(1/29) The Thurmont Board of Commissioners discussed at their January 28 meeting, plans to address leaking portions of the wastewater collection system existing on private property, further directing town staff to seek requests for quotes relating to the effort.

Mayor John Kinnaird, stated that the discussions are part of an effort to find a means to address "ongoing I&I (infiltration and inflow) project to resolve issues... (and) try and eliminate wild water coming in through residential laterals (pipes on private lands which connect to the public system)."

Jim Humerick, town chief administrative officer, said, "The last few months, staff and I have worked with the mayor and commissioners to work on the lateral inspection policies so that we're able to go into private property and inspect the laterals that connect to our sewer mains in town here."

Commissioner Hamrick suggested several options the commissioners could consider helping residents pay for mandatory repairs to damaged or leaking laterals on their property.

"Option one is an interest free loan," Hamrick said, "and that would be if the loan balance is paid in full on or before one year or 365 days from completion of the lateral repair, no interest is applied. Within that option one, I propose credits, so if you take out a loan from the town, and you pay it within the first quarter, 90 days, we would provide a $75 credit issued to your account; 180 days or six months would be a $50 credit; and then at the end of the third quarter, 270 days, $25 credit."

"Option two is, you would have a balance going forward in the second year, that balance would be levied with a three percent interest on the balance carried forward," the commissioner stated.

"Option three is, carrying the balance forth into the third year, and that balance on day 731 would be a five percent interest levied on the balance carried forward. And then at the end of the three years, final payment would be due, and if payment is not made then, there would be a ten percent penalty assessed to the remaining balance, and if it is still not paid within a reasonable amount of time, a lien (will be imposed) against the property until full payment has been rendered."

The commissioners directed their chief administrative officer to seek requests for quotes regarding the costs that could be associated with replacing privately-owned, faulty laterals.

No further action was taken except to note there will be another work session to discuss the possible implementation of a pilot program, handling property liens for non-payment, reconsideration of the amount of the incentives offered, and determining how any "hardship cases" could be handled.