every other utility in the country has been observed.

Further Questions and Answers are as follows:

What is the longevity of the proposed new system?

 This question will be discussed with the design engineers.  

Has an impact study been undertaken to determine what would happen to the Bay, etc?

The impact is immediately visible, so there has been no need to perform a study.

When the original system was installed, the property owners picked up the cost when they bought the property, which was  connected to that system. Isn’t that essentially the equivalent of a debt service charge?

No, because it was rolled over into the cost of your house. It wasn’t a separate debt service charge to pay for that system.

Why wait until the last few years to replace the system?

Funding was a major part of the decision.

When the pipes are installed, would there be a policy regarding proximity of trees?

No. The PVC pipes which will be utilized have bolted and glued flanges which will prohibit root intrusion.

Will we continue to be hooked up during the construction process?

This will be something for the engineers to decide. We believe that the majority of service lines in this area are in reasonable condition. However, some of the older ones  may need  to be replaced. This will be at the homeowners’ expense.

Can the politicians help us?

No, I don’t think they’re going to help you get it done without paying for it. However, if there are hardship cases, the Commission has a deferral program for those customers who meet the required criteria.

Will Delegate John Bohanan sponsor the proposed legislative change?

Yes.

Who would be responsible to  any type of damage to the pipe?

This will be MetCom’s responsibility.

When this proposed new system eventually needs to be replaced, would property owners have to pay for it again?

No. Once you pay a debt service for it, you will not need to  pay for it again. The exception would be when the UDS becomes effective.

How would I know if I have clay pipes?

The majority  of service lines in the area have PVC pipes. Only three people living on Evergreen Park Drive have old iron pipes. This will be further investigated.  It must be noted here that it was not possible to film those pipes without a clean-out.

Could we get better rates if we used the same contractor?

Yes, possibly.

What about the big pipes that sticks out into the yard? Can you make them shorter?

No. These are cleanouts. It might be possible too make them a little shorter, but if they are accidentally run over by a lawnmower, it could result in cracks.

I have a problem, because my cleanout is situated very close to the driveway, and a family member hit it with his vehicle.

We can investigate this. The Engineer of choice will work with individual home owners to determine the best location.

In conclusion, Mr. Shreve reiterated that the presentation tonight is simply an estimate and overview of the proposed project. The numbers are estimated on the higher end of the scale and are approximately 85% accurate at this point. However, he cannot guarantee that costs will not increase. Costs with a 90-95% accuracy rate will be presented at the second Public Hearing scheduled for September 21^st.

The meeting concluded at 8:05 p.m.